Merry Christmas
As we approach the Christmas season, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership throughout the year.
Please note our holiday office schedule:
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (12/24 & 12/25) – Closed
New Year’s Eve & New Year's Day (12/31 & 1/1) – Closed
From December 18, 2024, through January 2, 2025, JMC Global will be operating with a limited team. However, rest assured there will always be someone available to address any urgent needs.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and relaxation. Thank you for a fantastic year, and we look forward to achieving even more together in 2025!
Warm regards,
The JMC Global Team
Ports at a Crossroads: Wage Gains and Automation Debate Shape ILA Negotiations
The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), representing dockworkers along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, is in ongoing negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) ahead of a January 15, 2025, deadline. Key issues include wage increases and automation in port operations. While a recent tentative agreement secured a 62% wage increase over six years, the ILA remains firmly opposed to automation, citing potential job losses, while employers argue it’s necessary for global competitiveness.
President-elect Donald Trump has voiced support for the ILA’s stance, calling automation harmful to American workers. The stakes are high, as prior strikes disrupted supply chains and cost the economy billions. A resolution is crucial to prevent further economic impact and shape the future of U.S. ports.
Insights from Lindsay Robinson: Navigating the Lacey Act's Impact on Ocean Freight
The Lacey Act, originally passed in 1900, now plays a vital role in regulating the import of goods made from illegally harvested timber and plant materials. For ocean freight operations, this means ensuring that products like furniture, flooring, and paper goods comply with international and U.S. environmental laws.
Today, the stakes are high—non-compliance can result in hefty fines, cargo seizures, and costly project delays. Transparency in supply chains and robust due diligence processes are critical to meeting these legal standards.
This is where JMC Global steps in. We specialize in navigating the complexities of the Lacey Act, helping clients ensure their shipments comply with regulations. By proactively addressing legal requirements, we minimize risks, keeping projects on time and on budget. JMC Global’s expertise ensures a seamless supply chain process, allowing businesses to focus on their goals without the worry of regulatory hurdles.
And now, A little jingle from our Houston Christmas party to the Freight Team, from Lindsay:
The Holiday PM Hustle
’Twas the holiday rush, and the PM was fried,
Their Gantt chart a mess, their budget denied.
“Who rerouted Santa? Who changed the plan?
And why is this shipment now stuck in Japan?”
With duct tape and hustle, they rewrote the plan,
Chasing down drivers and booking a van.
Mila kept calm, juggling chaos with grace,
While Dianne said, “I’ve got this—let’s get it in place!”
Haylee rerouted with confident flair,
And Alex assured, “I’ve solved worse, don’t despair.”
Goya jumped in with her spreadsheet supreme,
“Three fixes ready—time to redeem!”
By midnight, the stack was back on track,
Though the PM’s caffeine had hit critical lack.
“Deliverables hit, stakeholders appeased,
But I swear if one more person ‘circles back,’ I’ll freeze.”
So here’s to the PMs, the drivers, and crew—
Without their hustle, Santa’s sleigh might lose!
Let us know how we can leverage our expertise to help you with your upcoming logistics needs.
Please call our main number at 832-381-2500, or click the names below to contact Lindsay Robinson, Alexandra Wells or Kelly Morgan.
Sources: Freight Waves, The Times, Business Insider, Reuters, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), & Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)