FMC approves “The Alliance” for US Trade
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) on Wednesday approved a proposed liner carrier consortium of five ocean carriers for their planned services to and from the United States. The FMC’s decision, which was made in a[...]
Newsletter December 2016
TPP: What is it and why does it matter? US President-elect Donald Trump has promised to abandon the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal as soon as he takes office. The TPP, signed by 12 countries[...]
Newsletter October 2016
German trade bodies back Angela Merkel's tough stance over Brexit Two of largest business associations say letting UK opt out of aspects of free movement could endanger EU. Two of the largest German trade associations[...]
News September 2016
Hanjin Shipping secures $45 million, more may take 'considerable time’ The chairman of Hanjin Group transferred 40 billion won ($36 million) to Hanjin Shipping on Tuesday to help unload cargo stranded on the troubled shipper's[...]
Track and Trace System
Our new and improved Track and Trace system is in place. We now offer Real Time Visibility Please contact your Westar representative for personal log in information. Take control of your supply chain to achieve[...]
Chinese, U.S. officials discuss Zika rule
Representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing met with the director general of China's Inspection and Quarantine Ministry to gain more information about how shippers can comply with China’s requirement that shipments from the nation[...]
U.S. lawmakers say with new technology, it’s time to inspect all inbound containers
However, the Department of Homeland Security waived the 100 percent scanning law for the third time, which was originally scheduled to be implemented four years ago in reaction to 9/11. By Eric Kulisch |Thursday, August[...]
News Flash – China wants U.S. cargo inspected to prevent Zika spread
Chinese authorities have said that containers from certain countries shall be subject to effective anti-mosquito treatment in order to prevent the virus from spreading, which has left many shippers concerned. By Chris Dupin |American Shipper|[...]
News August 2016
G6 Alliance Fuses Asia – North America West Coast Services Container carriers within the G6 Alliance are reshuffling their Asia–North America West Coast loops to adjust to market demand.As the G6 Alliance continues to review[...]
News June 2016
PLEASE NOTE: SOLAS/VGM filing is mandatory and effective for all vessels that sail on/after July 1, 2016. If you have questions or concerns on how to file your VGM, please feel free to ask your[...]
News May 2016
Container carriers unveil plans for new "OCEAN Alliance" Ocean carriers CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen Line and OOCL revealed they will form a new alliance next April. Ocean carriers CMA CGM, COSCO Container Lines, Evergreen Line[...]
Why Cargo Insurance?
“Why do I need cargo insurance?” The short answer is: “Because you’re a shipper.” If that isn’t enough for you, keep reading... Cargo insuranse reduces shippers’ exposure to financial loss. Yet, so many shippers choose[...]
News Flash April 2016
Shippers petition U.S. for relief from container weight rule House lawmakers brushed aside calls at a hearing to slow implementation of the Verified Gross Mass rule, while other shippers said compliance should be straightforward. Groups[...]
News April 2016
SOLAS container weight rule to be discussed at Congressional hearing The House subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation will hear testimony on April 14 about the International Maritime Organization's controversial verified gross mass requirement,[...]
Newsflash March 201
Ocean carrier group outlines VGM best practices The OCEMA working group published recommendations for how and when shippers should submit SOLAS container weight verification data ahead of the July 1 implementation deadline. A group of[...]
News March 2016
Congress Enacts First Major Customs Bill in over 20 Years International Trade Update President Obama signed the bipartisan Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (TFTE) on February 24. This is the first major[...]
News January 2016
ZIM delays IPO and its CEO resigns Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. has announced that Rafi Danieli is resigning from his role as CEO. The announcement comes three days after an Israeli newspaper claimed that[...]
Happy Holidays
We wish you Peace, Joy and Prosperity throughout the coming year. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to working with you in the years to come.
News September 2015
Philadelphia CBP Discovers 3 First In Port Pests Officials say that agriculture specialists recently discovered three new pests in the Philadelphia area. More... Tianjin Explosions Will Hike Insurance Rates The explosions that rocked the Chinese[...]
News August 2015
New Service for Port of NY & NJ American President Lines (APL), a subsidiary of Neptune Orient Lines, and SeaLand, a division of Maersk Line, have announced the formation of a Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA)[...]
News July 2015
Panama Canal begins filling new Pacific locks The Panama Canal has just taken another step forward toward the completion of the Canal Expansion Program by beginning to fill the Cocoli’s locks on the Pacific side,[...]
News May 2015
rans-Pacific Partnership Becomes a 2016 Election Issue Japanese Prime Minister Abe’s visit highlights the Democratic divide over the trade deal. http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/04/28/trans-pacific-partnership-becomes-a-2016-election-issue Boston Consulting Group sees trouble ahead for ocean container lines Drawing on analysis of[...]
News March 2015
DHS funding crisis could have ripple effect on local ports Just as the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach recover from months of slow operations after a labor dispute, a budget battle in Washington[...]
Newsletter February 2015
Westar Ocean LCL Consolidation and our use of smaller ports for European westbound freight. The major east coast ports continue to become more and more congested due to overflow from west coast traffic slowdowns, truck[...]
Newsletter January 2015
West Coast Port Congestion & Labor Update The congestion situation that has existed for many months on the US West Coast continues and has worsened since the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Delays are occurring[...]