September 3: Alternative-Fuel Ship Orders Surge in August as LNG Drives Strongest Month Since 2024 – gCaptain
Alternative-fueled ship ordering accelerated sharply over the summer, with August recording the strongest monthly total in nearly two years as LNG-fueled containerships and car carriers led a fresh wave of newbuild orders.
A total of 52 alternative-fuelled vessels were added to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform in August, the highest monthly figure since October 2024. The strong month followed 47 additions in July, signaling a rebound after a relatively slow start to 2026.
LNG accounted for 46 of the vessels ordered in August, including 30 containerships and 12 car carriers. The month also included four ethanol-fuelled bulk carriers and two hydrogen-powered bulk carriers, along with an order for an LNG bunker vessel.
September 4: IMO Meeting Wraps Up Without Consensus on Net-Zero Framework – Maritime Magazine
States again failed to agree on a deal following pressure from a small minority of fossil-fuel producing nations and division among progressive states, reported the Brussels-based Transport and Environment (T&E) activist group.
Negotiations at the IMO, which wrapped up in London on September 4, have drawn a blank for the third meeting in a row, as U.S. and Saudi-led efforts to scupper progress were successful. With delegates from vulnerable countries highlighting the tragic cost of this year’s climate disasters, action is far too slow, warns T&E.
While pragmatic negotiators, including the EU, signalled openness to compromise measures such as avoiding a centralized fund and weakening greenhouse gas targets, U.S. and Saudi negotiators largely held their ground. T&E urged negotiators not to cave to the Trump administration’s crusade to sacrifice ambitious targets in favour of fossil gas and crop biofuels—a lose-lose deal for the climate and for future-proofing the industry.
The continued failure to find an ambitious common ground not only puts shipping off course to decarbonize, but also locks fossil-fuel-importing states and the shipping industry into continued dependency.
September 8: New Analysis Shows 31% Emissions Gap Between Ocean Carriers on Same Trade Lane – American Shipper
Global container shipping’s average emissions intensity rose 1.5% year over year in the second quarter of 2026, but that masked widespread efficiency gains across most vessel segments and stark operational differences between carriers running comparable services.
Athens-based VesselBot analyzed 86,389 voyages completed by 6,523 container vessels, finding that fleet-wide and trade-lane averages commonly used by shippers and regulators can obscure significant variations in individual voyage performance.
September 10: China’s Port Backlog Could Turn Golden Week into a Shipping Squeeze – Trans.INFO
More than 4 million TEU of containership capacity is currently being absorbed by port congestion, according to Linerlytica, with vessels facing waits of up to 12 days at Shanghai and Ningbo. The shipping consultancy warned in its latest Market Pulse, published on September 8, that disrupted schedules are also feeding congestion into ports further south in China and across Southeast Asia.
Crucially, Linerlytica expects the resulting cargo backlog to keep ships “fully utilized even through the traditionally slow Golden Week holidays” beginning on October 1. That would be an unusual development. China’s National Day holiday, commonly known as Golden Week, runs from October 1 to 7 this year. Factories traditionally reduce or halt production during the holiday, cargo volumes fall and container lines respond by blanking sailings.
This year, however, carriers are heading towards the holiday with a substantial backlog already sitting in the system.
September 10: Houthis Seize Key Yemeni Red Sea Port, Sources Say – American Journal of Transportation
Iran-aligned Houthis seized control of Yemen’s port city of Mocha on September 10, military sources said, posing a further threat to global energy supplies hours after President Donald Trump said he expected the war to end after mid-term elections.
Four Yemeni government military sources said the Houthis had gained further leverage over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the southern outlet of the Red Sea and one of the world’s most important shipping routes, and were launching attacks on the strategic islands of Hanish. Later, two Yemeni government sources reported the Houthis had reached the islands.
If the Houthis impose a stranglehold over the waterway, on the opposite side of the Arabian peninsula from the Strait of Hormuz, it could give their sponsor Iran a critical advantage in the war with the United States, reducing supplies through a second major transit corridor and sending oil prices surging.
September 14: Ports Giant DP World Redraws Hormuz Logistics with Truck Bet – gCaptain
Ports giant DP World is expanding its overland logistics network in a bet that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—vital for its flagship container and industrial hub in the United Arab Emirates—won’t return to the status quo from before the U.S.-Iran war.
The Dubai-based firm plans to grow its truck fleet by about 40% and add new land routes to diversify supply chains linking Europe, the U.S. and Asia to the Persian Gulf, said Chief Operating Officer for Freight Forwarding Europe Stephen Whittingham.
“I think we’ll never get back to the original normal,” Whittingham said. “There’s always going to be a level of uncertainty that exists now around this this geography, and so I think having options is really where DP World has said we’re going to be able to mitigate risk.”
The comments underline how the Iran war’s shock to global supply chains is likely to outlast the conflict itself, as countries and companies alike seek to reduce their dependence on the highly contested waterway. The diversification drive also aligns with the UAE’s aim to cut its reliance on the strait to zero.
September 14: Houthis Being Pushed Back from Bab el-Mandeb – The Maritime Executive
The Houthis appear to have overextended themselves in their rapid advance in SW Yemen, which saw them capture the Ras Menhali peninsula and Perim Island just offshore in the Bab el-Mandeb.
It appears that the balance of advantage may be shifting, but the tactical situation remains highly fluid.
September 14: One in Ten Inspected Cargo Units Found with Safety Deficiencies – World Shipping Council
More than one in ten cargo transport units inspected during 2025 had safety deficiencies, according to data published by the World Shipping Council (WSC).
Government authorities in seven countries reported 93,079 unit inspections in 2025 and identified deficiencies in 9,645, a rate of 10.36%. Problems included incorrect documentation, marking and labelling, improper packing and inadequate cargo securing, all of which can increase the risk of cargo damage, container losses and ship fires.
“Finding deficiencies in more than one in ten inspected units is far too high,” said Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council. “Correct declaration, packing, securing and marking are fundamental safety obligations. When these requirements are not met, people’s lives are put at risk.”
The report consolidates information submitted to the International Maritime Organization by Chile, Finland, Germany, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Sweden and the United States.
WSC took on the consolidation and publication of the results after the IMO discontinued its annual consolidated report in 2024, keeping this important safety information accessible to governments and industry.
September 21: Surging Commodity Exports Drive Record H1 2026 Port of Vancouver Cargo Volumes – Maritime Magazine
Record exports of commodities are moving to new and growing overseas markets this year as the Port of Vancouver helps transport more of what Canadians make, mine, harvest and grow to more customers. Overall cargo volumes for the Port of Vancouver hit a record 88.1 million metric tonnes (MMT) for the first six months of 2026, up 3% compared with the same period for 2025.
This growth was largely due to the port delivering record volumes of Prairie grain and Alberta crude oil to Indo-Pacific markets, while exports of other key commodities like fertilizer and coal, as well as two-way container trade, remained largely steady. Vehicle imports at the port are also robust, setting a new half-year record.
September 22: New Report: Just a Third of Container Shipping on Time – FreightWaves
Global container shipping schedule reliability fell for a third consecutive month in August, with just 29% of vessels arriving on time as disruption on the Far East–Europe trade pushed performance close to pandemic-era lows, according to analyst Xeneta.
The 4-percentage-point month-to-month decline from July’s 33% on-time performance was accompanied by a sharp increase in the average delay, which rose from 4.2 days to 5.1 days.
Xeneta said the combination of more late vessels and longer delays makes a sustained recovery harder as shippers approach fourth-quarter contracting and the peak season surrounding China’s late-September and early-October holidays.
September 22: Record-Low Rhine Levels Choke Barge Traffic, Stress Ground Transport – American Shipper
Water levels in the shallowest middle section of the Rhine River have fallen to 16 centimetres below the low-water threshold, threatening to halt all barge transportation on a critical supply chain corridor for central Europe that has experienced severely reduced traffic since early summer because of ongoing drought conditions.
The actual navigable depth as of September 21 was about 4.25 feet, according to Germany’s Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration. Voyages through Switzerland and southern Germany have virtually stopped.
The inability to move large volumes of containers and bulk goods between major North Sea ports and inland centres is creating huge operational headaches and cost pressures for businesses and their logistics partners. And there is little rain in the forecast.
September 24: Iran Awaiting Response from Trump on Proposal to Open Strait of Hormuz in Six Days – The Guardian
Iran said it has told Donald Trump it is willing to open the Strait of Hormuz in six days, and to start talks on its nuclear program the day after, so long as the U.S. lifts sanctions on Iran’s oil exports in return, ends the war on all fronts—including in Lebanon—and releases some of Iran’s frozen assets.
The proposal is designed to accelerate the steps first laid down in the memorandum of understanding signed by the U.S. and Iran in June, particularly by helping the talks on Iran’s nuclear program start much more quickly than previously agreed.
Iran says a deal on the temporary route through the Strait of Hormuz has been agreed on with Oman, describing it as a done deal, and is ready to register the details with the International Maritime Organization.
Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, said he was waiting to hear a response from the Americans to the proposal. He added that he had consulted on the plan with China, which fully supported the proposal.
September 24: A 200,000-Container Terminal: QSL’s Project Is Expected to Be Operational by 2029 – Le Journal de Québec (translated from French)
QSL formally submitted its plans for a 200,000-container-per-year international terminal in Quebec City, which could be operational as early as January 2029. An impact assessment and mitigation process has therefore been initiated. This process, to be led by the Port of Quebec, is expected to last approximately one year.
If the project is approved, the new terminal could begin operations as early as January 2029. At that time, it would handle approximately 40,000 containers (twenty feet long) per year. It is expected that the target of 200,000 containers would not be reached until 2035.
September 27: Hapag-Lloyd Revises Offer as Sale of Zim Hangs in the Balance – The Times of Israel
Hapag-Lloyd has submitted a sweetened offer to salvage its $4.2-billion bid for Israel’s Zim freighter service, hoping to overcome objections that the acquisition would leave Israel’s main shipper in foreign hands and could leave the country in dire strategic and national security straits.
The revised offer comes after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz joined a list of political leaders objecting to the sale to the German shipping line, siding with Defence Ministry officials reviewing the potential acquisition over concerns about transferring Israel’s shipping to a foreign company.
The ministry concluded over the summer that the proposed sale doesn’t safeguard Israel’s national security interests, especially during emergencies. The proposed deal has also faced harsh opposition from Zim’s workers.
September 29: Panama Canal Raises Vessel Draft and Daily Transit Capacity – Container News
The Panama Canal will increase daily transit capacity and allow deeper drafts for Neopanamax vessels as water conditions improve across the Canal watershed.
From October 15, the Canal will offer 10 daily transit slots through the Neopanamax locks. This will bring total capacity across the Neopanamax and Panamax locks to 33 transits per day.
At the same time, the maximum authorized draft for vessels using the Neopanamax locks has been increased to 14.94 metres, or 49 feet. The draft adjustment takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
The Panama Canal attributed the changes to current and projected levels at Gatun Lake, alongside rainfall that has been close to average across the watershed. Water-saving measures implemented at the locks have also contributed to the decision to increase the maximum draft.
September 29: Israel Ends Review of Zim Deal, Telling Hapag-Lloyd to Restart Process – The Maritime Executive
After growing speculation that opposition was mounting in Israel to the proposed acquisition of Zim by Hapag-Lloyd and investment fund FIMI, the Israeli media outlet Calcalist reported on September 29 that Israel formally closed the review of the original deal. According to the report, the Government Companies Authority closed the review of the original proposal but left the door open for Hapag and FIMI to submit a new proposal and restart the review.
The rejection of the original terms comes after Hapag and FIMI reportedly presented the framework to revise the original proposal. While not increasing the financial offer, they reportedly proposed adding an Asian trade route to the surviving company and strengthening government control of the Israeli company. Reuters reported that Hapag was still urging the Israeli government to review the revised terms, which were developed in response to earlier objections to the deal.
September 30: Ships Face Fuel Delays at China’s Zhoushan on Supply Squeeze – gCaptain
Ships are being forced to wait significantly longer to refuel at China’s top bunkering hub of Zhoushan, where the fallout from the U.S.–Iran war has tightened supplies and pushed up prices.
Some vessels seeking to refuel at the port south of Shanghai are facing wait times of around one to two weeks, according to people familiar with the matter. That compares with just one to two days normally, they added.
The delays reflect a combination of crude import constraints stemming from the Middle East conflict and a broader shift by Chinese refiners toward gasoline and diesel output to capture lucrative margins. That’s led to cuts in residual fuel oil production, squeezing supplies of bunker fuel.
September 8: Miami Flights Snarl After Jet Crash at MIA – The Traveler
Disruptions continue at Miami International Airport in the wake of a deadly Amazon cargo jet crash on September 6 that shut down runways and triggered a ground stop.
The incident led to a full ground stop at Miami International that lasted for several hours, halting all arrivals and departures while emergency crews responded and aviation authorities assessed the scene. The crash, which generated thick smoke visible across Miami, immediately disrupted the tightly timed schedule at one of the United States’ busiest international hubs.
Media reports indicate that two of Miami International’s four runways remained closed into September 7 while teams cleared debris and evaluated pavement and lighting systems. With only part of the normal runway system available, the airport has less flexibility to sequence arrivals and departures.
According to data cited in local coverage, by the afternoon of September 7, more than 350 flights at Miami International had been delayed and close to 90 canceled.
September 15: Canada’s 4 Largest Airports to Be Opened Up to Private Investment, Carney Says – CBC News
Prime Minister Mark Carney says his government will open up Canada’s four largest airports to private investment, but that Ottawa will maintain ownership of airport land.
The prime minister said the private money will be sought through “long-term concessions” to operate these airports, which would include Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Trudeau International Airport in Montreal and Calgary International Airport.
“The government of Canada will retain ownership of the underlying land and assets, but we will unlock their true value by bringing in new capital and expertise to their operations and growth,” Carney said during an address at the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto on September 15.
“We will reinvest the tens of billions of dollars of capital we raise into the infrastructure that Canada needs for the next generation.”
September 21: Flights Disrupted Across the U.S. Northeast Due to Technical Problems at a Key Air Traffic Centre – CTV News
Hundreds of flights were canceled in the U.S. Northeast due to technical problems at a key regional air traffic control centre, hitting every major airport in the New York City area for several hours on September 21 before the federal transportation chief said damaged data lines were fixed and operations were resuming.
The primary communications line failed at a key Federal Aviation Administration facility in Philadelphia and the backup fibre optic line was inadvertently severed by railroad construction workers. That left controllers without radar or communications during the day.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in an online post that the primary and backup lines were fixed by the evening and all airports in the Northeast were operating again. But significant delays were expected to continue through the evening hours.
September 21: Airlines Are Trimming Routes as Fuel Prices Soar – Marketplace
Autumn officially began this week and, for airlines, that means the end of the busy summer travel season, and the beginning of the typical seasonal slowdown in demand. This year’s slowdown coincides with rising jet fuel prices, which is making airlines reconsider certain routes.
At the beginning of the year, jet fuel was a little over US$2 a gallon on average. Now, it’s at $4.50 a gallon. Industry analyst Robert W. Mann Jr., said that “the result is that routes that were reasonably profitable simply cannot be flown profitably at these higher prices.” So, airlines are starting to cut some of them to reduce their losses.
September 28: Canada’s Airports Saw Record Improvements in Delays This Summer, NAV Canada Says – Global News
There was sharp improvement in service delivery at four of Canada’s biggest airports between May and August this year, NAV Canada said in a statement.
NAV Canada, the body responsible for air traffic control in the country, reported data from Toronto Pearson, Montréal-Trudeau, Calgary and Vancouver International Airports.
The number of scheduled flights that were impacted by a delay was down 85 percent from May 1 to August 31, compared with the same period in 2025, NAV Canada said.
September 30: Middle East Air Capacity Set to Recover in Q4 to Within 5% of 2025 Levels, Reports IBA – American Journal of Transportation
IBA, an aviation market intelligence and advisory company, reports that Middle East air capacity is expected to recover to within approximately 5% of Q4 2025 levels in Q4 2026, following a sharp reduction earlier this year.
Capacity to the Middle East fell by as much as 54% in March 2026 compared with 2025, while year-to-date capacity remains 17.7% below the equivalent period last year. However, the recovery has gathered pace, with the year-on-year capacity shortfall narrowing to less than 7.7% by August 2026.
September 8: U.S. House Legislation Targets Chameleon Carriers – Transport Topics
U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at cracking down on so-called chameleon carriers, a term for companies that evade discipline for safety and regulatory violations by shutting down and resuming operations under new names.
The Registration Enforcement for Vehicle Operations of Known Evaders (REVOKE) Act was introduced September 4 by Rep. David Taylor (R-Ohio) and co-sponsored by Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Ala.). The bill would amend federal law to require carriers operating certain commercial motor vehicles to maintain an active U.S. Department of Transportation number.
It also would allow the secretary of transportation to immediately deactivate a USDOT number if a carrier lacks valid registration or fails to submit required periodic updates. In addition, the bill would prohibit the issuance of USDOT numbers until all registration requirements have been met.
September 10: U.S. 3PL Victory in Court: TQL Tossed as Defendant in Colorado Liability Trial – FreightWaves
With a dire view of what might happen to brokerages in a post-Montgomery world ripping through the logistics industry, one of the biggest 3PLs just won a victory in Colorado that relieved it of potential liability.
Total Quality Logistics (TQL) had its request to be dismissed from a case in a Colorado federal court granted on September 8 by Judge Nina Wang.
The facts of the case filed by Deann Miller are that her husband, Scott Miller, was driving on U.S. 285 in the Centennial State in June 2024 when steel beams fell off a truck and on to the pickup truck Miller was driving, killing him.
Deann Miller sued pretty much everybody in the supply chain, including TQL, Intsel Steel West LLC (which was the customer that was supposed to receive the shipment), and Triple-S Steel Holdings, which also was a customer for the steel. It also brought in a company called Searing Industries, which actually delivered the steel on to the truck involved in the fatal crash.
Judge Wang granted the request of TQL, Intsel and Triple-S Steel to have them tossed out as defendants. However, the dismissals were without prejudice, so the plaintiff can refile with a different legal approach.
September 12: The Greenest Mile Is the One You Don’t Run – Transport Topics
When trucking executives discuss sustainability, the conversation almost always starts at the truck. Cleaner fuels. Better aerodynamics. Tighter routing once a load is dispatched. Those investments matter, but they address only half the problem. The biggest sustainability wins in trucking happen before a single wheel turns.
For years, fleet technology focused on applying data toward the next route, using what already happened to inform what comes next. It’s useful, but only reactive. The fleets pulling ahead today are inserting artificial intelligence at a different point in the workflow: the decision point. They use it to make smarter calls about which loads to take, how to match equipment to freight, and how to sequence work across a network before a single mile is committed. That shift, from reacting to deciding, is where sustainability and profitability stop competing.
September 21: Another Aspect of Montgomery: It Might Make Human Brokers More Valuable – FreightWaves
In a day-long conference devoted to the business of logistics mergers and acquisitions, and the markets those companies serve, a guest that wasn’t on the attendee list or the agenda showed up unexpectedly: Montgomery vs. Caribe Transport II.
Its significance was raised in a discussion by Beth Carroll, CEO of the Prosperio Group. She was on a panel focused on developing and keeping talent. What she said should be good news to brokers who see the possibility of AI taking their jobs.
Carroll said she had developed concern for the future of the down-in-the-trenches broker. “I thought, is there really going to be a future for the traditional carrier sales type role?” she said. “Is that something that’s going to be completely automated?”
But post-Montgomery, Carroll said her conclusion is “I don’t think so.”
“You’re not going to stand up in court and say, well, how did this truck get booked that you know ended up killing people?” Carroll said, envisioning testimony in a lawsuit. The answer brokers are not going to want to give, she said, is “well, AI made the choice.”
September 21: C.H. Robinson Takes Broker Liability Issue to Capitol Hill – Transport Topics
C.H. Robinson Worldwide is meeting with policymakers to address what it views as unclear broker liability standards that company leadership worries threaten transportation and commerce.
“America really runs on freight,” said C.H. Robinson CEO Dave Bozeman. “I’m ringing the bell that this is about commerce, and I’m actually concerned about the impact on commerce.”
Since the Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II ruling in May, C.H. Robinson and industry partners have been pressing the issue in Washington. This effort has included meetings with lawmakers from both parties to highlight the ruling’s broader potential economic implications and advocate for legislative and regulatory solutions such as the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act, which would set a national standard of care for shippers and brokers that hire trucking companies.
“We were hoping that [the decision] would drive clarity,” Bozeman said. “What the Supreme Court really ruled in Montgomery certainly wasn’t in our favour … and that’s okay, except they also didn’t provide a standard or guidance.”
Bozeman said he is seeing signs that the ruling is already affecting brokers’ ability to obtain insurance.
September 23: Nuclear Verdicts in U.S. Trucking Nearly Triple Year Over Year in 2025 – Transport Topics
Nuclear verdicts against the trucking and automotive industries in the U.S. nearly tripled to US$3.4 billion in 2025 as researchers found settlements were becoming harder to reach and juries were more inclined to award larger damages.
Overall, about 200 juries last year delivered verdicts of $10 million or more—the threshold for so-called “nuclear” verdicts—totaling $25.6 billion, a 40.7% increase from 2024.
The findings are detailed in the 2026 edition of Marathon Strategies’ annual report, Corporate Verdicts Go Thermonuclear. The New York-based public relations firm specializes in crisis and issues management.
“For the second consecutive year, juries returned more than 40 ‘thermonuclear’ verdicts exceeding $100 million, including four awards topping $1 billion,” Marathon said. The report defines thermonuclear verdicts as those exceeding $100 million.
September 2: Video – Ministerial Announcement of Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance
Announced last week, the new Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance (TASC)—led by Trucking HR Canada in partnership with CIFFA—brings together leaders from trucking, rail, marine, air cargo and logistics to address shared workforce challenges and opportunities across Canada’s transportation and supply chain system.
Over the next three years, TASC will strengthen workforce intelligence, identify shared priorities, advance practical solutions and pilot initiatives to help build a more resilient, productive and future-ready transportation and supply chain workforce.
Watch this video to see highlights of the announcement in Calgary by Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. CIFFA Executive Director Bruce Rodgers participated in the announcement.
September 22: CIFFA Applauds Introduction of Building Canada Strong Act
CIFFA has announced its support for the Building Canada Strong Act (BCSA), a comprehensive economic and labour reform omnibus bill that comes after extensive consultation. CIFFA was a leading participant throughout the consultations, and the legislation addresses all the components that CIFFA flagged across each of our submissions during the summer.
The BCSA will address the urgent need to get transportation infrastructure built faster, to enhance the efficiency and ease with which trade is conducted across the supply chain, to remove longstanding obstacles to economic growth and reputational reliability across our allied trade partners, in addition to introducing fairer measures to address poor labour relations in the federally mandated transportation sector.
September 22: CIFFA Participates in Round 2 Consultation on Canada’s AI Strategy
On September 22, CIFFA submitted a paper to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) providing a second round of input following up on the strong efforts taken by the Government of Canada since launching “Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All” in June.
CIFFA participated in the initial consultation process during the conception phase of this strategy, and our official submission contained several aspects that we were pleased to see implemented in the federal strategy.
CIFFA’s latest submission, Enhancing trust in artificial intelligence through increased transparency, provides input that focuses on the transportation and logistics sector.
Toronto, ON, October 5, 2026 – CIFFA, Canada’s Association of Logistics Providers, is pleased to announce Narae Kim and Akshaya Devendran as the recipients of the 2026 CIFFA Scholarships.
CIFFA awards two $4,000 scholarships annually to support students pursuing post-secondary education in international trade, logistics or business. The scholarship program reflects CIFFA’s longstanding commitment to education and to encouraging the next generation to explore careers in freight forwarding, logistics and international trade.
Kim was recognized for an essay that thoughtfully connected her personal experiences, academic studies and career aspirations with her developing understanding of operations, logistics and global trade. The selection committee was particularly impressed by her appreciation for education and mentorship and the sense of purpose she brings to her future career in the supply chain and logistics industry.
Devendran’s essay stood out for its authenticity, compassion and resilience. Drawing on personal experiences with adversity, she described her determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and concluded her essay with the powerful statement, “I want to be the good.”
“Supporting education and encouraging talented young people to see the opportunities available in our industry are important priorities for CIFFA,” said Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director of CIFFA. “Narae and Akshaya impressed the committee with their experiences, perspectives and commitment to their futures. We are very pleased to recognize their achievements and support them as they continue their education.”
Kim and Devendran will be formally recognized at the 2026 CIFFA Conference awards dinner on October 20 at Universal EventSpace in Vaughan, Ontario.
Congratulations to Narae Kim and Akshaya Devendran, CIFFA’s 2026 Scholarship recipients.
Learn more about the 2026 CIFFA Conference.
August 3: MSC Sends a Message on Container Fire Safety By Suing a Customer – The Maritime Executive
Cargo fires rank at the top of the list of hazards aboard a modern container ship, in part because the operator has limited control over the cargo. In general, the ship sails with the cargo it’s given – along with any risks hidden therein.
In a lawsuit filed last week in New York, ocean carrier MSC is sending a warning to cargo owners: It is seeking steep damages from one of its customers for allegedly setting up the conditions for a cargo fire.
MSC is seeking a large payment from its former customer in compensation for its costs, including $60,000 for the fire survey, $60,000 for claim settlements from other cargo owners, $86,000 for extra handling and disposal, and $25,000 for container loss and damage – in all, about $230,000, plus attorneys’ fees, interest and $43,000 in pre-litigation mitigation.
August 5: Hamburg Turns to Rail as Rhine Levels Fall – Port Technology International
The Port of Hamburg has highlighted regular rail connections from Cologne and Duisburg as an alternative for container traffic affected by persistent low water levels on the Rhine.
Low water is continuing to restrict inland waterway transport, reducing available capacity and contributing to longer transit times and higher costs. According to the port, export shipments routed through Antwerp and Rotterdam are particularly affected by the disruption.
The connections are operated by HGK Logistics and Intermodal GmbH and IGS Intermodal Container Logistics GmbH. The services are available for both export and import cargo.
Hamburg has advised cargo owners to plan transport arrangements at an early stage while the restrictions remain in place. HGK and IGS are supporting companies that want to transfer container volumes from inland waterways to rail and can develop arrangements based on individual transport requirements.
August 5: Panama Canal Reduces Draft for Neo-Panamax Locks – Seatrade Maritime News
The Panama Canal has announced that it will reduce the draft for vessels transiting in the neo-Panamax locks from August 26.
The neo-Panamax locks have a current draft of 15.09 metres, which has been in place since July 1. This will drop to 14.63 metres as of August 26 and to 14.48 metres as of September 3.
The Panama Canal Authority said the adjustment to the draft will not involve any changes to the maximum number of daily transits, around 38, and is part of the water resource management and conservation measures implemented since December 2025 as part of preparations for the 2026 dry season.
While the latest draft reductions will not affect transit numbers, they will be of concern to the industry, wary of a repeat of previous El Niño events in 2023 and 2024. The maximum number of daily transits dropped to between 18 and 22 in early 2024 due to drought restrictions.
August 10: Proposed Hapag-Lloyd-ZIM Deal Enters Choppy Waters in Israel – WorldCargo News
The proposed sale of ZIM to Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd and Israeli investment firm FIMI is facing growing scrutiny, with several Israeli government agencies said to be opposed to the transaction.
Local business newspaper Calcalist reported that a meeting between the eight government agencies expected to submit positions on the deal has been postponed by a month to September 9. The newspaper said a majority of the agencies are expected to oppose the transaction, although the state has yet to make a final decision.
The main issue identified in the reporting is the structure of the new ZIM Israel that would be spun off as part of the transaction. Under the proposed US$4 billion deal, ZIM’s international activities would be transferred to Hapag-Lloyd, while the new company would focus primarily on the Israeli market. The buyers have argued that ZIM Israel would begin operations without the existing company’s roughly US$2.9-billion debt, operate 16 vessels and retain access to international shipping networks and major ports.
Calcalist reported that the Shipping and Ports Authority remains concerned that the new company would be too dependent on Hapag-Lloyd. An assessment cited by the newspaper said Hapag-Lloyd would retain significant influence over access to international routes, vessel capacity, key markets, infrastructure and commercial relationships.
August 11: Port of Quebec Container Terminal Clears Federal Hurdle – Port Technology International
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) has decided that QSL International’s proposed container terminal at the Port of Quebec does not need to be designated for a federal impact assessment under the Impact Assessment Act.
The decision, issued on August 10, concerns plans to redevelop land already operated by QSL in the port’s Beauport sector. The proposed terminal would have a maximum capacity of 200,000 TEUs per year and would use existing wharves, with no expansion into the St. Lawrence River or in-water construction.
According to IAAC’s analysis, the terminal would begin with an expected volume of around 40,000 TEUs before gradually increasing towards its maximum annual capacity. Construction is expected to take between 12 and 18 months.
August 17: Blank Sailings Curb Ocean Capacity Gains – Supply Chain Dive
With blanked sailings outpacing capacity growth, ocean shippers could be facing a market with less space to book their cargo, according to Sea-Intelligence’s Blank Sailings tracker from July 24.
Despite injecting new capacity into the market, ocean carriers have increased blank sailings by up to 4.5 times higher to execute tighter supply control during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2019, per Sea-Intelligence.
The research, data and advisory firm found that, although scheduled capacity grew by 46%, blank sailings grew by 215% in the Asia-to-U.S. East Coast trade lane during the first half of 2026 compared with the first half of 2019. While West Coast capacity grew 16%, blanked sailings went up 62%.
August 17: Empty Containers a Freighted Issue for Global Trade Growth – American Shipper
Global trade is turning in a surprisingly strong performance this year, along with a rising tide of empty containers that have always been problematic for shipping lines and ports.
“Container volumes turn out more resilient than expected this year, despite all headwinds,” said Rico Luman, senior economist for Dutch investment bank ING. “But it comes with much more empties.”
Luman said this has been driven in particular by exports from China.
“[T]he disbalance in East-West trade grows even larger, leading to much more empty containers on the backhaul [for which liners earn no revenue],” he said. Growth is strong across the board, but especially in components involved in electrification such as data centres and electric vehicles.
“All these empties are also handled by terminals, creating landside pressure and inefficiencies,” Luman said.
August 18: Container Lines Under Fire over Panama Canal Surcharge Lack of Transparency – Seatrade Maritime News
Four carriers have introduced Panama Canal adjustment surcharges (PCAS), but Drewry Shipping Consultants argues that there is no transparency on what shippers are paying for.
According to Drewry’s senior manager, Simon Heaney, surcharges are there to recover funds lost through lost capacity, due to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) introducing draft restrictions, as El Niño and other climate-related events are limiting water levels.
“Container lines are starting to announce Panama Canal adjustment surcharges, but, as usual, there is little context or justification provided to customers,” noted Heaney in his report published last week.
James Hookham, director of the Global Shippers’ Forum, said that, due to high demand and lower capacity, there are auctions of available transit slots every day, raising the cost per TEU.
“These higher costs need to be spread over fewer boxes, hence the carrier surcharges,” explained Hookham, who added, “Whether the surcharge truly reflects the additional charge having to be paid is the great unknown. Shippers have no visibility on how much transit costs have actually risen.”
August 19: 1.7-Million-TEU Vessel Space Absorbed in Delays – Sea-Intelligence
Global container vessel schedule reliability remains somewhat stable, around 60% to 65%, showing no signs of improvement, and in stark contrast to the 2011‑2019 normality of 70% to 80%. Furthermore, late vessel arrivals are now settling into 5 to 5.5 days of delay, up from the pre-pandemic norm of 3 to 4 days. This structural shift to a larger risk of vessel delays, and their longer durations, inexorably leads to a larger share of global capacity being rendered unavailable, as vessels stuck in delays do not move cargo.
The share of these delayed vessels combined with the duration of the delays, can be used to calculate the amount of global deep‑sea capacity effectively absorbed by delays.
A total of 5.0% of all global deep‑sea capacity is now tied up. We can use the current global fleet size to calculate how much total cargo space is currently unusable due to vessel delays. Right now, with a 5% absorption rate, the global market is “missing” capacity for 1.7 million TEUs from continuous delays.
August 20: Panama Canal Begins Reducing Daily Transits Due to Declining Water Levels – The Maritime Executive
The Panama Canal Authority is expanding what it is calling “temporary modifications to the lock’s transit capacity” as the forecasts for a worsening drought continue to grow. The isthmus is experiencing significant declines in rainfall, with forecasts for the Super El Niño effect to further intensify for the remainder of 2026.
Despite the arrival of the rainy season in Panama, and the water-saving measures implemented by the Panama Canal to mitigate the adverse effects of the El Niño event, the Authority warns that current watershed conditions, including below-expected precipitation in the canal watershed, require additional action to support the long-term sustainability of transit operations.
August 21: Canada and Manitoba Welcome New Research Confirming Feasibility of Year-Round Shipping from Churchill – Maritime Magazine
The governments of Canada and Manitoba announced last week that they welcome new research confirming the feasibility of year-round shipping from the Port of Churchill using existing ice-class vessels, while changing sea-ice conditions are expected to make marine access increasingly favourable over the coming decades. The announcement came from Premier Wab Kinew and federal Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.
“These studies are clear: Year-round shipping out of the Port of Churchill is achievable today,” said Mr. Kinew. “This breakthrough means we can stop asking if year-round shipping from Churchill is possible and start building the infrastructure and attracting the investment we need to get it done. Now is the time for industry, investors and governments in Canada and around the world to invest in Churchill so we can build new trading partnerships that are fair and mutually beneficial, while we decrease our reliance on the United States.”
August 26: Port of Vancouver Upgrade Halves Truck Transit Times – Splash Ports
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has completed a major package of road and rail upgrades serving terminals in the Fraser Surrey Port Lands, cutting inbound container truck transit times by more than half.
The Fraser Surrey Port Lands Transportation Improvements Project included an extension of Timberland Road, a dedicated inbound container truck lane and upgrades to road and rail crossings aimed at removing bottlenecks and improving access to port terminals.
Since the new infrastructure opened, average inbound truck transit times through the area have fallen from more than 30 minutes to around 14 minutes.
August 28: Grand Opening of $750-Million CANXPORT Logistics Hub a Triumph for Canadian Trade – Prince Rupert Port Authority press release
Ray-Mont Logistics, Canadian National Railway and the Prince Rupert Port Authority announce the grand opening of CANXPORT, a $750-million export logistics facility at the Port of Prince Rupert.
CANXPORT provides expanded capacity for rail-to-container transloading of multiple export products at the Port of Prince Rupert, including from the petrochemical, forestry, agriculture and mining sectors.
August 3: WestJet Strike Ends After Tentative Deal Reached – Global News
The strike by WestJet flight attendants has ended after a tentative agreement was reached.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 8125 and WestJet announced they reached a tentative agreement on August 3.
The agreement will need to be ratified within 30 days.
August 20: Cargojet to Pass Large Pilot Wage Increase onto Customers – American Shipper
Canadian freighter operator Cargojet plans to recover the substantial increase in costs stemming from a new five-year contract with pilots through productivity gains and by raising rates on customers that ship goods on its domestic overnight network and rent planes for international transportation.
The collective bargaining agreement, which was finalized by an arbitration award late last month, calls for a 53% increase in wages over the contract’s term, including an immediate 26% bump retroactive to July 1, followed by annual increases of 5% over the following four years.
It’s a huge raise in wages, but one that Cargojet management acknowledged was necessary to bring its pilots up to industry standards, while providing operational stability for the company and its customers through continuation of a no-strike, no-lockout provision.
“As customer agreements come due, we will look to pass these costs through. Many of these conversations have begun,” said CEO Pauline Dhillon. The goal is to absorb the costs without impacting long-term margins. Customers with shorter-term contracts will be first to feel the rate increases, she added.
August 10: Diesel Squeeze Expected to Worsen as Winter Approaches – Transport Topics
A diesel squeeze spurred by wars in the Middle East and Ukraine is setting the stage for an even worse crunch as demand rises ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and damage to Persian Gulf refineries, as well as a wave of Ukrainian attacks on Russian plants, have severely constrained exports from regions that together accounted for around a third of global diesel exports last year.
Europe, which lacks processing capacity and relies most heavily on imports, is the most vulnerable area to a shortfall. Refiners in the U.S. and Asia are running flat out, but with demand set to rise and stockpiles dwindling, the situation will intensify in the coming months.
To make matters worse, there’s likely to be more consumption of diesel this year by some Asian power generators, which are turning to the fuel as they can’t get enough liquefied natural gas due to the war in the Middle East. Barring a breakthrough in either of the conflicts, Asian and U.S. refiners will also probably cut down on diesel exports as winter approaches to meet growing demand in their own regions.
August 11: Federal Action Clears Path for Canadian 2027 Heavy Truck Imports – TruckNews.com
A regulatory roadblock that threatened the availability of 2027 model-year medium- and heavy-duty trucks in Canada appears to be easing after the federal government outlined a pathway to keep U.S.-built trucks flowing across the border.
The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) and its Canadian Truck Dealers (CTD) division say Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a regulatory comfort letter outlining steps it intends to take, including future interim orders that would allow affected trucks to continue entering Canada.
While some regulatory details remain unresolved, CADA says the letter gives truck manufacturers greater certainty as they prepare to open Canadian order books for 2027 models.
August 12: U.S. Federal Truck Safety Bill Takes Aim at Lawsuit Abuse – Transport Topics
Republican lawmakers from five states are seeking federal legislation to create nationwide trucking safety standards to curb what they describe as frivolous lawsuits stemming from inconsistent state interpretations.
The bicameral legislation, called the Uniform Vehicle Safety Standards Act, was introduced August 6 in the House and Senate.
The legislation would amend Title 49 of the U.S. Code to prohibit common law liability claims alleging a motor vehicle should have been manufactured or equipped to standards stricter than those established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a sharp rise in lawsuits awarding damages based on state standards instead of the federal safety standards trucking companies are already required to meet,” House sponsor Congressman Mike Flood said.
His office noted that businesses across the country would have clear expectations through a single, consistent federal safety standard instead of today’s lawsuit-abuse climate, in which trucking companies are targeted for massive payouts by juries reaching different conclusions about requirements in various states.
August 18: Regulators Set Schedule for Review of UP-NS Merger – TrainsPRO
The Surface Transportation Board this week adopted a schedule for review of the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern revised merger filing, removing a hold it placed on the proceeding in May. But the board’s decision did not address the merits of the application or any of the comments filed since UP and NS submitted their 412-page supplemental filing on July 27.
The review schedule would push a final decision on the $85-billion deal well into the second half of 2027.
“In this decision, the Board removes the proceedings from abeyance, adopts a procedural schedule, directs Applicants to resubmit certain workpapers with unfiltered data, rules on a pending procedural request, and advises that the Board will address other outstanding motions at a future date,” the decision said.
August 14: CIFFA Consultation Submission for the 2026 Federal Budget
In its submission in advance of the release of Canada’s federal budget, CIFFA offered four key recommendations.
August 21: CIFFA Submission for Strengthening Transportation Security for One Canadian Economy
Transport Canada is modernizing the Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) Program as part of its Strengthening One Canadian Economy initiative. The goal is to address emerging supply chain security risks, reduce cargo bottlenecks, and fight illicit port activities while keeping the system predictable for trade and industry.
Key goals of the initiative
August 24: Minister Hajdu Launches the Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance, Led by Trucking HR Canada, in Partnership with CIFFA – Employment and Social Development Canada press release
Minister of Jobs Patty Hajdu on August 24 announced the launch of the Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance.
Led by Trucking HR Canada, in partnership with CIFFA, the new Transportation and Supply Chain Alliance will bring together employers, educators, labour organizations and Indigenous partners to identify workforce challenges and develop coordinated solutions. The Alliance will support initiatives to strengthen skills development, attract new talent, adapt to new technology and improve collaboration across the sector.
Dangerous goods regulations are often viewed as slow-moving, but lithium batteries are proving to be the exception. Around the world, regulators are working to address new battery technologies, emerging transportation applications, and evolving safety concerns. While many of these discussions remain works in progress, they offer valuable insight into where dangerous goods regulations may be heading in the years ahead.
For Canadian dangerous goods professionals, one of the biggest challenges is not simply understanding today’s rules. It is understanding how international developments may eventually influence the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations.
UN3536: A Practical Example of Regulatory Evolution
UN3536, “Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit,” was introduced to address large lithium battery systems that are installed within a cargo transport unit rather than being shipped as individual battery packages. A common example is a containerized battery energy storage system that is transported as a complete unit and provides power for an external application.
This type of technology is becoming increasingly common as lithium batteries are incorporated into energy storage and transportation equipment. Traditional lithium battery classifications were not necessarily designed with these larger, permanently installed systems in mind, which created the need for a specific UN entry and corresponding transport requirements.
The United States has incorporated UN3536 into 49 CFR, along with Special Provision 389, which establishes specific conditions for transporting these systems.
Canada has approached some emerging battery applications differently. Where the current TDG Regulations do not provide an appropriate pathway for a particular activity, organizations may need to obtain a Transport Canada Equivalency Certificate, allowing the activity to take place under specified conditions that provide an equivalent level of safety.
For Canadian dangerous goods professionals, UN3536 provides a useful example of a broader issue: international recommendations and national regulations do not always evolve at the same pace. As battery technology continues to develop, understanding both the regulations in force today and the changes taking place internationally is becoming increasingly important.
Lithium Batteries Are Becoming More Complex
The introduction of UN3536 was only the beginning.
Lithium batteries are now used in consumer electronics, energy storage systems, electric vehicles, cargo transport units, industrial equipment, and transportation infrastructure. As battery technologies become more diverse, regulators are increasingly questioning whether the current classification system adequately reflects the risks presented by different battery designs.
Today, most lithium batteries are assigned to a small number of entries such as UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, UN3091, and UN3536. While these classifications have served the industry well, they were developed during a period when battery technologies were significantly less varied than they are today.
Could Lithium Battery Classification Change?
One of the developments being discussed at the United Nations is a hazard-based classification system for lithium-ion, lithium-metal and sodium-ion batteries.
The discussions reflect a growing recognition that battery technologies continue to evolve and that batteries with different designs and characteristics may present different hazards during transportation. International working groups are therefore examining whether the way batteries are currently classified could be improved to better reflect their actual hazard characteristics.
This could eventually result in changes to how batteries are classified and how those hazards are communicated throughout the transportation chain.
However, it is important to emphasize that this work remains under development. No final classification system has been adopted, and any eventual changes would still need to move through the international regulatory process before being incorporated into national and modal regulations.
For Canadian dangerous goods professionals, the important point today is not to prepare for a specific new UN number or classification. It is to be aware that the international framework for classifying lithium and sodium batteries is being actively reviewed.
If a new hazard-based system is eventually adopted, it could have significant implications for classification, documentation, packaging, hazard communication and training.
For now, organizations should continue to follow the current dangerous goods regulations, while keeping an eye on these international discussions as they develop.
What About New Class 9 Labels?
The discussion is not limited to new UN numbers. And not just to Lithium Batteries under Class 9.
Today, lithium batteries generally fall under Class 9 and utilize the familiar lithium battery Class 9 hazard communication system.
Based on feedback received to date, this proposal includes draft amendments to subdivide Class 9 into four divisions:
Why These Discussions Matter Today
It would be easy to dismiss these proposals because they are still being debated. However, dangerous goods professionals should pay attention precisely because these conversations often shape the regulations of tomorrow.
The introduction of UN3536 began as a response to emerging technologies. Today it is an established part of international dangerous goods transportation. Similarly, today’s discussions regarding hazard-based battery classification may eventually become tomorrow’s regulatory requirements.
Organizations involved in dangerous goods transportation rarely have the luxury of adapting overnight. New classifications, labels, packaging requirements, documentation procedures, and training obligations can require years of preparation and implementation.
The Importance of Ongoing Dangerous Goods Training
For dangerous goods professionals, the lesson is clear: compliance is no longer simply about understanding current regulations. It is also about understanding the direction regulations are moving.
Lithium batteries continue to drive regulatory innovation. The growing use of batteries in cargo transport units, Canada’s continued reliance on Equivalency Certificates for certain emerging technologies, and ongoing international discussions surrounding new UN numbers and Class 9 subdivisions all point to a future where dangerous goods classification becomes increasingly sophisticated.
While none of these proposed changes are finalized, they demonstrate how quickly the dangerous goods landscape can evolve. For freight forwarders, shippers, carriers, compliance specialists, and logistics professionals, ongoing dangerous goods training remains one of the most effective ways to stay prepared for whatever comes next.
CIFFA offers a variety of Dangerous Goods training options in transport by road, air and sea, all online, started anytime and completely compliant with Transport Canada, and our certificates are accepted by IATA for the Air Cargo Agent program.
Sources and references:
Transport Canada – Equivalency and Temporary Certificates
UNECE – Hazard-Based Classification of Lithium-Ion, Sodium-Ion and Lithium-Metal Batteries (2026/34)
UNECE – Proposed Model Regulations Amendments (INF.14)
UNECE – 68th Session of the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
This is the session page containing the working and informal documents, including the Class 9 subdivision work.
Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of The Forwarder. As Canada’s logistics industry continues to adapt to evolving trade, technology, and regulatory changes, this issue brings you the latest industry insights, CIFFA news, professional development opportunities, and member highlights. We hope the stories and resources featured in this edition keep you informed, inspired, and connected as we continue to move our industry forward together.
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TORONTO, ON. July 13, 2026—CIFFA is pleased to announce that Doug Bundock has been named to CIFFA’s Board of Directors for a one-year term.
As the Chief Optimistic Officer for Benson Kearley IFG, Bundock will represent the insurance sector and provide this expertise to the Board.
His almost fifty years in the insurance business focused on commercial fleet, warehousing and logistics risks reflects a passion for personal development, business growth, and helping individuals and organizations navigate change and achieve success.
Doug is an entrepreneur, author, and purpose-driven professional committed to creating value through leadership, innovation, and service. He is dedicated to building lasting relationships, contributing to his community, and creating opportunities that leave a positive legacy.
“I am pleased to welcome Doug to the CIFFA Board of Directors and look forward to working with him during his tenure,” said Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director at CIFFA.
For a full listing of CIFFA’s current Board of Directors, leadership and committees, please visit our website leadership page.
CIFFA represents over 14,000 member employees of freight forwarders, customs brokers, freight brokers, drayage truckers, and warehousing firms across Canada. Our association’s members manage approximately 80% of the country’s import and export trade. Our associate members include air, marine, rail and truck carriers, transportation law firms, technology companies and cargo insurance companies.
Strategic advocacy & communications with federal officials showing strong results
Last week in Ottawa (May 25 and 26) CIFFA Corp’s Bruce Rodgers (Executive Director,) Julia Kuzeljevich (Director, Policy and Regulatory Affairs,) accompanied by Benjamin Martin (Government Relations Lead Advisor) held several successful meetings with Ministers and other key federal officials.
On May 25, CIFFA met with CBSA officials, including Cathy Toxopeus, Director General, Commercial Programs Directorate, and Mike Leahy, Director General to discuss updates on border clearance and system outages, future collaboration between CBSA and CIFFA and a briefing on the e-commerce Low Value Inspection System (ELVIS) Project. It was a positive discussion that focused on technical aspects of the required effort to truly “solve” the ongoing outages and delays topic which has seized both trade chain partners and CBSA in addressing.
CIFFA met with the Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, Parliamentary Secretary to the minister Jacques Ramsay and CBSA Vice-President, Commercial and Trade Branch Jennifer Lutfallah on the ongoing issue of system outages and delays associated with the need for federal investments into aging digital infrastructure that underpin the customs and trade sector. The meeting provided an update on the situation around the delays and outages, and to better understand how CIFFA, CBSA and the Minister can better collaborate, along with other trade chain partners, towards fully addressing these issues, and what the actual “next steps” are to deal with the fluid issue of outages and delays.
Next, CIFFA met with the Shadow Minister of International Trade Adam Chambers to introduce the association and discuss trade-related issues and to hear an update on business at the Standing Committee on International trade (CIIT.)
On May 26, CIFFA had a meeting with Senator Jim Quinn, a member of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport & Communications (TRCM,) to discuss an upcoming report on the Senate labour study “Maintenance of transport services in the case of labour disruptions” and other supply chain initiatives under the federal government.
CIFFA received an official Global Affairs Canada trade briefing with Ricardo del Castillo, Deputy Director, Tariffs and Goods Market Access Division. Mr. Del Castillo provided a thorough update into current trade agreements and those in progress, including ASEAN, MERCOSUR, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, the UAE, and an update on ratification of the Canada EU trade agreement (CETA.)
CIFFA later met with the Minister of Transport Steve MacKinnon to recognize numerous efforts underway by the Minister of Transport and Transport Canada officials towards strengthening trade corridors and the supply chain, while calling for a public-facing national supply chain strategy. Other points of discussion included the development of a National Trade Single Window initiative and continued efforts to address efficiency at Canadian ports. CIFFA is currently engaged in a major transportation and supply chain consultation with Transport Canada and eagerly awaits the results of that work.
In the afternoon, CIFFA presented its feedback on the draft 2026–2029 federal sustainable development strategy to officials from Environment and Climate Change Canada. CIFFA supports the direction of the draft strategy and the importance of federal leadership on sustainable development, and encourages the Government of Canada to strengthen the final strategy by more clearly addressing the role of customs and logistics providers – including SMEs – supporting practical transition pathways, improving trade corridor resilience and ensuring that implementation is coordinated and commercially realistic.
Lastly, CIFFA met with members of the ESDC Ministerial Policy Advisory Team, including Sebastian Clarke, (Director of Policy) and Amen Ben Ahmouda (Senior Policy Advisor) to discuss several important advocacy points CIFFA has raised to the Minister and her team at the Parliamentary level.
CIFFA has made several official submissions to various parliamentary and senate committees around topics including labour, working conditions and wage misclassification (Driver Inc.), and the use of Section 107 (which states that the labour minister, where expedient or necessary to secure industrial peace, may refer questions to the CIRB or direct the Board to do things the Minister deems necessary.)
Most recently, CIFFA submitted a consultative paper to ESDC on labour (Building Canada Strong for All – A Framework for Labour Relations), something that builds on the release of CIFFA’s January 2026 whitepaper on labour, “Leveraging Canada’s Labour Advantage – A Team Canada Approach to Labour Relations.” CIFFA applauds the efforts of Minister Hajdu and her team in addressing complex issues and, in particular, supports the new Workforce Alliances initiative.
As we move forward in addressing the challenges facing our national supply chain, CIFFA stands ready to collaborate with federal officials to ensure a holistic approach is taken to better reduce bottlenecks, increase capacity and ultimately, enhance the prosperity and wellbeing of all Canadians.
Andrew MacDonell, Vice President, Operations – IntermodeX Logistics Ltd., was elected to the CIFFA Board of Directors during the association’s 77th Annual General Meeting in Brampton, Ontario on April 23, 2026. He was elected for a two-year term.
MacDonell will represent the Warehousing component of CIFFA membership, as IntermodeX Logistics offers import and export cargo, logistics, freight functions and depot services.
He will chair the CIFFA Warehousing Committee and will also be the Western Regional Events Chair for CIFFA.
“I am pleased to welcome Andrew to the CIFFA Board of Directors and look forward to working with him during his tenure,” said Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director at CIFFA.
For a full listing of CIFFA’s current Board of Directors, leadership and committees, please visit our website leadership page at:
CIFFA represents over 14,000 member employees of freight forwarders, customs brokers, freight brokers, drayage truckers, and warehousing firms across Canada. Our association’s members manage approximately 80% of the country’s import and export trade. Our associate members include air, marine, rail and truck carriers, transportation law firms, technology companies and cargo insurance companies.
In May, CIFFA will introduce a program poised to reshape how customs professionals are trained in Canada.
The CIFFA Accredited Practitioner in Customs (CAPC) is not simply another online credential. It is a practical, career-focused program designed by experienced customs brokers and vetted by trade lawyers — created to reflect the realities of modern customs operations and the legal framework that governs them.
At a time when compliance expectations are rising and digital systems continue to evolve; the industry needs professionals who can do more than recite regulations. It needs practitioners who can apply them confidently and correctly.
CAPC was designed with exactly that goal in mind.
Built by Practitioners — Grounded in Law
One of CAPC’s strongest differentiators is who stands behind it.
The case studies were developed by working customs brokers who understand the day-to-day pressures of managing entries, advising clients, and interacting with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). As well the e-textbook was vetted by trade lawyers to ensure it reflects current legal standards and compliance expectations under Canada’s customs framework.
That dual perspective — operational and legal — gives the program both practical relevance and regulatory depth.
“This new course uses thought provoking analytical case studies and questions to educate students using real life scenarios, practical examples, mathematical formulas and calculations, and basic management analysis and decision making. Says Lorin Levine, customs broker and consultant. “The online delivery methodology mixes up the style instead of requiring regurgitation of memorized facts. I also recommend this course to anyone who is preparing to write their CBSA professional exam.”
Real-World Learning, Not Just Theory
Unlike traditional courses that focus largely on exam preparation, CAPC is structured around immersive case studies.
Participants work through realistic scenarios involving:
Instead of memorizing sections of legislation in isolation, learners are placed in situations that require analysis, judgment, and practical problem-solving.
“Customs professionals make decisions every day that carry financial and legal consequences,” says Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director of CIFFA. “Case-based learning prepares people for that responsibility in a way textbooks alone can’t.”
A Clear Path Toward Customs Brokerage
For those planning to pursue their customs broker licence, CAPC provides a structured and meaningful foundation. While it supports readiness for the CBSA Customs Broker Licensing Exam, its broader focus is preparing professionals for the work itself.
That distinction matters in an industry where compliance errors can carry significant consequences. CAPC emphasizes critical thinking, professional judgment, and applied accuracy — essential qualities for future licensed brokers.
Designed for the Trade Community
CAPC is ideal for:
Developed by CIFFA in support of its customs broker members, the credential reflects the expectations of Canada’s global logistics community.
Fully Online. On-Demand. Built for Working Professionals.
The CIFFA Accredited Practitioner in Customs (CAPC) program isn’t just designed around real-world learning — it’s designed around real-world schedules.
Delivered entirely online and completed at the learner’s own pace, CAPC offers the flexibility today’s customs and trade professionals need. There are no travel requirements and no time away from the office. Participants can progress through modules when it works for them — whether that’s between client files, after hours, or alongside their daily operational responsibilities.
Accessible from anywhere in Canada, the on-demand format ensures that geography, workload, and shifting priorities don’t stand in the way of professional development.
Built by customs brokers. Reviewed by trade lawyers. Structured around real-world challenges.
For those entering the field — and for those charting a path toward becoming a licensed customs broker — CAPC represents more than training. It represents preparation for the realities of the job.
Learn more, and take advantage of presale pricing
For generations, Canada’s marine transportation and supply chain sectors have been defined by endurance, precision and trust, qualities mirrored in the women who have quietly but powerfully shaped them. This International Women’s Day, three senior leaders whose careers span decades, disciplines and defining moments of change reflect on their experiences: Lynn Lafond, liner manager at Fednav Limited; Maryse Paré, assistant director of client relations for towing and marine transportation at Group Ocean; and Nasy Panahi, director of business development at CIFFA Corp.
Read more in an article from the National Post.