West Coast Ports Update: Negotiations Continue Contrary to some of the reports, both the PMA and ILWU confirmed that contract negotiations started on May 12th and have not been interrupted. From their joint statement: Both parties remain at the table and are working to reach agreement on a new coast-wide contract. The current six-year contract expires on June 30, … [Read more...]
West Cost Ports: Congestion Surcharges Clarified
West Cost Ports: Congestion Surcharges Clarified The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) clarifies rules pertaining to congestion surcharges planned by trans-Pacific carriers in the event of U.S. West Coast work stoppages. From the JOC summarizing FMC rules regarding port surcharges: The congestion surcharges must be published in tariffs for at least 30 days before the … [Read more...]
Update on West Coast Port/Strike
Update on West Coast Port/Strike As of today, the ILWU and PMA are still in negotiations for their new labor agreement to replace the existing agreement expiring on June 30. The negotiations cover all US West Coast ports (including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Portland, Seattle, Tacoma) but not those in Canada or along the US East/Gulf Coasts. Although some form of … [Read more...]
West Coast Port / Contract Negotiation Status
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...]
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...]