Transportation Roundup: Container, equipment shortages continue for SSGA members

SSGA staff have compiled a round up of current news in the container transportation industry. Click the links below to view the original stories.

A shortage of shipping containers and equipment were again common themes in reports from SSGA member exporters in SSGA’s Competitive Shipping action team meeting Aug. 10. Multiple SSGA members reported that the shortage isn’t affecting Chicago as much, but other container yards in the Midwest remain extremely short of containers and chassis. Members also reported a trend of lower surcharges and some weakening container rates. The Competitive Shipping action team meets quarterly. Contact Katelyn if you are interested in joining the action team.

The Presidential Emergency Board issued its recommendations for a new rail labor contract, suggesting a 24% wage increase over five years. This splits rail labor request for a 31.3% increase compared to the railroad offer of 17%. If the two sides cannot reach an agreement by Sept. 16, Congress may need to intervene to prevent a strike or lockout. Read the full recommendations here.

In attempt of diversifying supply chains and build on self-sufficiency in the Midwest, the North Dakota Trade Office Duluth Cargo Connect and Valley Worldwide Logistics Solutions have established a logistics network between Duluth and Europe. The network is a single source solution for domestic trucking, drayage, ocean freight forwarding, transloading, warehousing and overstuffing. Valley Worldwide will be offering direct intermodal vessel service between Duluth, Minnesota and Antwerp, Belgium via the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, with more worldwide routings in the works. For more information, contact Ian Nicks with Valley Worldwide at Ian@valleyexp.com or 951-233-5347.

U.S. grain exports continue to be a highlight of the Great Lakes shipping season. The Great Lakes ports traded with at least 27 countries during July, according to the St. Lawrence Seaway tonnage report. Through July, the seaway system has moved 514,000 tons of U.S. grain, a 37% increase compared to 2021. Learn more here.

While shipping container fees are decreasing in most parts of the world, five U.S. ports top the list of most expensive detention and demurrage (D&D) fees. The average D&D charge at the Port of New York is $3,182, followed by Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland and Savannah. Read more from CNBC here.