Radiant's Freight Market Update

This week: Port of Montreal longshoremen initiate partial and indefinite strike; A settlement of $101 million has been reached regarding the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster; A driverless truck has successfully completed testing at 65 MPH on a closed course.

Current Critical Industry Trends

Port of Montreal longshoremen initiate partial and indefinite strike. The Port of Montreal confronts significant operational challenges as 320 dockworkers commence an unlimited strike at the Maisonneuve and Viau terminals, focusing on disputes over work schedules. Amid stalled negotiations, the union advocates for enhanced working conditions and a 20% wage increase. Despite the disruptions, the CUPE union remains open to dialogue in hopes of averting prolonged impact.

Ocean

A settlement of $101 million has been reached regarding the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster. The funds will cover clean up expenses from the incident. However, costs for the reconstruction of the bridge and other lawsuits remain unresolved.

A 2,100-tonne shipment of suspected toxic waste was denied entry in Thailand. A whistleblower alerted authorities that the cargo from Albania may contain hazardous materials. The shipment was refused entry and returned to Albania, with a demand for transparent materials testing.

Ports

Chittagong Port eyes new management amid persistent challenges. Striving for recovery from labor strikes and congestion, Chittagong Port Authority moves from a direct purchase method to an open tender to enhance operations.

Trucking

Flooding from Hurricane Helene has shut down major sections of I-26 and I-40 along the North Carolina-Tennessee border. Trimble’s routing service is helping trucks navigate detours on U.S. highways. With repairs expected to take months, shippers are preparing for extended delays.

Rail

The FRA announces its largest-ever investment in rail infrastructure. Over $2.4 billion in new grants will boost safety, efficiency, and workforce development across 41 states. Backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these funds will drive major rail upgrades, modernizing routes for faster, safer transport.

Baltimore Port boosts capacity with CSX double stack rail service, with the Howard Street Tunnel Project progressing, CSX has commenced double-stacked rail service from Baltimore to the Midwest, projecting an annual boost of 160,000 containers.

Air

Anchorage airport expands global cargo network. Ted Stevens Anchorage International has added five new cargo carriers, fueling growth as a top shipping hub with over $200 million in new investments. The airport expects a $9 million revenue boost alongside major green initiatives.

Europe’s expanding pharma air freight sector seeks streamlined regulations, European airports are developing robust infrastructure to handle increased pharmaceutical cargo, with Brussels leading as a key export hub. However, there are concerns over regulation compliance issues within the EU.

International

A controversial ship carrying ammonium nitrate has finally arrived at a UK port. After suffering damage from bad weather over a month ago, the vessel was denied entry at several European ports. It will undergo repairs before continuing to its original destination in Africa.

Technology

A driverless truck has successfully completed testing at 65 MPH on a closed course. The next phase will involve additional testing for rare road scenarios, aiming for a commercial launch in 2027.

Other

Launch of the world’s first five-in-one foldable shipping container, the newly unveiled SeaFold HC 40’ container by Compact Container Systems promises up to 80% reduction in storage space and 70% in carbon emissions, redefining efficiency in container transport.

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The Radiant Network's supply chain and logistics updates provide valuable insights on freight trends, customs regulations, global news, economics, tech, and more. The Radiant Network includes the brands Radiant World Trade Services, Radiant Global Logistics, Radiant Canada, Radiant Road & Rail, Adcom, Airgroup, SBA, and Distribution By Air.

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Radiant World Trade Services is a part of Radiant Logistics, Inc. (NYSE American: RLGT), a publicly traded third-party logistics company that provides technology-enabled global transportation and value-added logistics solutions to a diverse account base. They offer comprehensive services including freight forwarding, truck and rail brokerage, warehouse and distribution, customs brokerage, order fulfillment, inventory management, and technology services. Radiant has an extensive network of offices throughout North America and other key markets worldwide.