Maritime

FreightWaves writers look at the most important issues on their beats heading into the new year.

Port of Los Angeles is going vessel operators to clear out empty containers or else face big fines.

MSC sues Deere, patent owner sues six shipping lines, box-overboard cases pile up, and Hanjin’s ghost tries to collect.

The Federal Maritime Commission is ratcheting up pressure on ocean carriers to reduce logistical challenges for their customers.

Putting money on what American Shipper readers were clicking on in 2021 would be a safe bet.

There has never been a year like this for container shipping. Here are the biggest stories of 2021.

CBP and vessel operators will save money through a new rule requiring that crew-list inspections go paperless.

Twenty-five port projects in 19 states are receiving U.S. Maritime Administration grants aimed at bolstering port infrastructure.

Shipping lines are flush with cash and using it to expand into logistics services.

After an exceptional year for ocean shipping, the data points to more action ahead in 2022.

The White House will be “shining a light on profiteering” by ocean carriers in an effort to fend off inflation and keep supply chains moving.

“Expectations are that high consumer demand and low inventory levels will keep rates elevated well into next year,” says Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta.

The biggest, baddest space observatory ever built is ready to ride into space on Dec. 25. How did NASA safely deliver it to the launch site in South America?

Maersk is becoming an integrated logistics goliath with the ability to provide freight management, transportation, warehousing and e-commerce fulfillment for big retailers and manufacturers.

Spot rates topped $300,000/day, sank to teens, rose to over $360,000, now back near $100,000.

The pilot program in Chicago and Kansas City aims to encourage trucks to come — and go — with a shipping container.

The latest example of an ocean carrier expanding into the logistics space involves MSC trying to buy a piece of Bolloré Logistics.

The addition of three cranes along with dredging and the construction of a freight corridor has Boston big ship ready.

Carriers and shippers are turning to East Coast ports as Los Angeles/Long Beach remains mired in congestion.

The White House is asking carriers to play nice with exporters, but next year Congress may give it a hammer to use if shipping practices don’t change.