Tag Archives: container shipping

DCSA publishes framework of just-in-time standards for main port call activities

Posted on November 16, 2021 by | 1 comment

Standards for port call activities could provide a basis for a data exchange system for status, and could also provide motivation for a priority basis for specific containers.

There’s currently no message or signaling system allowing all the supply chain partners to move a given container to know the required speed of service. Partners can’t coordinate unless they know precisely which containers need to be moved when.

The standards for service steps in the port would make it easier to determine when a container was behind schedule and expediting was needed to meet the level of service guaranteed.

Of course, the standards proposed by DCSA need to be tried out by ports, and the system needs to be tweaked based on what they find. But it’s a good start.

Sam Chambers November 16, 2021

DCSA publishes framework of just-in-time standards for main port call activities – Splash247

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Posted in Logistics, Ports, Production Operations, Supply Chains

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Ports suffering from communications gap with US Customs

Posted on November 9, 2021 by | 1 comment

Apparently some ships are departing for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach without notifying US Customs of their estimated arrival. They’re required to do so, but don’t know about the rule. The reason is that many newly chartered ships are sailing, chartered by firms who do not ordinarily manage shipping, or are being handled by forwarders who are new to the practice. They appear to be unaware of the requirements.

When the ship fails to notify the port at departure, and just ‘drops in’, there is no place in the schedule to unload it. The ship must wait offshore. The Maritime Exchange says that essentially all positions for waiting ships off LA and Long Beach are full; drop-ins must steam around until their place in the queue can be found. The waits can be upward of a month.

This operational gap is just one of the reasons for the supply chain logjam. If it’s happening at LA and Long Beach, you can bet it’s happening at other West Coast ports.

We know that queues to unload are lengthening at all the West Coast Ports. Tacoma announced detention surcharges for containers not moved from their yard on time, following the lead of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The other ports are seizing up because of diversions to them from the usual LA and Long Beach stops, especially by chartered vessels, which can choose any route; they do not have fixed routes like the linear alliances.

People have to start addressing the issues that seem small regarding maritime supply chains. Only an across-the-board effort will get things unsnarled soon.

Lori Ann LaRocco Monday, November 8, 2021

Ports suffering from communications gap with US Customs – FreightWaves

Kim Biggar November 9, 2021

Tacoma clamps down on long-stay containers with new charge – Splash247

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Posted in Logistics, Shipping, Supply Chains

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Trucking trade group to Gov. Newsom: Enforce law on port fees

Posted on November 8, 2021 by | Leave a comment

California law AB 45 prevents ports and terminals from charging detention and demurrage fees for containers not picked up or empties not delivered when the facilities prevent drivers from picking up or delivering.

Sometimes, the authorities or facilities institute sudden rules changes that prevent delivery of empty containers or prevent pickup of specific cargo because of hours or appointments. These rules are troublesome and cost time for drivers. And often the drivers or their firms are the ones paying the fees.

The contention is that the ports are by their own actions forcing expenses on the trucking firms and drivers.

The law, if enforced, would keep ports and terminals from charging these fees. But how to enforce the law is not altogether clear.

Clarissa Hawes, Senior Editor, Investigations and Enterprise Friday, Novvember 5, 2021

Trucking trade group to Gov. Newsom: Enforce law on port fees – FreightWaves

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Posted in Logistics, Ports, Supply Chains, Trucking

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