February 2023 - Universal Cargo

In freight rates, international business, International Shipping, international shipping news, ocean freight, ocean freight rates, ocean shipping, ocean shipping lines

Posted February 28, 2023

Overcapacity & the Sword of Damocles in Ocean Freight Shipping

With great capacity comes great responsibility. And the international shipping industry is about to have a giant influx of ocean freight capacity. With the arrival of March, new container ships [...]

By Jared Vineyard

In exporters, exports, ILWU, ILWU Contract Negotiation, ILWU contract negotiations, ILWU Negotiations, ocean, ocean freight, PMA, U.S. Export Shipping

Posted February 23, 2023

U.S. Exporters May Be Most Vulnerable Shippers from Delayed ILWU Contract

When the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) master contract expires, it tends to be bad news for U.S. shippers. Often, a great deal of the focus is on retailers importing from [...]

By Jared Vineyard

In carrier alliances, container carriers, exporters, exports, FMC, importing, Imports, International Shipping, ocean freight, ocean freight rates, ocean shipping, ocean shipping lines, shippers

Posted February 21, 2023

Legislation & Regulatory Spending Increasing in Ocean Freight Shipping

While the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) seems to still be figuring out how to enforce the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA), it seems more shipping reform is on the way. John [...]

By Jared Vineyard

In ILWU, ILWU contract, ILWU Contract Negotiation, ILWU contract negotiations, ILWU Negotiations, International Shipping, ocean freight, ocean shipping, PMA

Posted February 16, 2023

ILWU & PMA Finally Resume Contract Negotiations

At last there’s news about the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) contract negotiations. After months of being completely stalled, negotiations have reportedly resumed. [...]

By Universal Cargo

In business tips, exports, Global Business, Imports, international business, International Shipping, logistics, shipping, shipping companies

Posted February 14, 2023

8 Ways to Maximize ROI on Logistics Services Through Outsourcing

This is a guest post by Kayla Hyde. Logistics and supply chain management is becoming increasingly important in today's fast-paced business world. Outsourcing logistics services could help many [...]

By Jared Vineyard

In 2M, 2M Vessel Sharing Agreement, Maersk, Ocean Alliance, ocean freight, ocean freight rates, ocean shipping, ocean shipping lines, THE Alliance

Posted February 9, 2023

Check Out What Maersk Said About the Aftermath of the 2M Split

Maersk doesn't believe any of the ocean freight carriers outside of itself and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) have the ability to stand alone. For this reason, the company doesn't believe [...]

By Jared Vineyard

In carriers, container carriers, economics, economy, freight rates, Global Economy, import, importers, importing, Imports, International Shipping, ocean freight, ocean freight rates, ocean shipping, shipping

Posted February 7, 2023

How Long Will this Downward Pressure on Freight Rates Last?

After a couple years of out of control, skyrocketing freight rates, ocean freight pricing finally came tumbling down. Freight rates have gone from peaks, including cargo routes getting carriers [...]

By Jared Vineyard

In carriers, freight rates, import, importers, international business, International Shipping, ocean freight, ocean freight rates, ocean shipping, ocean shipping lines, shippers

Posted February 2, 2023

Transpacific Freight Rates East, West Coast Spread Is Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Ocean freight rates have fallen, for which U.S. importers can rejoice. Readers of Universal Cargo's blog certainly don't need a recap of how freight rates skyrocketed during the pandemic, thanks [...]