JAS Korea was launched in 1987 at a time when there were few international freight forwarders in Korea. We initially offered the air import product from Italy. Over the ensuing decades JAS Korea has made brilliant growth and organized an excellent team of experts in all aspects of the freight forwarding business arena; air freight, ocean freight, industrial projects, as well as warehousing & SCM.
In September of 2013, we launched own logistics center in the Free Trade Zone in ICN IN’TL airport, with which we offer integrated & completed logistics solutions to our customers as a long-term reliable business partner.
Being a dedicated logistics service provider, our capability is obtained through deep experience and operations systems which satisfy our customer’s diverse demands in their supply chain.
In a pivotal development for global logistics, the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) jointly announced late on October 3 that they reached a tentative wage agreement. The Master Contract, governing work at East and Gulf Coast ports, has been extended until January 15, 2025, allowing further negotiations on unresolved issues. As a result, all job actions have ceased, and port operations will resume immediately under the Master Contract.
While this agreement averts a prolonged crisis that could have severely impacted global supply chains, the three-day strike has already caused significant operational disruptions. It is anticipated that full port recovery will take between 2-3 weeks, depending on how swiftly dockworkers manage the backlog of vessels waiting to unload billions of dollars worth of goods. However, it is important to note that not all terminals have reopened immediately. Some port gates will only reopen on October 7, and vessel operations have staggered reopening times, further complicating the situation.
Vessels Anchored and Congestion Worsening
Even though operations have restarted, many container ships remain anchored off the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, and new vessels continue to arrive. Several ships have diverted to ports such as Freeport, Bahamas, to offload U.S.-bound cargo. This diversion risks creating bottlenecks at critical transshipment hubs, including Cartagena, Panama, Kingston, and Caucedo. Clearing the backlog at these ports may take time, potentially leading to delays across global supply chains.
Spike in Freight Rates Linked to Strikes
Recent data indicates that freight rates have surged, with shippers feeling the direct impact of the strikes. On the most affected routes, such as North Europe to the U.S. East Coast, average spot rates have increased by 58% since the end of August. This highlights the immediate financial strain on businesses that rely on stable shipping rates.
Force Majeure, Surcharges, and Carrier Adjustments
Before the agreement, most major carriers, including COSCO, ONE, CMA CGM, and Evergreen, declared force majeure, which could result in additional charges for shippers in the coming weeks. Even though the strike has ended, it forced carriers to divert containers to alternative ports outside the U.S., creating further complications.
With the reopening of ports, shippers should stay vigilant regarding potential detention and demurrage fees, as the "stopping the clock" that applied during the strike no longer holds. Congestion over the next several weeks will only compound the situation.
Many carriers have also announced disruption surcharges, expected to come into effect by mid-October. However, it's worth noting that carriers often announce such fees but rarely communicate when they are rescinded. Shippers should not be surprised if these surcharges do not fully materialize. Businesses are advised to review shipping contracts, particularly force majeure clauses, to understand better how surcharges and additional costs may apply.
Global Disruptions Ripple Across Markets
While the strike has concluded, its after effects will likely be felt globally. A temporary reduction in export capacity from Europe is expected in about two weeks, which could apply upward pressure on freight rates. This pattern may also play out in other regions with a longer lag. The global logistics network will take time to normalize, and rates are expected to remain volatile.
Air Freight Surge as Shippers Seek Alternatives
With ocean freight options constrained, demand for air freight has skyrocketed, driving rates higher. Time-sensitive shipments are particularly affected, with shippers facing increased costs as air freight capacity tightens. Businesses relying on urgent deliveries should prepare for continued cost increases in the near future.
JAS Worldwide: Here to Support You
In these challenging times, JAS Worldwide remains dedicated to supporting your business. Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and delivering customized solutions to minimize disruptions. Whether you need air freight alternatives, rerouting options, or expert logistics advice, JAS Worldwide is ready to help you navigate these complexities. Reach out to your JAS representative today to develop a strategic plan that ensures your supply chain remains resilient and efficient.
In a significant development, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) issued a joint statement late on October 3, announcing that they have reached a tentative agreement on wages. Both parties have also agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025, allowing additional time to negotiate other unresolved issues. Effective immediately after the announcement, all ongoing job actions ceased, and work covered by the Master Contract will resume across the East and Gulf Coast ports.
While this agreement brings temporary relief, the backlog of vessels and congestion at key ports remains a critical challenge for the supply chain. Over the last three days, the disruption has caused significant delays that will take weeks to clear.
Vessels Stalled and Rising Congestion
Many container ships remain anchored off the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, with more arriving. Several vessels are also stationed outside Freeport, Bahamas, attempting to offload U.S. East Coast cargo. This situation threatens to create severe congestion at Freeport, Cartagena, Panama, Kingston, and Caucedo. The backlog at these key ports will be challenging to clear, potentially causing delays that ripple throughout the global logistics network.
Force Majeure & Carrier Adjustments
As of now, major carriers like COSCO, CMA CGM, Evergreen and ONE have declared force majeure for the affected regions, invoking Clause 20 of their Bill of Lading. Despite these declarations, some carriers are still accepting bookings for U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports. This suggests that carriers may be betting on a short-term resolution. However, given the scale of the disruption, vessel cancellations and further delays remain likely, especially if congestion worsens at transshipment hubs. The effects are expected to reach Europe within the next two weeks.
Global Impacts & Growing Disruptions
Although the strike has ended for now, the three days of halted port activity have already reduced export capacity from Europe, Latin America, and other regions. This shrinkage has caused bottlenecks at origin ports, further disrupting global trade. Additionally, ongoing shipping diversions in the Red Sea, now entering their 292nd day, are compounding delays in other regions, making global supply chains even more fragile.
Air Freight Demand and Rising Rates
As ocean freight options dwindle, demand for air freight has surged significantly, driving air freight rates sharply upward. This trend particularly impacts time-sensitive shipments, adding new cost pressures for shippers. Companies relying on urgent deliveries should brace for continued rising costs as air freight capacity tightens.
Worsening Congestion and Long-Term Disruptions
Despite the strike’s resolution the congestion at key ports is expected to take weeks, if not months, to clear. Major transshipment hubs like Freeport, Cartagena, Panama, Kingston, and Caucedo are already experiencing delays, and congestion is expected to worsen. Businesses must continue to prepare for prolonged disruptions, as the backlog will have lasting effects on global trade routes and schedules.
Mitigation Strategies
JAS Worldwide Is Ready to Support You
Our people remain fully committed to assisting your business through these challenging times. Our team is not closely monitoring the situation and already delivering tailored solutions and effective contingency plans to keep your supply chain moving smoothly. Whether you require air freight alternatives, rerouting strategies, or expert advice, we are ensuring that disruptions are minimized. Contact your JAS representative today to learn how our proactive approach can help you navigate these challenges and create a logistics plan that meets your specific needs.
As the ILA strike reached its third day, the lack of progress between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) remained apparent. The USMX rejected preconditions for talks, and the ILA stayed silent, leaving negotiations at a standstill.
However, there is growing speculation in the market that discussions between the two sides may now be underway. In a notable shift, the ILA has not posted any updates on its normally active media page, and there have been no public statements from either party today. This uncharacteristic silence suggests that both groups might be working behind the scenes to resolve the dispute.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Vessels Stalled and Rising Congestion
Nearly 60 container ships are anchored off the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, with more arriving by the hour. Several vessels are also waiting outside Freeport, Bahamas, likely attempting to offload U.S. East Coast cargo. This will likely lead to severe congestion at Freeport, similar to the growing bottlenecks anticipated at other transshipment hubs such as Cartagena, Panama, Kingston, and Caucedo.
Force Majeure & Carrier Adjustments
COSCO has joined CMA CGM and ONE in declaring force majeure for the affected regions, invoking Clause 20 of its Bill of Lading. Despite this, some carriers are still accepting bookings for U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports, though vessel cancellations remain a risk. This suggests carriers are hoping for a short-term resolution. However, if the strike continues, backlogs in transshipment hubs will likely trigger widespread congestion, with effects felt in Europe within two weeks.
Global Impacts & Growing Disruptions
With vessels unable to dock at U.S. ports, export capacity from Europe, Latin America, and other regions is shrinking, potentially creating bottlenecks at origin ports and disrupting global trade. In its 292nd day of ongoing diversions, the Red Sea is also adding to the mounting global disruptions.
Air Freight Demand and Rising Rates
As ocean freight options become more constrained, the demand for air freight has surged. This spike in demand is significantly increasing air freight rates, making it a more expensive—but crucial—option for businesses needing time-sensitive shipments. Companies relying on urgent deliveries should prepare for higher costs as air freight capacity tightens.
Key Insights for Businesses
Mitigation Strategies
JAS Worldwide is Ready to Support You
Our people remain fully committed to assisting your business through these challenging times. Our team is not only closely monitoring the situation but is already delivering tailored solutions and effective contingency plans to keep your supply chain moving smoothly. Whether you require air freight alternatives, rerouting strategies, or expert advice, we are ensuring that disruptions are minimized. Contact your JAS representative today to learn how our proactive approach can help you navigate these challenges and create a logistics plan that meets your specific needs.
The strike has entered its second day, and the global impact is growing more pronounced. Yesterday's announcement from the White House confirmed the U.S. administration's support for the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) in their labor dispute. With no significant concessions from the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) on the horizon, it appears increasingly likely that this conflict will extend beyond just a few days, potentially lasting for an extended period. The prolonged uncertainty in port operations is compounding supply chain disruptions across industries worldwide.
Key Updates from Major Carriers:
What to Expect:
The effects of the strike are beginning to take hold, with growing congestion in Central American hubs and a significant drop in export capacity from Europe and South America. Delays in U.S. vessel arrivals will lead to further congestion across global trade routes, creating additional bottlenecks for shippers worldwide.
Mitigation Strategies:
JAS Worldwide Is Here to Help:
JAS Worldwide is committed to supporting you through these challenging times. Our team is actively monitoring the situation and is ready to offer tailored solutions, including air freight options and alternative routing strategies, to ensure your supply chain remains operational. Contact your JAS representative today to discuss how we can help minimize the impact of these disruptions and develop a logistics plan suited to your business needs.
JAS is thrilled to welcome Multilogistics S.p.A. and Setoa S.p.A., which officially join the group on May 27 and July 10, respectively, following the acquisitions led by JAS Jet Air Service SpA.
With the acquisition of Multilogistics, JAS strengthens its logistics presence in Europe and is preparing to expand its offerings to customers in the increasingly in-demand vertical sector of Contract Logistics. Multilogistics is known for its highly specialized and customized customer solutions, thanks to the deep experience that has always distinguished it in the logistics sector.
Multilogistics is based in Liscate (Milan), not far from the original offices where JAS began its journey and which over the last four decades have led it to significant global growth. The success achieved is certainly the result of choosing to collaborate and select companies that, like Multilogistics, invest in their employees and maintain high standards in customer services.
"We are thrilled to join forces with JAS Jet Air Service and the JAS Worldwide Group, a recognized leader in the global logistics industry," said Massimo Mirizzi, President and CEO of Multilogistics. This partnership offers tremendous opportunities for our team and our customers. By combining our local expertise with JAS Worldwide's global reach and innovative, sustainable solutions, we can offer our customers added value in their business and excellent service."
With the acquisition of Setoa S.p.A., JAS further expands its business into new markets, adding West Africa in particular among the territories now covered directly by its services. Thanks to Setoa's entry into the group, JAS's offer now expands to Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Gabon, Congo, Mali and Burkina Faso.
"Both of these acquisitions represent an important step in our growth strategy and I am confident that they will create new synergies that will better meet the needs of our customers with an advanced range of logistics solutions expanding our global footprint with these new markets," said Leonardo Baldi, Regional Vice President and CEO of JAS Italy.
Since 1997, Setoa has boasted considerable experience in a complex and peculiar market such as the African one and can offer a highly customized service to customers. Its expertise gained over almost thirty years in this niche market, combined with JAS's experience and vast worldwide network, will contribute to enriching the offer to customers with complete and innovative solutions.
"The acquisition of Setoa Italia S.p.A. by the JAS Group marks an important evolution in the expansion and strengthening of our global capabilities," said Massimo Boccadelli, CEO of Setoa Italia S.p.A. "This combination will allow us to offer our customers an even wider range of innovative services and solutions, consolidating our leadership in the international shipping sector in West Africa. The collaboration between Setoa and JAS will redefine the market standards in Africa, opening up new prospects for growth and success worldwide."
About JAS Worldwide
JAS Worldwide, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, it focuses on creating solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and unique to each customer's needs. At the heart of its success is its people, who are committed to delivering customer value. As a privately owned company, JAS maintains a steadfast commitment to creating opportunities for our communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive. Together.
Seaports are critical components of the global transport system. JAS is present with our own port terminals at every port in Norway as well as via our partners in countries around the globe. This provides a global network of opportunities for our customers with the ability to meet all types of international inquiries. With convenient port locations, it is only a short distance from ships to land-based logistics functions.
We have a close relationship with large industrial suppliers and ship owners and operate as agents for the largest feeder companies. We offer loading and discharging of bulk loads, tankers, and container vessels, and quayside storage provides direct access to container ships and marine vessels. This is available from both our own and our clients’ quays. In addition, our experienced team members can provide all services related to the stuffing, stripping, securing, and packaging of goods in containers.
All Norway ports have container depots and dedicated staff with broad experience in terminal operations. Our teams of qualified service engineers oversee the maintenance and repair of all containers, ensuring they are ready to be loaded and shipped. We provide daily stock- and movement-reports, and always have the right equipment available at the right time.
We offer a cross-docking solution that keeps your goods moving. The storage time is significantly reduced, or eliminated, as the goods are distributed directly to the customer. The goods are received through an inbound dock, separated, mixed as required, and directly transferred to the outbound dock. This is a convenient solution for temperature-controlled goods that must be transported quickly or already packaged and sorted goods.
One of the most important things in port logistics is personal service. We put the customers first, solving their problems by providing customized solutions and around-the-clock customer service with flexible and reliable processes. No matter the size of your shipment or the needs you may have, we are your complete port logistics provider.
As with all of JAS Worldwide's country-based operations, JAS Korea specializes in the complex world of freight forwarding. Our people are intimately familiar with the process of moving cargo throughout the globe. We're beside you to navigate the logistical maze of carrier relationships, customs & regulatory challenges, risk management, and the hundreds of other issues that face companies seeking to move their goods by air, sea, or land.
JAS Korea is proud to stand alongside JAS team members strategically positioned around the world. When you choose JAS, you gain the tremendous value of a company that offers high-level forwarding expertise - a company that operates with one of the most advanced information management systems of any forwarder in the world. To find out why JAS is a best-in-class company, contact us through the form at the bottom of this page.
Leverage the expertise we've built for companies like yours. We prove ourselves every day.
JAS Korea is certified, meeting all the requirements of AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) that ensures safety and legitimacy in our service by putting safety as the first priority.
The JAS Korea team promises to provide solid logistics solution based on the tangible execution plan to lead to the successful customer experience in their supply chain with parallel in raising the efficiency of the organization that is to promote every individual of the team to achieve the superior result.
-Jay Park
Managing Director, JAS Korea
Our Sites use cookies for analytics purposes. For more information about the cookies we use on our Sites or how you can disable them, please see our Cookie Policy.