NEW YORK -- Asia’s peak shipping season kicked off with pilot strikes, rate increases and reports of tight space conditions in some areas, particularly in regions that route cargo through transit hubs.

A strike by Polar Air Cargo pilots is expected to last through the peak season and cut freighter capacity out of Shanghai, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea, said Trans Global Logistics USA, a major freight forwarder. Japan Airlines and Asiana immediately imposed rate increases after the strike was announced Sept. 16. The full impact of the strike is expected to hit toward the end of the month, TGL said.

Carriers are also hiking fuel surcharges by as much as 67 cents per kilogram.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Jabil Circuit Inc. yesterday reported net earnings rose 59% on a 25% jump in sales for its fiscal fourth quarter. Jabil, a top-tier electronics manufacturing services provider, said net income was $70.5 million, in the August quarter, and revenue was $2.04 billion.

Proprietary technology from Interface Sciences Corp. uses dense molecular arrangement on the nanoscale in addition to the use of unconventional molecules.

Dr. Damon Brink, ISC's chief science and technology officer said, the concept "leads to a stronger, more reliable product at a fraction of the cost, while enabling low-cost resin and material systems to be used in high-performance boards assembled with lead-free solder."

The firm said the solution mediates problems stemming from the use of lead-free solders.
 
Interface Sciences is an early-stage nanotechnology commercialization company holding platform technologies that were developed by a major government laboratory. The company's emphasis is on materials and surface innovation at the nanoscale.