Business

   President Obama on Friday signed legislation that grants Russia permanent normal trade relations (PNTR).    The 2012 Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law and […]

   A New Jersey man on Friday was arrested for illegally trafficking in narwhal tusks and associated money laundering crimes, the Justice Department said.    On Nov. 14, a federal […]

BlueWater Reporting has announced today the launch of a new Website, www.BlueWaterReporting.com. The new service combines business intelligence tools for liner shipping analytics on a global basis with news content […]

“If a new labor agreement is not reached and a port shutdown occurs, we respectfully ask you to be prepared to immediately put into place measures,” the organization told the […]

   A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, his girlfriend and two of their associates pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court for their participation in multi-year bribery and human […]

A federal mediator said after contract talks on Tuesday and Wednesday the Pacific Northwest Grain Handlers and ILWU Locals 4, 8, 19 and 23 “have agreed they require additional time to review […]

FMC Chairman Richard Lidinsky noted that foreign NVOs have wanted to be able to offer Negotiated Rate Arrangements since the commission approved allowing domestic NVOs to offer them.

   Two barge industry groups said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has named two contractors to remove rock pinacles in the Mississippi at Thebes, Ill., and that the agency […]

   A senior Commerce Department official helping to oversee the overhaul of the country’s antiquated export control regulations said the Obama administration is committed to following through on concluding these […]

   The U.S. Commerce Department on Tuesday reported that the country’s exports in goods and services for October were down 3.6 percent from the previous month to $180.5 billion.    […]

   Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to increase 3.9 percent in December despite a strike that closed the nation’s largest port complex for […]

   With the U.S. government’s recent order to impose duties of Chinese solar panels, a group representing U.S. manufacturers of this equipment warned importers that tariffs may climb.    Federal […]

There may be a need for further improvements to the Panama Canal even after the waterway completes its current expansion in 2015, said Alberto Alemán Zubieta, former administrator of the […]

An association representing a half dozen grain terminals on the Columbia River and Puget Sound said over the weekend that federal mediators have called for additional meetings to reach a […]

   The U.S. government expressed its irritation with Russia over the country’s new requirement that U.S. beef and pork shipments be tested and certified free of the feed additive ractopamine. […]

   Contract talks resume today between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and its employers, represented by the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), in Delray Beach, Fla.    Shipper groups are urging the two […]

A wide group of U.S. companies are urging the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and its employers to “make every attempt possible at reaching agreement on a new contract” when they […]

These restrictions include the broad use of “non-transparent and discretionary import licensing requirements that have the effect of unfairly restricting U.S. exports,” the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said.

   The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed the 2012 Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act by a vote of 92-4, clearing the way for U.S. companies to take full advantage […]

   The National Foreign Trade Council and the U.S.-Middle East Free Trade (MEFTA) Coalition welcomed the announcement of three new U.S.-Morocco initiatives aimed at advancing bilateral trade and investment ties […]

Many American shippers are disturbed that the administration, if not President Obama himself, failed to issue even a statement about the importance of ending the now-concluded strike in the Southern California ports.

The parent company of Sea Star Line and Totem Ocean Trailer Express said Tuesday that it will build two new 3,100-TEU containerships for the Puerto Rico trade that will be […]

The Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Employers Association said at 11 p.m. PST that they had reached an agreement on a new contract to replace one that had expired on June […]

   The U.S. Senate may vote as early as today on the pending 2012 Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act, which many industry groups say would open their trade opportunities […]

   Nearly 100 trade associations from around the country — groups representing the interests of retailers, manufacturers, farmers and transportation companies — sent a letter today asking President Obama to […]

The agency has implemented 11 improvements to its Safety Measurement System (SMS) to enhance its ability to identify and take action against truckers with safety and compliance concerns.

   The United States said it will support two activities to assist China’s efforts to develop its rail and port sectors.    U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Leocadia I. […]

The USDA in its second Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade in fiscal year 2013 said the country’s farm exports have climbed more than 50 percent in value, from $96.3 billion in 2009 to […]

A half-dozen large shippers polled on a not-for-attribution basis by American Shipper this week said they were surprised by how quickly the breakdown in contract talks developed into a strike.

A strike by members of the 600 members of International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 63, Office Clerical Unit (OCU) enters its second week today. Meanwhile, American Shipper has […]

German container line hooks into electrical power in Oakland, signalling key step in efforts to comply with 2014 California mandate that certain percentage of ship calls use so-called “cold ironing” […]

Hawaii attorney and former state senator files class action suit in attempt to overturn Jones Act, saying it creates duopoly of service that increases cost of goods for Hawaii residents […]

   The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse will lead a mission to promote U.S. agricultural exports to Russia, Dec. 3-7.    […]

   The United States is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of remanufactured goods, according to a new report by the U.S. International Trade Commission.    Remanufacturing, which is the […]

   A strike by longshoremen crippled the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on Wednesday, spreading from one to 10 terminals in the two ports.    Phillip Sanfield, a […]

   The National Retail Federation has urged President Obama “to use all means necessary” to restart stalled contract negotiations between management and striking union workers at the Ports of Los […]

Shushter    Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., who was selected Wednesday to be the next House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman, announced the appointment of key senior staff to lead the […]

   A study commissioned by the Alliance for Global Food Security, a coalition of 14 private voluntary organizations and cooperatives engaged in international food aid, found that “monetization” generates multiple […]

“Since they operate their business on a roundtrip basis, it only makes sense to view the two segments as an integrated whole from an agreement perspective as well,” said TSA […]

   Trade groups representing the nation’s waterways transport industry have asked the White House and Federal Emergency Management Agency for a declaration of emergency to help alleviate worsening water level […]

   U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez is leading a trade mission this week, Nov. 26-30, in Zambia and South Africa.    Some of the 14 companies […]

   Clerical workers representated by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 63 Office Clerical Unit went on strike at APM Terminals (APMT) Pier 400 facility in the Port of […]

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has received 19 ocean transportation intermediary license applications and changes for review.

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has received 19 ocean transportation intermediary license applications and changes for review.

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has received 19 ocean transportation intermediary license applications and changes for review.

   The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has received 19 license applications and changes for review.    The FMC received non-vessel-operating common carrier license applications from Damco A/S, Madiso, N.J. (James Percival, […]

   The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has received 19 license applications and changes for review.     The FMC received non-vessel-operating common carrier license applications from Apex Maritime Co., Houston (Vicky Cheung, […]

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has received 19 ocean transportation intermediary license applications and changes for review.

FMC reviews 19 OTI license applications

   The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has received 19 license applications and changes for review.    The FMC received non-vessel-operating common carrier license applications from Evastar, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Eva […]

Information why an applicant should not receive a license may be given to the Office of Transportation Intermediaries.

FMC reviews 19 OTI license applications

   The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has received 19 license applications and changes for review.     The FMC received non-vessel-operating common carrier license applications from DRV Cargo Express, Miami (Dante R. […]

   The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has received 19 license applications and changes for review.    The FMC received non-vessel-operating common carrier license applications AGS Cargo USA, Doral, Fla. (Nathalie […]

Individuals knowing of any reason why an applicant should not receive an OTI license or amendment are urged to contact the Office of Transportation Intermediaries.

   American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (American Club) said it will increase premiums 10 percent on all classes of premium (mutual and fixed-premium) for both protection and […]

The Tampa Bay port this week discharged more than 52,000 tons of Brazilian-produced corn from the ship King Fraser. The corn is being imported to offset drought-stricken U.S. production shortfalls […]

   The Portland Oregonian newspaper is reporting that an Oregon state labor official will meet with representatives from the Port of Portland and a longshore local that represents 25 security […]

   The International Longshore and Warehouse Union said Monday grain companies operating terminals along Columbia River and Puget Sound have given local workers a final contract offer that “demands deep […]

USTR on Monday hosted the first meeting of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Commission (FTC), the body responsible for supervising the implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and resolving issues.

   The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has named Frederick G. “Bud” Wright to executive director.    Wright succeeds John Horsley, who has served as executive […]

   The U.S. Export-Import Bank has authorized a comprehensive guarantee on a $500 million loan to Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT S.A. (LOT Airlines) for the export of a fleet of […]

   Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal said Monday that as part of his fiscal year 2014 budget proposal, he will seek an additional $50 million in funding for the Savannah Harbor […]

   Avianca Airlines, Colombia’s flagship airline, has ordered three Boeing 787 Dreamliners, valued at $620 million.    The order brings Avianca’s total 787 order count to 15 Dreamliners, which includes […]

   The Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) has appointed Capt. Andrew Clifton to general manager.    Established in 1979, SIGTTO promotes industry best practices and safety […]

The European Shippers Council (ESC) expressed concern Monday about potential harm to several industries from new limits on the sulfur content of fuel used by ships in the Baltic and […]

   The St. Lawrence Seaway reported total cargo shipments in October of 4.4 million metric tons, a 9.8 percent increase over the same month last year.     For the period March […]

The U.S. House on Friday approved the 2012 Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act legislation, which if approved by the Senate and signed by the president would establish permanent normal […]

   The World Trade Organization on Friday adopted both its Panel and Appellate Body reports in a dispute with China over the imposition of duties on U.S exports of grain […]

   The U.S. Transportation Department has proposed to allow Delta Air Lines to serve Tokyo’s downtown Haneda Airport from Seattle.    Under a U.S.-Japan agreement, U.S. airlines may operate a total […]

By Chris Gillis       All indications in the market are that freight transportation costs, both international and domestic, are on the rise for American shippers in 2013.    These […]

   The six commissioners of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on Nov. 7 voted unanimously that domestic producers of photovoltaic solar panels are harmed by similar imports dumped on […]

   It’s not unusual to find stories in the financial pages about companies and individuals buying up portfolios of patents — often related to software — just to become “patent […]

   The WorldWide Alliance, a network of neutral non-vessel-operating common carriers, has launched WWA 2.0, its second-generation iPad application.    The upgraded version features a new design and enhanced navigation. […]

Criminal prosecution of BP and several of employees has implications for the shipping industry, underscoring the importance of adhering to safety and potential criminal liability of individuals if an accident […]

It’s particularly important off the coast of Alaska where the OCS is twice the size of California and “some of the richest resources in the world are there –literally trillions of […]

   The Waterways Council, Inc., at its board meeting in Houston Tuesday, unanimously endorsed the American Waterworks Act, which was proposed in late October by Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and […]

“Imposing this tax over the entire flight, the bulk of which may be in another nation’s airspace or over international waters, clearly violates international law and U.S. sovereignty,” said Rep. […]

   A study released by the Government Accountability Office on Tuesday says there should be more coordination between the Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Department of Transportation to improve […]

Import cargo volume at the nation’s 12 major retail container ports is expected to total 1.37 million TEUs in November, 5.9 percent more than in same month last year, according […]

   The U.S. Military Sealift Command’s first Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) ship completed its first float-out at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego on Tuesday.    Designated T-MLP-1, […]

   Robroy MacInnes, 54, of Fort Myers, Fla., Robert Keszey, 47, of Bushnell, Fla., and Glades Herp Farm Inc., were charged in a two-count indictment in federal court in Philadelphia, […]

   XRS Corp. (formerly Xata Corp.), a developer of mobile fleet software, appointed Christian Schenk to senior vice president for product strategy and market growth.    Previously, Schenk was vice […]

“This is a truly historic moment,” said World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy on Nov. 8. “After so many twists and turns, these complicated and politically contentious disputes can finally […]

Of the supply chain executives surveyed by BDP International, 87 percent indicated their companies are considering or have already begun to move production closer to end markets, sourcing and selling […]

   Total U.S. steel exports in September 2012 were 1.058 million tons compared to 1.172 million tons in August 2012, a 9.7 percent decrease, and a 12.8 percent decrease compared […]

   The U.S. Commerce Department’s Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Thursday that exports for September rose 3.1 percent to $187 billion and imports increased 1.5 percent to […]

Two major barge industry organizations, the American Waterways Operators and Waterways Council, Inc., are calling on Congress and the Obama administration to expedite Corps of Engineers rock removal along the […]

   The Preactor Group, a developer of production planning and scheduling software (APS), has entered a partnership with Epic Data International.    Andy Willis, chief operating officer of Preactor North […]

   MiX Telematics, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based provider of vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions, launched its Asset Tracking 1300 series, an online trailer tracking and monitoring service for fleet […]

   The U.S. Export-Import Bank voted Thursday to guarantee a JPMorgan Chase loan totaling $35 million to Devco International of Tulsa, Okla., for the design and construction of a sulfur […]

   Blue Tree Systems, a provider of trailer tracking, reefer monitoring and in-cab fleet management solutions, appointed Jack Jacobs to national sales executive for North America.    Jacobs, who was […]

   Two Pakistani nationals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia on charges alleging that they operated Internet sites that illegally shipped pharmaceuticals from […]

   Mississippi’s governor says he wants to speed up development of the Port of Gulfport.    The Sun Herald newspaper, reporting on a meeting it had with Gov. Phil Bryant Wednesday, […]

   A leader of the Virginia Maritime Association and Virginia’s transportation secretary have engaged in a very public debate about the financial health of the Hampton Roads ports.    In […]

The bank has extended provisions to help exporters and financial institutions located in those portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast that have been declared federal disaster areas due to the […]

The DOT agency on Monday said it’s leading an Interstate Petroleum Transport Team to ensure the quickest and most efficient movement of fuel to the region devastated by Hurricane Sandy.