Blogs, News
COVID Restrictions and Delays Abound

Air and Sea Shipments Delayed Due to COVID Protocols

Import and export operations in Tianjin are slowing after a small cluster of COVID cases was discovered, according to third-party logistics providers in China. Meanwhile, in Shenzhen, authorities are blaming a contaminated import shipment infecting a cargo worker, who then spread the virus to three other people.

MORE ON THE DELAYS HERE

Suspended Flights in Hong Kong Extend to Air Cargo

Hong Kong is grappling with a relatively small outbreak of the omicron variant in the community, imposing fresh curbs on a broad range of activities as it strives to stick to a zero-tolerance Covid strategy.

COVID RESTRICTIONS EFFECTING AIR CARGO

UK Border Chaos for Traffic Between UK and EU

With the changes to post-Brexit border policies, pressure is set to intensify for UK importers next week as volumes begin to climb back, post-Christmas lull. The new import controls on EU goods saw a notable hitch when the new IT system, the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), crashed on day one, with forwarders noting extra delays tied to Goods Movement Reference (GMR) production.

MORE ON THE CHAOS HERE

Additional Handling Capacity Available in Seattle

“The opening of Terminal 5 will add an additional berth to our gateway at a time when the supply chain is under increased pressure. We are the only gateway bringing additional berth capacity to our harbors on the West Coast at this critical time. By adding additional deep-water terminal space, we can serve the largest vessels in the industry and increase cargo volumes…”

MORE ON THE OPENING HERE

Canada and Mexico Joint Complaints Over Car Rules Reading

Canada is joining Mexico in formally disputing how the U.S. interprets rules governing the origin of vehicle parts under the trilateral trade agreement between the countries.

MORE ON THE DISPUTE HERE

FMC Regulation of Carriers, Sustainability, and Data Sharing

The president and CEO of the World Shipping Council – Butler – is contending with questions about whether the industry is ready to share data for the sake of moving past the current supply chain disruptions, and the next major cost factor for vessel operators and their customers: greenhouse gas regulations.

READ MORE ON BUTLER’S Q&A HERE