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The U.S. Labor Department announced this morning that the rail companies and union negotiators have reached tentative agreements to avert a possible work stoppage on Friday, September 16. After 20 hours of negotiations the agreement “balances the needs of workers, businesses and our nation’s economy.” The Labor Department said that if the 12 labor unions [...]

With an impending strike on September 16, the Association of American Railroads confirmed that the 12 labor unions of the nation’s Class I railroads have failed to agree on a new contract and are willing to walk off the job.  “Railroads are taking all measures necessary to handle sensitive cargo in accordance with federal regulations [...]

According to the The Journal of Commerce online: A union representing security guards at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach authorized a strike last week. Members of the security guard union, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26, work at the majority of marine terminals at the LA-Long Beach complex and have [...]

According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Section 301 tariffs on imports from China remain in effect following numerous requests by domestic industries. Despite months of speculation, the White House has made no announcement about changes to these tariffs. It has been thought there was a possibility of lowering tariffs on some consumer [...]

As the strike continues by crane drivers, machine operators and stevedores at the Port of Felixstowe - the 2,000 workers and the port’s owners appear no closer to a deal.  Felixstowe, Britain’s biggest container port, is experiencing major trade disruptions which could result in delays of goods for the upcoming holiday season.  Other UK and [...]

Nearly 1,900 workers from the Unite the Union, a British and Irish trade union, have walked off the job - now in the second day. This includes crane drivers, machine operators and stevedores. The strike is planned to end on August 29th, however there will be port disruptions due to severe backlogs. The ports of London [...]

This is a reminder of the upcoming Merchandise Process Fee (MPF) changes. Per CSMS Message #5284229 from CBP: Pursuant to the General Notice (87 FR 46973) published August 1, 2022, adjustments to certain customs user fees and corresponding limitations, as codified in 19 U.S.C. § 58c, will take effect on October 1, 2022. These adjustments [...]

German dockers confirmed they will begin a second-round strike in the key container ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven as wage negotiations with employers have not come to an agreement. The dockers work stoppage will begin from 6.00 am CET, Thursday 14th July until 6.00 am CET Saturday, 16th July. The strikes may cause delays [...]

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published an update on entry data requirements for importers subject to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Foreign Supplier Verification Programs for Food Importers (FSVP) regulation. Current, FDA guidance provides that FSVP Importers may temporarily submit “UNK” (unknown) in place of the DUNS number for the FSVP Importer. FDA expected [...]