@Marco Perkins , will; affect automotive , bulk shippers, building supplies(hardware), steel. Retail has already shipped early to avoid this and peak season implemented by both ocean and intermodal providers. The Baltimore terminal for example is a RORO & bulk terminal. MTL port went on 3 day strike today, this is not coincidence IMHO, MTL is Canada's second largest port, largest on the East coast. Halifax ports remains open, however, will have to transload and truck all shipments as rail runs through MTL which is over congested. This will add significant $$ to all shipments. As both countries started to see inflation control and interest rates come down the unions are going to drive inflation back or higher than previous level. In addition to union, ocean liners have implemented a $3000 surcharge to all TEUs. 20,000 TEUs average per vessel- $30,000 Million per vessel in surcharges. Consumers will have to pay for these increases at the end of the day.

@Marco Perkins , challenge with election timing is Dems do not want to step in, fear they will lose the union vote. They already lost it according to Teamsters and ILA. FEDS will have to step in if it prolongs, if not automotive BIG 3 will be pressing them. Fingers crossed sir

@Anthony Lanciano @Tonnie Banks , if the FEDS do not step in as they did with rail, the cost to the US consumer will be substantial. The 2 year battle against inflation will all be for NOT as surcharges are excessive. Surcharge (made up to avoid FMC) will be $3000 per TEU, average vessel has 20,000. That will be $30 million additional charges per vessel. Imagine 10 -20 vessels waiting outside the ports. The union does not want automation and a 70-77% increase in wages. Pres of ILA wants to stop automation in foreign ports and have them join his union. 10 years to late, look at the autonomous ports overseas, they are efficient, safer and not disrupted every 2 -3 years. ILWU last year on West coast is a different union, their average is now $200,000 per year, they did sign a 6 year deal. Canada ILWU did a wild cat strike, shut down 3 billion in commerce over 2 weeks. Guess who is paying for all of these strikes. YOU the consumer are. Wages published by several Lars Jensen post if you cannot read the below.

@Tonnie Banks , you are correct, Pres wants blood and even wants workers at ports in other countries to join their union. Public sentiment is wavering as their average wages are being published. Ask this question of your network? Would you give up your job to earn $250,000 to $450,000 per year? Then ask for a 77% increase, really, stop automation so the US& Canada will be stuck with higher costs than the rest of the world to manage containers.

@Scott Sloan , if your read the posts today with respect to carriers not communicating break downs. Not communicating when they will be late for deliveries. Carrier advising a broker and shipper they are on-time and then did not show up until the next day. That is the reason technology has been implemented. Do not agree with calling drivers at all times. That is why there is tracking in place and carriers have dispatch or customer service. Brokers manage information and visibility. As a broker we can track a container from China, India from port of origin right through to the door. Rail we can get rolling reports updating visibility. Why should OTR carriers not provide the same or better visibility?

@Marco Perkins , specialized services always pays more, great share. Will say we do not fall into #5.

There are many customs brokers outside of Freight forwarders. Larger freight forwarders do have a customs division, a) additional revenue stream b) they can clear customers freight directly to avoid additional charges with SSL or ports. One of the biggest things is the customs broker requires the shipper to sign a POA, Power of Attorney so they can manage the shipment on behalf of the shipper. Make necessary payments. clearit.ca is Canada clearitusa.com for USA They can walk you and your customers through the process, affordable and on line. They are limited in hours, if you require after hours there are companies like AAA in Canada and many like them in the USA.

@Tonnie Banks there are many FFs without a inhouse customs. We refer customs brokers or customer has their own. Many do use Livingston, FEDEX in Canada. @Anthony Lanciano , sorry to hear about your experience, will state have not had that challenge nor any customers we have set up. They do have a limitation we advise all customers, they are 7-7 not 24-7. If you do require 24-7 services and contacts, they would not be a good fit. If our team can assist you with Clear It send me a DM and will connect you with our Director of International.