UPDATE: Negotiations for Gulf and East coast labor contract to begin 2023, Longshore union confident there will be no disputes

Leaders of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are expressing confidence that the union will secure a new six-year contract following the start of negotiations with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (the group that represents Gulf and East coast port employers).

The swift agreement to the two parties’ previous contract in 2018 supports the union’s claim that talks in 2023 will result in a similar fashion.

Of course, the same can’t be said for the West Coast and its ongoing negotiations. Since its start in early May, talks have stalled between the ILWU (the West Coast’s longshore union) and the PMA (the group representing port employers).

UPDATE: U.S. and Canada Ports – Number of Cargo Vessels at Anchor 

• Vancouver: 37 Vessels at Anchor (+8)
• Savannah: 20 Vessels at Anchor (-6)
• Houston: 30 Vessels at Anchor (+10)
• San Francisco/Oakland: 9 Vessels at Anchor (+4)
• Los Angeles/Long Beach: 6 Vessels at Anchor (0)
• Mobile: 5 Vessels at Anchor (-3)
• New York/Newark: 6 Vessels at Anchor (+3)
• Charleston: 2 Vessels at Anchor (+1)

Note: Count taken on November 29, 2022. This count does not include vessels moored and being unloaded at port docks. Colored numbers in parentheses represents the change from last week over. Data is courtesy of MarineTraffic’s live vessel traffic map.

Have another U.S. or Canadian port you’d like us to track weekly? Let us know!

Takeaways

• U.S. West Coast: Last week, Los Angeles and Long Beach reported “zero” vessels queued offshore. In reality, there are six vessels at anchor. However, insiders say these remaining ships are waiting by choice.

Either way, the premier gateway of the USWC had minimal congestion. This is a far cry from the over 100 vessels waiting off its coast in early January.

• U.S. Gulf Coast: If you’re someone who only believes if you see, look below. Last week, reports revealed both export and import volumes in an out of Houston boosted in October. Yesterday, Houston had 30 vessels off its shore at anchor. Clearly, an indication of bustling freight activity for the Gulf’s largest port.

Yesterday, 30 vessels were at anchor outside of Houston. Image is courtesy of MarineTraffic.

• U.S. East Coast: Our count of Savannah’s queue revealed a strong week-over-week improvement. While its backlog remains the Achille’s heal to an otherwise minimally congested EC, we are optimistic that Savannah’s numbers will remain steadily falling.

• Canada: Just when Vancouver slipped under 30 for its vessel queue last week, Canada’s largest port only thought it’d be appropriate to revers that triumph. We can largely thank Vancouver’s outstanding issue of berthing delays for its endless sway of congestion.

IMPORT: Asia to North America (TPEB)

Recent Developments:

• West Coast contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) remain active. The existing labor contract between the two parties expired July 1.

• Rail congestion is considerable at most ports, including inland hubs.

Rates: Demand remains dropping. Spot rates are now at pre-pandemic levels. Transpacific service contracts of some shippers have been renegotiated to adjust with these market changes and deter shippers from opting for more favorable spot rates.
Space: Space is open.
Capacity: Capacity is very much open for transpacific trade. Carriers are struggling to match capacities with plummeting demand. Carrier’s overcapacity has spurred on blank sailings.
Equipment: Chassis availability is in a crunch in pockets, but with production amping up and lower import volumes coming through, there is hope of relief. Congested rail ramps remain an issue.
TIPS:
• Book at least two weeks prior to the ready date.
• For cargo ready now, take advantage of open space and softened rates on the spot market.
• Blank sailings are in play which may affect schedule integrity.

IMPORT: Europe to North America (TAWB)

Recent Developments:

• Labor-related tensions continue at Britain’s largest port, Felixstowe, as its dockworkers and port employers remain without a new labor deal.

• An easing market for this trade has afforede U.S. ports an opportunity to improve on their congestion and wait times.

Rates: Rates have fallen in December thanks to lower demand and carriers adjusting typical PSS fees.
Space: Space to both U.S. coasts have opened up as American port congestion overall eases.
Capacity: Capacity has improved, but not to the extent that was expected through November. Our eyes shift to Q1 2023 where more vessels will likely be shifted to this trade.
Equipment: Like it’s been for the past year, the equipment crunch is still an issue at European ports. Not much better at inland hubs, either.
TIPS:
• Book at least four weeks prior to ready date.
• Stay up to date with your forwarder and carrier advisories on anticipated added to this trade come 2023.
• Strongly consider premium services for no-roll options and improved reliability of cargo.

EXPORT: North America to Asia

Rates: Rates are stable.
Capacity: Capacity remains stable, except in pockets where it can be severe.
Equipment: Chassis and container deficits still exist at inland hubs, like Kansas City and Memphis.
TIPS:
• Book at least four weeks prior to the time of departure to secure necessary equipment.
• Stay in close communication with your provider and carrier to secure necessary equipment.