As we wind down a very interesting and challenging 2024, here’s a list of what we’re watching in the international transportation world as we transition into 2025.
East and Gulf Coast Port Strike Potential: The US East Coast dock workers still haven’t agreed to the terms of the latest contract.
- The two sides agreed to extend the current contract until January 15, 2025.
- Talks have stalled over discussions surrounding future automation: https://www.worldcargonews.com/news/2024/12/ila-threatens-strike-if-no-deal-by-january-15/
- This union represents ports from Maine to Texas and these ports handle up to 60% of all containerized traffic in the United States.
Chinese New Year is January 29th. Plan ahead.
- Official holiday dates are January 27th through February 7th. Expect festivities to last longer than the official dates.
Our teams have noticed increased delays and congestion at many rail terminals at the major US and Canadian ports
- LA/Long Beach continues to be a struggle moving containers to the rail.
- Montreal is experiencing significant rail delays.
The Canals are still problematic
- Suez Canal:
- Containerized vessels are not transversing the Suez Canal
- Containers must travel around the southern tip of Africa for shipments between Asia and Europe as well as India and the Middle East to the Americas.
- Transit times are getting better and capacity has slowly been shifted to take on the additional burden
- Panama Canal
- Business has resumed as water levels have risen: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/12/panama-canal-cargo-container-trade-rebound-record-drought.html
Disruption
- Disruption seems to be the main factor for pricing ebbs and flows for much of the world’s containerized traffic.
- 2024 was a relatively stable year.
Tariffs
- Potential tariff announcements have everyone looking for information on what increases may be in store for 2025.
- Stay tuned as we navigate the waters in the new year.
As always, our team of industry experts is keeping a close eye on the international shipping world. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.