As shippers continue to track the deteriorating political situation in Egypt, analysts are assessing the possible impact on Suez Canal services.

Data recently released by Zepol, a trade intelligence firm, indicated the United States-bound containerized vessel imports were mixed for the month of February, with imports down sequentially and up annually.

Brian Conrad, executive administrator for the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA), is not only regarded as a “thought leader” in the ocean shipping arena, but also as a man of uncommon candor. For the past several years now, he has weathered the storm brought on by shippers’ associations challenging pricing and operations in the world’s most active—and vital—trade lane linking North America and Asia.

Company officials said this expansion was made to address market trends related to increased manufacturing and consumer demand in many regions, with these lanes originating in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South Africa. With this expansion, UPS has more than 1,700 direct LCL lanes serving 116 countries.

The battle lines between shippers and carriers comprising the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) are shaping up early as both sides make plans for future contracting.

The battle lines between shippers and carriers comprising the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) are shaping up early as both sides make plans for future contracting.

Following months of acrimonious negotiations, the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), an alliance of container carriers, direct employers, and port associations serving United States-based East and Gulf Coasts, and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the largest union of maritime workers in North America, have reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract.

The Drewry Hong Kong-Los Angeles container rate benchmark, published in the latest Container Freight Rate Insight report, jumped 14% to $2,524 per forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU) this week, as the January peak season surcharge (PSS) took effect.

TOTE, Inc. announced it has committed to the construction of two new state-of-the-art containerships for the Puerto Rico trade, with options for three more vessels for additional domestic service. The agreement with General Dynamics NASSCO represents a major technological milestone in international shipping.

News that the International Longshoremen’s Association and United States Maritime Alliance have agreed to extend their contract negotiations for an additional 30 days was welcomed by the National Retail Federation today.