News
Industry Update – December 2024
Attention: Shipping Manager
Situation in US/Canada:
- January strike at US East Coast likely as talks resume
Debate resumed this week between port employers represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), and the International Longshoremen’s Association union (ILA) and their 45,000 workers at East and Gulf Coast ports.
The union is still at a crossroads in contract negotiations over employers’ push to use semi automation on the docks, saying they cannot support technology that jeopardises jobs, threatens national security and puts the future of the workforce at risk.
The USMX countered saying that modernisation and investment in new technology are key to successfully bargain a new Master Contract with the ILA.
The employers said modern technology is the only way to move significantly more containers given the limited available land at most East and Gulf Coast ports.
(Source: Freightwaves)
- Operations Resume in Canada
Operations have resumed at strike-hit ports across Canada, but the work stoppage has resulted in a huge backlog of containers.
Work only recently resumed at Montreal since the strike began on 31 October.
Experts say it may take a few weeks to re-establish fluidity of the supply chain and process all goods currently at the port or in transit.
Meanwhile, on Canada’s west coast, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) said the 10-day strike had significantly disrupted port operations, and as a result, several commercial vessels are currently waiting offshore to enter the port of Vancouver and proceed to berth.
However, with the huge backlog of containers and high demand, delays are expected.
(Source: Loadstar)
Situation in Asia
- Impending Strike in India
Indian shippers are braced for supply chain disruption after dockworkers call for strikes at key ports from 17 December, in response to government failings to address long-standing labour concerns. The unions confirmed the strike will go ahead should the government fall short by 15 December.
Industry experts remain optimistic that negotiations during the 10-day countdown to a strike notice would prove productive.
(Source: Loadstar)
General Rate Increase from North East Asia to Australia:
We received notifications this month from a number of shipping lines in regards to two separate General Rate Increases from North East Asia to Australia, details as follows:
The first GRI will come into effect from 1st December 2024:
USD 300/20’
USD 600/40’
LCL will increase accordingly.
In addition to the first GRI, shipping lines will have a second GRI effective from 15th December 2024.
USD 500/20’
USD 1000/40’
LCL will increase accordingly.
General Rate Increase from South East Asia to Australia:
We received notifications this month from a number of shipping lines in regards to a General Rate Increase from South East Asia to Australia, details as follows:
The first GRI will come into effect from 1st December 2024:
USD 300/20’
USD 600/40’
LCL will increase accordingly.
In addition to the first GRI, shipping lines will have a second GRI effective from 15th December 2024.
USD 300/20’
USD 600/40’
LCL will increase accordingly.
Airfreight Destination Airline Terminal Fee Increase:
The Destination Airline Terminal Fee applicable for all airfreight cargo coming to Australia will increase effective from 1st December 2024. The new fee will be:
Minimum AUD 81
AUD 0.81 per kg
Airfreight Import Document Fee Increase:
The Import Document Fee applicable for all airfreight cargo coming into Australia will increase effective from 1st December 2024. The new fee will be:
AUD 88 per HB
Melbourne Destination Port Infrastructure Surcharge Increase:
Destination Port Infrastructure surcharge in Melbourne has increased to AUD 270, effective immediately.
Melbourne Destination Timeslot Booking Fee Increase:
Destination Timeslot Booking Fee in Melbourne has increased to AUD 120, effective immediately.
Melbourne Empty Container Park Fee Increase:
Destination Empty Container Park Fee in Melbourne has increased to AUD 177, effective immediately.
Fremantle Destination Timeslot Booking Fee Increase:
Destination Timeslot Booking Fee in Fremantle has increased to AUD 85, effective immediately.
Fremantle Empty Container Park surcharge Increase:
Destination Empty Container Park surcharge in Fremantle has increased to AUD 155, effective immediately.
We will keep you updated with any further information.
Regards,
