Due to solid rainfall, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has increased the number of available slots for transiting through its panamax locks, adding three extra slots per day, totaling 27 daily transits. Additionally, two extra slots will be auctioned for transit dates starting March 18, and another slot will be available for transit dates starting March 25. Despite this progress, the canal is still operating below its normal capacity of 40 vessels per day. Currently, there are 54 ships waiting to transit the canal, down from a peak of over 160 last August. Read More

Norfolk Southern Railway will halt intermodal service from Charleston and Savannah to Chicago, Cincinnati, and Louisville in mid-March due to low volumes. This move follows a similar decision regarding service to Birmingham and New Orleans. Resources will be redirected to high-volume lanes like Atlanta and Memphis. The Georgia Ports Authority, impacted by the decision, emphasizes that CSX Transportation continues to serve these routes and assures no impact on planned projects. The ports of Charleston and Savannah will focus on other destinations, like Atlanta, Memphis, and inland ports in South Carolina. Read More

Starting July 1, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) will enforce a new policy, reducing the timeframe for exporters to deliver cargo to the Savannah port. Containers will now be permitted to arrive only seven days before a vessel’s scheduled departure, down from nine days. The change aims to align export free time with import free time and has been delayed until July to allow exporters more time to adjust their warehouse operations. Read More

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued final rules for detention and demurrage billing, aimed at protecting port truckers but holding cargo receivers liable for fees, despite their lack of involvement in transportation contracts. The rules, effective 90 days after publication, follow a three-year effort to clarify billing responsibilities. They require issuance of invoices to the contracting party for ocean transportation or storage, with tighter timeframes and provisions for disputing charges. Marine terminals are also covered, despite objections, to prevent circumvention of invoicing requirements. Read More

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has ordered ocean carriers to cease mandating specific chassis for cargo owners and truckers in merchant haulage agreements, following a ruling that such practices violated the US Shipping Act of 1984. The decision, impacting key locations such as the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Savannah, and rail ramps in Chicago and Memphis, addresses concerns over rising chassis rental rates and impediments to competition among intermodal equipment providers. FMC deemed these practices unnecessary for ensuring cargo flow efficiency and highlighted the lack of viable alternatives for motor carriers, noting that such restrictions hinder competition and inflate costs. Read More

On March 8th, the Customs Business Fairness Act (CBFA) has finally been codified into law. The Senate passed H.R. 4366 Fiscal Consolidated Appropriations Act, a comprehensive bill combining several agency spending bills, including CBFA, which had been previously passed by the House. CBFA's inclusion in this bill is significant for the protection of customs brokers and their employees, addressing a longstanding issue in bankruptcy laws. The Act grants customs brokers "subrogation" rights, ensuring that their payments to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are safeguarded from preference payment recovery actions, particularly when importers file for bankruptcy. 

Labor unions, business associations, and stakeholders, supported by bipartisan lawmakers, have formed a coalition targeting the de minimis import loophole, advocating for legislation to prevent non-market economies from exploiting it. Members, including the AFL-CIO, the Alliance for American Manufacturing, and the National Council of Textile Organizations, aim to curb the adverse effects of untaxed imports on American industries and communities. Read More

Eastern Shipping Worldwide, Inc. proudly announces its expansion into Ontario, Canada, a pivotal move in its global growth strategy. Adding to its already vast network of eight offices on three continents across the world.

In sync with previous expansions, Eastern's foray into Canada aligns with the evolving demands of the shipping industry. This expansion demonstrates Eastern's commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of its clients and adapting to evolving market conditions. As the company continues to innovate and develop solutions, clients can expect exceptional service and support.

Eastern Racing, a division of Eastern Shipping Worldwide, is making its mark in the competitive Concours Cup series with skilled driver, Eric Wagner, leading the charge. Starting with Round 1 in Miami, the team secured impressive finishes, including a commendable 5th place, 3rd place, and 2nd place, in subsequent rounds. Currently holding 2nd place in the overall championship standings, Eastern Racing credits much of its success to TVI Racing's pivotal support, resulting in multiple podium finishes throughout the series. Read More

The Eastern Team recently joined a volunteer packing event with Feed My Starving Children, packing 151 boxes of MannaPack Rice bags. This resulted in 32,616 meals packed and 89 children fed for a year, emphasizing their commitment to global care and community service.  Read More