News

Advisories

06 11 2024

    Vancouver Port Operations Suspended November 4th

    The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) started a wide-ranging, indefinite lock-out following the strike action by the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU514) on November 4thAll container terminal operations in Vancouver, including yard, rail, and vessel activities, are suspended until further notice, effective November 4th, 4:30 a.m. PST. For additional information:

    We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates about further developments. Customers should contact their OIA Global representative for support or alternative logistics solutions.

     

    Learn more

    30 10 2024

      Severe Flooding in Valencia, Spain

      Heavy rains in Eastern Spain have caused widespread flooding, severely affecting Valencia’s transportation logistics and infrastructure throughout the wider region. Floodwaters have caused chaos, knocking down bridges and distributing cars throughout the countryside.

      The port of Valencia is facing significant challenges as floodwaters have made many roads into and out of the logistics hub impassable, disrupting loading/unloading activities and causing long delays.

      Image source: Alberto Saiz, AP News, accessed via NPR.

       

      Service Disruptions
      Due to these conditions, OIA Global is experiencing interruptions in its supply chain and logistics services. Our teams are working tirelessly to mitigate these disruptions and ensure that clients’ needs are met as efficiently as possible. We will continue to implement contingency plans as we navigate these challenges strategically.

      More information

      advisory-spain-valencia-flooding-alberto-saiz-AP-news-cars-flooded-street

      24 10 2024

      • OIA Global

      New Data Requirements for Air Canada's PACT Program Effective 1 November 2024

      Effective 1 November 2024, all mandatory data elements required for both the Master Air Waybills and House Air Waybills must be completed and accurate for each shipment at the time of tender. Note: HS Codes are not currently mandatory for PACT. 

       

      Data ElementDescription (MAWB & HAWB-level)
      Shipper nameIndividual or business shipper name
      Consignee nameIndividual or business consignee name
      Shipper addressIndividual or business email address
      Consignee addressIndividual or business email address
      PiecesPiece, box, skid count or SLAC (Shipper Loaded and Counted for shipments travelling to the United States).
      WeightWeight of shipment
      Goods descriptionProvide detailed commodity descriptions. It must be a clear and concise description of an item. (For more information about acceptable vs. unacceptable cargo descriptions, click here)
      Air waybill numberCargo control number (CCN)

       

      Implementation Guide

      Canadian flag in colorful sky representing Canadian port operations and the Montreal port strike.

      14 10 2024

      • OIA Global

      U.S. & Canadian Customs Authorities Target Vague Cargo Descriptions

      As of 10 October 2024, OIA Global must strictly enforce new regulations from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (SBSA) regarding vague cargo and merchandise descriptions.

      On 1 April 2024, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) nationally implemented new cargo messaging to notify the entry filer of shipments with vague, non-compliant cargo descriptions. Importers are responsible for ensuring that shippers provide detailed and precise merchandise descriptions and that these descriptions are properly manifested in AMS before arrival in the United States. Non-compliance may result in “do not load” statuses at ports of origin, clearance delays at ports of entry, or financial penalties.

      • According to the CBP, “19 CFR § 4.7a, 122.48a, 123.91, 123.92 and 128.21 require a precise, or specific, description of the merchandise. Carriers and other parties electing to file electronic cargo information data to CBP are required to provide a precise description of the cargo.”
      • Provide a precise description of the cargo, including, but not limited to, “gift,” “daily necessities,” “accessories,” “parts,” and “consolidated.” “Consolidated” is only acceptable at the master bill level.
      • In the case of an error, ACE Cargo Release will send a message after the cargo is released. At that time, brokers and importers must correct the issue with the shipper and bill of lading issuer to be compliant with future shipments.

      Careful attention to these details will ensure smooth operations and avoid unnecessary demurrage fees. For any questions or concerns, please contact complianceamericasregion.support@oiaglobal.com.

       

      More information

      04 10 2024

        ILA / USXM Reach Tentative Agreement Until January 15, 2025.

        “The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025 to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues,” The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance said in a joint statement.

        A final agreement would still have to be ratified by union members.

        More information

        Container ship at port with cranes respresenting USMX and ILA labor negotiations and potential port disruption.

        02 10 2024

        • GCaptain
        • Splash247
        • The LoadStar

        Major Work Stoppage on U.S. East / Gulf Coast Ports

        As of 1 October 2024, the labor contract between United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has expired, and ILA members are now on strike. Dozens of major ocean terminals on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts will remain closed for the duration of the work stoppage.  

        Some carriers have already invoked Force Majeure or implemented additional charges related to recent events. In commercial/international law, force majeure signifies an extraordinary and unforeseen event whose occurrence frees the agreed-upon parties from certain obligations to one another. Force majeure incidents typically include wars, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, pandemics, or civil unrest like riots.

        • HSBC Global Research reports that the strike could impact >50% of U.S. imports and +/-15% of the global fleet. They warn that imports from Europe and Latin America could be stalled, while diversions of Asian imports could congest the U.S. West Coast.  
        • The expired agreement impacts workers at 6/10 of the busiest port facilities. Shipping analysts at Linerlytica noted: “The 14 ports controlled by the ILA handled 28.4m TEUs of containerized cargo in 2023, almost 550,000 TEU each week. For each week the strike continues, it would hold up [impact] 1.7% of the global containership fleet.”  

        Learn more

        13 09 2024

        • International Railway Journal

        India's Government Approves >900km in New Railway Projects

        India’s government approved eight new rail projects that will add 900km and 64 new stations to the Indian Railways (IR) network:

        • Gunupur – Therubali (73.6km)
        • Junagadh – Nabarangpur (116.2km)
        • Badampahar – Kendujhargarh (82.1km)
        • Bangriposi – Gorumahisani (85.6km)
        • Malkangiri – Pandurangpur (173.6km)
        • Buramara – Chakulia (60km)
        • Jalna -Jalgaon (174km)
        • Vikramshila – Katareah (26.2km)

        Full story

        OIA’s Monthly Market Report

        These informative and comprehensive documents highlight critical supply chain news and events, with information sourced from the industry’s leading sources. Content sections include: market trends and data analysis, infrastructure, ESG news, technology developments, customs and compliance changes, and much more.

        OIA’s market reports are published during the first business week of every month. We encourage you to download and share it with others!

         

        Media Contact

        Michelle M. Morgado

        Director of Global Marketing

        michelle.morgado@oiaglobal.com