[Labor] U.S. Longshore Negotiations: According to sources close to the talks, three issues have contributed to the lack of progress in contract negotiations: automation; wages; and pensions.

The longshore union, representing some 45,000 dockworkers across U.S. East and Gulf coast ports, has vowed to strike beginning Tuesday (Oct. 1) if a favorable proposal is not offered by maritime employers before the existing contract’s expiration date (Sep. 30).

For the latest chronicle on the U.S. longshore contract cycle, refer to our August issue of Interlog Insights! 

[International Holiday] China’s Golden Week Starts Oct. 1: One of China’s main celebratory periods will begin in less than two weeks. China’s annual Golden Week will start Oct. 1 and conclude Oct. 7. During this week-long stretch, millions of Chinese citizens will take off work, including those in the transportation and manufacturing industries. Unless advised otherwise, all major ports and inland depots will be operationally limited, while factories, warehouses, or other relevant businesses will temporarily close.

A “pre-holiday rush” occurs in the weeks leading up to Golden Week, an acceleration in demand which elevates freight rates and tightens space. The impacts of this holiday are regularly expected, but nonetheless can lead to shipping delays and added costs for unprepared U.S. importers.

URGENT BOOKING: If you have ready orders that need to be brought in before Golden Week, InterlogUSA has options available for last-minute bookings. Contact us to see if they work for you.

[Business] CMA CGM Stakes Claim of Brazil Terminal Operator: Ocean carrier CMA CGM has signed a deal to purchase 47.6 percent of Brazil’s largest terminal operator Santos Brasil for $1.2 billion, according to a Sep. 23 press release on the company’s website. The French-based carrier added it will plan to acquire remaining shares over the next couple of months.

Santos Brasil possesses five terminals in Brazil, three of which handle containers. The move will deepen CMA CGM’s roots in the South America market, a growing sphere of trade for both the U.S. and Europe.

[Air Freight] Executives Anticipate ‘Historic Peak Season’: Air carrier executives foretell a record-breaking performance for peak season freight volumes in 2024. With the industry already subjected to flourishing e-commerce demand, executives who spoke to the Journal of Commerce explained that a seasonal surge in online shopping will double down on this growing business to cap out the year.