Our Blog

West Coast Update
Posted December 15, 2014

Congestion and delays remain the norm at the West Coast ports. The ILWU and PMA are in the negotiating room today, but we have no information on any progress they may have made. The ILWU leadership will convene in a caucus in San Francisco on December 15, and results will determine the next steps in the contract process. Please see the article published in the JOC for more detailed information on the process and the current pay scales of ILWU workers.

Congestion surcharges also remain in play, but the FMC is pressuring the steamship lines to avoid implementation of the surcharges.

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Ports of LA/LB Status Update
Posted December 15, 2014

After coming off of a short holiday week and struggling with inclement weather, slowdowns at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are extremely evident. Truck turn times average 121 minutes, and drivers are only able to complete one to two turns per shift. The rain on the West Coast is also affecting transportation and work progress as drivers decrease speed and workers decrease productivity due to the wet conditions. Both of these factors are causing even greater delays.

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Chilean Port Workers Strike
Posted December 15, 2014

Chilean port workers are calling for a nationwide strike beginning Wednesday, December 3, 2014, at 8:00am and lasting 24 hours. The purpose for the strike is yet to be determined; however, we do know that it may hinder the normal collection and delivery operations at ports.

We will do our best to make sure there are no extensive delays or cost increases for our members due to this strike, and we will keep you updated as to the developments of the situation.

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Port Updates: France, Chile, and the West Coast
Posted November 26, 2014

FOS France:
Albatrans France has reported that as of this morning the access to FOS port is blocked by protesting farmers. No entries or exits of containers are possible at the port. Unofficial rumors indicate that this action can last for 2 or 3 days to come. The local police are currently waiting for orders from the authorities as to how to proceed and possibly try to prevent this situation. However, past experience shows that the French farmers may become very violent when confronting the police forces.

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Chile, Belgium, and West Coast Updates
Posted November 25, 2014

Chile:
Albatrans Chile reports that the National Association of Public employees of Chile (ANEF) called for a strike today, November 25, 2014. The strike may cause delays in the processing of shipping documents and Customs paperwork, and you will be advised directly should any of your shipments are affected.

Belgium:
Belgian unions are organizing strikes in various areas over the next month to protest various social issues. The unions will try to block key economic areas, including ports, rail stations, and industrial areas.

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