The union representing the longshoremen at the Port of Montreal announced on Tuesday to its members that contract negotiations with management and mediators have been suspended. The Union president Martin Lapierre clarified that the mediation process had been suspended and did not end.

Each month we will publish highlights from the important articles we’re reading about shipping and logistics. This month’s articles include the need for better accuracy in shipping forecasts, electronic manifest requirements, real-time cargo visibility platform, ELD implementation, Canaan Group being named a BC Finalist for Canada’s Best Managed Companies, and forwarders expanding charter flights to increase capacity.

Each month we will publish highlights from the important articles we’re reading about shipping and logistics. This month’s articles include a 2021 air freight rates outlook, eBill of Lading standards, limited warehouse space, shipping antique cars, and a Canadian terminal and rail operations update.

The Association for Supply Chain Management has found resilience to be the top priority for executives in the supply chain industry for 2021, with digitization also trending as critical.

Between continued capacity issues, rising shipping costs, and anticipated changes to the way contracts are negotiated, it’s more important than ever to partner with the right logistics company.

With increasing demand and soaring freight rates for container liners, multipurpose carriers are offering their ships for use to try and help close the supply gap.

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) will be mandatory for most Canadian motor carriers as of June 2021. 

With e-commerce driving demand, the final-mile delivery landscape is shifting and enlarging, with companies such as Amazon and grocery stores relying more on other logistics forwarding partners for residential delivery. 

Global Affairs Canada has announced a new interim deal with the United Kingdom that will bridge the gap between the end of the UK’s involvement with CETA at the end of this year, and the establishment of a comprehensive trade agreement between the two countries.

Canada has secured access to 20 million doses of the vaccine, and, in order to expedite the distribution process, has already issued a contract tender for a national shipping plan.

The majority of Canadian businesses feel well-prepared to survive the second wave, especially with new technology in place to help them succeed.

The likelihood of mergers and acquisitions in the air cargo sector is increasing with smaller forwarders scrambling to keep up with demand.

Container shortages in Asia are creating a deficit of available equipment for importers, while rates continue to increase.

The US company COVAXX has secured end-to-end supply chain management in preparation of shipping 1 billion doses of its vaccine around the globe in 2021. 

Some trade experts and diplomats predict that although the tension and anxiety around Canadian-US trade created under Trump will settle down now, it won’t necessarily mean better trade deals for Canada, since the Democratic party is known for having anti-trade sentiments. 

The economic recovery may have hit pause when the 2nd wave hit, but overall, most sectors in North America are rebounding well and there is little risk of another recession.

Upheavals in supply and demand are forcing airlines to increase rates for cargo while COVID-19 continues to disrupt and complicate supply chains around the globe.