☕️ Container Surges, Asian Imports Rebound, Flag State Battle & BlueCargo's Innovations
Cargoccino is our bi-monthly post for logistics professionals and importers, delivering bite-sized industry news straight to your inbox. Stay informed while enjoying your favorite drink, with updates every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
1. Strong Container Volume Growth at South Carolina Ports 📈
South Carolina Ports defies U.S. imports slowdown with robust July container volume increase. Handling 208,000+ units, Port of Charleston sees 12% monthly surge and 3% YoY rise. Despite 9% export growth in August, total volume drops 4% due to fewer empty container exports. Inland ports Dillon and Greer excel with 55% YoY rail move increase. Roll-on/roll-off cargo steady, 20,866 vehicles moved. Growth attributed to Southeast manufacturing, EV operations, and ongoing port projects. CEO Barbara Melvin emphasizes region's prosperity and port's efficiency.
Source: FreightWaves
2. US Imports from Asia Rebound 🚢
US imports from Asia climbed for the fifth straight month in July, hitting 1.46 million TEUs, the highest since September. This suggests a potential return to year-over-year import growth this fall. During 13 months of labor negotiations, the West Coast's share of Asian imports fell to 53.1%, down from 59.3% in June and the lowest since November.
Although July imports were down 10.1% from 2022, a return to year-over-year growth could happen in September or October with peak season volumes. Spot rates doubled since June to $2,137.50 per FEU by August 17.
Retailers redirected imports during negotiations, benefiting East and Gulf Coast ports. Ratification of the ILWU-PMA contract could occur by September. East Coast's share of Asian imports rose to 37.7% in July from 32.9% in June; Gulf Coast's share increased to 8.9% from 7.5% in June.
Source: JOC
3. USDA Proposes Higher Fees for Safer Agricultural Imports
USDA suggests raising cargo inspection fees to ensure a pest-free U.S. food system. Outdated fees and changing shipping practices lead to revenue shortfalls. Fees depend on transportation modes, but carriers' expanded capacity avoids extra charges.
APHIS, responsible for inspections, miscalculated arrivals by 50% since 2015 due to megaship use. Larger containers from trains and trucks strain resources without sufficient fees.
APHIS seeks public input on the proposed fee hikes until October 10.
Source: Transport Dive
4. Panama and Liberia Compete for Largest Flag State
Panama and Liberia are in a close race to be the largest flag state. Both countries are modernizing their registries by removing delinquent vessels and investing in technology and vetting processes to identify ships transferring between registries. Although Liberia may have pulled ahead in total tonnage, other figures indicate a tie or Panama maintaining a small lead. China is now surpassing Greece in ship ownership as older ships are replaced with more efficient and environmentally friendly vessels, causing the industry landscape to change even further.
Source: Maritime Executive
5. ☕️ What is Brewing at BlueCargo? ☕️
In the ever-evolving realm of supply chain dynamics, innovation drives the tides of change. BlueCargo customers will experience a shift in their user experience as BlueCargo introduces its AI-Powered Dispute System™️ on September 1st. These advancements have been crafted from user insights and expert engineering, redefining logistics and container management.
This remarkable achievement was made possible by this year's successful fundraising efforts, demonstrating the powerful synergy of technology and collaboration. The implications are profound, giving shippers, carriers, and logistics providers unprecedented control over their cargo. The system seamlessly addresses accessorial fees and adheres to UIIA and FMC standards, earning praise from ocean carriers.
Catch the BlueCargo Team in action:
- Meet us at the ACG 2023 Transportation & Logistics Conference in Long Beach on August 29.
- Immerse yourself in the future of logistics at the IANA Intermodal EXPO 2023 in Long Beach from September 11 to 13.
- Explore the transformative power at the JOC - Inland 23 in Chicago, spanning September 15 to 27.
Join us in shaping the supply chain landscape with innovation!
