Newsletter – August 15, 2023

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

TSA announces expansion of Certified Cargo Screening Program for manufacturers and shippers

tsa.gov
WASHINGTON —The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced changes to the Certified Cargo Screening Program that will enable more shippers to enter the secure supply chain. This change was published in the Federal Register.
“The Certified Cargo Screening Program ensures that air cargo moves more quickly and securely through the supply chain,” said TSA Executive Director for Air Cargo John Beckius. Read more here

Pratt & Whitney Engine Issues: The Latest Impact To Airlines

simpleflying.com
With the issue of the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines, the company has had to order over a thousand PW1100G engines for further inspection, which has now resulted in airlines around the world facing operational disruptions and being forced to change their schedules and growth plans. Read more here

Cargojet focuses on costs as e-commerce volumes weaken

aircargonews.net
Canada-based freighter operator Cargojet will focus on cost reduction initiatives as a slowdown in e-commerce and business-to-business demand hit its financial performance.
The airline saw second-quarter revenues decline by 15% year on year to C$209.7m, due primarily to decreases in domestic network revenues, all-in charter revenues, fuel surcharges and other pass-through revenues. ACMI revenues however increased by C$2.7m. Read more here

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

FMC probes claims that MSC overcharged customers for D&D

theloadstar.com
MSC may face charges relating to alleged violations of the US Shipping Act following an Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) probe into claims it billed more than $2m of extra demurrage and detention (D&D) charges.
The investigation follows an FMC audit of MSC’s D&D charges in 2021, with claims the carrier was issuing the same daily rate for both operating and non-operating reefers (NORs), despite it claiming, via its US agent, this was not the case. Read more here (login required).

MSC and Maersk continue to send ships for break-up

container-news.com
The world’s two largest liner operators have continued to scrap aged ships as the freight market has normalised to pre-Covid-19 levels.
Shipbrokers said that this month, MSC has sold the 1993-built 3,720 TEU MSC Erminia and 1999-built 1,837 TEU MSC Lana II for US$505/ldt and US$520/ldt respectively. As with the 1990-built 4,814 TEU MSC Federica, which was sold for US$515/ldt, the ships were sold into India for recycling. Year to date, MSC has scrapped seven ships. Read more here

GROUND AND RAIL FREIGHT UPDATES

FMC probes claims that MSC overcharged customers for D&D

freightwaves.com
WASHINGTON — Regulators will consider rolling back federal preemption decisions on truck driver work rules by issuing waivers to those who can show that stricter state rules in California and Washington are more safe.
In a notice published Friday, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it will consider waiver requests of its Dec. 21, 2018, ruling affirming that California Meal and Rest Break (MRB) rules — and a similar Nov. 17, 2020, ruling regarding Washington state MRB rules — are preempted by federal law. Both rulings were made during the Trump administration. Read more here