Wine and Spirits Shippers Association, Inc.

#EastCoast strike averted with an agreement reached by the #ILA and #USMX yesterday! Great news for the shipping industry and the US economy! #WSSAnews #Albatransnews #Albatrans #WSSA #Globalnews #Logistics #Freightforwarding #FreightForwarders #ILA #USMX #ports #longshoreman #USA #Agreement https://lnkd.in/ecTGfN2D

With disruption an ever-present factor around the globe, check out the latest update on the @WssaInc blog! #WSSAnews #Albatransnews #Albatrans #WSSA #Globalnews #Logistics #Freightforwarding #FreightForwarders #ILA #USA #NuevoLaredoCustoms #Mexico #Strikes #France https://lnkd.in/eBJyDmxN

ILA Contract Update Multiple news organizations have reported that negotiations between the East/Gulf Coast longshore union (the ILA) and USMX (US Maritime Alliance, representing terminal and carrier owners) will resume next week. The contract extension agreed on in October after the 3-day strike is scheduled to expire on January 15, thus leaving a very short window to reach an agreement. Reports indicate that the two sides have been speaking informally over the last weeks. Many industry associations, including WSSA, have sent letters encouraging a return to the negotiating table. The big issue on the table is automation. When the talks broke off in early November, the ILA stated that the USMX wanted to force automation to eliminate union jobs. The USMX responded with statements that automation can improve efficiency, thus increasing container volumes and creating more jobs. The October strike ended after intervention from the Biden administration helped broker a deal, and the USMX agreed to a significant pay increase, a 60% increase over a new six-year master contract. We will continue to provide updates on the situation as information becomes available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or email us for information at: info@wssa.com. #Albatransnews #Albatrans #WSSA #Globalnews #Logistics #Freightforwarding #FreightForwarders #USA #ILA #USMX

Disruption is prevalent in Italy, Spain and South America this week. Make sure to plan for extra time if you have cargo coming from these regions. For the full weekly logistics update, visit the @WssaInc blog! #Albatransnews #Albatrans #WSSA #Globalnews #Logistics #Freightforwarding #FreightForwarders #USA #ILA #USMX #Mexico #Negotiations #Chile #Spain #Italy #CBMA https://lnkd.in/e8QYBGBG

Tragically, a fatal accident occurred at the Genova port last night which our offices in Italy informed us of this morning. As a result, port terminal workers have declared a strike today, which will continue until tomorrow morning. This situation is compounding challenges during the peak season, creating disruptions in an already demanding environment. Currently, truckers are unable to access the port terminal to gate in containers, which may impact haulage operations. Delays in shipments could occur as a consequence of these circumstances. If you have any urgent concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or email us for information at: info.wssa.com. #Albatransnews #Albatrans #WSSA #Globalnews #Logistics #Freightforwarding #FreightForwarders #Italy #GenovaPort #Strike

JOIN WSSA's CBMA WEBINAR DECEMBER 19 Are you a beverage importer, brewer, distiller, or winery looking to understand how the CBMA federal tax changes can benefit your business? If you’re not yet familiar with the Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA), this is the perfect opportunity to learn how this law can help you grow and thrive in today’s competitive market.   What is CBMA? The CBMA is a key piece of legislation that provides tax relief and regulatory support for all types of alcohol beverage importers and producers. Whether you're an established importer, or just getting started, the act offers important opportunities to save on excise taxes and invest in your business’s future.   Why Attend? Learn: What the CBMA is and how it impacts your business. Understand: How to take advantage of lower federal tax potential and streamlined regulations. Explore: The benefits of the CBMA for importers, distributors, and producers of all sizes, including opportunities for bulk spirits importers.  Get Answers: We’ll cover common questions and provide guidance on navigating the process.   Get ready to save money in 2025 and get every possible benefit still available in 2024!   Webinar Details: Title: CBMA Benefits Review: Unlocking Tax Credit Opportunities Date: December 19, 2024 Time: 3:00PM EST Cost: Free for WSSA Members! Non-members $50.   Email info@wssa.com to reserve your spot.

The threat of #tariffs looms large with the incoming administration change. Find out how these potential tariffs could impact your alcohol beverage business! #Albatransnews #Albatrans #WSSA #Globalnews #Logistics #Freightforwarding #FreightForwarders #USA #Canada #Mexico #Tariff #shipping #wine #beer #spirits #economy https://lnkd.in/eUcRH8GR

POTENTIAL DELAYS IN HAMBURG Our colleagues in Germany have informed us of upcoming company meetings taking place at Port of Hamburg terminals this week. Date & Location: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at CTB Terminal - Morning Session: 10:00 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m. - Evening Session: 6:00 p.m. to approximately 11:30 p.m. Due to these meetings, delays in truck and train dispatch are expected. As a result, deliveries and container collection at the ports may be impacted, so please plan for additional lead time if you have cargo transiting the port. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or email us for information at: info@wss.com

Storms, strikes and general disruption continue at ports around the globe. Find out the latest hot spots on the @WssaInc blog today and plan for your future shipments! #Albatransnews #Albatrans #WSSA #Globalnews #Logistics #Freightforwarding #FreightForwarders #USA #ILA #USMX #negotiations #Canada #Spain #Valencia #NewZealand #Chile #France https://lnkd.in/gfadRadh

ILA/USMX Contract Negotiations Break Down: As previously reported we are keeping our eyes on the resumed contract negotiations between the ILA and USMX comments last week this in New Jersey. While there was an initial level of optimism in the shipping community that an agreement would be reached prior to the January 15 deadline, the talks quickly broke down over the topic of automation. Below please see statements from both sides: On Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, those talks fell apart when the ILA reported to members, “The ILA and USMX came to the table this week, prepared for four days of intensive bargaining to bring us closer to securing a fair contract. For the first day and a half, discussions were productive, and both sides engaged in addressing serious issues. However, late yesterday, talks broke down when management introduced their intent to implement semi-automation, a direct contradiction to their opening statement where they assured us that neither full nor semi-automation would be on the table. They claimed their focus was on modernization, not automation.” USMX on their website Nov. 13, said, “Over the last two days, USMX met with the ILA to bargain and resolve all remaining outstanding issues needed to reach agreement on a new Master Contract. While we had positive progress on a number of issues, we were unable to make significant progress on our discussions that focused on a range of technology issues. Unfortunately, the ILA is insisting on an agreement that would move our industry backward by restricting future use of technology that has existed in some of our ports for nearly two decades, making it impossible to evolve to meet the nation’s future supply chain demands.” (Source: https://lnkd.in/eMtwtPV8) See more global updates from Canada, Spain, New Zealand and Chile: https://lnkd.in/eKM8bibb