In Week 11 of 2024's freight market update, we observe ocean carrier alliance announcements for 2024-2025, and provide updates on the situations in the Suez Canal, Red Sea, Gatun Lake, and Panama Canal. PANAMA CANAL & RED SEA Due to the current situation, many ships are impacts by the [...]
EUROPEAN UNION ANNOUNCES NEW FORCED LABOR RULE The European Union (EU) announced March 5th that a deal had been reached on a new rule set regarding forced labor. Specifically, this new rule will ban imports suspected of being made with forced labor, outlining how the EU will investigate and penalize [...]
In Week 10 of 2024's freight market update, we observe railcar shortages in select regions while container supplies rebound elsewhere. Meanwhile, geopolitical challenges continue to impact freight transit times through the Red Sea and Panama Canal. CONTAINER SUPPLY There is an improvement in China, with main ports fully stocked, [...]
In the freight market update for Week 09 of 2024, we see new FMC rulings and other governmental administrative changes. UNREASONABLE CARRIER CONDUCT The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) announced a forthcoming final rule on unreasonable carrier conduct during a recent congressional hearing. With fines totaling over $2.8 million in [...]
At a February 28th congressional hearing, the FMC confirmed the final rule surrounding unreasonable carrier conduct can be expected to arrive in “the next couple of months.” This rule will come during a time of increased enforcement by the FMC as they have been closely watching surcharges related to the [...]
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) recently released the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule. The SOE updates the USDA's organic regulations while strengthening oversight and enforcement for organic products including production, handling, and sale. It also implements 2018 Farm Bill requirements, incorporates industry requests for organic regulation updates, [...]
A recent ruling by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) may have implications for container transport within the U.S. As a result of this ruling, ocean carriers were ordered to cease requiring cargo owners and their truckers use specific chassis for shipper-controlled transportation. The ruling responds to Ocean Carriers [...]
A final rule was issued today by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) addressing new obligations for demurrage and detention billing charged by marine terminal operators (MTOs) and common carriers. The rule, effective May 28, 2024, includes detailed information on processes for disputing bills, invoicing, and time frame. FMC RULE SPECIFICATIONS [...]
In the freight market update for Week 08 of 2024, we see continued volatility with some container volumes rebounding. LE HAVRE, FRANCE PORT LABOR Labor disruptions have been scheduled for February 22, 2024, and February 27, 2024. The strikes are expected to impact operations. As a result, the gates [...]
The World Shipping Council (WSC) is looking to submit a proposal for a new global green fuel pricing mechanism which would encourage a shift from fossil fuels to greener alternatives from ocean carriers. This proposal would have to figure out a way to work alongside or replace the current Emissions [...]
