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 [...]
California recently enacted two climate disclosure acts SB-253 Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and SB-261 Greenhouse Gases: Climate-Related Financial Risk. These new legislative documents make it mandatory for many companies operating in California to report both quantitative and qualitative climate information. These laws are expected to have a significant [...]
In the freight market update for Week 07 of 2024, we see continued volatility with some capacity constraints. LUNAR NEW YEAR The Lunar New Year kicked-off on February 10, 2024 and will run through February 17, 2024. Expect manufacturers to shut down for 7-14 days - shipment delays are [...]
As the automotive sector in North America continues to evolve under the guidelines of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), stakeholders are offering insights and recommendations to address ongoing challenges. Ahead of the upcoming annual report by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on the impact of USMCA rules, [...]
Since December 21st, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has granted seven emergency waivers to container lines, allowing for the rapid implementation of surcharges on ocean freight tariffs, bypassing the customary 30-day notice period. These surcharges aim to offset the increased operational costs incurred by ocean carriers diverting from the Suez [...]
In the freight market update for Week 06 of 2024, we see continued volatility with some lanes experiencing increased demand and others facing capacity constraints. LUNAR NEW YEAR The Lunar New Year begins on February 10, 2024 and lasts through February 17, 2024. Manufacturers typically shut down for 7-14 [...]
