Archive For The “News” Category
In its busiest March ever, the Port of Savannah container trade increased by 22.5% or 98,000 TEUs compared to last year. In intermodal cargo, the Port of Savannah set a record of 52,645 containers moved by rail, an increase of 17 percent over the same month last year.
The Georgia Ports Authority handled 534,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units in March, its second monthly record in a row. In February, GPA moved 479,850 TEUs, also a high. Savannah is the fastest-growing container port on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts.
“The growth rate was largely due to two factors: Cargo coming back from the U.S. West Coast after the completion of labor contract negotiations, and customers front-loading orders to avoid new tariffs,” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch.
Terminal Fluidity
In intermodal cargo, the Port of Savannah set an all-time record of 52,645 containers moved by rail, an increase of 17 percent over the same month last year. The March performance edged out the previous record of 52,446 rail moves set in January 2021. Similarly, the Appalachian Regional Port in Northwest Georgia handled 3,566 containers in March, an increase of more than 1,100 containers or 47 percent compared to March 2024. It was the highest volume for the ARP since October 2024, when the inland terminal handled 3,666 containers.
Rail cargo remained fluid at the 85-acre Mason Mega Rail Terminal, with an average rail dwell in March of only 22 hours between vessel offload and departing train. Located on the Port of Savannah terminal, Mason Mega Rail handles 42 double-stacked trains per week.
The Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal completed 333,571 truck turns in March, with the port setting a weekly gate record of 80,505 truck turns in the week ending March 16.
“From our docks and the container yard to the truck gates and on-terminal rail, our operations teams are achieving strong metrics in cargo flow,” said GPA Chief Operating Officer Ed McCarthy. “That translates into supply chain velocity for our customers who want to exercise more control on order fulfillment speed.”
The average truck turn time in March was 35 minutes for a single move and 55 minutes when a driver delivered an export and picked up an import. Such dual moves accounted for 86 percent of containers moving by truck. Thanks to this terminal efficiency, local truckers can make up to six to eight daily moves to area warehouses.
“On behalf of the Georgia Ports Authority, I would like to thank our employees, Gateway Terminals, the local International Longshoremen’s Association, and the railroads, shipping lines, and motor carriers who are our frontline partners in logistics, serving our customers,” said GPA Board Chairman Kent Fountain. “In Georgia, we are united in our commitment to serving the farms, factories, and businesses that support the economy of our state and nation.”
Stronger Supply Chains in Savannah
To support faster service for ocean carriers, the Port of Savannah has added three new start times for work vessels – 6 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m. – for a total of eight start times per day. Vessel operations in Savannah are performed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Additionally, GPA plans to use dock space at Ocean Terminal as a lay berth or staging area for large vessels to be worked at Garden City Terminal. Starting in May, this will allow for a much quicker transition between ships, cutting berth idle time from 12 to 3 hours. “The Ocean Terminal lay berths will launch a new era of flexibility at the Port of Savannah, allowing us to turn vessels faster and more efficiently,” Lynch said.
Faster Customs Inspections
A new $44.5 million U.S. Customs facility at Garden City Terminal will double the size of the agency’s previous location by early June, streamlining on-site inspections for Georgia Ports customers. The project comes after GPA won a federal bid process to continue housing the local Customs operations on-site at Georgia Ports.
“For our customers, the speed and convenience of on-terminal Customs inspections cannot be overstated,” Lynch said. “Our owner-operator model and unmatched terminal space mean containers don’t have to be hauled off-port for Customs – saving cargo owners time and money.”
The new location will also provide 400,000 square feet of parking for outdoor inspections, accommodating Customs and other federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Economic Development / Investment Climate
January and February were the most active months local brokers have seen in this market, said GPA Director of Economic and Industrial Development Stacy Watson, “Across manufacturing, warehousing, and third-party logistics, companies are looking at facilities and getting information on what the area has to offer.”
Peru’s agro-export sector continues to expand, with key products such as blueberries, grapes, mangoes, asparagus, cocoa, and coffee driving growth.
In 2024, the country’s agricultural exports surpassed $12 billion, marking a 22% increase from 2023. This growth was fueled by rising international prices for certain products and lower production in some regions of Asia, Europe, and Africa, allowing Peru to capitalize on global demand.
In the framework of the webinar “Peruvian Agroexports 2024,” David Sandoval, CEO of Fluctuante, said that a few decades ago, Peru had a significant challenge: ” We exported to few markets, we had an infrastructure that was not as efficient as the one we have today, and also producers did not have easy access to financing.”
“Peru was not such an important player in the agro-export sector at the international level,” he said, ”but after 24 years, from having a reduced agro-export basket, we went on to export more than 600 products in this sector, and we have been able to conquer markets in different continents.
During this time, in addition to the traditional shipment of products such as coffee and asparagus, Peru has been gaining ground in blueberries, grapes, avocados, mangoes, cocoa, and coffee exports.
Due to the sector’s development, Fluctuante’s CEO stated, “We are pleased that in 2024 we will have surpassed US$12 billion in exports and that this transcends”.
In his opinion, the progress of Peruvian agro-exports does not stop. “For 2025, 202,6, and the following years, I am sure that the sector will continue to grow, but what is fundamental is to sit down and see what these figures are to take measures.”
The present and future look prosperous, but Sandoval said that the sector should not depend on prices. ” We must act strategically on our production and care for our crops and water resources and take care of all other resources such as freight, boxes, and all those that accompany the agro-export sector as a whole.
Consumption
The sector’s development must go hand in hand with increased consumption. In that sense, Sandoval exposed that in 2050, the planet will have about 9.7 billion inhabitants. “We are currently 8 billion people worldwide, and in 25 years, we will have 1.7 billion more people to feed.”
The agro-export industry sees this figure as auspicious—considering that it will go hand in hand with food production—but Sandoval pointed out that the birth rate has begun to fall since 2015, “but we should be aiming to feed the 9.7 billion people we are going to have by 2050.”
But he asked a question: Are we prepared to produce more and save resources or be more efficient in using these resources?
In this regard, he commented that agro exports should focus on three areas: population growth, especially in Asia; the development of the middle class; and data processing.
He indicated that the population would continue to grow, for example, in Asia and countries such as China, India, and Indonesia.
He explained that there is an interesting phenomenon related to the fact that the population that used to be poor is now becoming part of the middle class “and, therefore, has more resources to buy mainly food. That is why they are willing to pay higher prices per kilogram of the products we export.”
Secondly, he pointed out that consumer habits are changing. People increasingly demand fresher, healthy, and environmentally sound products.
The third point concerns the industry’s need for extensive data processing, “and we need to be productive and produce with long-term sustainability.”
Peruvian agro-export markets
The leading destination is the United States, with a 34% share and a 19% variation, with shipments of blueberries, grapes, coffee, and asparagus standing out.
In this sense, Sandoval stated, “We must diversify our markets because we cannot bet a little more than a third of our exports in this sector to only one. We should be betting on gourmet markets, niches, and Asia, which is growing in population.
The Netherlands has a 14% share and a 30% variation, mainly exporting blueberries, avocados and grapes. Then comes Spain, which ships avocado, asparagus, and cocoa. “If we add all of Europe as a whole, we practically also have 30% of our exports to the whole of Europe,” he said.
Asia, which includes China and Hong Kong in the global market, is in fourth position with a 4% share.
Sandoval also highlighted the relevance of markets such as Chile and Mexico. The latter is especially important for Peruvian table grapes.
Regarding Canada, he specified that in 2024, they exported mainly coffee, grapes, and also cocoa.
By Isabella Silva
The Pacific Northwest cherry season has experienced challenges over the past couple of years. However, as summer 2025 approaches, the PNW sees a positive turnaround for a change, preparing for a highly anticipated cherry season. For shippers, growers, and carriers alike, this time of year is more than just a harvest; it’s a fast-paced, high-demand opportunity to move some of the freshest, most delicate produce in the industry.
This year, Northwest Cherry Growers are optimistic, thanks to favorable weather conditions and a well-timed bloom. Industry reports forecast a strong crop with excellent sizing and quality, especially out of the state of Washington, the region that typically produces over 80% of the nation’s sweetest cherries. As reported by The Packer, volume is expected to ramp up quickly in mid-June and peak by early July. Timing and logistics will be everything.
At the Allen Lund Company, we get it: when cherries are ready, there’s no time to waste! Cherries are highly perishable and require temperature-controlled transportation and precise coordination to maintain their quality from orchard to shelf.
Here’s what to keep in mind this season:
- Time is tight. Cherries have a short harvest window and an even shorter shelf life.
- High volumes are expected, with tighter shipping windows and increased demand for capacity.
- Flexibility is key, as weather, harvest timing, and market demands can change quickly.
“Cherry season in the PNW is looking like it will be back to normal after a few disappointing seasons. We have heard great news from local experts regarding crop size and fruit quality for 2025. Our team is prepped and ready to start moving cherry loads!” – Lisa Towner, General Manager, ALC Portland
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Isabella Silva is Senior Marketing Coordinator at ALC Marketing. She graduated from St. Edward’s University in 2022 with a BA in Communication, complemented by minors in Psychology and Health Communication. In July of the same year, she began her career at the Allen Lund Company in the Marketing department. Isabella is currently pursuing her MS in Public Relations Innovation, Strategy, and Management at the University of Southern California.
isabella.silva@allenlund.com
Fresh produce grower, marketer, and distributor Oppy and G&M Farms, a berry producer based in Selma, California, will introduce a new wave of premium berries to the market this spring.
The companies announced in a release that the partnership builds on the success of last season’s Pink Cosmo and Hunkaberry jumbo blueberry debut and continues the commitment to deliver high-quality, stand-out fruit to the marketplace.
The collaboration brings new offerings to Oppy’s berry program, including Mango Kist and Maui Sunset blueberries and Sugar Diamond blackberries, and a pipeline of new varieties into the future.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the team at G&M Farms, whose commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with Oppy’s mission to bring fresh, exciting options to our customers,” said Jason Fung, vice president of Oppy’s berry category. “Together, we’ll build on the amazing response to Pink Cosmo blues we experienced last year by introducing more premium, high-flavor blueberries and blackberries to set our portfolio apart.”
Complementing the new varieties, Oppy will also significantly increase its California blueberry offerings in collaboration with G&M Farms. G&M Farms focuses on advancing berry quality and production, ensuring that consumers receive only the best fruit available.
“These are some of the most exotic berries on the planet, and we’re confident they will intrigue shoppers and spark a lot of excitement in the berry category,” said Greg Willems, co-owner of G&M Farms, where harvest begins in early May.
Chilean cherry production has increased by over 50% in recent years, and industry analysis is studying new markets, adjusting volumes, and developing new products, such as frozen cherries, according to ChileAlimentos.
It notes while the frozen cherry industry remains relatively small compared to fresh fruit, it has shown a consistent growth over the years.
Bachelet explained that cherries are a new addition to the frozen sector, where most exports from Chile have historically been berries.
Chile’s frozen industry has historically been with berries, and began with raspberries In recent years, blueberries have made up the largest volume. The freezing industry typically selects ripe fruits that cannot withstand transport, because these fruits are equally good, ripe, and perfect in terms of flavor and color.
The United States has been identified as the primary producer and consumer of frozen cherries, with Europe and Turkey also showing significant growth.
The frozen sector has experienced substantial growth as experienced by the first two months of 2025, when exports doubled, increasing from over 2,000 tons to 4,500 tons, and this upward trend is expected to continue.
The organization points ouit 8,690 tons of frozen cherries were exported last year, and projections suggest that this figure may nearly double to around 19,000 tons this year. This growth is attributed to a larger supply of fruit, leading to increased opportunities for sourcing raw materials, a traditional challenge for the frozen industry.
The United States is identified as a key target for growth, followed by Canada, China, and Japan.
Frozen cherries are primarily used in cherry pies and sold as standalone fruits. However, many cherries are now being marketed in mixtures with other fruits, such as cherry mix and berry cherry mix.
By Sarah Stone ALC Atlanta
Everyone is talking about freight fraud and cargo theft. I recently attended the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), the largest trucking show in North America, where fraud and theft were the primary topics of discussion among the carriers and drivers in attendance. Held annually in Louisville, KY, MATS attracts everyone from large carrier owners looking to expand their fleets to the owner-operators who drive the trucks.
While concern is growing among those on the road, combating fraud requires support from every corner of the supply chain, including shippers. Freight fraud is a broad term encompassing various forms of theft, deception, or misrepresentation throughout the shipping process. It is more than just stealing cargo, it can involve identity impersonation (using fake MC/DOT numbers), double brokering, and fake carriers using spoofed websites to book loads. As a shipper, this can lead to the theft of cargo, supply chain disruptions, damage to reputation, and financial loss.
Preventing freight fraud isn’t just a broker or carrier issue, it’s a supply chain issue. For shippers, it is important to include your vendors and contracted warehouse groups on the plan to protect your freight. It will take everyone in the chain to fight fraud and theft. Establish a verification process for confirming carrier and driver information before loading a truck, and make certain that the carrier is providing the correct pick up information. This may sound simple, but it can often be overlooked at a warehouse that is backed up, or short staffed, and just wants to get the freight out the door.
Customers can play a vital role in building a more secure industry by following best practices such as:
- Partnering with fraud-aware brokers and carriers.
- Requiring load-tracking apps or systems.
- Verifying pick up numbers and driver names prior to loading.
- Embracing technology and data-driven security measures.
- Engaging in industry discussions and education.
By working together and staying informed, we can strengthen our defenses and keep freight moving safely and securely.
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Sarah Stone graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing). She started working at the Allen Lund Company in December 2010 after several years in the international air and ocean freight industry. She is the Senior Transportation Broker for ALC Atlanta.
sarah.stone@allenlund.com
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
According to Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) President and CEO Griff Lynch, Georgia’s Savannah Port is the fastest-growing container gateway on the U.S. East Coast, with container volumes up 12.5% compared to 2023.
GPA handled nearly 5.6 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) last year, an increase of approximately 618,000 TEUs compared to 2023.
In a presentation at the annual Savannah State of the Port Address, the CEO explained that what sets the ports of Savannah and Brunswick apart is building strong partnerships, superior connectivity, ample capacity ahead of demand, and a responsible approach with communities.
He also laid out plans to increase capacity in Savannah, add berth space over the short and long term, boost container yard and rail capacity, and grow the truck gates at the Port of Savannah before an audience of more than 1,700 business leaders and elected officials at the Savannah Convention Center.
To stay ahead of demand, Lynch announced the opening of a new lay berth effective immediately at Ocean Terminal. A second lay berth at Ocean Terminal will come online in 2026.
Phase I of the Ocean Terminal yard renovation will be completed in mid-2027; and the second phase will be by mid-2028. This will increase capacity by up to 1.5 million TEUs per year.
The expansion, he explained, is needed to handle growing business, “Growth at the nation’s gateway terminals outpaced all other ports in the nation, and Savannah is the gateway port for the U.S. Southeast,” Lynch said. “We see this pattern only continuing to accelerate.”
Between weeks 34 and 10 of the 2024-2025 campaign,
Peruvian shipped a total of 81.4 million boxes (8.2 kilos each) during the 2024-25 season representing a 31 percent increase compared to the 2023-2024 season, according to Agraria.
The Ica region is the main table grape producing region, with a 49 percent share, followed by the Piura region with 36 percent.
The Ica region shipped 40.5 million boxes of table grapes, registering a 17 percent increase compared to the previous season, and Piura exported 30 million boxes, representing a 49 percent increase compared to the 2023-2024 campaign.
The south leads exports with 52.8 percent of the total, while the north accounts for 47.2 percent.
Volumes shipped to North America increased by 30 percent, and those destined to Latin America increased by 16 percent. In contrast, shipments to Asia decreased by 35 percent compared to the 2023-2024 season,”
Unprecedented growth is being experienced by the Colombian blueberry industry. The country exported over 1.4 million pounds of blueberries in 2024, according to Agraria.
With 1,600 acres currently under cultivation, the country is projected to reach between 7,400 and nearly 12,400 hectares by 2026. This represents an increase of 669 percent, according to projections from the Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA).
New cultivation areas are driving the projected growth, especially in regions such as Antioquia, Cauca, the Coffee Region, and Nariño. These areas will complement the existing production areas in Bogotá and Boyacá.
Colombia’s unique climate allows for year-round blueberry cultivation, giving it a strategic advantage over seasonal producers. This climate advantage permits Colombian growers to supply global markets evenin the off-season, providing a competitive advantage over countries like Chile, Mexico, and Peru.
With expanding production and increasing demand, Colombia is well positioned to become a major supplier of blueberries to key markets like the United States, Europe, and Asia.
All signs point to continued growth. With more acres in production, consistent quality, and 12-month production capacity, Colombian blueberries are poised to gain ground on the international scene.
The United States imported 22.7 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables in 2023, with Mexico being the largest supplier, accounting for 50 percent share of the total imported, followed by Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Canada, according to FEPEX.
Spain is the first EU country to supply the U.S. market with 29,674 tons; as reported by FEPEX.
The United States imported 11.4 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico, which represented half of the total. After Mexico, the main non-national suppliers to the U.S. market are Guatemala, with 2.8 million tons; Costa Rica, with 1.9 million tons; and Canada, with 1.7 million tons. These four countries represent 78 percent of total U.S. fruit and vegetable imports.
After the top four, the next ranking U.S. supplier countries are Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Honduras, Colombia, Argentina, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, China, Panama, Brazil, Morocco, New Zealand, and Spain.
Spain ranks 18th in terms of countries from which the United States imports. However, it is the first in the EU and Europe, with 29,674 tons in 2023. It is followed by Italy, with 17,555 tons, coming in at number 23 in the list of suppliers to the U.S. market; Greece occupies 24th place, with 15,953 tons; and the Netherlands is ranked 29th, with 9,038 tons.
As explained in prior FEPEX news, Spanish and EU exports of fruit and vegetables to the United States are very limited, largely due to the phytosanitary barriers imposed by the American administration on the entry of certain products in the form of phytosanitary export protocols.