West Coast Ports Face Supply Chain Disruptions Amid Unrest

West Coast Ports Face Supply Chain Disruptions Amid Unrest

The aftermath of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement reverberates through US West Coast ports, particularly the Port of Oakland. A confluence of factors, including strike threats, fluctuating union stances, the port's economic importance, and squeezed shipper profit margins, creates a supply chain crisis. Businesses need to diversify port options, plan inventory in advance, enhance communication, optimize visibility, and conduct risk assessments to improve supply chain resilience. Balancing social responsibility with sustainable development is also crucial for navigating these challenges.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
West Coast Ports Hit by Teamster Gains Trucker Disputes

West Coast Ports Hit by Teamster Gains Trucker Disputes

West Coast ports are seeing a rise in labor union influence. Truck driver unions are pushing for changes in port freight through actions and legislation, sparking debate about independent driver rights, safety standards, and shipping costs. Shipping companies need to adapt to this new environment, and shippers may need to adjust their supply chain strategies. The increasing power of labor organizations is reshaping the landscape of port operations and potentially impacting the overall cost and efficiency of freight transportation.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
West Coast Ports See Surge in Intermodal Freight Demand

West Coast Ports See Surge in Intermodal Freight Demand

The US multimodal market started Q4 strong, driven by West Coast imports and consumer spending. International Standard Containers (ISO) showed significant growth year-over-year. Although trailer volumes declined, the overall market maintained its upward trajectory. Experts anticipate continued strength in international freight volumes and are monitoring labor agreements and trucking capacity for their potential impact on future market development. The performance of ISO containers highlights the shift in import patterns and underscores the importance of West Coast ports in handling increased consumer demand.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
West Coast Ports Seek Rail Solutions to Ease Congestion

West Coast Ports Seek Rail Solutions to Ease Congestion

A 2015 webinar focused on rail and multimodal transport, addressing issues like port congestion, rising freight rates, and a shortage of skilled logistics professionals. The discussion advocated for diversified transportation options, collaborative efforts, and innovative solutions to mitigate these challenges. The webinar highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to supply chain management to overcome bottlenecks and ensure efficient movement of goods. It emphasized the need for industry stakeholders to work together to address the talent gap and optimize multimodal transport strategies.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization Under West Africa Project

Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization Under West Africa Project

Funded by the Swedish government, the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the modernization of human resources management in Senegalese Customs through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization Project. The project focused on building a competency-based human resources management system. Key tools such as job classifications, competency models, and job descriptions were developed to improve Senegalese Customs' management efficiency and international competitiveness. The initiative aims to strengthen the customs administration's capacity and contribute to regional economic development.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Customs Training Across West and Central Africa

WCO Enhances Customs Training Across West and Central Africa

The WCO-WACAM project aims to establish a regional pool of human resources experts for Customs administrations in West and Central Africa. Through capacity building, tool development, and follow-up support, the project enhances HR management within Customs departments, ultimately improving their efficiency and competitiveness. It emphasizes a competency-based HRM approach and develops tools such as job catalogs, competency frameworks, and job descriptions. These resources lay the foundation for Customs modernization and contribute to more effective and professional Customs operations in the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
West Coast Ports Struggle With Internal Conflicts During Recovery

West Coast Ports Struggle With Internal Conflicts During Recovery

The President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association warns that West Coast ports are facing a 'self-destructive behavior' threat, including local government 'vampirism,' labor disputes, and management chaos. These issues are causing cargo loss and weakening competitiveness. The article calls for reshaping port governance, improving management efficiency, improving labor relations, and increasing investment in infrastructure construction to avoid the continued decline of West Coast ports and revitalize their position in global trade.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Cargill Commits to Deforestationfree Traceable Cocoa in West Africa

Cargill Commits to Deforestationfree Traceable Cocoa in West Africa

Cargill launched the "Protect Our Planet" plan to achieve 100% traceability of cocoa beans and commit to ending deforestation in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Covering multiple cocoa-producing regions, the plan aims to eliminate deforestation from the supply chain by 2030. Through digital mapping, barcode tracking, and other technologies, it enhances supply chain transparency and collaborates with smallholder farmers to promote the sustainable development of the cocoa industry.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

The 7th Annual Meeting of Capacity Building Focal Points for West and Central Africa focused on customs reform and modernization strategies. Key challenges discussed included leadership, human resources, outsourcing responsibility repatriation, and trade facilitation. The meeting emphasized strengthening regional cooperation and WCO support to enhance customs management, promote regional economic development, and build an efficient and secure global trade system. The discussions aimed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations in the region, ultimately contributing to increased trade and economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Yantian Port to US West Coast Shipping Times Explained

Yantian Port to US West Coast Shipping Times Explained

This paper delves into the shipping time from Yantian Port to the US West Coast. It compares the time differences between Zim's expedited service, OA Alliance's expedited service, and regular ocean freight vessels. The analysis identifies key factors influencing shipping time, aiming to assist businesses in selecting the appropriate transportation method, optimizing supply chain management, and reducing logistics costs. The comparison provides insights into the trade-offs between speed and cost for different shipping options from Yantian to the US West Coast.

01/15/2026 Logistics
Read More