IHSA Shippers Association

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East Coast Strike: A Deeper Dive into the Standoff

The ongoing strike by dockworkers on the U.S. East Coast has brought maritime trade to a standstill, leaving many to wonder: why hasn't a resolution been reached? While it appears counterintuitive, several factors incentivize both the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to prolong the strike. Why the Strike Drags…

Navigating the Waves: Spot Rates vs. Contract Rates in Ocean Shipping

The shipping industry is buzzing. Rates are climbing, carriers are thriving and shippers are feeling the pinch. Is it 2020 all over again? While the current market may feel familiar, understanding your options is key to navigating these turbulent waters. Let’s dive into the difference between spot rates and contract rates to help you make informed shipping decisions. Spot…

Supply Chain Update: A Closer Look at Containerized Ocean Freight and Its Impact on the Housewares Industry

The global supply chain remains a complex and ever-changing landscape. As we navigate these fluctuating waters, staying informed about key developments in containerized ocean freight is crucial to making informed decisions and maintaining efficient operations. Regulatory Landscape: Recent rulings by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) have sought to address…

Why Shipping Rates Are Soaring (and When Relief Might Come)

If you thought the days of skyrocketing ocean shipping rates were behind us, think again. Just when shippers hoped for a post-pandemic reprieve, a perfect storm of factors once again pushed prices upwards. Here's the lowdown on what's happening and what to expect: Capacity Crunch: Not What We Expected Before the Chinese New Year in 2024, the outlook seemed promising for…

Shippers Faced with High Freight Rates and Strong Demand

The Asia to U.S. market is experiencing a heavy surge in demand. The surge has caused freight rates to increase substantially over the last month. This has been costly for shippers that rely on the spot market to move their cargo. Shippers can expect spot rates to continually increase as long as demand outpaces available capacity. The strong market condition has caught many…

2024-25 Ocean Contracts Finalized

Service contracts covering containers moving between Asia and the United States have been finalized. It was initially thought that the new service contract rates would remain unchanged or receive slight decreases in some cases. The steady increase in container volume from Asia during the first quarter of 2024 has allowed the carriers to secure modest price increases for the…

Expect Disputes at Port of Baltimore

The ship owner is denying responsibility for the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26. Lawyers petitioned U.S. district courts of Maryland citing why the ship owner was not at fault. While the blame game plays out in court, U.S. regulators are expecting a slew of disputes over excess fees being charged to shippers unable to utilize the…

Rhetoric Heats up Over Potential Strike at U.S. Ports

The threat of a potential strike at U.S. ports has traditionally been centered around West Coast ports. That is no longer the case. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents East and Gulf Coast ports, is warning of a potential strike unless key issues can be resolved. Wages and automation appear to be the key issues that need to be resolved to avert a…

IHSA Begins Ocean Contract Negotiations

The ocean shipping market continues to be very unstable as it has been since the beginning of the pandemic. In a short three-year period, shippers have been exposed to record high-rate levels, record low-rate levels, severe space limitations and fractured supply chains. The instability in the Red Sea is the latest hurdle that shippers must now overcome. The majority of…