Organizations representing firms including Glencore Plc and a unit of Anglo American Plc are negotiating the terms of the pacts with Transnet.

Decisions to adopt on-demand packaging still mostly come down to dollars and cents, although in recent years considerations of sustainability have come to the fore.

UP saw $6.7 billion in profits for all of 2024 — up slightly from 2023's total of $6.4 billion — and increased its operating revenue for the year by 1%.

So far, diesel emissions at the port are down 92%, nitrogen oxides by 71%, sulfur oxides by 98% and greenhouse gases by 17% since 2005.

Duffy said he would work with Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure robust oversight of Boeing and other aerospace manufacturers.

The two sides agreed to continue to operate under the current contract until the union can meet with its full Wage Scale Committee, and schedule a ratification vote.

Over long holiday weekends, distribution centers and warehouses are known to operate with reduced staffing, offering attractive targets to would-be thieves.

ILA workers went on a short but crippling strike in October and, after securing a large wage increase, agreed to go back to work until January 15.

Unifor members had voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action should an agreement not be reached by January 1, 2025.

“This is a pivotal moment in our history," said Daggett. "The decisions we make today will determine the future for generations to come."