Month in Review – September 2024

Maritime

September 3: Local 514 Bargaining Update – BCMEA web post

On September 3, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 communicated to the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) that it had a mandate from its members to take strike action.

Neither party immediately issued 72-hour notice of strike or lockout. Regular operations at B.C. ports continued uninterrupted.

The BCMEA awaits the conclusion of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) hearing regarding the union’s DP World (Canada) Inc. pay and manning proposal, which the BCMEA alleges to be illegal, constituting the union bargaining in bad faith.

The parties are scheduled to continue the CIRB hearing next week.

September 3: Maersk’s New ‘Fossil Fuel Fee’ More Costly for Shippers than Surcharges – The Loadstar

Maersk’s new fossil fuel fee (FFF), which replaces its bunker adjustment factor (BAF) and low-sulphur (LSS) surcharges, appears to be a more costly outcome for shippers and to the carrier’s advantage.

On May 31, Maersk announced the FFF and since July 1, all new contracts with more than three months’ validity have been quoted including the new fee.

To calculate FFF, the Danish carrier uses Platts’ fuel price index for 0.5% sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) and 0.1% sulphur fuel oil (LSMGO).

Using this methodology for the period of May 11 to August 10, Maersk updated the FFF to an average $586.59 per ton for VLSFO and $750.28 per ton for LSMGO from October 1.

September 4: U.S. Port Talks Kick Off in Effort to Avoid Strike – Transport Topics

The union representing East and Gulf coast dockworkers kicked off a two-day meeting on September 4 in New Jersey to discuss wage demands with port employers under the threat of a strike that would disrupt maritime trade gateways from Houston to Boston.

Negotiations on a labour contract covering six of the 10 busiest U.S. ports have stalled since June, when the International Longshoremen’s Association called off high-level wage talks with the United States Maritime Alliance, a group known as USMX that represents ocean carriers and terminal operators.

About 45,000 workers and three dozen ports in total could be affected in the event of a strike. And with less than a month before the September 30 deadline, U.S. retailers are renewing their plea to the White House to help break the impasse.

September 5: ILA Chief Vows to Form Global ‘Mega-Union’ to Fight Port Automation – The Loadstar

Belligerent U.S. International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) president Harold Daggett has vowed to initiate strikes on October 1 if agreement is not reached with the “far apart” port operators’ United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

And, he said, he intends to take on all the major carriers by forming a global ‘mega-union’.

September 6: Insurance Claims on the Rise with Box Ships Forced to Brave Cape Weather – The Loadstar

There has been a prolific rise in weather-related cargo loss and insurance claims since carriers have been forced to brave the extreme conditions round the Cape of Good Hope to escape Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Conventional wisdom has it that ships should avoid heavy storms where possible to minimize the risk of container loss, but the past 270 or so days of rerouting have seen vessels exposed to extreme weather off southern Africa.

In fact, between June 2 and September 6, there have been five incidents involving cargo loss or damage in the area, according to data from maritime claims consultant MK Webster.

September 6: Tentative Contract After Longshore Union Stops Hamburg Port Operations – The Maritime Executive

Germany’s labour union Ver.di and the employers of longshore workers reported on September 6 they have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract after months of disputes and “warning strikes.” The agreement came as the union had staged yet another strike that was disrupting the Port of Hamburg.

September 9: New Strings Attached – Shipping Shapes Up for 2025 with Premier Alliance Launch – The Loadstar

The structure of the global container shipping alliance next year is set for a further shake-up after MSC unveiled its new standalone east-west service network and revealed it has concluded a vessel-sharing agreement (VSA) with THE Alliance, covering nine Asia-Europe services.

The pivot point is February 2025, when the 2M partnership of MSC and Maersk is set to disband, while at the same time Hapag-Lloyd will depart THE Alliance to form the Gemini Cooperation with Maersk – at which point, the remaining three THE Alliance carriers – ONE, Yang Ming and HMM – will rebrand as the Premier Alliance and enter into a slot-share agreement with MSC covering the Asia-Europe trades.

In a parallel development, MSC has also signed a three-year VSA with Zim on the transpacific trade.

September 10: U.S. FMC OKs Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd Alliance – Supply Chain Dive

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s operational alliance called the Gemini Cooperation took effect on September 9, the Federal Maritime Commission said.

Originally set to take effect July 15, the FMC halted the operational agreement from the two ocean shipping giants because it was determined the agreement lacked details on its potential competitive impacts.

Newly filed agreements or already-operative agreements can be assessed by the commission for the likelihood of an unreasonable increase in transportation costs or a decrease in transportation service. The agency can seek an injunction in federal district court if it makes such a finding.

“The Commission has not determined to seek an injunction against the Gemini Cooperation Agreement at this time,” the FMC said.

September 11: Could U.S. East Coast Port Strike Spread to West Coast? ILWU Has Pledged to Support ILA in Contract Fight – American Shipper

Could a work stoppage by East Coast longshoremen spread to West Coast ports?

That’s the nontrivial question facing shipping lines, terminal operators and the country at large as U.S. East and Gulf Coast port employers nervously wait out an October 1 strike deadline set by the International Longshoremen’s Association.

Now, the International Longshore & Warehouse Union has thrown its considerable weight behind the ILA. The ILWU represents tens of thousands of dockworkers at West Coast ports, including the Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach complex, the busiest containerized gateway in the U.S.

September 13: Ocean Freight Rates Continue to Tumble as Peak Comes to an Early End – The Loadstar

Spot freight rates on every major container lane continued to tumble last week as demand remained flat, while a possible short-term pre-Golden Week upsurge has so far failed to materialize.

Golden Week begins on October 1 and the week-long public holiday sees work stop across China – in previous years there has often been a spike in demand over the fortnight before it begins.

However, it would appear shippers have more pressing issues, particularly the growing probability of a strike on the U.S. east and Gulf coasts, which would explain last week’s dramatic collapse in Asia-North America east coast spot rates as their window to get import cargo into the east coast before October 1 has now disappeared.

September 16: Dockworkers Locked Out for Two Years at Port of Quebec – Syndicat des débardeurs du port de Québec press release (translated from French)

September 15 marked the second anniversary of the lockout of dockworkers at the Port of Quebec.

A large mobilization of dockers and their allies is planned for September 25 in Quebec to mark two years of the conflict.

September 19: Carriers Announce Disruption Surcharges for USEC Cargo as Strike Looms – The Loadstar

As the possibility of strike action at ports on the U.S. east and Gulf coasts draws nearer by the day, container shipping lines serving the region have begun to announce disruption surcharges.

On September 1, MSC notified customers it would apply a $1,000 per 20ft and $1,500 per 40ft emergency operations surcharge (EOS) from October 1 (the date set for the strike to begin) on all shipments from Europe to the U.S. east and Gulf coasts, as well as to ports in the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada.

That was followed by a CMA CGM advice that U.S. east and Gulf coast local port charges for import shipments of $1,500 per TEU would be applied from October 11, while export shipments would be subject to local port charges of $800 per 20ft and $1,000 per 40ft on the same date.

The French carrier has also advised customers that it would apply a $500-per-TEU rate ‘restoration initiative’ on all transatlantic shipments from October 1.

On September 19, Hapag-Lloyd became the latest carrier to announce a port strike surcharge, revealing it would apply a work disruption surcharge of $1,000 per TEU from October 18 on container shipments to the U.S. east and Gulf coasts.

September 20: Report Reveals Digital Transformation Progress in Container Shipping Industry – gCaptain

The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has released its “State of the Industry Report 2024,” highlighting significant advancements in digitalization within the container shipping sector.

The report reveals growing adoption of digital tools and standards, while also identifying areas for improvement. Key findings indicate that 86% of cargo owners view digitalization as a means to enhance operational efficiency. Ports and terminals emphasize its role in enabling scalability, while banks point to its potential for risk reduction. The report also notes that digital standards are crucial for seamless operations across the supply chain.

September 23: Residents Near Port of Montreal Warned to Stay Indoors Due to Lithium Battery Fire – CBC News

Firefighters worked to extinguish thousands of kilograms of lithium batteries on fire at the Port of Montreal.

In a Facebook post, the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough says a lockdown notice is in progress in a sector adjacent to the port due to the fire.

The batteries are in a shipping container, but firefighters say there is no risk that the second-alarm fire will spread to other containers.

September 24: FMC’s ‘Shot Across the Bows’ Warning Over Unfair D&D Fees During Strike – The Loadstar

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has warned carriers and terminal operators against profiteering from unfair detention and demurrage (D&D) charges amid the disruption from an east and Gulf coast port strike.

The FMC on September 23 published a reminder that “all statutes and regulations administered by the FMC would remain in effect” during any International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike-related terminal closures, threatened for October 1.

Vespucci Maritime CEO Lars Jensen said: “Basically, this should be seen as a metaphorical ‘shot across the bows’; that the FMC will not look kindly on anyone trying to profit from D&D charges resulting from a physical inability to use the ports during a strike.”

September 25: Montreal Dockworkers Approve Strike Mandate – The Globe and Mail

Dockworkers at the Port of Montreal have approved a strike mandate after more than a year of contract negotiations. Longshore workers voted 97.9 percent in favour of granting their union executive the authority to call a strike if it chooses.

The union local, affiliated with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, would need to issue a 72-hour notice before its nearly 1,200 members could walk off the job.

The parties remain in mediation, and the Maritime Employers Association says it hopes to hash out a deal at the table in the coming days.

September 27: Grain Workers Union on Strike at Vancouver’s Grain Terminals – Chamber of Shipping

Workers at several Metro Vancouver grain terminals, including Viterra, Richardson, and Cargill facilities, walked off the job on September 24, halting the movement of 100,000 tonnes of grain daily and potentially costing $35 million in lost exports. The Grain Workers Union Local 333 initiated the strike after stalled contract talks with the Vancouver Terminal Elevators Association (VTEA).

September 27: Port of Montreal Longshoremen File 72-Hour Strike Notice – The Gazette

The union representing longshore workers at the Port of Montreal said on September 27 work at two terminals could come to a standstill next week as the union served a 72-hour strike notice.

Dockworkers could walk off the job as of 7 am on September 30, a work stoppage that could last until October 3 at two terminals owned by Termont Montréal.

About 350 members would be part of the labour action, affecting about 35 percent of container shipments, according to the union local, which is affiliated with the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

 

 

Air

September 9: Air Canada Prepares for Orderly Shutdown to Mitigate Customer Impact Resulting from Labour Disruption – Air Canada press release

Air Canada on September 9 said that it is finalizing contingency plans to suspend most of its operations. Talks between the company and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, continue, but the parties remain far apart. Unless an agreement is reached, beginning on September 15, either party may issue a 72-hour strike or lock-out notice, which would trigger the carrier’s three-day wind-down plan.

September 12: Air Canada Urges Federal Government to Direct Arbitration – Air Canada press release

Air Canada on September 12 said that, if the airline’s contract negotiations with its pilot union fail, a government direction for binding arbitration will be necessary to avoid a major disruption of air travel that would upset the plans of 110,000 or more travellers a day and delay time-sensitive cargo shipments.

The parties have met for 100 days over the past 15 months, during which 1,110 issues have been subject to negotiation.

September 12: WestJet Adopts New Business Model for Freighter Aircraft – FreightWaves

Canadian airline WestJet has pivoted to offering other airlines and logistics companies the option of chartering its small fleet of Boeing 737-800 cargo jets to move goods after recently discontinuing scheduled cargo service because of weak demand.

WestJet Cargo on September 10 issued a news release promoting its charter service in North America and Latin America utilizing Boeing 737-800 converted freighters. The cargo division said it introduced charter service in the fourth quarter of 2023, but this is the first time there has been any public announcement about freighter aircraft being available for long-term rental.

The announcement said WestJet’s cargo division has completed more than 40 charter flights since the product’s inception. Most of those flights are being conducted by two 737-800 freighters running between Montreal or Toronto and Orlando, Florida, according to data on flight tracking site Flightradar24.

September 15: Air Canada and ALPA Reach Tentative Agreement on a New Four-Year Contract – Air Canada press release

Air Canada has reached a tentative, four-year collective agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.

Terms of the new agreement will remain confidential pending a ratification vote by the membership, expected to be completed over the next month, and approval by the Air Canada Board of Directors.

September 16: Airlines Suspend Flights as Middle East Tensions Rise – American Journal of Transportation

Concerns over a wider conflict in the Middle East have prompted numerous international airlines to suspend flights to the region or to avoid affected air space.

This article lists some of the airlines that have adjusted services to and from the region.

September 20: CBSA Issues Information on Transport Canada’s New Security Measures

The CBSA has shared information on the new security requirements that Transport Canada implemented effective August 29. The message was:

Please be advised that recent cargo incidents involving incendiary devices, including a fire at a logistics hub in Leipzig (originating from a package), have heightened awareness of potential threats within global supply chains. Transport Canada has implemented new measures: All cargo arriving from a list of fifty-five (55) European and Central Asian countries will not be accepted on an aircraft unless there is an established business relationship with either the carrier, the freight forwarder or their known agent.

This applies to commercial cargo flights and/or combined cargo and passenger flights carrying commercial cargo and casual goods, with the exception of mail.

Potential Impacts:

• Ports may see a decrease in air volumes while industry is adapting to the new requirement
• Ports may notice an increased numbers of cancelled shipments or shortage report

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) operational staff have been advised to remain vigilant in the handling and examination of packages and utilize all resources available to mitigate health and safety risk when conducting examinations.

September 27: Bottlenecks Begin to Form in Asia as Air Peak Season Approaches – The Loadstar

On the eve of the peak airfreight season, most Asian gateways are running without problems, but some bottlenecks have begun to appear, particularly out of South-east Asia and the Philippines.

And, according to the latest Dimerco Asia Pacific Freight Report, despite sinking volumes, exporters using container lines are also facing challenges as a result of a sharp rise in blank sailings.

Capacity is expected to be squeezed further by China’s Golden Week holiday early in October, when many factories close, causing a rush to ship out goods before the holiday.

September 27: Middle East Maritime Threat Escalates: Israeli and Lebanese Ports in the Crosshairs, Ambrey Warns – gCaptain

Maritime security firm Ambrey has raised the alarm over the increasing dangers faced by vessels operating in the Eastern Mediterranean, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate.

The conflict has evolved into a series of escalatory airstrikes between Hezbollah and Israel. This has led to a significant increase in maritime security risks, particularly for vessels calling at Israeli and Lebanese ports, according to Ambrey.

Ambrey’s analysis indicates that the port of Haifa is at “heightened risk” and could potentially become a direct target for Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Beirut and other Lebanese ports are assessed to be at “moderate risk,” with the possibility of a naval blockade looming.

September 28: Tentative Agreement Reached to End Vancouver Grain Terminal Workers’ Strike – CTV News

A strike by grain terminal workers at the Port of Metro Vancouver has ended, their employer announced on September 27.

Just hours after talks to end the strike broke down, a “rekindled” mediation effort led to a tentative agreement between the parties, said Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association in a statement.

 

 

Rail

September 19: CN Rail Relocating Jasper Operations 100 Kilometres Away to Hinton – Global News

Canadian National Railway Co. says it plans to relocate its operations in Jasper to near Hinton, Alta., about 100 kilometres away.

In a memo sent to employees, the company said it’s aiming to increase efficiency by minimizing train stops between Edmonton and Blue River, which sits on the B.C. side of the Rockies.

CN plans to close its Jasper bunkhouse and build a crew change facility east of Hinton, with workers slated to clock in at the new site starting in September 2025.

The union representing rail workers criticized the relocation, which affects about 200 employees, though no layoffs are expected.

September 27: Unifor Files a Notice of Dispute against CN – Yahoo Finance

Canadian National Railway said on September 27 that labour union Unifor has filed a notice of dispute to the Canadian Minister of Labour, just three days after initiating negotiations.

Also known as “conciliation,” the notice of dispute can be sent by either party to the Canadian Minister of Labour during a negotiation and typically results in the appointment of a conciliation officer to assist the parties in reaching an agreement.

Unifor asserted that it has filed for conciliation to move talks into a positive direction, adding that, within 24 hours of negotiations, CN issued a notice to the union expressing its intent to lay off at least 65 of its members.

 

 

Trucking

September 4: Insurers Offer Advice for a Tough U.S. Claims Environment for Canadian Truckers – Today’s Trucking

‘Nuclear verdicts’ – court awards of more than $10 million – against trucking companies are very much on the radar of Canadian trucking insurers that cover Canadian-based trucking companies travelling in the U.S.

Generally, Canadian trucking insurers are exposed to nuclear verdicts in the U.S. because Canadian-based trucking companies carry liability coverage that attracts the attention of U.S. civil litigators.

“The approach [of U.S. litigators], especially toward Canadian-plated companies, [is that] because we carry more liability, there is more opportunity for lawyers to take home a higher payout,” says Rupinder Hayer, assistant vice-president of long-haul trucking and commercial automobile at Echelon Insurance.

Hayer acknowledges claims against trucking companies are part of the landscape of long-haul trucking, which makes it a tricky line of business for insurers to write. But trucking companies can improve their chances of finding the coverage they need by reducing their exposure to liability.

For many trucking companies, that means investing in technologies to track driving behaviour and prevent accidents, such as trucks with automatic braking or lane assist.

September 6: How Self-Driving Trucks Could Create New Jobs – Transport Topics

As autonomous truck developers move closer to deploying fully driverless on-highway tractors, they are also pioneering a set of new, specialized job functions that will be necessary to support autonomous fleets in real-world freight operations.

Even with no one onboard, unmanned trucks will still depend on trained professionals to prepare, inspect, dispatch, monitor and maintain the vehicles as they haul loads between designated freight hubs on specific stretches of highway.

Some of these emerging job opportunities will focus on safety and logistics tasks on site at the transfer hubs or terminals where autonomous trucks will drop and hook trailers in a hub-to-hub distribution model.

September 10: Fleets Buckle In for Extended Downturn, Focus on Internal Improvements – Today’s Trucking

Fleet executives speaking at FTR’s annual transportation conference are not anticipating an imminent turnaround in freight conditions, and are instead turning focus inward to ensure they’re ready to return to growth when market conditions do eventually improve.

Contract truckload rates are down 8.2% on average this year, based on DAT data, while dry van has been hardest hit, down 9.7%. “Higher contract rates may have to wait until next year as spot capacity slowly exits the market,” said Lee Klaskow, senior transportation and logistics analyst with Bloomberg, adding “I’m a little surprised at how stubborn the industry is in terms of excess capacity coming out.”

Avery Vise, FTR’s vice-president of trucking, noted that, while capacity is slowly exiting the industry, the rate of exits has slowed – there was actually net carrier growth in August. But he added it will take more than a loss of capacity to improve rates, noting that will have to be complemented by an increase in freight volumes.

September 11: Canada Falling Behind on Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicle Transition: Report – Today’s Trucking

Canada is falling behind its global peers in the shift to zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, a recent report from Clean Energy Canada says.

While countries like the U.S. and those in the European Union accelerate their transitions, only 2% of new trucks and buses sold in Canada in 2023 were zero-emission, compared with 9% globally. California leads, with 17% of new commercial vehicle sales coming from zero-emission models, while the EU has set ambitious emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

The report suggests that Canada’s focus has been primarily on electric passenger cars, overlooking the commercial vehicle sector, which has a disproportionate impact on emissions. Although these vehicles account for just 17% of Canada’s total vehicle stock, they are responsible for 37% of the country’s transport emissions.

September 17: BCTA Announces Next Intake of the CleanBC Heavy-Duty Vehicle Efficiency Program – BCTA press release

The BC Trucking Association (BCTA) has launched the latest intake, Year Six, of the CleanBC Heavy-Duty Vehicle Efficiency (HDVE) Program, in partnership with the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. This program provides $1 million in rebates toward the adoption of fuel-saving technologies for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, supporting the Province’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve the efficiency of British Columbia’s trucking industry.

Eligible applicants can receive rebates on approved fuel-reducing technologies such as low- and zero-emission reefers, fuel-efficient tires and auxiliary power units. Rebates of up to $15,000 per vehicle and $50,000 per fleet are available for the purchase and installation of approved technologies. Applications are open until August 31, 2025, or until all funds have been allocated. Trucking companies are encouraged to apply early to maximize the benefit of the available rebates.

September 17: The Electric Shift in Quebec Trucking Slowed by the Suspension of Écocamionnage Program – Truck Stop Quebec (translated from French)

The electric shift in the Quebec trucking industry is in trouble. The sudden suspension of the Écocamionnage program, designed to mitigate the acquisition costs of electric trucks, has sent shockwaves through the sector.

This government program, which aimed to encourage the electrification of freight transport while helping companies bear the high costs associated with this transition, was interrupted without notice, leaving the industry in great uncertainty.

September 18: A Structural Shift in Road Freight – Who Are the Winners and Losers? – The Loadstar

The road freight sector is “undergoing a change in structure,” according to Transport Intelligence (Ti) analyst Thomas Cullen, and there will be winners and losers.

In his recent North American road freight update, Mr. Cullen highlights that the less-than-truckload (LTL) sector is buoyant and “seems to be increasing its market-share.” However, full-truckload (FTL) operations appear “markedly less profitable” and are losing market share to LTL, he says.

“What is clear is that the third-party trucking companies have suffered over the past year,” says Mr. Cullen.

“Overall, a key factor seems to be the shift by the market away from FTL and towards LTL. In the longer term, it is probably this as much as any supply issue that is making life tough for truckload companies,” he says.

September 20: U.S. House Committee Passes Bill to Combat Freight Fraud – Commercial Carrier Journal

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee last week approved two pieces of legislation related to trucking safety.

One bill, the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act, aims to combat freight fraud by clarifying the authority of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to assess civil penalties for violations of laws and regulations. It also requires that brokers, freight forwarders and carriers provide a valid business address to FMCSA in order to register for authority.

The committee also passed the Motor Carrier Safety Screening Modernization Act, which would require FMCSA to establish guidelines for states to follow in reviewing challenges against citations and violations. Currently, states have the authority to establish their own review process.

Both bills will move to the full House floor for consideration.

September 20: Cargo Thefts in Peel Region Soar as Tractors, Trailers Worth $16.73 Million Stolen This Year – Today’s Trucking

Cargo theft in the Greater Toronto Area’s Peel Region has taken a disturbing turn, placing it third in North America for high cargo theft activity, as organized crime groups use increasingly sophisticated methods to target high-value loads.

Mark Haywood, a detective with Peel Regional Police who runs the cargo side of its Commercial Auto Crime Bureau, describes these developments as an escalation in theft methods, particularly with the rise of in-transit pilferage, a tactic that’s now spreading in Canada after gaining traction in Europe and parts of the U.S.

Organized crime groups are now actively targeting trucks while they are on the move.

A lot of high-value loads go out on schedules, so thieves will watch the distribution centre to see which truck is used, Haywood explained. He added that companies often use the same trucks for the same loads, making it easy for criminals to figure out a routine. After observing for about a week, the thieves choose a spot, like a stoplight, where the truck has to turn. They park a car in the turn lane, pretending it’s broken down – maybe popping the hood or doing something else to block the truck.

“Meanwhile, they’ll cut the lock on the back of the trailer,” Haywood said, noting that drivers are often unaware of what’s happening due to the noise inside the truck. The thieves will quietly gain access to the trailer, close the door, and let the truck continue. While it’s still driving, they pilfer the load, putting stolen goods into bags or other containers. Later, the truck will be cut off again or forced to stop, and the criminals will throw the stolen goods into waiting vehicles behind it before driving off.

September 30: Hurricane Helene Update: Highways Closed; Truck Stop Services Interrupted – Truckers News

Recovery efforts continue in the U.S. south following the severe damage wrought by Hurricane Helene.

Key takeaways from the aftermath of what may well be the most destructive storm to ever strike the region:

• hundreds of roads and highways remain closed, especially in North and South Carolina
• numerous truck stops and travel centres are closed or have reduced services
• the path of destruction stretches 800 miles from the Florida panhandle to Tennessee and Kentucky

Many highways in western North Carolina remain closed. NCDOT posted to its website: “I-40 is impassable in multiple locations. I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line. There are many closed roads that are not listed on this site as many areas are not able to report at this time. All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited.”

 

 

CIFFA Advocacy, Communications, Activities

September 23: CIFFA Sustainability Committee Issues Social Sustainability: A Guide for CIFFA Members

CIFFA’s national Sustainability Committee has published the second paper in its three-part sustainability blueprint series. Social Sustainability: A Guide for CIFFA Members provides an overview of the social dimension of the ESG (environmental, social and governance) framework.

The paper describes key aspects of social sustainability and actions that businesses and organizations can take as they prioritize social responsibility. It offers an extensive list of resources by category.