Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told DoT employees Jan. 29 that he will not serve a second term in President Obama's Cabinet (here). He did not announce future plans, and there has been no announcement on a successor, though LaHood said he will stay on until a successor is named. President Obama thanked him for his dedication (here).
The Agricultural Marketing Service released the Ocean Shipping Container Availability Report (OSCAR) for the week of Jan. 23-29. The weekly report contains data on container availability for westbound transpacific traffic at 18 intermodal locations in the U.S.1 from the eight member carriers of the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA).2 Although the report is compiled by AMS, it covers container availability for all merchandise, not just agricultural products.
The Federal Maritime Commission said the following have filed applications for a license as a Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVO) and/or Ocean Freight Forwarder (OFF)-Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984. The FMC also gave notice of the filing of applications to amend an existing OTI license or the qualifying individual for a license. Interested persons may contact the Office of Transportation Intermediaries, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, D.C. 20573, at 202-523-5843 or at OTI@fmc.gov.
The European Commission announced a Clean Power for Transport Package that includes a new emphasis on liquefied natural gas, as well as alternative energy sources for transport. It said LNG infrastructure for fueling vessels is at a very early stage, with only Sweden having a small scale LNG bunkering facility for sea going vessels, but plans in several other countries. The EC is proposing that LNG refuelling stations be installed in all 139 maritime ports by 2020 and inland ports on the Trans European Core Network by 2025.
The Teamsters union made "progress" on both the UPS and UPS Freight contracts during two weeks of negotiations in Washington that ended Jan. 17, said General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall. He said the talks dealt with seniority and work week issues, as well as protections for medically disqualified drivers. In UPS negotiations, progress also was made on 9.5 language, military leave and stewards' rights, the Teamsters said, and the UPS National Negotiating Committee began tackling the issue of SurePost, including redirecting more packages to Teamster drivers. Negotiations for both UPS and UPS Freight are scheduled to resume Jan. 28 in Dallas, the union said.
Miami International Airport set an all-time cargo record in 2012, at 2.1 million tons, up 4.6 percent over 2011. Cargo tonnage growth at the airport was faster than projected in 2012, but its value increased even more, topping 2011's record of more than $61 billion by 10 percent, it said.
The Agricultural Marketing Service released the Ocean Shipping Container Availability Report (OSCAR) for the week of Jan. 16-22. The weekly report contains data on container availability for westbound transpacific traffic at 18 intermodal locations in the U.S.1 from the eight member carriers of the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA).2 Although the report is compiled by AMS, it covers container availability for all merchandise, not just agricultural products.
Sea piracy reached a five-year low in 2012, with 297 ships attacked compared with 439 in 2011, said a report by the International Chamber of Commerce International Maritime Bureau Jan. 16. It cited a "huge" reduction in Somali piracy, but said East and West Africa remain the worst hit areas, with 150 attacks in 2012.
Unlicensed international moving companies are misrepresenting their Federal Maritime Commission license status on websites and advertisements, said the FMC Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services. It said the companies have posted the Commission’s seal on their websites or have listed the organization number of a licensed company with a similar name to the unlicensed company to lure unsuspecting consumers. FMC said consumers should make sure that companies are listed on the Commission’s list of FMC-Licensed & Bonded OTIs, and call 202-523-5843 if they have questions. Complaints can be filed at complaints@fmc.gov.