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U.S. Shipping Logjam Prompts Japanese Carmakers to Airlift Parts

At least two Japanese carmakers are importing parts to skirt shipping disruptions caused by stalled labor talks between ship operators and dockworkers on the West Coast.
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At least two Japanese carmakers are importing parts to skirt shipping disruptions caused by stalled labor talks between ship operators and dockworkers on the West Coast.

Bloomberg News says slowdowns at the ports have prompted Honda and Subaru to airlift some parts from Japan. Toyota has cut production at some North American plants but hasn't decided whether to use air transport to supplement its parts imports.

The Pacific Maritime Assn. claims congestion that has grown since October could shut down America's 29 West Coast ports as early as next week. The ports handle about 70% of goods shipped to the U.S. from Asia. The union denies a slowdown, blaming the logjam on changes in shipping procedures.

The shippers' group reportedly has offered workers a 14% pay hike over five years, richer pensions and a guaranteed 40 hours of pay per week.

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