by Scott Frederick | Jan 9, 2025 | Global Logistics Alerts
Second US Port Strike Averted as Union, Employers Reach Deal
The union representing 45,000 dock workers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts and their employers on Wednesday said they reached a tentative deal on a new six-year contract, averting further strikes that could have snarled supply chains and taken a toll on the U.S. economy.
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group, in a joint statement, called the agreement a “win-win.” The deal includes a resolution in automation, which had been the thorniest issue of on the table.
Read more at
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-dockworkers-port-employers-reach-tentative-agreement-2025-01-09/#:~:text=Jan%208%20(Reuters)%20%2D%20The,toll%20on%20the%20U.S.%20economy.
For up-to-the-minute updates from each organization use the links below:
– International Longshoremen’s Association
– United States Maritime Alliance
by Scott Frederick | Jan 3, 2025 | Global Logistics Alerts
ILA-USMX Negotiations and Potential Impact
The ongoing negotiations between the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) remain unchanged.
The conditional agreement on wages is set to expire on January 15. If no agreement is reached by that date, a coast-wide strike on January 16 is possible. However, the negotiations have had no new developments since our last communication. As the deadline for the 90-day agreement between the two parties nears January 15, operational adjustments are again underway for East and Gulf Coast port providers.
Considering the status, we strongly encourage our customers to pick up their laden containers and return empty containers at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports before January 15. This proactive measure will help mitigate any potential disruptions at the terminals. Most leading ocean carriers have announced surcharges if a labor strike occurs on the East and Gulf Coasts this January. Other market events, like winter weather across the U.S. and the upcoming ocean carrier alliance reshuffling of services, could heighten market disruption. In the event of a strike beginning January 16, contingency routes could quickly become overwhelmed.
Our teams are developing contingency plans to minimize the impact should a labor disruption occur. We are committed to keeping you informed and will share any updates or new developments as they arise.
For up-to-the-minute updates from each organization use the links below:
– International Longshoremen’s Association
– United States Maritime Alliance
by Scott Frederick | Jan 3, 2025 | News
As we approach 2025, the global container shipping industry is undergoing significant changes with the restructuring of major shipping alliances. Here are the key updates:
1. Ocean Alliance: This alliance, consisting of CMA-CGM, COSCO Group, OOCL, and Evergreen, will continue with its current members and services. This alliance represents about 29% of the market.
2. GEMINI: The 2M Alliance today between Maersk and MSC will dissolve. Maersk will form a new alliance called Gemini with Hapag-Lloyd, while MSC will operate independently. This alliance represents about 22% of the market.
3. The Premier Alliance: This rebrands the current THE Alliance after Hapag-Lloyd’s departure. The remaining members will be HMM, ONE, and Yang Ming. This alliance represents about 12% of the market.
4. Independents: MCS, ZIM, and other niche carriers will continue operating independently, representing 37% of the marketplace.
The restructuring of global container shipping alliances in 2025 is expected to have several implications for shipping costs:
- Increased Efficiency: The new alliances aim to optimize capacity and reduce operating costs by pooling resources and sharing fleets. This could lead to more efficient operations and potentially lower shipping costs.
- Service Frequency and Reliability: Enhanced service frequency and reliability on significant trade routes, such as Asia-Europe and Trans-Pacific, may reduce delays and improve supply chain predictability. This could help stabilize shipping costs.
- Competitive Pricing: With the dissolution of the 2M Alliance and the formation of new alliances like Gemini and Premier, there may be increased competition among carriers. This competition could drive down shipping rates as carriers vie for market share.
- Fuel and Environmental Costs: Many new alliances focus on decarbonization and sustainable shipping practices. While this benefits the environment, the initial investment in greener technologies might lead to higher costs in the short term, which could be passed on to customers.
While the restructuring aims to create a more efficient and competitive market, the exact impact on shipping costs will depend on how these changes are implemented and how market dynamics evolve.
Have questions or need help with your import or export container shipping needs? Have questions about customs clearance, global trade compliance, or other ocean freight details? Contact the experts at Logistics Plus today!
by Scott Frederick | Dec 20, 2024 | News
Logistics Plus Philippines Achieves Certification of Registration for SEHQ Excellence
The certification affirms operational excellence, workplace safety, sustainability, and quality management.
Makati, Philippines (December 21, 2024) – Logistics Plus Supply Chain Philippines, Inc., a division of Logistics Plus, Inc., a global leader in transportation, logistics, and unique supply chain solutions, is proud to announce that it has received the Certificate of Registration for Safety, Environment, Health, and Quality (SEHQ). This achievement underscores its commitment to operational excellence, workplace safety, and globally recognized best practices in sustainability and quality management.
“This milestone reflects our team’s dedication to continuous improvement and reinforces our position as a trusted partner for clients and stakeholders,” said Mario Lin Victoria Jr., Country Manager and Managing Director for Logistics Plus Philippines.
Learn more about Logistics Plus Philippines at ph.logisticsplus.com.
About Logistics Plus, Inc.
Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP) is a 21st-century logistics company and a leading worldwide provider of transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, technology, and supply chain solutions. LP works in the background to help businesses manage their supply chains in an ever-changing world. Founded in 1996, today LP has annual global sales of over $600M with more than 1,200 employees located in 50+ countries worldwide. LP is recognized as one of the fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, a top 3PL provider, a top 100 logistics company, a top freight brokerage and warehousing provider, and a great place to work. With a Passion For Excellence™, its employees put the PLUS in LOGISTICS by doing the big things properly, plus the countless little things that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
Media Contact:
Mario Lin Victoria Jr. | Country Manager / Managing Director
Logistics Plus Philippines
+63 999 407 5200
mario.victoria@logisticsplus.com
by Scott Frederick | Dec 19, 2024 | News
Logistics Plus Presents Letters of Support to Chornomorsk Mayor
Letters of support solidify the bond between Erie, Pennsylvania, and Chornomorsk, Ukraine, as new sister cities.
ERIE, PA (December 20, 2024) – Logistics Plus, Inc., a global leader in transportation, logistics, and unique supply chain solutions, last week presented Chornomorsk Mayor Vasyl Huliaiev with numerous letters of support from Erie, Pennsylvania-based companies, universities, and organizations. Derek Berlin, Senior Vice President of Government Solutions for Logistics Plus, traveled to Chornomorsk, a major port city in southern Ukraine, to deliver the letters in person.
View copies of all letters at logisticsplus.com/chornomork-letters.
Erie Mayor Joe Schember and Chornomorsk Mayor Huliaiev entered into a Sister City Agreement on November 29th to deepen friendship and mutual understanding between the two cities through educational, cultural, industrial, and economic exchanges. Logistics Plus, a passionate supporter of Ukraine since the war began over two and a half years ago, played a key role in facilitating the sister-city agreement between the two cities.
In late 2023, Logistics Plus managed a complex delivery to Ukraine comprising 22 thousand tons of pipes, four ocean vessels, and over 1,000 trucks. The final ocean delivery was the first non-grain, U.S.-managed ship to the Port of Chornomork since the onset of the war. Logistics Plus continues to provide valuable relief to Ukraine and is helping many companies do business throughout the region.
In the opening letter, Logistics Plus Founder and CEO Jim Berlin wrote, “I know Derek will represent us well, and I look forward to my next visit and many good days ahead for you and the people of Chornomorsk, getting to know the good people of Erie, Pennsylvania, another port city.”
“I think this was a meaningful discussion with promise for a city that has been pounded relentlessly for almost three years,” Derek Berlin commented after the ceremony. “They fully understand that we are not a silver bullet for any of their challenges, but knowing that we will make an effort to be creative in connecting dots to help them seemed greatly appreciated.”
Jim Berlin added some additional comments, “We have been among the first ones in Ukraine from the day of the invasion. And, when the US and the rest of the world help rebuild Chornomorsk and other parts of the country once this war ends, Logistics Plus will lead the way. We are the ‘tip of the shovel.’ When others see what we are doing, they may join in and start digging with us, too.”
About Logistics Plus, Inc.
Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP) is a 21st-century logistics company and a leading worldwide provider of transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, technology, and supply chain solutions. LP works in the background to help businesses manage their supply chains in an ever-changing world. Founded in 1996, today LP has annual global sales of over $600M with more than 1,200 employees located in 50+ countries worldwide. LP is recognized as one of the fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, a top 3PL provider, a top 100 logistics company, a top freight brokerage and warehousing provider, and a great place to work. With a Passion For Excellence™, its employees put the PLUS in LOGISTICS by doing the big things properly, plus the countless little things that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
