Category 4 Hurricane Milton, with 155 mph winds and a potential 15-foot storm surge, is set to hit Florida late Wednesday or early Thursday, causing catastrophic flooding. Ports in Palm Beach, Canaveral, Jacksonville, Key West, Fort Myers, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa and others were closed, while Panama City and Port St. Joe remained open with restrictions. Freight markets were impacted, with shippers avoiding Lakeland while nearly 25% of Florida gas stations were out of fuel. In a positive development, logistics companies stepped up in response to Hurricane Helene, which killed over 200 people. They provided donations, transportation, and equipment for delivering essentials like generators, baby formula, pet food, and hygiene kits. Read more about companies that have been involved in relief efforts which include FedEx, XPO, Atlas Van Lines, Amazon, and others, contributing both in-kind and monetary support. (See FreightWaves, “Hurricane Milton inches …” Brinley Hineman, 10/9/24)

With a new agreement in the offing, ILA pauses walkout at U.S. ports

(10/04/2024, 12:25 AM EDT US) The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) agreed to suspend its strike, which had shut down major East and Gulf Coast ports, after port employers raised their wage offer. The strike, initiated on Tuesday, posed an economic threat just a few weeks before national elections. Employers, represented by the U.S. Maritime Alliance, proposed a 62% wage increase over six years, which is higher than their previous offer but lower than the union's demand. The ILA announced a tentative agreement on wages and its 45,000 members would return to work, continuing the existing contract until Jan. 15. The union and employers will continue negotiating other unresolved issues. (Read more at: The New York Times, “Port Union Agrees to Suspend Strike” by Peter Eavis, 10/3/2024)

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Disruption for U.S. supply chain & potential economic cost of $4+ billion daily

Thousands of dockworkers from Maine to Texas are on strike for second day, demanding higher pay and better working conditions, threatening to disrupt the U.S. supply chain and potentially costing the economy over $4 billion daily. The strike, initiated by the union representing about 45,000 workers, has shut down 36 major U.S. ports, including those in New York/New Jersey, for the first time since 1977. Workers began picketing along the East Coast early Tuesday. A prolonged shutdown could lead to price increases and shortages at retailers as the holiday season approaches. The International Longshoremen’s Association is specifically demanding significant wage increases (77% over 6 years) and a ban on the automation of essential cargo handling equipment at these key ports, which handle half of the nation’s shipping cargo. (FOX 5 NY, by Michael Stallone, New Jersey, 10/2/24) SEE VIDEO

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Shippers encouraged to taper off container cargo business

The Port of New York-New Jersey, the second-busiest U.S. ocean container port, has advised shippers to reduce cargo operations ahead of a potential strike by union dockworkers. Port Director Bethann Rooney informed customers of contingency plans as preparations for a strike escalate. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing 25,000 workers under a contract with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), is set to walk off the job when their current agreement expires at midnight on October 1. This contract covers labor at multiple ports along the East Coast, managing around $92 billion in freight annually. Details regarding contract negotiations remain sparse, with no immediate comments from either the ILA or USMX. (More at: FreightWaves, "Port of NY-NJ details strike operations plan” by Stuart Chirls, 9/24/2024)

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Fairfield, ME, (September 19, 2024) – Parsifal Corporation congratulates several employees who recently achieved impressive milestones ranging from 15 all the way up to 35 years of service. Mark Olsen, President and CEO shared that, “Long term tenure continues to be the backbone of our company.” (See 'Read More' for full Press Release)

According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 5:00 P.M. CT, Hurricane Francine made landfall in southern Louisiana as a dangerous Category 2 hurricane, lashing the state with life-threatening impacts. FreightWaves reported yesterday that the Port of New Orleans, a key cargo hub for containers and breakbulk, was operating with limited service on Tuesday and plans to close Wednesday, reopening Thursday. Port Fourchon in Louisiana has advised non-essential personnel to evacuate as the storm is expected to bring heavy rain over next couple of days. Additionally, the American Logistics Aid Network will begin coordinating and sharing requests for donated logistics aid 24 to 72 hours after the storm, Francine, makes landfall. This nonprofit assists the supply chain with disaster relief efforts. (See more at: FreightWaves, Gulf Coast ports brace for Francine …” Brinley Hineman, 9/10/2024)