InductEV, a Pennsylvania-based company founded in late 2022, is pioneering wireless charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs). Initially targeting transit buses and yard tractors in distribution yards, their solution involves embedding charging plates in concrete, allowing vehicles to charge simply by parking over them and connecting magnetically. This method, known as inductive charging, offers advantages over traditional plug-in methods, particularly in scenarios where infrastructure rollout is slow or energy supply is inconsistent. The company explains their upfront costs are high but offer significant savings over time, with potential payback within three years. InductEV aims to capitalize on incentives that reduce the entry costs with particular focus on port terminals and railroad intermodal facilities. (See FreightWaves, “Can wireless EV charging …” Alan Adler, 6/28/2024)

Recent developments show a mixed outlook for inflation and global trade. While the U. S. Federal Reserve and U.S. economy see easing inflation with softer consumer and wholesale prices, global trade faces a concerning uptick in freight rates. Ocean sea freight, particularly from the Far East, have increased substantially in some areas. Scarcity of containers and vessel capacity are pushing shippers into the more expensive spot market. Industry experts speculate the rates might remain at this level, or higher, until after the Chinese New Year in 2025. (More at CNBC, “Fears are rising ocean freight rates …” Lori Ann LaRocco, 6/14/2024)

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The Louisiana State Legislature allocated $230.5 million to the Port of New Orleans, focusing on the future $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal(LIT) and related infrastructure. Planned to elevate New Orleans as a premier Gulf of Mexico container gateway, LIT includes the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, linking it to highways. Federal permits are underway, and construction starts next year, with initial berth operations slated for 2028 in Violet, Louisiana. Positioned downstream from New Orleans, LIT's location aims to bypass air draft limitations for current port vessels. Once operational, it anticipates handling 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units annually and accommodating mega container ships transiting the Panama Canal. (See more at FreightWaves, “New Orleans snags $230M for infrastructure projects” by Noi Mahoney, 6/11/2024)

After more than two months of closure due to debris from a cargo ship collision, the main shipping channel of the Port of Baltimore reopened. The closure began on March 26 when the container ship Dali lost power and struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in total collapse and six fatalities among construction workers. The channel, known as the Fort McHenry Channel, had been blocked by the Dali and 50,000 tons of bridge debris. After weeks of restoration efforts and removal of the ship on May 20, the channel was restored to its original dimensions of 700 feet wide and 50 feet deep. Governor Wes Moore praised the operation's completion, emphasizing its importance in revitalizing Maryland's economy by facilitating trade at the port and enabling the return of workers. (See: FreightWaves, “Baltimore shipping channel reopens 11 weeks after Key Bridge collapse” Noi Mahoney, 6/11/2024)

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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