The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) May hurricane forecast predicts an exceptionally active 2024 season, with 17-25 named storms, including 4-7major hurricanes. This surpasses the usual average of 14 named storms and three major hurricanes. Describing it as "hyperactive," NOAA's warning to shippers emphasizes the potential for significant disruptions. Shippers assuming they can adapt to market shifts may face unsympathetic carriers, who caution against demanding rate concessions. As the freight market pendulum inevitably swings, carriers could seek retribution against shippers. Whether NOAA's forecast materializes or not, the looming threat of severe weather underscores the need for shippers to brace for impact and negotiate cautiously with carriers. (See more: FreightWaves, "Extreme hurricane season could trigger ‘carrier revenge'" Craig Fuller, 5/24/2024)

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Fairfield, ME, (May 30, 2024) -Presentation at LACMA Convention 2024 in Aruba:

David Jones, Chief Marketing Officer of Parsifal Corporation, was kindly invited to attend the LACMA 2024 Convention and share insights into Parsifal’s 40+ years of audit experience in the Relocation Household Goods industry. In addition to discussing the primary Auditing services provided to Corporations, Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) and Government Agencies, David also informed LACMA 2024 attendees about the progressive and ongoing product development. Parsifal’s unmatched and comprehensive technology continues to enhance the mobility customer experience through useful, fully integrated and innovative tools. (See full Press Release at Read More)

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Starting January 1, 2025, Rotterdam will restrict delivery vans not meeting Euro 5 or 6 emissions standards from most areas, with a target for emissions-free delivery by 2028. The municipal government attributes this move to increased logistical movements due to population growth, negatively impacting accessibility, traffic safety, and air quality with heightened pollution and carbon monoxide emissions. These measures aim to curb these effects, aligning with broader European efforts to reduce transportation-related emissions and prioritize environmental and public health concerns. (See more at: NL Times, “Rotterdam set to ban most polluting vans from January 1” Reporting by ANP, 5/02/2024)

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Following the closure of the Port of Baltimore, data from GoComet reveals shifts in East Coast shipping dynamics. Norfolk, Virginia emerged as the primary beneficiary, experiencing a notable increase in incoming ships post-collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge at the end of March. Prior to the collapse, Baltimore averaged 35 to 39 vessel calls per day, which dropped to zero by April 12. Meanwhile, Norfolk's port calls remained steady until April 15, surging from 120 to 167 by April 28 before gradually declining to 150 by May 6. This data underscores Norfolk's resilience in absorbing diverted shipping traffic and highlights the significant impact of port disruptions on regional supply chain operations. (See more at: FreightWaves, “Visibility platform GoComet: Norfolk-area ports gained most …” John Kingston, 5/13/2024)

Chinese companies grow investment in Mexicoalong with expanded transpacific shipping routes

Cosco Shipping Lines inaugurated a new sea route, marking its initiation into the Asia-to-Mexico trade alongside other major carriers like Mediterranean Shipping Co. and CMA CGM. This move aims to capitalize on increasing container traffic and Chinese investments in Mexico. The newly launched Transpacific Latin Pacific 5 (TLP5) line, operated by Cosco Shipping Lines and its subsidiary OOCL, directly connects China, South Korea, Japan, and Mexico. OOCL expressed enthusiasm about expanding its network coverage in emerging markets through the TLP5 service, aiming to provide extensive port access across the Asia-Latin America corridor. (See more at FreightWaves, “New shipping routes highlight growing Asia-to-Mexico trade” by Noi Mahoney, 5/08/2024)

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The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) anticipates increasing vessel traffic as Panama's dry season nears its end. After experiencing historically low water levels in Gatun Lake due to drought, the ACP plans to move towards normalizing operations as indicated by their action last month as they allocated three additional transit slots for Panamax vessels, totaling 27 per day. Recent rainfall has replenished the lake, boosting canal traffic, which is currently at 60% of 2022 levels. While the ACP remains cautious, it expects operations to return to normal by 2025, contingent upon weather conditions. The drought has impacted U.S. East Coast ports, notably delaying shipments to the Port of Savannah, whose expansion is closely linked to Panama Canal traffic. (See more at FreightWaves, “Panama Canal’s future …” Michael Rudolph, 4/15/2024)

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