Spot container rates for shipping goods to the U.S. from Asia have spiked over the past month as companies look to avoid higher tariffs and pad their inventories ahead of a threatened port strike.

The Canada Border Services Agency has launched an investigation into container chassis imported from Vietnam by British Columbia-based Ocean Trailer, a spokesman for the agency said.

Shippers faced hurdles with both ocean freight and airfreight in 2023, leading to declined volumes at North America's top container ports and airports.

Shipping stocks slumped worldwide after a strike by U.S. dockworkers was suspended after only three days, spurring predictions of a decline in the price of transporting goods by sea.

KINGSTON, N.Y. — A tugboat powered by ammonia eased away from the shipyard dock and sailed for the first time to show how the maritime industry can slash carbon dioxide emissions.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. plans to brave volatile shipping markets on its own, ruling out a new alliance just months before its partnership with A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S ends.

The largest sailing cargo ship in the world has made its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Its shipments have a carbon footprint one-tenth that of a standard containership.

Merchandise trade is withstanding its first post-pandemic shock, with no noticeable flareup of global consumer prices. But that’s not guaranteed to last if snarls prove long-lasting.

Inflation looks to be easing across the developed world, except for one glaring pocket of hot prices: cargo costs on the high seas.

Companies transporting goods from Asia face costs of as much $10,000 for an urgent full-size shipping container over the next month — about double current spot rates.