Shifting Demurrage Accountability
The Federal Maritime Commission’s (FMC) latest rule on demurrage and detention charges has sparked concern within the shipping industry, with the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) voicing apprehensions about its impact on shippers. This rule, aimed at addressing container late fees, absolves drayage truckers from direct billing, thus shifting potential financial burdens to shippers. While […]
New Connection to Bridge Asia and the US
In response to the burgeoning demand for U.S. imports from Asia, Ocean Network Express (ONE) is poised to revolutionize the transpacific shipping landscape with its newly unveiled Asia Pacific 1 (AP1) service. Starting in late spring, this service promises to connect Asia and the U.S. West Coast more directly than ever before. Featuring expedited routes […]
The EU Joins the US in the Red Sea
The European Union has taken decisive action by launching Operation Aspides, a naval mission to protect critical shipping routes in the Red Sea from escalating Houthi attacks. Recent incidents, including assaults on a US-owned, Greek-flagged bulk carrier and the Belize-flagged Rubymar, have underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures. With the support of several […]
Tidal Wave of China-US Freight
In an unexpected turn, container freight volumes from China to the U.S. are soaring, despite China’s economic woes. This surge, reaching its highest point since May 2022, is driven by the traditional pre-Chinese New Year shipping peak and a significant increase in demand from U.S. importers. With lower inventory levels in the U.S. and a […]
The Year of the Rail
The future of freight shines brightly on the rails, with Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, and CSX at the helm, showcasing their 2024 vision to transform freight movement. Union Pacific’s Beth Whited highlighted efficiency strides and innovative services like the Falcon Premium, aiming to entice shippers with cost-effective, green solutions. Meanwhile, Norfolk Southern’s Alan Shaw focused […]
Retail’s Return to Streamlined Inventory Methods
Retailers are embracing a ‘just-in-time’ inventory approach as they work through pandemic-era surplus. This strategy, a return to pre-pandemic norms, replaces the ‘just-in-case’ stockpiling tactic prompted by supply-chain uncertainties and fluctuating consumer demand. Leading figures like Jamie Bragg from Tailored Brands highlight the industry’s enhanced ability to align inventory with real-time demand, eliminating the need […]
US Mexico Border Trade Heating Up
As we pivot into 2024, US-Mexico trade is set for a remarkable uptick, propelled by the strategic move towards nearshoring. Sri Laxmana, a seasoned expert at C.H. Robinson, shines a light on Mexico’s burgeoning role in diversifying global supply chains, emphasizing its geographical advantage next to the US. With an impressive 40% of shippers exploring […]
Logistical Logjams Amid Retail Recapitulation
As 2024 unfolds, global supply chains are navigating a landscape reshaped by the Covid-19 pandemic, now contending with disruptions in key trade corridors like the Red Sea, and the Panama and Suez Canals. Geopolitical tensions and evolving trade patterns are prompting companies to rethink long-established supply routes. Amidst this, the clean energy sector is forging […]
2024 Kickoff View From Jamestown Sitdown
TLC’s Joe Hassenfratz and Jameson Mielde sit down with Ben Sawicki, the host of The Chemical Company’s podcast, The View From Jamestown for a kickoff logistics barometer check and to share some predictions for the year to come. They discuss the dynamic world of freight and logistics as they highlight the challenges like capacity crunches, […]
Rising Rates Reflecting Unease of the Seas
In the wake of increasing disruptions in the Red Sea and the Panama Canal, the container shipping industry is witnessing a surge in Asia-West Coast spot rates, as indicated by recent assessments from Drewry and the Freightos Baltic Daily Index. The crisis has led to a 30% spike in Shanghai-Los Angeles spot rates, with current […]
