Trump cuts off charging ports for all 8,000 electric vehicles in the federal
The General Services Administration (GSA) under Donald Trump said they are not important. February 24, 2025, 16:04 The Trump administration is about to cut the power of the EV charger owned by the administration. The move will affect thousands of charging spaces across the country and are already in progress. It is unclear what happens to chargers and vehicles using them. Donald Trump's administration has reportedly ordered the closure of all electric vehicle charging stations in federal buildings in the United States during a radical policy shift. The decision effectively converts the conversion of hundreds of electric vehicle chargers across the country to approximately 8,000 charging ports managed by the General Services Administration (GSA). The directive also includes plans to unload recently acquired electric vehicles from the federal fleet. These moves combined show a sharp reversal with the last government-promoted sustainability initiative. Read: Trump's budget cuts threaten Biden's $6.6B Rivian loan EV factory A GSA internal email viewed by Colorado…
Worldecr |We end sanctions exemptions on Iranian ports
Home > information > U.S. ends sanctions on Iranian ports to influence India's actions The White House announced that the U.S. would lift sanctions waivers on Iran’s Chabahar port project, threatening a narrow exemption from sanctions President Donald Trump granted India in the first semester of 2018. The White House issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum ("NSPM-2')" on February 4 without naming India, directing the State Department to amend or revoke sanctions exemptions, especially those who provide Iran with any economic or financial relief , including those related to Iran's Chabahar port project. When India signed a decade-long agreement with Iran to develop and operate Chabahar, the State Department did not name New Delhi when warning, “Any entity, anyone considering a business deal with Iran, they need it. Aware of the potential potential they are opening up their own risks and the potential risks of sanctions.” Trump's new directives order federal agencies to eliminate Iran's oil exports and deny its…
Funds being raised for stolen cars leaving US ports in containers
U.S. Customs agents at the Port of Baltimore face ongoing challenges with vehicle export theft Authorities at the Port of Baltimore are seizing hundreds of stolen export vehicles. On average, agents find at least one stolen vehicle per day, with most heading to West Africa. Some thieves will rent a car for 30 days and then prepare it for immediate shipment overseas. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents face an uphill battle, especially at the Port of Baltimore. The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics states that it is "one of the top 20 U.S. ports by tonnage handled and number of containers...and a major hub for the import and export of motor vehicles." However, many of these vehicles are stolen and shipped overseas. According to Voice of America, agents inspect hundreds of vehicles every day and usually find at least one vehicle trying to export illegally. More: Stolen U.S. cars fund terrorism, authorities warn These models range from the Toyota…
U.S. ports expected to end the year strong
Container traffic through U.S. ports is set to end strong, signaling a strong improvement in the outlook for 2025. Shippers hoarding imported cargo to avoid potential disruptions fueled the year-end surge, according to a recent report from Yahoo Finance. As suggested by the National Retail Federation, there are labor concerns and upcoming tariffs in the new year. Also read: U.S. container shipping faces headwinds as peak season approaches In November, U.S. ports handled 2.17 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), according to data from Global Port Tracking. The data, which does not include the ports of New York and New Jersey, was down 3.2% from October's data but up 14.7% year-on-year. NRF expects December throughput to increase to 2.24 million TEU, a 19.2% year-on-year increase, which could push the full-year total to 25.6 million TEU, 15.2% higher than the 2023 record. A potential crisis was averted as port employers and unionized dockworkers agreed on automating container handling, averting an imminent strike…
Shanghai Port’s throughput exceeded 50 million TEUs, setting a historical milestone
The Port of Shanghai made history by becoming the world's first port with an annual container throughput of more than 50 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), extending its 14-year run as the world's busiest container port. This achievement highlights China's dominant position in global trade and logistics, Xinhua News Agency reported on Monday. global trading power Shanghai Port has an extensive network, connecting more than 700 ports and opening 350 international routes to more than 200 countries and regions. Officials at Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. (SIPG) said the surge in cargo volumes was driven by growth in export demand, international transfers and ship-to-ship business. Ship-to-ship transfers alone are expected to reach a record 60% by 2024, further increasing throughput. Increase efficiency through automation The Yangshan Phase IV automated terminal, opened in 2017, has revolutionized the port’s efficiency. This state-of-the-art facility increases operational efficiency by 30% while reducing labor requirements by 70%, reinforcing Shanghai's reputation for logistics innovation. sustainable…
Georgia ports receive $120 million in federal grant
The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has received more than $120 million in federal grants to enhance operational sustainability and infrastructure at its Savannah and Brunswick facilities. The grants fund projects designed to enhance energy resiliency, reduce emissions and expand rail capacity, making Georgia Ports a leader in sustainable port operations. Also Read: Georgia ports celebrate truckers, highlight industry efficiency and investments Savannah Terminal Power Restoration and Electrification The U.S. Maritime Administration has allocated $49.8 million to fund the construction of a terminal power distribution network at the Garden City Terminal in the Port of Savannah. The project, which includes GPA-owned generators and substations, is designed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, especially during natural disasters for temperature-controlled goods such as food and medicines. GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch emphasized that reliable power is critical to the Authority’s continued transition from diesel to electric yard equipment. GPA will donate $88.2 million to the project, matching the federal grant. Shore power and…
SC ports expand rail infrastructure in stable container
South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) continues to solidify its role as the logistics hub of the Southeast, supported by continued container throughput and significant rail infrastructure advancements. Also Read: SC Ports reports 7% cargo volume growth in June, setting various operational records SC Ports has three terminals capable of accommodating large vessels, a 52-foot-deep port (the deepest on the U.S. East Coast), and soon-to-be 10 million TEU capacity. The network includes two inland ports served by rail, as well as an inshore rail yard under development. Progress is well underway on an intermodal facility at the Naval Base in the Port of Charleston that will greatly enhance rail operations. Site grading and utility work are nearly complete, and concrete paving and track construction at the intermodal yard are underway. The facility will be served by CSX and Norfolk Southern Airlines, increasing capacity and efficiency. The expansion of the Greer Inland Port added more than 9,000 feet of rail and expanded…
U.S. ports receive $580 million in infrastructure grants
To mark the third anniversary of the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced nearly $580 million in Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grants. The grants will fund 31 projects in 15 states and one territory, promoting critical infrastructure upgrades at ports across the country. Cary Davis, president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), expressed gratitude for the support from congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle and the U.S. Department of Transportation. “The hard work begins now. AAPA Ports is committed to working with our federal government partners to quickly deploy funds, break ground and complete upgrades to strengthen our nation’s supply chains,” said Davis. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips highlighted the broader impact of these upgrades, stating: “Modernizing America’s ports is critical to enhancing the intermodal networks that support our supply chains. 2.3 billion short tons of cargo are transported through U.S. waterways each year, This…
China-driven surge in U.S. imports puts pressure on major ports
According to the latest global shipping report from Descartes Systems Group, U.S. container imports surged in October 2024, reaching 2,494,635 TEU (20-foot equivalent units). This marked the fourth consecutive month that throughput exceeded 2.4 million TEU - a threshold that has historically put pressure on U.S. port logistics. The data for October increased by 8.1% year-on-year, a sharp increase of 20.5% from 2019 before the epidemic. Year to date, imports are up 13.1% from 2023 and 16.9% from 2019. These increased volumes highlight the strong performance of U.S. imports in 2024, especially compared with the modest 3.4% growth in 2019 observed in early 2023. However, the surge in imports has created logistical challenges. Transit delays increased at seven of the top 10 U.S. ports in October as facilities on the Eastern and Gulf Coast faced a three-day strike by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA). "Import volumes have been high for four months and port operations are showing pressure as transit…
Strike fears drive import surge at U.S. ports
U.S. container imports are expected to increase through the end of the year as retailers prepare for possible East Coast and Gulf Coast port strikes and higher tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump. Uncertainty over labor negotiations and proposed tariffs is prompting retailers to speed up shipments and reroute cargo to West Coast ports to avoid disruptions, according to the National Retail Federation's latest Global Port Tracker report. In October, the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) held a brief strike, eventually reaching a tentative agreement to extend the contract until January 15 and consider increasing wages. Jonathan Gold, NRF's vice president of supply chain and customs policy, warned that if negotiations reach an impasse, a prolonged strike could occur, triggering contingency measures by shippers. Ben Hackett, founder of Hackett Associates, added that the recent surge in imports was driven primarily by these preemptive actions rather than organic demand. Against this backdrop, President-elect Trump has proposed imposing tariffs of up to 20% on…
North American ports invest in cold storage capture
The refrigerated freight industry has become the fastest growing industry at North American ports, driving new investment in cold storage facilities. Speaking at the American Association of Port Authorities annual meeting, industry leaders highlighted the surge in refrigerated cargo and the need to replace outdated infrastructure to accommodate this high-margin market. Also Read: Refrigerated Logistics Lands on Nasdaq As many cold storage facilities in North America age (more than half are over 40 years old), operators such as Cold Summit Development are taking the lead in replacing inefficient facilities with modern port warehouses. “Most existing cold storage facilities require upgrades to meet today’s design and cooling efficiency standards,” explains Eric Casey, executive vice president of Cold Summit. The Port of Wilmington, North Carolina, exemplifies this trend, with a new cold storage development designed to balance local cargo flows. Brian Clark, executive director of the North Carolina Ports, noted the port's strategy to support import and export needs, handling everything from…
EPA allocates $3 billion to clean, decarbonize U.S. ports
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $3 billion in grants to 55 projects in 27 states and territories as part of its Clean Ports Initiative, marking a major push to decarbonize U.S. ports. Transforming ports with zero-emission technology The funds will support the purchase of more than 1,500 pieces of cargo handling equipment, 1,000 haul trucks, 10 locomotives and 20 vessels. In addition, the port will benefit from the development of shore power systems, battery-powered and hydrogen charging infrastructure, and solar power generation. Cary S. Davis, President and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), celebrated the grants and said, “These awards will bring significant benefits to our ports and our nation’s transportation system. We thank Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration for their commitment to a cleaner, more resilient future." A cleaner future for ports and communities EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of this investment, saying, "Our nation's ports play a vital role…
U.S. ports generate $2.9 trillion in economic impact
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has released its 2024 Port and Maritime Industry Economic Contribution Report, emphasizing the important role that U.S. ports play in the national economy. The study highlights that the maritime sector supports nearly $2.9 trillion in GDP and 21.8 million U.S. jobs, solidifying ports as important pillars of the economy. “With one in every eight U.S. jobs and a GDP of nearly $2.9 trillion, we can’t imagine a world without U.S. ports,” said Cary S. Davis, AAPA president and CEO. Davis) said. "Despite significant challenges such as the pandemic, macroeconomic shifts and protectionist trends, the port industry remains critical to U.S. supply chains and economic growth. Policymakers must continue to invest in our ports to ensure long-term prosperity." Key findings of the report 1. 21.8 million jobs are supported by the maritime industry, including consumer spending, suppliers and port users, equivalent to one in every eight jobs in the U.S. workforce. 2. In 90%…
Hurricane Milton impacts southeastern U.S. ports reopening
After Hurricane Milton devastated Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, the U.S. Coast Guard reopened several major ports in the region. Also Read: As strike concerns ease, freight forwarders turn attention to hurricane aftermath Milton initially made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane, causing widespread damage, before moving across the state and regaining strength over the Atlantic Ocean. As recovery efforts ramp up, federal, state and local agencies continue to assess the storm's impact. Due to advance planning and coordination by NOAA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Emergency Management and other agencies, multiple ports resumed operations on October 10. Reopened ports include: 1. Florida: Key West, Port Everglades, PortMiami and Miami River2. Georgia: Brunswick and Savannah3. South Carolina: Charleston and Georgetown Additionally, the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Port Captain announced the reopening of the Port of Tampa and Manatee Seaport, albeit with operating restrictions in place. Federal pilotage activities - such…
Brief strikes at U.S. ports won’t derail import surge
U.S. container imports are expected to remain strong despite brief three-day strikes at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, supporting the upcoming holiday shopping season. The strike was initiated by the International Longshoremen's Association on October 1 after its main contract with the American Maritime Union expired, but it ended quickly and temporarily extended the contract until mid-January. READ ALSO: Protracted port strike narrowly avoided for now Retailers and consumers alike are relieved by the swift resolution. Jonathan Gold, vice president of supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation (NRF), stressed that while it will take several weeks for ports to recover, holiday shipments are not expected to be significantly affected. In fact, U.S. ports have been handling strong cargo volumes. August increased 19.3% year-on-year to 2.34 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), the highest level since May 2022. September's figure is expected to rise 12.9%, and October's growth is expected to be 3.1%. % Increase. Overall trends indicate…
Strikes begin at U.S. Eastern and Gulf Coast ports
At 12:01 noon on October 1, local time, approximately 45,000 dock workers launched a strike at ports along the eastern United States and the Gulf Coast. The workers are represented by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), while the 36 major ports affected by the strike are represented by the United States Maritime Union (USMX). Ports from Maine to Texas are affected by coordinated strike action, including New York-New Jersey, Savannah, Charleston, Houston and Mobile, among others. While negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement began earlier this year, talks between ILA and USMX soured this summer over differing views on the future use of automation in port operations and wage increases for workers. Also read: US East Coast dockworkers strike – key insights from container traders and leasing companies The ILA is asking for new contractual agreements to explicitly protect the future of dockworkers’ jobs by continuing to limit the use of automation. The issue has been contentious throughout negotiations,…
Strikes at U.S. East Coast ports to disrupt major supply chain
The knock-on effects of industrial action at U.S. eastern and Gulf Coast ports will cause significant supply chain disruptions in 2025, with analysts warning that government intervention may be needed to avoid significant economic fallout. Also read: CH Robinson: How shippers can prepare for potential ILA strikes amid growing disruption in North American shipping landscape A total of 36 ports are preparing for a complete shutdown if a new deal cannot be reached by the September 30 deadline with the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), which represents 85,000 port workers. "Currently, there are ships at sea carrying billions of dollars of cargo heading to ports along the U.S. Eastern and Gulf Coasts," said Peter Sand, principal analyst at Xeneta. "These ships can't turn around or really reroute to the U.S. West Coast. . Some may be moved to ports in Canada or even on the east coast of Mexico, but the vast majority will just wait outside the affected ports until…
Georgia Ports celebrates truckers, highlights industry
The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is honoring truckers during National Trucker Appreciation Week to recognize the vital role they play in the global supply chain. “Our partners in the trucking industry are the critical link between our global vessel services and our domestic supply chain,” said Griff Lynch, GPA President and CEO. To celebrate the day, GPA employees will be handing out safety gloves, water bottles and chicken sandwiches at the truck gates at the Garden City Terminal at the Port of Savannah. Lynch stressed the importance of keeping trucks running smoothly, noting that the efficiency of the Port of Savannah allows drivers to complete up to eight truck turns per day, compared to just two per day at Southern California terminals. Savannah is able to handle 80% of truck traded import and export container movements in both directions, significantly reducing truck trips, minimizing diesel emissions, and increasing driver profitability. In July and August, truck turn times were as low…
South Carolina ports see big cargo growth
South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) reported a significant increase in cargo volumes, with container throughput up 8% in July from a year earlier. The surge in cargo volumes was driven by a population boom and the start of the peak season in the region, with imports up 6%. See also: South Carolina ports boost Midlands economy, $22.3 billion impact Barbara Melvin, president and CEO of South Carolina Ports, highlighted the region’s attractiveness for new investment, noting the port’s reliable service, strong intermodal network and capacity for future growth as key factors. In July, South Carolina ports efficiently moved 224,407 TEUs and 124,448 dockside containers, the second-highest July volume on record, behind only the record set in July 2021 during the pandemic-induced import boom. Inland ports by rail also saw impressive growth, with 21,013 containers moved by rail in July, up 19% from the same period last year. Greer Inland Port set a new record with 17,332 containers moved, up 17%…
Maersk pledges $2 billion to upgrade Pakistani ports and
Danish shipping giant Maersk has announced that it will invest $2 billion in Pakistan's ports and transportation infrastructure over the next two years. The investment is aimed at boosting Pakistan's infrastructure and promoting economic growth, a state-owned news agency reported. Also read: Maersk launches new methanol-powered container ship, advancing green shipping goals As part of the initiative, Pakistan Maritime Minister Qaisel Ahmed Sheikh plans to visit Denmark this month to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Maersk Line and the Karachi Port Authority. Qaisel Ahmed Sheikh stressed that Karachi has a huge potential to increase exports and the Maritime Ministry is committed to creating a conducive environment for the business community to take advantage of this opportunity. Earlier, Abu Dhabi Ports Pakistan CEO Khurram Aziz Khan announced an investment of $250 million in the Port of Karachi over the next decade during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Khan also outlined plans to invest $130 million in…
Ports support new legislation to promote offshore wind and
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has formally endorsed the Shoreline Economic and Ecosystem Reinvestment Act (RISEE), a major piece of legislation spearheaded by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The proposed law seeks to distribute a portion of federal revenues generated from offshore leasing activities to state governments. These funds are critical to improving port infrastructure, accelerating projects, and strengthening the domestic supply chain. Also read: Severe ship shortage causes delays in offshore wind farm construction “The RISEE Act provides a critical opportunity for the port industry to contribute to U.S. manufacturing by building a new wave of energy infrastructure,” said AAPA President and CEO Cary S. Davis. “We applaud Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse for their bipartisan leadership on this forward-looking proposal. AAPA strongly urges Congress to pass this legislation before the year is out.” Additionally, the RISEE Act proposes to remove the cap on federal-state revenue sharing through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act…
The new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is equipped with 13 cup holders and 7 USB ports
Is the standard Highlander just not big enough for you and your family? Toyota has a solution for you and your family with the larger and longer 2024 Grand Highlander, which will debut at the Chicago Auto Show. It's a midsize family SUV built on the same platform as the smaller Highlander and comes with two hybrid powertrains, three rows of seats for up to eight passengers, and everything you need for long road trips. Under the hood Toyota will offer three powertrains for the Grand Highlander. While not all details have been released yet, the automaker has revealed that the base model will be equipped with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, and a 2.5-liter hybrid model will also be available. Both models will be available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line model will be equipped with Toyota's Hybrid Max powertrain, first introduced on the Crown, which adds 30 hp (22 kW / 30.4 PS) to the large SUV…
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