The Agricultural Marketing Service released the Ocean Shipping Container Availability Report (OSCAR) for the week of Jan. 30 - Feb. 5. The weekly report contains data on container availability for westbound transpacific traffic at 18 intermodal locations in the U.S.1 from the eight member carriers of the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA).2 Although the report is compiled by AMS, it covers container availability for all merchandise, not just agricultural products.
Top priorities of new Federal Maritime Commissioner William Doyle include "promot[ing] a fair, efficient, and reliable international ocean transportation system; protect the public from unfair and deceptive practices; help increase the export of U.S. goods by facilitating cooperation between the government and the private sector; provide regulatory relief to support U.S. job growth and economic recovery; and find fast and cost effective solutions to disputes between shipping lines and customers to ensure that cargo keeps moving." He made the comments Jan. 30 at his ceremonial swearing in. Doyle had been confirmed Jan. 1 and officially sworn in Jan. 10.
Worldwide air cargo dropped 1.5% for the full year 2012, said the International Air Transport Association. IATA said it was the second consecutive year of cargo decline, following a 0.6% contraction in 2011. The freight load factor for the year was 45.2%. IATA Director General Tony Tyler said air cargo "suffered a one-two punch" in 2012: "World trade declined sharply. And the goods that were traded shifted towards bulk commodities more suited for sea shipping." Freight capacity grew just 0.2% over the year, and the freight load factor was 45.2%, IATA said.
Notice of Agreements Filed (here)
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told DoT employees Jan. 29 that he will not serve a second term in President Obama's Cabinet (here). He did not announce future plans, and there has been no announcement on a successor, though LaHood said he will stay on until a successor is named. President Obama thanked him for his dedication (here).
The Agricultural Marketing Service released the Ocean Shipping Container Availability Report (OSCAR) for the week of Jan. 23-29. The weekly report contains data on container availability for westbound transpacific traffic at 18 intermodal locations in the U.S.1 from the eight member carriers of the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA).2 Although the report is compiled by AMS, it covers container availability for all merchandise, not just agricultural products.
The Federal Maritime Commission said the following have filed applications for a license as a Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVO) and/or Ocean Freight Forwarder (OFF)-Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984. The FMC also gave notice of the filing of applications to amend an existing OTI license or the qualifying individual for a license. Interested persons may contact the Office of Transportation Intermediaries, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, D.C. 20573, at 202-523-5843 or at OTI@fmc.gov.
The European Commission announced a Clean Power for Transport Package that includes a new emphasis on liquefied natural gas, as well as alternative energy sources for transport. It said LNG infrastructure for fueling vessels is at a very early stage, with only Sweden having a small scale LNG bunkering facility for sea going vessels, but plans in several other countries. The EC is proposing that LNG refuelling stations be installed in all 139 maritime ports by 2020 and inland ports on the Trans European Core Network by 2025.
Miami International Airport set an all-time cargo record in 2012, at 2.1 million tons, up 4.6 percent over 2011. Cargo tonnage growth at the airport was faster than projected in 2012, but its value increased even more, topping 2011's record of more than $61 billion by 10 percent, it said.
The Teamsters union made "progress" on both the UPS and UPS Freight contracts during two weeks of negotiations in Washington that ended Jan. 17, said General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall. He said the talks dealt with seniority and work week issues, as well as protections for medically disqualified drivers. In UPS negotiations, progress also was made on 9.5 language, military leave and stewards' rights, the Teamsters said, and the UPS National Negotiating Committee began tackling the issue of SurePost, including redirecting more packages to Teamster drivers. Negotiations for both UPS and UPS Freight are scheduled to resume Jan. 28 in Dallas, the union said.