Tag Archives: Trans-Pacific
Job Opening: RPG-ILE Programmer Position
JOB DESCRIPTION: A Senior programmer supporting multiple web-based products that serve the transportation industry. The programmer analyst will develop new RPG-ILE programs and maintain existing programs, work with business analysts and end users to work out details regarding specifications for … Continue reading
Federal Sequester and CBP Budget Cuts
With the federal sequestration anticipated to cut nearly a billion dollars from its budget, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is taking preemptive actions in order to maintain solvency. With the sequestration order signed, CBP has begun looking into different ways … Continue reading
Message From U.S. Customs: Sequestration
March 2nd, 2013 Dear Trade and Travel Industry Colleagues: As a result of the budget sequestration which went into effect on March 1, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is writing to provide you with information on how these … Continue reading
LA-LB Office Clerical Unit Approve Contract
Last Wednesday the office clerical units of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILW) at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles finally approved the tentative contract with their employers. With the agreement in place, labor negotiations finally reached … Continue reading
LA-LB Office Clerical Unit Reject Last Year’s Contract
On Wednesday the office clerical units of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILW) at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, voted down the tentative contract negotiated last year. This latest rejection has set the stage for another … Continue reading
ILA, USMX Agree to 6-Year Contract
After several mediations, the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative agreement last Friday night. Although it is still in the ratification process, with ongoing local union negotiations, operations at the ports will … Continue reading
Supreme Court to Hear ATA vs. POLA Clean-Trucks Program
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) challenge to the concession requirements within the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) clean-trucks program. The clean-trucks program was implemented five years ago, with the intention of curbing truck … Continue reading
ILA Walk Out of Contract Talks
Negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents shipping companies and terminal operators, opened and ended abruptly last Wednesday morning as the ILA walked out after objecting to … Continue reading
U.S. Diesel Continues Price Drop
U.S. diesel prices fell again last week, continuing a trend that began in early December. The average cost per gallon is now at $3.911, compared to $3.828 a year ago. Prices fell everywhere except for the Central Atlantic, Gulf Coast … Continue reading
Freight Rates to Remain Down
Despite efforts by ocean carrier’s to cut down on capacity in east-west trade routes, freight rates are expected to remain steady due to lower than expected cargo volumes. Average head-haul freight rates have declined from $2,700 to $2,400 in little … Continue reading
East & Gulf Coast Vessel Ports Strike Avoided, 30 Day Extension
The impending East and Gulf coasts ports strike was avoided this morning as shippers and longshoremen decided to extend talks for 30 days. With the issue over royalty payments on containers now settled, negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement between … Continue reading
ILA, USMX Continue Talks, Break Tuesday
Under federal moderation, representatives of the International Longshoremen Alliance (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents steamship lines and terminals that employ ILA union members, continued negotiations towards a contract resolution this week. In late September, the ILA … Continue reading
CBP Procedures for Vessel & Cargo Entry Processing In Event of Potential Trade Disruption East & Gulf Coast Vessel Ports
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in cooperation with trade stakeholders, is establishing procedures for events that cause major delays and diversions of vessel cargo arriving and departing the U.S. CBP will continue to demonstrate its commitment to the restoration … Continue reading
Ports of LA-LB Strikes Settled, Agreement in Place
Cargo handling resumed in the Ports of Long Beach (POLB) and Los Angeles (POLA) on Wednesday morning, after an agreement was made Tuesday night. Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, announced that a settlement has been reached between the Office Clerical … Continue reading
Breaking News: Pickets to Spread at Ports of Long Beach & Los Angeles
A resolution to the labor disputes between the Office Clerical Unit (OCU) and their employers will not happen today. Clerical workers at the Port of Long Beach (POLB) and the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) continue to strike for a … Continue reading
Post Sandy Update: Potential 14 Billion In Revenue For Motor Carriers From Reconstruction Efforts
After a tumultuous couple weeks, trucking companies in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast began reopening terminals closed during Hurricane Sandy early last week. However, logistic bottlenecks, fuel/power shortages, and challenges accessing customers have continued to hamper normal operations. With losses in … Continue reading
ATA Predicts Driver Shortages
Analysts at the American Trucking Association (ATA) released a study this week confirming that the trucking industry is facing a driver shortage, and it is likely to grow over the next decade. The study reports that increased government regulations, specifically … Continue reading
Asia-U.S. Carriers Plan December Rate Hike
In an effort to prematurely prevent rate erosion during the weak trade season, carriers belonging to the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) announced a proposed general rate increase of $1,500 per FEU on standard and high-cube refrigerated container shipments from Asia … Continue reading
Post Sandy Update: Trucking Slowly Rolling in Northeast
After a tumultuous couple days, trucking companies in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast began reopening terminals closed during Hurricane Sandy, although the hardest-hit areas remained limited or closed as of today. Logistic bottlenecks, fuel shortages, and challenges accessing customers will hamper … Continue reading
CBP Proposes Elimination of Paper In-Bond
On 4/22/2012, CBP published a Notice of Proposed Rule Making outlining changes in the in-bond process. Today, CBP continues to accept paper in-bond forms (CBP form 7512). The proposed changes would require all in-bond filers to electronically submit their in-bond … Continue reading
ATA Predicts Confusing Months Ahead for Trucking
This past Tuesday, economic analysts at the American Trucking Association (ATA) told fleet executives that the economic trajectory for the trucking industry is going to be very uncertain for the remaining months of 2012. The analysts believe freight volumes will … Continue reading
Trans-Pacific Spot Rates Remain Steady
Trans-Pacific spot rates paid by NVOCCs have remained relatively unchanged for the fourth consecutive week according to analysts. The spot index of Hong-Kong to Los Angeles remained at $2,711 per 40-ft container (FEU), which is where it has averaged since … Continue reading
ILA, USMX Continue Contract Resolution
Yesterday, representatives of the International Longshoremen Alliance (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents steamship lines and terminals that employ ILA union members, resumed negotiations towards a contract resolution. The week prior, the ILA and USMX agreed to … Continue reading
Growth in Exports and Near Sourcing Could Create 5 Million U.S. Jobs
Although hardly talked about, the U.S. has been gradually shifting efforts towards the expansion of U.S. trade exports and the increase of home production in an effort to revive the economy and bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. Analysts … Continue reading
Truck Tonnage Slowed in August
Although truck tonnage is up 3.2 percent from where it was a year ago in August, tonnage dropped 0.9 percent compared to June and July of this year, according to the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) assessment for the second quarter … Continue reading
CBP Automated Commercial System Decommission Imminent
In a recent CSMS (Cargo Systems Messaging Service) from U.S. Customs, it was announced that 9% of ocean carriers have not begun program changes, testing and transition scheduling for the Automated Commercial Environment, known as ACE. Effective September 29, 2012 … Continue reading
Analysts Forecast Strong Import Volume For End of 2012
Despite the looming possibility of East Coast port closures, U.S. containerized imports are expected to rise 8.5 percent this month and remain high through the end of the year. September is forecasted to bring 1.49 million TEUs, which is over … Continue reading
Truckload Rate Increases Minimal in August
For the month of August, truckload rates remained flat in comparison to the month prior. Rates fell from 8.2 percent in February to 2.1 percent in July of this year, and truckload pricing increased 1 percent year over year (August). … Continue reading
Asia-Europe Spot Rates Drop Again
For the fifth consecutive week, average Asia-Europe spot rates fell, this week falling 12 percent ($350 per loaded FEU). Rates have been dropping dramatically in the second half of the year, due to low European demand caused by the recession … Continue reading
U.S. Diesel Prices Possibly Reached Peak
After 10 consecutive weeks of increases, the average price of diesel in the U.S. stayed nearly flat last week. The average cost per gallon is at $4.132, 27 cents higher than the same period a year ago. Prices slipped in … Continue reading
The Rising Demand for Natural Gas Trucks
Following strong demand from Asia, the global market for natural gas-powered trucks is expected to rise 14 percent from now until 2019. Currently, Asia- Pacific nations make up nearly 75 percent of the global natural gas vehicle sales. This demand … Continue reading
Trans-Pacific Spot Rates Expected to Rise in October
Members of the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) accounced earlier this week the recommendation of a general rate increase of $160 per TEU and $200 per FEU on October 1st for all dry commodities to and from all origins and … Continue reading
Surcharges Eminent If East Coast Ports Close
Following last week’s decision by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) to grant authority to its president to recommend a union strike, several shipping lines have announced potential congestion surcharges if East or Gulf Coast ports are closed in response to … Continue reading
Potential Longshoremen Strike Could Threaten East Coast Ports
As the maritime industry prepares for its busiest time of year, a threat of a strike looms over the East Coast ports. Earlier this week, the members of Local 1804-1 (New Jersey) of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) granted authority … Continue reading
LA-Long Beach Clerical Workers Resume Talks with Employers
Shipping lines and terminal operators in the Los Angeles-Long Beach ports received good news this past Wednesday when the Office Clerical Unit (OCU) of ILWU Local 63 agreed to resume contract negotiations. With no contract since June 2010, office workers … Continue reading
World Container Ship Fleet Hits 16 Million TEUs
The world container ship fleet has crossed 16 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) after the addition of an estimated 802,000TEUs worth of new container ships in the first half of this year. These new container ships represent 5 percent of … Continue reading
The 9 Percent – Are You Ready for ACE?
In a recent CSMS (Cargo Systems Messaging Service) from U.S. Customs, it was announced that 9% of ocean carriers have not begun program changes, testing and transition scheduling for the Automated Commercial Environment, known as ACE. Effective September 29, … Continue reading
CBP Steamship Export Manifest Document
CBP has instituted a pilot project for export manifest submission using their DIS (document imaging system) earlier this year. This pilot has been very successful in automating the delivery of manifest to CBP as well as saving exporting carriers a … Continue reading
U.S. Diesel Continues Upward trend
The average U.S. price for diesel rose 6.3 cents last week, continuing a trend that began 6 weeks ago. The average cost per gallon is up to $4.089, with prices up 26.9 cents from a year ago. The price rose … Continue reading
U.S. Global Trade Expected to Grow 4.7 Percent Annually
Led by U.S.-based companies’ exports to emerging foreign markets, U.S. global trade is expected to rise 4.7 percent annually over the course of the next 15 years according to analysts. During the next 5 years, U.S. exports are expected to … Continue reading
Truck Tonnage Down 0.7 Percent in May
Although May saw a 4.1 percent increase in tonnage growth from the year before, for-hire truck tonnage was down 0.7 percent between May and April. This is the second month in a row that saw tonnage drop, wish tonnage slipping … Continue reading
U.S. Diesel at Lowest Price Since February 2011
U.S. diesel prices fell by 5.1 cents in the week ending June 25th, hitting the lowest points since February 2011. The national average sat at $3.678 per gallon, 21 cents cheaper than they were a year ago and 10.5 cents … Continue reading
World Container Ship Fleet Hits 16 Million TEUs
The world container ship fleet has crossed 16 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) after the addition of an estimated 802,000TEUs worth of new container ships in the first half of this year. These new container ships represent 5 percent of … Continue reading
U.S. Global Trade Expected to Grow 4.7 Percent Annually
Led by U.S.-based companies’ exports to emerging foreign markets, U.S. global trade is expected to rise 4.7 percent annually over the course of the next 15 years according to analysts. During the next 5 years, U.S. exports are expected to … Continue reading
Ready for ACE?
On Thursday, March 29, 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection published a notice to the trade announcing that effective September 29, 2012 AMS will be retired and ACE will become the only acceptable CBP approved EDI. The road to realization of … Continue reading
Comment Period on CSA Changes Extended
Due to the reaction to the proposed changes to the Compliance, Accountability, Safety program (CSA) from the American Trucking Association along with shipper & broker groups, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the comment period by 60 days, to July … Continue reading
Transportation Industries Gain Most Jobs in May Job Report
According to the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the transportation industries added the most jobs for the month of May. Out of the 69,000 jobs added to non-farm payrolls, the transportation industries represented 36,000. Out … Continue reading
Used Truck Pricing on the Rise
After low new truck production levels in 2009, truckers are feeling the pinch with national used truck pricing rising around 16 percent in April compared to last year. Year over year, the national average price for used trucks is above … Continue reading
Clean-Air Program for Ships Picked Up By LA Port
On May 10th, the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) became the first port in the U.S. to implement the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) to help reduce harmful vessel emissions. POLA is hoping the ESI program will help reduce the levels … Continue reading
Trucking Executives Warn Shippers About Rising Costs
Last Tuesday at the National Industrial Transportation League’s Freight Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., trucking executives from around the nation gave a stern warning about rising operation costs and how it can impact shipper’s budgets. Carrier executives warned that shippers … Continue reading
TSA Proposing $600 Peak Season Surcharge
Expecting a strong peak season, eastbound Pacific shipping lines are proposing a peak season surcharge of $600 per 40-foot units (FEU). The Transpacific Stabilization Agreement announced the proposed surcharge to take effect June 10th with no expiration date given. Also, … Continue reading
Diesel Prices Fall Below $4 a Gallon
National Diesel prices fell below the $4 mark, slipping 4.8 cents in the week ending May 21st. The national average fell to $3.956, after dropping for five straight weeks. Year over year, the national average is 4.1 cents lower than it … Continue reading
Asia-Europe Carriers Rates Have Peaked
After freight rates in the Asia-to-Europe container trade increased fourfold from December 2011 to now, it seems that the Asia-Europe carrier rates have finally reached their peak. Between December of last year and late April, spot pricing went from $490 … Continue reading
Truck Tonnage Continues Slow Rise through March
Truck freight continued its steady growth through March according to the American Trucking Association’s Truck Tonnage Index. The report shows that truck tonnage slightly rose by .2 percent from February. Year-over year, the adjusted tonnage rose 2.7 percent in March, … Continue reading
Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Proposes Modernization of NVO Rules
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Richard Lidinsky Jr. outlined a proposal to overhaul FMC regulations covering NVOs at the annual meeting of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America. He said the FMC would begin discussing the modernization … Continue reading
Trans-Pacific Spot Rates Hold Ground
Trans-Pacific spot rates eased last week after the nearly 20 percent spike the week prior, following the rate hikes by the shipping lines members of the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA). The Container Rate Benchmark slid by 2.8 percent, settling … Continue reading
Diesel at Highest Price Since Summer 2008
National averages for diesel fuel hit there highest pricing point since August 2008 in the week ending April 9th. The average price is $4.148 per gallon, up 7 cents from where they were a year ago. Prices rose in all regions … Continue reading
Boston Port Gets First Truck Under Clean-Truck Program
After being successfully implemented in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the Clean-Truck Program has been picking up steam in ports across the nation. Boston saw its first clean truck purchased this month, funded by the Massachusetts Port … Continue reading
Trans-Pacific Spot Rates Rise 20 Percent
Trans-Pacific spot rates rose 19.9 percent in the last week, indicating that the carriers’ April 15th rate increase is holding. NVOCCs reported paying $2,405 per 40-foot equivalent (FEU) this week, up from $2,005 last week, and 68 percent higher than … Continue reading
House Bill Proposes Cutting Excise Tax, Increases to Diesel Tax
A bill introduced by Congress this week is proposing the cutting of the excise tax on heavy trucks and replacing it with increases to the diesel fuel tax. The proposed legislation would repeal the 12 percent excise tax and replace … Continue reading
West Coast Container Volume Declines 4 Percent
Container volumes at U.S. West Coast ports were down 4 percent coming out of February compared to the same month last year. While exports stayed strong, increasing by 6 percent year-over-year, imports were hit especially hard and were down 11 … Continue reading
Trans-Pacific Carriers Plan Second Round of Hikes for Westbound Rates
Trans-Pacific ship lines in the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) have announced a second round of rate hikes for 2012. The WTSA will recommend increases of $50 per 40-foot-equivalent units from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland and $100 per … Continue reading
Few Truckers Will Add Capacity
As freight demand increases this year, truckload carriers are considering adding capacity. A quarter of carriers surveyed expected to increase their capacity by 6 to 10 percent this coming year. Higher rates are making some carriers confident about adding capacity … Continue reading
Diesel Prices See Dip After 10 Week Hike
National averages for diesel fuel fell by half a cent, marking a decrease for the first time since January 16th. Prices fell in all regions except the East Coast, where prices remained at an average of $4.190 a gallon. The … Continue reading
Ready for ACE?
On Thursday, March 29, 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will publish the notice to the trade announcing that effective September 29, 2012 AMS will be retired and ACE will become the only acceptable CBP approved EDI. The road to … Continue reading
Trans-Pacific Spot Rates Ease
Spot rates on the trans-Pacific trade slid slightly week-over-week, following a rate increase of $300 per 40-foot equivalent unit (FEU) two weeks ago implemented by Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) carriers on March 15th. The container rate benchmark for moves between Hong Kong to Los Angeles were down … Continue reading
Shippers Enter Trucker Hours-of-Service Lawsuit
Shipping association NASSTRAC has joined the legal battle over truck driver hours-of-service rules, siding against consumer advocate Public Citizen, which filed a lawsuit seeking daily driving limits reduced to 10 hours. NASSATRAC agrues that the difference between the current 11-hour … Continue reading
Truck Tonnage Index Rises
Trucking activity rose 0.5 percent in February from January, showing freight volumes are rising after a post-holiday slump. The American Trucking Association’s (ATA’s) tonnage index also showed a 5.5 percent year-over year increase for February, showing signs of recovery to … Continue reading
Canada Border Services Agency’s Bay Plan Initiative
In April of 2004, CBSA implemented the first phase of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) Program. At this time, it became a requirement for marine carriers to electronically transmit marine cargo data to CBSA 24 hours prior to loading cargo … Continue reading
Trans-Pacific Spot Rates Stabilize
Spot rates on the trans-Pacific trade remained stable week-over-week after a 13.6 percent increase last week following a rate increase of $300 per 40-foot equivalent unit (FEU) implemented by Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) carriers on March 15th. The container rate benchmark for moves between Hong Kong … Continue reading
Los Angeles and Long Beach Imports Decline
Container volume declined in February for both the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (POLA, POLB) with the expected slow down in imports. Although February is the slowest month for trans-Pacific trade, volume was down even more than expected due to … Continue reading
As Freight Demand Increases, So Will Truck Pricing
Freight analysts are predicting upward pressure on trucking pricing for North American shippers, as capacity remains at lower levels and demand begins to pick up in 2012. Truck utilization will remain strong and rates are expected to go up due to a forecasted … Continue reading
Diesel at Highest Price Since August 2008
Last week, the national price of diesel increased to an average of $4.142 per gallon, the highest price since the last week of August 2008. The average cost per gallon increased by 1.9 cents as oil prices rose to more than $107 per barrel. The … Continue reading
Truck Volume and Pricing Forecast 2012
The Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) shows truck freight outperforming the U.S. economy this year, with 3.9 percent growth expected. The TCI slipped in January to 6.1, which is still a positive reading. Readings over zero indicates an “adequate” trucking environment, … Continue reading
Truckload Capacity Drops 1.1 Percent
Freight Capacity dipped 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, down 1.1 percent year over year as freight supply and demand found a balance at the end of 2011. Combined tractor count was down only 1.4 percent over the … Continue reading
Asia-Europe Spot Rates Rise 114 Percent
The Asian-European freight index exploded 114 percent over the last week of February. The rate to ship a 40-foot-equivalent (FEU) from Shanghai to Rotterdam rose from $1,276 to $2,732 according to the World Container Index (WCI). All the major carriers … Continue reading
Trans-Pacific Carriers to Increase Westbound Rates
Trans-Pacific ship lines in the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) have announced rate hikes for 2012. The WTSA will recommend increases of $50 per 40-foot-equivalent units from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland and $100 per FEU for all cargo … Continue reading
European Imports Expected to Rise After Fourth Quarter Drop
Containerized imports to North European ports are expected to rise just below 3 percent in this first quarter of 2012, after dropping nearly 7 percent in the quarter prior in 2011. The European recession is having an impact on container … Continue reading
Long Beach Clean Trucks Program Achieves Goal
On January 1st the last 300 pre-2007 trucks left the Port of Long Beach (POLB) for the last time, marking the final step of its ambitious Clean Trucks Program implemented in late 2008. With a few exceptions, all 11,000 trucks … Continue reading