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.
#labor
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.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Japanese Models Top “Most-American” List
The five most “American” models sold in the U.S. in terms of local content and labor all carry Japanese brands, says Cars.com.
-
GM Unit Stresses Driver Training in Autonomous Cars
General Motors Co.’s Cruise Automation unit says it puts backup drivers and auditors through extensive training before allowing them to participate in real-world autonomous vehicle tests.
-
Tesla Fires Hundreds of Employees It Considers Sub-Par
Tesla Inc. dismissed roughly 400 hourly and salaried employees last week, according to The Mercury News in San Jose, Calif.