Global Logistics Update

ILA/USMX Contract Negotiations Break Down: As previously reported we are keeping our eyes on the resumed contract negotiations between the ILA and USMX comments last week this in New Jersey. While there was an initial level of optimism in the shipping community that an agreement would be reached prior to the January 15 deadline, the talks quickly broke down over the topic of automation. Below please see statements from both sides:

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, those talks fell apart when the ILA reported to members, "The ILA and USMX came to the table this week, prepared for four days of intensive bargaining to bring us closer to securing a fair contract. For the first day and a half, discussions were productive, and both sides engaged in addressing serious issues. However, late yesterday, talks broke down when management introduced their intent to implement semi-automation, a direct contradiction to their opening statement where they assured us that neither full nor semi-automation would be on the table. They claimed their focus was on modernization, not automation."

USMX on their website Nov. 13, said, "Over the last two days, USMX met with the ILA to bargain and resolve all remaining outstanding issues needed to reach agreement on a new Master Contract. Wile we had positive progress on a number of issues, we were unable to make significant progress on our discussions that focused on a range of technology issues. Unfortunately, the ILA is insisting on an agreement that would move our industry backward by restricting future use of technology that has existed in some of our ports for nearly two decades, making it impossible to evolve to meet the nation's future supply chain demands."

(Source: https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/columns/cash-market-moves/article/2024/11/18/ila-ends-contract-talks-usmx-issue)

Canada:

Last Tuesday the Federal Minister of Transport for Canada announced his intervention to bring ongoing labour disputes to a close and order a resumption of operations in all Canadian ports. Below are the port updates:

• Vancouver re-opened last Thursday, with operations in the port beginning early hours Friday and continuing to build gradually
• Montreal was expected to take a little longer, opening last Saturday for operations

Germany:

After some reported frustrations last week, the Port of Hamburg has resolved its operational issues and our teams are now experiencing no delays in container delivery.

Spain:

Rehabilitation efforts in Valencia following the DANA are progressing slowly but positively. Here's the latest update:

Valencia Port: Fully operational, though a new storm hit the region on November 13, forcing the temporary closure of port terminals and container depots, as well as suspending inland transport. Operations resumed on November 14.

Container Depots: Fully operational.

Road transport: Due to the current mobility restrictions and the additional distances that truckers must now drive to reach the port of Valencia, we are being informed that with immediate effect surcharges of up to 20% of the agreed transport prices will be applied on all motor pre-carriages. These surcharges will therefore start at +36 Euros and will increase depending on the distance between the loading point and the port of Valencia. This surcharge will be applicable as long as the traffic restrictions in the Valencia area are maintained.

Rail transport: The Valencia-Madrid rail corridor remains closed and restorations will not be completed until later in December. Alternative routes are available, but involves increasing the distance by +300 km and additional costs, and the capacity of these trains is very limited.

Logistics centers and warehouses: Most of the warehouses are operative, but mobility problems remain which do not allow the regular activity.

New Zealand:

Auckland rail network has announced it will be shutting down for 30 days at the end of year in order to complete the Central Rail Line. The closure is estimated to last from December 27^th to January 27^th and may have an impact on imports and exports via Tauranga port. The rail does have a contingency plan in place which involves a partial rail/partial truck transit route, but please plan for some potential congestion and delays during this time if you have cargo transiting Tauranga.

Chile:

Overall, the situation in Chile ports and vessels remains at tight capacity due to continued cut and run operations and a reduction in overall capacity by ocean carriers. It is also the height of cherry export season which always impacts reefer equipment for a few weeks.