As the U.S. supply chain readies itself for a potential labor strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports on Oct. 1, CBP and transportation and logistics providers are helping the trade community develop their Plan Bs.

The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, along with more than 175 trade organizations, have asked President Joe Biden to urge the United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen’s Association to resume negotiations for a new labor agreement before Oct. 1, the date that ILA members might go on strike at container terminals at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports.

Houston's sea ports and airports are asking shippers that use the region to be patient as it recovers from Hurricane Beryl, according to a July 12 email sent by the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America to its members.

This summer could see the highest levels of U.S. import container volumes since 2022, the National Retail Federation said June 10.

President Joe Biden should support workers in the Baltimore region that were affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge (see 2403260047) the same way maritime workers were supported during the COVID-19 pandemic, Federal Maritime Commissioner Carl Bentzel wrote in a letter to the White House dated April 23. Bentzel said the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, could act as an example. The White House didn't respond to our request for comment.

A Texas shipper accused major Chinese ocean carrier Cosco Shipping Lines of violating U.S. shipping regulations through unfair detention and demurrage charges, costing it nearly $2 million in damages. Visual Comfort & Co, a shipper of lighting products, said Cosco “refused” to extend free days for containers that couldn’t be returned to the port and declined to divert shipments to less crowded ports, allowing the carrier to charge “astronomical” D&D fees.