De minimis shipments, valued at $800 or less, have surged in recent years, largely due to the rapid expansion of e-commerce. These shipments now account for 92% of U.S. imports, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing approximately 4 million daily—up from 2.8 million the previous year. While this [...]
As the new administration takes office, one of the most closely watched areas of economic policy is the potential shift in trade strategies—particularly when it comes to tariffs and free trade agreements. With the global economy still navigating the after-effects of the pandemic, supply chain challenges, and evolving geopolitical [...]
Labor negotiations across North American ports are facing critical challenges, with disputes over automation on the U.S. East Coast and government-mandated arbitration in Canada sparking intense resistance among longshore unions. Both the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in the U.S. and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 in [...]
In Week 46, the Canada labor action continues to disrupt operations at British Columbia’s major ports, halting vessel, rail, and truck activities at Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Fraser-Surrey. Meanwhile, transpacific trade sees notable market shifts, with the U.S. West Coast saw ample space availability and reductions, while the East [...]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded nearly $3 billion in grants through its Clean Ports Program, a major initiative funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, to support zero-emission port equipment, infrastructure, and climate-focused planning at ports across 27 states and territories. The new funding builds on the [...]
Week 45 of the freight market finds labor action in Canada creating port congestion and rail operations impacting North America. SPECIAL EDITION: CANADA PORT WORKER LABOR ACTION SUPPLY CHAIN IMPACT The union representing longshoremen at the Port of Montreal (CUPE 375) went [...]
ZEMBA RFI REPORT As more companies and governing agencies seek to reduce GHG emissions, the ocean shipping industry faces the challenge of reducing emissions. The sector, responsible for approximately 2-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, to decarbonize, has an array of e-fuel solutions now under consideration. To accelerate this [...]
In Week 44 of 2024, the freight market faces compounded disruptions as dock workers at the Port of Montreal prepare to launch an unlimited strike, adding pressure to a global logistics network already stretched thin. Meanwhile, persistent equipment shortages and prolonged dwell [...]
Demand for air cargo from Asia to Europe surged sharply in October, with e-commerce growth offsetting the usual lull following China’s Golden Week. This unexpected demand boost shifts from typical seasonal patterns, signaling strong volume momentum driven by factors like increased online shopping promotions and new product launches. The early [...]
In Week 43, the freight market sees significant U.S. rail congestion, with Los Angeles/Long Beach containers averaging 10-day dwell times and off-dock cargo facing even longer delays. Inland hubs like Chicago and Dallas are also congested due to a railcar shortage, prompting [...]
