Global Gateways

Obama Calls for More Enforcement on Trade Deals

October 10, 2016

The Obama administration has used a flurry of tough-sounding trade enforcement announcements in recent weeks to counter complaints from the left and right that free trade is not fair trade - and to assist President Obama in the struggle to win approval of his trade pact with 11 Pacific Rim nations.

Hanjin Failure Leaves Thousands of Containers, Chassis Stranded at L.A., Long Beach Ports

October 5, 2016

American Shipper

The Hanjin bankruptcy has created a shortage of chassis in Southern California at the busiest time of year for many shippers and their truckers.

Qualified Ocean Carriers Can Now Pre-Clear Customs Day in Advance of Arrival in Port

October 4, 2016

Maritime Executive

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has expanded its fast clearance plan for ocean freight, the Advanced Qualified Unloading Approval (AQUA Lane) program, which started with a pilot test in four ports late last year.

Actively Operating Shipyards Decline Greatly Around the World

September 23, 2016

Maritime Executive

The Korea Offshore and Shipbuilding Association has released numbers confirming the expectations of many analysts: the number of actively operating shipyards around the world has fallen by more than 40 percent from what it was seven years ago.

Study Zeroes in on Ways to Improve Health, Safety of Container Port Workers

September 13, 2016

Maritime Executive

An independent study published on Friday suggests ways to significantly improve the health, safety and welfare of workers in the global container port industry.

Hanjin Bankruptcy Not Expected to Greatly Impede Retail Imports

September 13, 2016

National Retail Federation

Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports should be at near-peak levels this month even as retailers work to cope with the Hanjin Shipping bankruptcy, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Where Are All the Holiday Season Imports?

September 6, 2016

Wall Street Journal

This summer, dockworkers, truckers and railroads geared up for a surge of retail goods passing through U.S. ports that hasn't occurred. Imports are flat at major seaports on both coasts heading into peak shipping season, the stretch in late summer and early fall when retailers usually load up on imported toys, clothing and other merchandise to sell to holiday shoppers. If the trend holds, it will be the second year in a row without a traditional peak.

With Store Shelves Stocked for Back-to-School Sales, August Should Be Banner Month for Retailers

August 11, 2016

NRF

August should be the busiest month of the year for import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports now that retailers have stocked up for back-to-school and are getting a head start on holiday season merchandise. That's according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, which said cargo volume for 2016 should end the year with a 1.6 percent increase over last year.

Panama Canal Authority Disputes Claims Waterway Is Too Narrow

August 4, 2016

Maritime Executive

The Panama Canal Authority has refuted reports that there have been three collisions in the newly expanded Panama Canal.

Zim Announces Upgrade of Med-West Africa Service

August 3, 2016

Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.

Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. is restructuring and upgrading its Mediterranean-West Africa (MAF) service.

Global Gateways

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding global seaports and airports and their impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering goods to more international customers than ever before through global ports and free and foreign trade zones. As infrastructure around these global gateways continues to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies around the world are improving supply chain operations through their strategic use of global seaports and airports.