Approximately 6.7 billion USD has been approved for programs aiding U.S. seaports by the U.S. Congress. “The funding levels in this legislation will benefit US ports by ensuring the federal government continues to contribute its share of capital to seaport-related infrastructure, port security and voluntary diesel emissions reductions efforts,” Kurt J. Nagle, Association of Port Authority’s president and CEO, said. Programs that will benefit from this legislation include:

• Army Corps of Engineers
• US Department of Transportation’s TIGER program
• Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program
• Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)

Full Story

(World Maritime News)

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your move, take the following into consideration. If you are not pressed for time, downsizing by either donating unwanted items or having a garage sale can be both beneficial to your pocketbook and to the environment. Using old newspapers, towels or other cloth items to wrap delicate items in transit is also an option. Used cardboard boxes or reusable plastic containers (Crown Crates) can also make your move greener. Finally, when cleaning your new home or your old home there are many green cleaning products on the market that are as effective as traditional cleaning products, but are safer for the environment.

The Positive Approach

Prepare them in advance for the move. Tell them immediately about the move. Give them time to adjust to the idea. Answer all questions. Explain the reasons for the move as explicitly as necessary, depending on the child’s age. An honest question-and-answer session will give you an idea of the specific concerns your children have about the move. This will give you the chance to resolve their fears and let them know you are interested in their opinions and feelings.

Permit children to participate. This will give them a sense of responsibility and self-worth. Choose a professional moving company. A company experienced in moving families will minimize your responsibilities. Then, you can devote more time to your children.

With these steps, you can ease the insecure feelings some children experience when removed from familiar surroundings. It is difficult to break strong ties to the old home, neighborhood, school and close friends. But remember, moving can be a great personal growth opportunity for all family members, including children. Take advantage of the situation and make it a truly exciting experience for everyone.

Take-along Suggestions

Here’s a checklist of things to take in the car with you:

Baby

•     Suitable clothing
•     Diaper or utility bag
•     Blankets
•     Disposable diapers
•     Nursers with plastic throwaway liners, nipples and pacifiers
•     Baby food, formula, fruit juice, water and a cap opener
•     Favorite cuddle toy
•     Baby toiletries such as powder, lotion, oil and cotton balls
•     Safety-approved infant car seat
• First-aid kit (Discuss with your pediatrician any medications you should have on hand. Include a thermometer, baby pain reliever and a small hot water bottle, which also can be used as an ice bag.)

Toddler

•     Collapsible stroller
•     Child’s portable car toilet
•     Safety-approved car seat
•     Favorite small toy

Get the “Moving with Children” Booklet
We recognize the particular needs and emotional reactions of children and have a booklet to help make moving with children easier and enjoyable for the entire family. For a copy of “Moving with Children,” contact us.

(source: www.unitedvanlines.com)

In protest of India’s Major Ports Authority Bill, India’s labor union is planning an open-ended dockworker strike to start on April 19^th. Job security and retirement benefits are the major concerns. Kolkata, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Tuticorin, Cochin, New Mangalore, Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Kandla and Marmugao are the ports most likely to be effected.

Full Story

(World Maritime News)

Click the image below to watch an informative video on packing.

(Source: United Van Lines)

April is typically when the housing market takes off, but this year it seems to have started in March. Homes are staying on the market an average of just 69 days. This is eight days less than in 2016 and a significant decrease to those in the real-estate industry. The economic team at Realtor.com crunched the numbers for major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and have come up with a list of the hottest markets.

Current Top 10:

1. Vallejo, CA
2. San Francisco, CA
3. Dallas, TX
4. Denver, CO
5. San Jose, CA
6. Sacramento, CA
7. Colorado Springs, CO
8. San Diego, CA
9. Santa Cruz, CA
10. Boston, MA

Full Story

(Source: Realtor.com)

Following in the wake of other ports around the world, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is planning to deepen and widen both the Mumbai Harbour Channel and JN Port Channel. Predicted to cost around 300M USD the government anticipates, “that vessels of more than 8-12K TEUs,” will be able to access the port. Currently, it can only allow access to containerships up to 6K TEUs.

Full Story

(World Maritime News)

“It’s vital the federal government uphold its end of the partnership with ports so the country can have a 21st century goods movement system in place,” said Kurt Nagle, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) president and CEO. “We’re apprehensive about the fiscal 2018 budget.” The proposed 2018 budget would cut the $61.8M in multimodal infrastructure grants (dock, rail and road improvements) and also EPA grants. These cuts would mean a 16 percent decrease in budget when compared to 2017. “Adequate federal investments into U.S. port-related infrastructure, both on the landside and waterside, are crucial for the efficient movement of goods so the nation can remain globally competitive,” said Kurt Nagle.

Full Story

(World Maritime News)

Members were encouraged not to engage in any work stoppage by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). Upset over hiring practices that have reduced the number of stevedores (people employed at a dock to load and unload cargo from ships) in some of the nation’s major ports, workers were set to strike. An emergency meeting between the ILA and Congress has momentarily cooled the issue and hopefully a resolution can be found without further union action.

Full Story

(World Maritime News)

It is February and with spring around the corner here is a list of 10 things to help you declutter your garage.

1. Old paint
2. Unused sporting equipment
3. Duplicate tools
4. Books
5. Electronics
6. Furniture
7. Motor oil
8. Unfinished projects
9. Newspapers, magazines, catalogs
10. Anything for which you have no clue what it is or how it got there

Full Story

(Realtor.com; by Julie Ryan Evans)