It’s finally here – TPM25, the Superbowl of Logistics and Port X will be there at our regular booth spot outside between the Convention Center and the Hyatt. Our Superstar Sales team will be in tow ready to talk your ear off about the Port X story and the amazing services Port X can offer and there are a few spots open for lunch, dinner and helicopter port tour rides. Email Marketing@portxlogistics.com if you are interested in meeting with the sales team at TPM or to get on the list for this weekly Market Update Newsletter and future industry related news sent directly to your inbox. We hope to see you there!
Union Dockworkers on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts overwhelmingly approved a six-year contract Tuesday – The “yes” vote was expected after the leadership of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union reached a tentative contract agreement in January with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX). The alliance approved the contract last month, and on Tuesday rank-and-file members voted for it with nearly 99 percent in favor, the union said in a statement. The contract calls for a 62% pay hike over six years that would lift hourly wages at the top of the union pay scale from $39 an hour to $63 an hour.
ILA President Harold Daggett, who served as the union’s chief negotiator, was quoted in the statement as saying the agreement is “the ‘gold standard’ for dockworker unions globally.”
The new contract also gives ports more leeway to introduce modernizing technology, but they have to hire new workers when they do, and full automation is off the table. During contract negotiations, the ILA drew a hard line on the further roll out of rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs) saying the technology impacted jobs for longshore workers. Under the new agreement, the ILA secured a guarantee that at least one longshore worker will handle each RMG. However, maritime employers also secured the ability to have RMGs, along with rubber tire gantry cranes, operated remotely, which saves time on shift changes. Marine terminals will also be able to use operator-assistance technology at marine terminals. The two sides are expected to meet the week of March 10th to sign the agreement, after which it would go into effect.
The European Union (EU) on Thursday pushed back hard against allegations by President Trump that the 27-nation bloc was out to get the United States and warned that it would vigorously fight any wholesale tariff of 25% on all EU products. The EU pushback came after Trump told reporters that “the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. That’s the purpose of it, and they’ve done a good job of it,” adding that it would stop immediately under his presidency.
The EU also warned that the moment that tariffs are announced, it would trigger tough countermeasures on iconic U.S. industries like bourbon, jeans and motorcycles. European Commission trade spokesman Olof Gill also said that the EU would stand up to the Trump administration if tariffs are announced. “The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade,” Gill said in a statement. “We will also protect our consumers and businesses at every turn. They expect no less from us.”
Gill also countered Trump’s caustic comments on the inception of the EU and its development as an economic powerhouse. “The European Union is the world’s largest free market. And it has been a boon for the United States,” he said, adding that the EU has “facilitated trade, reduced costs for U.S. exporters, and harmonized standards and regulations,” which makes it easier for U.S. exporters.
The EU estimates that the trade volume between both sides stands at about $1.5 trillion, representing around 30% of global trade. Trump has complained about a trade deficit, but while the bloc has a substantial export surplus in goods, the EU says that is partly offset by the U.S. surplus in the trade of services. The EU says that trade in goods reached 851 billion euros ($878 billion) in 2023, with a trade surplus of 156 billion euros ($161 billion) for the EU. Trade in services was worth 688 billion euros ($710 billion) with a trade deficit of 104 billion euros ($107 billion) for the EU.
Import TEUs are up 16.95% this week from last week – with the highest volumes coming into Long Beach 23.5%, Los Angeles 15% and Newark 14.7%
What’s happening at the ports and rails?:
You can find all the information on the below link where we cover port congestion, chassis issues and capacity lead times weekly at all U.S. and Canada Ports and rail heads on our website – click on the link below
CLICK HERE for Port & Rail Updates
Houston: Congratulations to the Port of Houston on their record breaking performance and major milestones! Operations updates indicated that the total tonnage at all eight public facilities is up by 2% for January 2025 versus January 2024. TEU volumes totaled 347,019, making last month the biggest January on record for Port Houston. Overall, general cargo is on the rise as well, with a 47% increase driven by strong exports out of Turning Basin and Jacintoport facilities. Import steel also had a great start to the year, with an 18% increase compared to January 2024.
(See more details on cargo volumes here: https://porthouston.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Port-Houston-Record-Breaking-Volume-in-2024.pdf ).
Port X Logistics has drayage assets in Houston 32 trucks with the capability of long-haul drayage and we have a transload warehouse in LaPorte that can transload anything from standard pallets, to heavy lumber and industrial coils. If you need help in the Houston area we got your back, we also have a drayage network with 19 trucks and yard space servicing the Dallas area contact letsgetrolling@portxlogistics.com
LA/Long Beach: The Port of Los Angeles experienced its busiest January ever, processing 924,245 industry-standard containers compared with 855,652 a year earlier. This also follows an exceptionally busy 2024 — the port handled more than 10.3 million units, marking its second-best year. The Port of Long Beach also reported its strongest January on record, as well as its second-busiest month ever. The number of containers processed increased 41.4% to 952,733 containers from 674,015 last year. The port said the results largely were driven by retailers moving cargo ahead of the anticipated tariffs on goods from China, Mexico and Canada. If you are looking for immediate capacity, our Los Angeles location boasts a large drayage fleet, a large secured yard with plenty of storage space and a transload warehouse with immediate capacity to pull your containers for transloads. Our capacity is tendered to on a first come first serve basis. Contact the team at letsgetrolling@portxlogistics.com with your new orders today.
Did you know? Our Founder, Brian Kempisty is now a member of The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) Advisory Council? Aii is an independent, non-profit think tank dedicated to promoting infrastructure innovation through awareness, education, and research. While Aii addresses a broad spectrum of infrastructure issues, its focus on transportation infrastructure encompasses aspects relevant to the trucking and logistics sectors. By conducting research and disseminating information, Aii aims to inform policymakers and industry stakeholders about best practices and innovative solutions. This, in turn, assists companies in navigating complex trucking and logistics regulations, ensuring strategic and compliant operations within the industry.
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