East Coast Gulf Ports Secure Sixyear Labor Deal Amid Automation Dispute

East Coast Gulf Ports Secure Sixyear Labor Deal Amid Automation Dispute

A new six-year agreement has been reached for US East and Gulf Coast ports, ensuring labor peace and paving the way for port development amidst automation. The agreement includes record wage increases, automation protections, and accelerated wage growth for new hires. It aims to balance worker rights with port efficiency, setting the stage for the US to play a more significant role in global trade. This deal addresses key concerns surrounding automation's impact on jobs while securing long-term stability for port operations.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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US Dockworkers Maritime Alliance Agree on Sixyear Labor Deal

US Dockworkers Maritime Alliance Agree on Sixyear Labor Deal

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative six-year agreement, aiming to ensure labor stability at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. A key focus is balancing automation advancement with workers' rights, averting potential strike disruptions. The agreement's ratification and implementation will significantly impact the supply chain. Continued collaboration between the ILA and USMX is crucial for achieving mutual benefits and fostering a stable and efficient port environment. This agreement is a significant step towards ensuring supply chain resilience.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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WCO Workshop Enhances Panama Customs Valuation Practices

WCO Workshop Enhances Panama Customs Valuation Practices

With the support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a virtual workshop on customs valuation for Panama Customs, aiming to enhance its capacity to implement the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation. The workshop covered key concepts, latest developments, and post-clearance audit applications of the Agreement. Through a combination of theory and practice, it improved participants' skills in document review, customs clearance, and risk management. The WCO will continue to deepen cooperation to support global customs capacity building and promote trade prosperity.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Trump Administration Exits Paris Pact Stalling Global Climate Efforts

Trump Administration Exits Paris Pact Stalling Global Climate Efforts

The United States' re-withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has sparked concerns among businesses and environmentalists. Despite the challenges, the long-term need to reduce climate emissions remains, and industry stakeholders should continue to advance climate action. The future of logistics and supply chain sustainability remains to be seen. The withdrawal highlights the importance of continued commitment from other nations and businesses to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Further research and innovation are crucial for sustainable development in the face of global challenges.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Forward Air Sues Omni Logistics As Merger Feud Intensifies

Forward Air Sues Omni Logistics As Merger Feud Intensifies

The merger between Forward Air and Omni Logistics has stalled, leading to a legal battle. Forward Air accuses Omni of failing to fulfill its obligations under the agreement and seeks to terminate the merger. Omni insists that Forward Air honor the agreement. This lawsuit will significantly impact the future development of both companies and serves as a cautionary tale for merger and acquisition transactions in the logistics industry. The outcome remains uncertain, highlighting the risks involved in complex business combinations and the potential for costly litigation when disagreements arise.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Customs Rules on Franchise Fees Complicate Import Pricing

Customs Rules on Franchise Fees Complicate Import Pricing

This article analyzes whether franchise fees should be included in the customs valuation of imported goods. According to the Customs Valuation Agreement, only fees related to the imported goods themselves should be included. Case studies suggest that if the imported goods do not inherently contain intellectual property, and the franchise fees primarily cover branding and operational systems, they should not be included in the customs valuation. Businesses need to conduct data analysis, clearly define the terms of the agreement, and seek professional advice to ensure accurate valuation and compliance.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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