New strikes in the USA possible in 2025

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After the strikes in October in the ports of the U.S. East and Gulf Coast, the existing collective agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) was extended until January 15, 2025, but further negotiations in November failed. The parties were able to eliminate one of the major points of contention with increases in wage costs. However, there is no agreement in sight on the second major difference on the automation of the handling programs. The ILA is very concerned that many jobs might be replaced in case of mechanical automation is further used. However, the USMX wants to use new technologies to increase the efficiency of port operations and at the same time create new jobs. The last round of talks in November was broken off early because no compromise could be found.The extended contract expires on January 15, 2025. Thus, new strikes are to be expected from January 16, 2025, if no solution is found by then.
For these reasons, massive delays/ cancellations of vessel departures/ spontaneous diversions, as well as considerable additional surcharges may occur. Unfortunately exact consequences can’t be predicted. For any questions please do not hesitate to contact our customer service directly.

EU ETS surcharges to be increased

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As of January 1st, 2025, the EU ETS surcharge ( = Emissions Trading System) for shipping companies will be increased from 40% to 70%.
This is part of the EU Commission’s “Green Deal” to reduce transport-related emissions by 90% by 2050.
Since January 1st 2024, maritime transport has also been included in the EU emissions trading system. This affects shipping companies operating between European ports in the EU or the European Economic Area. These levies are intended to promote the use of renewable energies and low-CO2 fuels. For this reason, increased surcharges on the part of shipping companies are to be expected from January 1st 2025. Over the next few years, the levies will be gradually increased further.

Opening of Interfracht China

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We are very pleased to announce the opening of three Interfracht offices in China. From now on, we have our own offices in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Ningbo.

Clark Liu will take over the management of the offices in China. We wish him and his team a successful start and all the best for the joint future.

We are looking forward to a good cooperation.

Threatening strikes in the USA expected

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After the rail transport strikes in Canada were successfully averted, there is now a threat of strikes in the USA. Six out of ten of the biggest ports in the US Gulf- and Eastcoast are affected.

Longshoremen from the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are currently negotiating a new contract, but have so far been unable to reach an agreement. In addition to the demand for massive wage increses, a major point of contention is an autonomously controlled handling program that is used in several ports. The ILA dock workers are worried that they could be replaced mechanically and systematically.

The current contracts expire on September 30th 2024. If no agreement has been reached by then, strikes can occur with significant consequences. Around 14,500 dock workers  are affected. A strike woul lead to major delays in the entire cargo transport. Rate increases for sea transports are also conceivable.

Class 5.2 dangerous goods cargo partly exlcuded after explosion in Ningbo

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Interfracht informs: Last week there was an explosion on the container vessel YM Mobility in Ningbo. The exact causes are still being investigated.
However, as a first reaction, the Yang Ming shipping company has excluded class 5.2 dangerous goods from all shipments until further notice. Another shipping company has also joined.
If you have currently planned, booked or already carried out dangerous goods shipments of the mentioned class, please contact our export colleagues, we are glad to assist to find a solution.

Fumigation obligation for cargoes to Australia and New Zealand

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On September 1st the fumigation obligation against the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) will start again.

Please be aware that all LCL Cargo will already be fumigated before September 1st. All cargo originated from high risk countries, which need to be fumigated, must no longer be sealed with foil, wrapped or covered. Please note that a wrapping net, for example, should be used instead. In addition no food, pharmaceutical products or seeds may be loaded in the groupage containers.

The fumigation obligation applies for cargoes to Australia starting on September 1st 2024 till Departure from Germany on April 30th 2025. For New Zealand the BGSM Season also starts on September 1st, but ends with ETA New Zealand an April 30th 2025.

For any questions please contact our export-colleagues.

BMSB Season 2024 Merkblatt engl

Cancellation of industrial tariffs in Switzerland

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Switzerland will lift industrial tariffs on January 1st, 2024. Thus, from the new year, import duties will no longer be levied on industrial products. This applies to the goods of Chapters 25-97 of the Customs Tariff, with some exceptions.

Customs tariff numbers will also be reduced and thus simplified.
These measures are intended to simplify imports into Switzerland and strengthen the economy. Consumers will also be relieved by lower costs.

Import shipment for the German Oceanographic Museum (Deutsches Meeresmuseum)

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We can also move big and heavy cargo!
Recently, we organized the import shipment of three large plexiglass panes from Japan for the German Oceanographic Museum (Deutsches Meeresmuseum) in Stralsund. The discs were on their way from Kobe, Japan to Hamburg for about 40 days by seagoing vessel. Afterwards they went by truck to Stralsund, where they are destined for the new marine aquarium.

With a length of 9 meters, a width of 3.4 meters and a weight of 20 tons per pane, this required a great deal of coordination.

A report on the delivery on site was shown on NDR:

https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/Tonnenschwere-Aquarien-Scheiben-fuer-Meeresmuseum-in-Stralsund,meeresmuseum260.html

 

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season starts September 1st

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Please be advised that the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season will start again on September 1st.

The BMSB season 2023/24 applies to goods shipped from September 1st 2023 with destination Australia and New Zealand. All packages that come from high risk countries and require fumigation may no longer be sealed with film, wrapped or covered.

For Australia this is valid for departures from Germany until April 30th 2024 and for New Zealad till ETA New Zealand April 30th 2024.

 

 

Interfracht receives WPA-Awards

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After we received the special award “10 years of outstanding and dedicated support to WPA-Network” at last year’s WPA Freight Forwarding Conference, this year we were able to thank you for the “Most Valuable Member Europe” award.
Founded in 2010, the Worldwide Partner Alliance network is an association of approximately 300 partner carriers worldwide. It consists of service-oriented transport and logistics service providers who specialize mainly in air and sea freight. All members are protected within the framework of the network via the so-called “Payment Protection Plan”, so that we can settle freight costs even in remote corners of the world with virtually no risk.
We are very pleased about these awards and would like to thank all our partners for the trust they have placed in us.

10 Years of Outstanding and Dedicated Support to WPA-Network

Most Valuable Member Europe