West Coast Port / Contract Negotiation Status In April, shippers have accelerated import shipments through several U.S. ports to avoid disruption at the West Coast Ports due, in part, to the potential 'slow down' or strike of the ILWU. Shippers have already begun to accelerate shipments according to Wolfe Research. Their quarterly survey results indicate that fifty-one … [Read more...]
Why do I need a freight forwarder?
Why do I need a freight forwarder? There will come a time in most companies’ existence where you begin to contemplate distribution, warehousing, international exports/imports and all the pieces of the supply chain in the world of logistics. While the ideal situation is being able to handle all of these needs internally, it will be in your best interest to get assistance from … [Read more...]
Possible WC Dock Strike: Ship Early
Possible WC Dock Strike: Ship Early The negotiations between the ILWU (International Longshore & Warehouse Union) and the PMA (Pacific Maritime Association) are scheduled to begin on May 12th, 2014. Although talks are starting long before the July 1st deadline, many International Transportation Experts believe that slowdowns at the Los Angeles / Long Beach ports are … [Read more...]
What is a Freight Forwarder?
What is a Freight Forwarder? In the simplest of terms, a freight forwarder (sometimes known as a NVOCC - non-vessel operating common carrier ) is a travel agent for your cargo yet there is so much more than that. Some say that a freight forwarder is an 'architect of transport' and some are experts in supply chain management. The legal definition at 49 U.S.C. § 13102 (8) … [Read more...]
West Coast Strike? Possible Port Congestion Surcharges
West Coast Strike? Possible Port Congestion Surcharges Contract negotiations between the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) are scheduled to commence on May 12, 2014. Talks are scheduled to run continuously for at least two weeks or until both sides agree on a new labor contract. The current labor contract expires on … [Read more...]