525 S. Douglas St. , #100• El Segundo, CA 90245 • (310) 607-8000 | |
The MV Dali Finally Departs | |
The MV Dali, a 9,000 TEU container vessel, was successfully refloated at the Port of Baltimore after causing a massive blockage for nearly two months following its collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Synchronized with the high tide, this effort marks a crucial step in restoring port operations. The resumption comes amid significant increases in container spot rates driven by high demand, limited capacity, and container repositioning needs, particularly on ex-Asia routes. The ongoing market correction and container shortages in northern China further challenge logistics. Shippers and forwarders must remain agile in response to these market conditions. | |
FMC's New Detention and Demurrage Rules Now in Effect | |
The US Federal Maritime Commission's (FMC) revised detention and demurrage (D&D) rules took effect yesterday, introducing significant changes to billing, timeframes, and dispute processes. Key provisions include:
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Billing: D&D invoices can only be issued to the consignee, the contracting party, or the account holder. Proper billing is crucial, with third parties able to receive invoices but not listed as payers.
- Timeframes: VOCCs and MTOs must issue invoices within 30 days of charges, while NVOCCs have 30 days from receiving their invoice. Billed parties have 30 days to request fee mitigation, refunds, or waivers.
- Invoice Information: Invoices must include identifiable information about the billing party. Missing information voids the obligation to pay.
The FMC aims to promote supply chain fluidity and provide relief to parties wrongfully billed for D&D charges.
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Rising Demand Meets Capacity Crunch | |
The conflict in the Red Sea is causing significant disruptions in global ocean freight logistics, exposing the vulnerabilities of interconnected supply chains. Rerouting ships around the Cape of Good Hope has lengthened shipping times and increased costs, straining capacity on crucial routes and leading to higher freight rates. Carriers are adjusting pricing strategies, causing frustration among shippers and importers. Analysts predict continued volatility until Q3, highlighting the need for expert logistics partners and strategic risk management. | |
Section 301s are Back in the News | |
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced strategic adjustments to Section 301 tariffs, which are set to impact various international trade and logistics sectors. Effective in the next few years, these changes are designed to address the challenges posed by China’s trade practices, particularly concerning technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. Significant tariff increases on products like electric vehicles and semiconductors will disrupt global supply chains, necessitating agile responses from affected businesses. This adjustment provides stakeholders opportunities to shape future policies through public comments and adapt strategies for regulatory compliance and supply chain optimization.
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This week, Coppersmith Global Logistics, working with our customer Galgos Del Sol USA, facilitated the customs clearance of seven rescue dogs who arrived in Boston. These dogs were without owners in their home country of Spain and Galgos works to find adoptive parents in the United States.
Lenny Fishman, Coppersmith's New York Branch Manager, worked with our customer to arrange a shipment of 5 Spanish Galgos and 2 Whippets.
Per Lenny, "Another successful dog rescue by the wonderful team at Coppersmith, NY."
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Cargo insurance is critical. |
Remember accidents can happen anywhere.
Adequate insurance protects your shipment from pilferage, loss, accidents and weather.
Contact Coppersmith for assistance.
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Negotiations for contracts covering 45,000 dockworkers at US east and Gulf coast ports are set to begin, with the current agreement expiring in four months. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) aim to start master contract talks after local contracts are resolved by mid-May. Both sides are committed to reaching a new agreement by 30 September to avoid disruptions. Previous negotiations in 2012 and 2018 successfully achieved six-year agreements. |
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The peak shipping season started early due to low vessel and container availability. Some cited the Red Sea crisis and Suez Canal challenges for lengthening sailing times, reducing idle capacity to 0.7%. Container shortages, reminiscent of the Covid-19 period, have led to increased orders, with manufacturers booked until November. Wan Hai reported an 8% revenue increase to $863.8m and a net profit of $144.6m in Q1 24, with strong consumer demand driving 23% growth in container traffic. |
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