Global Gateways

Domestic Containers Spur Intermodal Growth in Q1 2015; Overall Global Outlook Positive

May 7, 2015

Total intermodal shipments rose 2 percent over last year's Q1 volumes, according to the Intermodal Association of North America, despite port congestion issues that impacted international container traffic. Domestic intermodal loads grew 4.5 percent, buoyed by domestic containers, which rose 6.5 percent in a quarter-over-quarter comparison.

As Dollar Gains, Imports Flood U.S and Widen Trade Gap

May 7, 2015

New York Times

A roof-raising trade gap in March highlighted concerns that the rise of the dollar against other currencies was weakening the economy, chipping away at the ability of American manufacturers to compete abroad while encouraging more imports to fill retailers' shelves.

Retail Sales Up 3.8 Percent in 2014 Despite West Coast Port Congestion, Annual Study Shows

April 20, 2015

Auburn University, RILA

The 2014 retail landscape could be characterized as bipolar, according to the 5th Annual State of the Retail Supply Chain Report from Auburn University and the Retail Industry Leaders Association.

PortMiami's Model for Dynamic FTZs

April 15, 2015

Eric Olafson, Manager, Cargo Development, PortMiami

Imports on Rise as U.S. West Coast Ports Recover from Work Slowdown

April 13, 2015

NRF

Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to rise 8 percent this month over the same time last year as West Coast ports continue to recover from a backlog of cargo that built up before a tentative new labor agreement was signed, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Has Container Shipping Become a Commodity?

March 23, 2015

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

There was a time when ocean carriers fashioned themselves as providers of premium, door-to-door transportation. Not anymore.

Longshoreman Pay Dwarfs That of Most Employees in Transportation Industry

March 17, 2015

Los Angeles Times

More than 4,400 ships bring nearly $400bn worth of goods through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach every year, a crucial link in the global supply chain of factories, warehouses, docks, highways and rail lines. Most blue-collar workers along the chain have seen their wages slashed with the quick rise of global trade. But the longshoremen who move the goods the shortest distance, between ship and shore, have shrewdly protected pay that trumps that of many white-collar managers.

Container Shipping Today: Mega-Ships and Mega-Problems

March 16, 2015

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

If we're to believe the big container lines, ever-larger ships are the remedy for their financial woes. Why, then, are so many of them still losing money?

Imports Continue to Rise as West Coast Ports Work on Backlog

March 12, 2015

NRF

Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to rise an unusually high 16.9 percent this month over the same time last year as West Coast ports begin to dig out from a backlog of cargo that built up during just-concluded contract negotiations with dockworkers, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Hard Lessons in Disruption: What the West Coast Port Slowdown Really Taught Us

March 9, 2015

Suhas Sreedhar, Manager, Supply Chain & Technology Thought Leadership, GT Nexus

With a tentative agreement in place between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), the 7-month-long West Coast port crisis has come to an end. What comes next is the final body count - what percentage of GDP shrank because of the slowdown? What was the impact on the trade deficit? Who got hit hardest, and just how hard? Then what? There may be a collective sigh of relief in the air, but can things really go back to normal? Should they?

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.