Newsletter – November 20, 2023

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

US forwarders brace for kickback on larger shipment screening rules
aircargonews.net
US freight forwarders are bracing for shipper kickback on recently implemented security requirements for larger shipments.
At the end of October, shippers wishing to fly cargo that cannot be screened due to size or volume restrictions – such as aircraft engines, oil drums, or oil field drilling equipment – were required to be enrolled in the Transport Security Administration (TSA)’s authorised cargo security programmes in order to move the shipments. Read more here.

Liege remains resilient on flight limits
aircargonews.net
Cargo specialist Liege Airport believes legislation restricting its future flight movements won’t hinder its development.
Speaking to Air Cargo News at the recent air cargo Southeast Asia event in Singapore, Frederic Brun, head of commercial at the Belgian airport, said that its 20-year environmental permit, set at 55,000 movements per year by the Walloon Government in January, would still allow it room for growth. Read more here.

Air Canada Denies Responsibility In $20M Gold Heist Lawsuit
simpleflying.com
The airline says that the company handling the transportation of the precious cargo should have declared its value and insured it.
Air Canada has now issued a statement in court about the massive cargo theft that took place earlier this year in its warehouse. The gold and cash riobbed due to breaches in security protocol shocked everyone in the manner the theft was carried out, raising several questions regarding the security protocols of such precious cargo. Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Update: Negotiations at Port of Montreal 
ciffa.com
The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) has provided an update on negotiations at the Port of Montreal toward a new labour agreement. The current agreement will expire on December 31.
The MEA filed an essential services request to the CIRB. CUPE Local 375 executives were granted until November 17 to respond. The MEA has 10 days to respond to the union’s submission, bringing the next steps in the request process to around November 27.
The CIRB has three options:
•    Reject or accept the request.
•    Decision.
•    Hearings.
The MEA, union and conciliators have met three times and have four meetings scheduled in the coming two weeks.
The MEA said its objective remains a negotiated collective agreement.

Hapag-Lloyd to increase rates worldwide in December
container-news.com
Hapag-Lloyd has announced rate increases in several routes across the world, which will take effect in the next month.
The German carrier will implement a general rate increase (GRI) from several countries in Asia to the West Coast of Latin America, Mexico, Caribbean and Central America. The following GRI will be effective from 1 December for cargo transported in dry and reefer containers, including high cube equipment…Read more here.

GROUND AND RAIL FREIGHT UPDATES

West Coast Longshore Foremen Labour Update
ciffa.com
While the West Coast longshore labour dispute was settled on August 4, the longshore foremen, whose agreement expired on March 31, 2023, have not yet settled.
The BC Maritime Employers Association reports as follows: “Negotiations with our Foremen have resumed post longshore dispute, and continue with traditional bargaining sessions scheduled through November. The ILWU Local 514 bargaining unit consists of approximately 740 forepersons working at 30+ sites.”
Thanks to the Freight Management Association of Canada for providing this update.