Carriers Push for “No-Show” Fees – Maersk and APL are moving toward a system of penalties to be charged to shippers whose containers fail to meet cutoffs for their intended vessel. According to Maersk, 30% of booked containers never show up for their planned departure. The carriers will use pilot programs in certain tradelanes before expanding the practice.
Read more from the JOC.
U.S. West Coast Port Closed for “Bloody Thursday” – U.S. West Coast Ports will be closed on July 4th and 5th. As is annual tradition, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) use July 5th to recognize “Bloody Thursday,” the anniversary of a 1934 labor dispute that resulted in the death of two dockworkers.
Bomb-Resistant Cargo Hold Being Tested – A new bomb-resistant baggage hold is being tested by engineers in the U.K. The team of researchers has developed a flexible enclosure made of advanced materials designed to absorb an explosion. Initial test have been promising and it is possible for the new technology to make its way to commercial aircraft within two years.
Read more from Wired.
Restaurant Made of Shipping Containers – A new restaurant in San Antonio, Texas is made entirely of cargo containers. The four retrofitted containers house a kitchen, beverage car, restrooms, and office space. The owner plans on expanding using more containers, including a stage for live music performances.
Read more from My San Antonio.
