Further labor disputes at the Canadian ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver have been averted after unions ratified a new labor contract. Earlier lock-outs meant that Vancouver’s handling of containerized freight fell 5.5% year over year in May, including a 10.4% drop in imports. Reduced labor risks should also help mitigate congestion issues that have beset the west coast of North America in late 2018. Year-to-date imports, as of May 31, at Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Seattle / Tacoma have climbed 9.4% year over year.