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LA/LB port complex braces for potential strike as labour contract expires

The US ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach face potential disruption from Sunday, as around 250 security workers, represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26, prepare for strike action amid the ongoing labour dispute. The latest labour contract extension will expire at 5pm Pacific Time on Sunday, negotiations on an extension or new deal, between the union and employers represented by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), continue - no strike has yet been confirmed. However, the impact of such action would extend well beyond the security workforce. According to the PMA, approximately 85% of all container cargo at Long Beach and 33% at Los Angeles passes through the terminals employing the affected workers. The concern is that, as industry consultant Lars Jensen pointed out, traditionally other ILWU members will not cross picket lines, potentially bringing operations at affected terminals to a standstill. "Hence this impacts a significant part of operations," he added, noting there was also a risk that the disruption could spread across more operations. The threat comes as the South California port complex is handling record volumes. LA/LB processed an average of 68,000 teu a day in September, according to Mr Jensen, meaning even a short strike could quickly create bottlenecks for landside trucking and arriving vessels. Meanwhile, inland rail congestion is already adding pressure. CargoTrans reported that, on Monday, approximately 35,700 containers were awaiting rail transportation, including around 10,500 that had been at terminals for nine days or longer. CargoTrans advised customers with released cargo at the ports to collect it before this Sunday evening and "allow flexibility in delivery schedules", particularly for rail shipments. And further logistical challenges are approaching: the Vincent Thomas Bridge is scheduled to close from 7 November for approximately 16 months, potentially lengthening drayage journeys through the port complex. Plus there is an 'international dockworker day of action' today, 30 October, with the Palestinian-led BDS movement reporting that more than 25 unions across 22 countries are planning strikes, demonstrations, or other action in protest against war and militarisation. The action, endorsed by 17 Palestinian trade unions and confederations, includes 24-hour strikes in France, Italy, India, Greece, and Turkey, alongside demonstrations and rallies at ports and in cities across four continents. Markos Bekris, president of Greek dockworkers' union ENEDEP, said: "Dockworkers do not work for war." The campaigners want an end to militarisation and military relations with Israel, citing the conflict in Gaza. While the international campaign is separate from the ILWU Local 26's dispute, both developments highlight the potential for labour action to affect port operations and international supply chains. At the time of writing, negotiations at Los Angeles and Long Beach are ongoing, with no strike yet confirmed.

Rhenus sees Asia-Europe airfreight volumes grow despite challenges

Freight forwarder Rhenus has reported a double-digit percentage increase in its China-Europe airfreight volumes this year despite the impact of new European Union (EU) charges for the import of e-commerce packages. The Germany-headquartered firm said that between January and October its volumes from China to Europe had increased by 11% compared with a year ago. Rhenus attributed its strong result to "new customer wins" and added that high-tech is one of its fastest-growing air verticals on the lane. A company spokesperson added that its volume growth from China to Germany was even stronger - increasing by more than 20%. Eastbound, the company has also made progress, with airfreight volumes growing 20% year on year despite figures from data provider and consultant Rotate showing a 5% decline in overall market demand. This increase comes despite a "softer market", the company said, as a result of the European Union's introduction of a €3 charge for packages with a value of less than €150 as it tries to tackle the wave of e-commerce imports. Rhenus pointed to Rotate figures that show e-commerce volumes were down by 28% in July and August compared with June levels. Chris Bode, vice president airfreight at Rhenus, said: "Our strategy is to grow in sectors where specialist expertise makes a difference to customers' businesses. High-tech is a clear priority on the China-Europe corridor. "By combining sector knowledge with flexible access to airline capacity, we aim to turn this opportunity into sustained growth." Rhenus offers airfreight gateways in Shanghai and Hong Kong that provide consolidation and cargo handling, complemented by customs brokerage, warehousing and inland transport. Earlier this year, Rhenus told Air Cargo News it has the ambition to become a top 10 global logistics player through organic growth, selective acquisitions, strong regional expertise and a globally integrated network.

LATAM Cargo sends aid to flood victims in Galápagos islands

LATAM Cargo has helped transport nearly 13 tons of humanitarian aid to communities affected by flooding in the Galápagos islands. As part of the LATAM Group's Solidarity Plane programme, LATAM Ecuador, supported by LATAM Cargo Group flew 1,000 food and hygiene products kits and 9,600 liters of water from Quito, Ecuador to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos islands, where heavy rains linked to El Niño caused flooding. The main challenge was finding a suitable aircraft that could land at the planned destination, stressed LATAM Cargo. Baltra Airport cannot handle a Boeing 767 freighter, the aircraft LATAM Cargo usually uses for missions like this. The cargo teams did not want to reduce the amount of aid planned and so they decided to use a Airbus A319, utilising both the hold and the cabin seats. In total, 6,700 kilos was loaded into the hold and another 6,100 kilos directly on the cabin seats. In total, the flight carried 12,800 kilos of humanitarian aid. That is more than three times the cargo of a regular flight on this aircraft and almost twice what it could carry in the hold alone, pointed out LATAM Cargo. Andrés Bianchi, chief executive of LATAM Cargo Group, said: "In an emergency, the main goal is to get aid there as quickly as possible. Because of the restrictions in the Galápagos, meeting that goal meant a Plan B: flying an A319 as a 'preighter'. "Being able to carry this out so quickly highlights the creativity, expertise and passion of the LATAM group's teams. "Thanks to them, and together with partners such as CIP and Grupo Entregas, we were able to carry more than triple the aid this aircraft normally transports." The LATAM Solidarity Plane programme is a corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiative by LATAM Airlines Group that provides free air transport and logistical infrastructure for health, environmental, and emergency-response causes across South America.