Newsletter – January 22, 2020

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

It’s ‘time to get real’ on air cargo load factors to earn the industry the recognition it deserves

ajot.com

The global utilisation of air cargo capacity is 35% higher than the traditional industry indicator suggests, according to a new data services company introducing the ‘dynamic load factor’ analyses. Read more here.

IATA Issues Updated Guidance for the Transport of Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries

iata.org

The International Air Transport Association has issued the 2020 Lithium Battery Guidance Document, revised for the 2020 IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Read more here.

Heathrow freight and luggage services could be hit as Vanderlande cargo handlers dispute escalates

unitetheunion.org

Potential strike action at ground handling firm Vanderlande Industries over a pay dispute and attempts at ‘union-busting’ could hit Heathrow freight and baggage services, Unite, Britain and Ireland’s largest union, warned today (Friday 17 January). Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Major French ports hit by another 72-hour strike

lloydsloadinglist.com

The ports and docks branch of the CGT labour union has called for another 72-hour strike at France’s major ports beginning today in protest against the government’s proposals for the reform of state pensions. Read more here.

Shippers get boxes rolled on strong spot ocean freight rates

freightwaves.com

An increasing number of canceled sailings between Asia and the U.S. is tipping rates in the carriers’ favor. The upshot is that ocean carriers are taking advantage of some of the best rates in three months by deferring contract cargo in favor of spot freight as shippers try to book space ahead of China’s Lunar New Year shutdown. Read more here.

For US ports, ‘gloves are back off and we are able to ship to China again

freightwaves.com

Everything from driverless trucks, the U.S. tariff war with China and the growth of ocean ports was discussed during the opening day of the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) Transportation Summit in San Antonio. Read more here.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Stopping Imports Made with Forced Labor is Part of New Anti-Trafficking Strategy

strtrade.com

Interdicting imports of goods made with forced labor is one of the objectives of the Department of Homeland Security’s recently released strategy for combating human trafficking. DHS states that it plans to publish within 180 days a plan for implementing this strategy that includes specific deliverables, timelines, and metrics for key results. Read more here.