Troubled South Korean ocean carrier Hyundai Merchant Marine is disputing press reports that it might be required to merge with fellow state-run line Hanjin Shipping in order to gain entry into the new east-west vessel sharing agreement.

The bi-state port complex saw throughput of both loaded imports and exports decline both on a monthly and year-over-year basis, according to recent data from the port authority.

However, the state experienced a 9 percent year-over-year drop in reported cargo thefts during the quarter to 2,152 incidents.

Making trade easier for companies in the United States is important, but the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement is as much about the nation’s strategic interests in Asia.

Berkshire Hathaway-owned BNSF Railway Co. eliminated 62 management jobs last week and restructured its operations organization from three regions to two, effective today, according to a statement from the company.

Drivers are striking four companies doing business in and around the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, claiming they are being misclassified as independent contractors instead of employees.

The Energy and Water Development appropriations bill is the wrong place to fight out a social battle, Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek said.

Meanwhile, the state of Georgia dedicated a new road connecting the Port of Savannah to I-95, saying it will speed cargo flow and improve safety.

Premier of Victoria, Australia Daniel Andrews said the state is “very confident” the winning bid for a 50-year lease to operate the Port of Melbourne, which is valued between $4 billion and $6 billion, will exceed the book price.

Hamburg, Germany-based Rickmers-Linie, has taken over the activities of tramp and chartering specialist Nordana Project & Chartering, which has offices in Copenhagen, Bangkok, Singapore and Houston.