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Port automation is a sticking point for dockworkers union

Jan 2, 2025
Longshoremen are trying to prevent the adoption of technology that could eliminate jobs. That transition has been underway in other countries.
Port automation has become more common globally in recent years. But the International Longshoremen’s Association does not want ports to adopt technology that could eliminate jobs. 
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Baltimore warehouse CEO is finding a new normal after bridge collapse

Nov 26, 2024
Sue Monaghan's business is recovering while she navigates obstacles like another possible port strike and proposed tariffs.
Business has "definitely picked up in November, but it still was pretty spotty through August and September," says Sue Monaghan, CEO of Baltimore International Warehousing and Transportation.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

“It's like its own little civilization”: a crash course for educators about jobs in the Port of Baltimore

Jul 23, 2024
Careers at the port range from environmentalist to tug boat captain to welder. But people have to know they exist in order to apply to do them.
More than 20,000 people are employed directly at the Port of Baltimore.
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With the Port of Baltimore accessible again, longshoremen return to work

Jun 17, 2024
Their work includes tying ships to the shore, unloading containers and vehicles and keeping track of everything that comes off.
Longshoreman Tyler Tippett pulls in lines to secure a cargo ship at the Port of Baltimore.
Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace

There's a logic to the chaos of the global supply chain

Jun 14, 2024
Peter Goodman of The New York Times discusses the complex inner workings of our fragile system and why it broke down during the pandemic.
Increasing resilience would be costly and reduce profitability at many supply chain businesses, author Peter Goodman explains. Above, shipping containers at the Port of Oakland in California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Cargo mover waits out “catastrophic” halt in Baltimore port business 

Apr 19, 2024
"It was like, 'OK, this is a horrific event. And how are we going to recover from this?'" says Dawn Speakman, founder of Drayage Solutions in Baltimore.
Crews are still working to clear the wreckage from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Possible train strike could derail supply chain even more

Sep 12, 2022
A nationwide rail shutdown could cost $2 billion a day, the Association of American Railroads said.
Around half of the goods we import and export touch U.S. railways.
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Why “big boats” might be partially responsible for inflation

May 24, 2022
Supply chain journalist Rachel Premack says megaships deserve some of the blame for shipping logjams and increased costs.
“I hate big boats, and so should you,” wrote FreightWaves editorial director Rachel Premack. The Ever Given container ship, above, sails along Egypt's Suez Canal.
Mahmoud Khaled/AFP via Getty Images

Companies reroute cargo away from Russian rail network

Mar 16, 2022
It could put extra pressure on global shipping and force companies to raise prices.
Some goods with high price margins, like computers and car parts, typically travel between China and Europe by rail. Above, a freight train rolls through a forest in Poland.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

The war in Ukraine means more chaos for global shipping

Mar 8, 2022
Companies are rerouting around conflict zones and costs are on the rise, explains Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport.
Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport, said the air cargo business is "dramatically cut short right now in capacity."
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