Note to CEOs (Part 5): Stop Blaming Your Transportation People—Support Them Instead!
September 12, 2018
This has been the year that freight barged into the boardroom. It’s what happens when freight budgets are completely out of line with actual spending.
Federal Maritime Commission finally addresses detention & demurrage practice
September 11, 2018
Bringing clarity, access, and efficiency to the delivery of cargo from carrier to shipper will be key to improving the process for how and when marine terminal demurrage and ocean carrier detention charges are levied.
ATA’s ‘Freight Forecast’ report looks ahead to increasing freight volumes
September 6, 2018
The key takeaway of this year’s edition is that the ATA pegs freight volumes to increase 4.2% this year and by another 35.6% by 2029, which, if you think about it, is not as far away as it seems.
Plenty to sort through regarding the future fate of NAFTA
August 28, 2018
Based on news coming out of the nation’s capital yesterday, it appears that progress on NAFTA’s future is becoming visible, at least, with the U.S. and Mexico coming to terms on various facets of a new NAFTA, so to speak.
Note to CEOs (Part 4): Committed to reducing rising freight costs? What does different look like?
August 27, 2018
Based on the feedback we’ve received, the theme of our recent “Note to CEOs” blog posts appears to be resonating with shippers who are under the gun because of escalating freight costs. In case you missed them, these pieces highlighted the fact that in today’s transportation environment, C-Level executives have to be actively engaged if they want to reduce their company’s transportation spend.
The Hackett Group cites another example of “digital transformation”
August 24, 2018
A new research paper released by The Hackett Group maintains that “world-class” procurement organizations now operate at 21 percent lower labor costs than peers and have 29 percent fewer staff.
Interview: STIFEL’s perspective on current state of 3PL industry
August 22, 2018
John G. Larkin, CFA, Managing Director - Transportation and Logistics, STIFEL Investment Banking shares his views on the current state of the 3PL industry in advance of major conference this fall.
What blew your freight budget-the people or the process?
August 20, 2018
It’s that time when transportation professionals begin preparing their freight budgets for the upcoming year. With all that’s occurred in 2018, I’ve had some very interesting conversations, especially with shippers.
NRF raises its 2018 retail sales forecast
August 13, 2018
There is often a general consensus along the lines of “when retail sales are good, the economy is good.” It makes sense to a large degree and, really, why wouldn’t it after all? Consumer spending accounts for roughly 70% of total United States economic output, making it the largest piece of the domestic economic pie. While the importance of retail sales, as it relates to economic output is well know, it is especially notable in light of data coming from...
The beat goes on for Class 8 truck orders
August 6, 2018
As has been the case for a while now, Class 8 truck orders are still very much in demand.
Levi Strauss & Co. moving to raise the bar for supply chain sustainability
August 2, 2018
The clothing retailer has laid out a strong supply chain sustainability strategy that can serve as a blueprint for other shippers to follow.
Words from House T&I Committee transportation infrastructure draft need to be put into action
July 26, 2018
Just because Rep. Bud Shuster (R-Penn.), Chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, is retiring from Congress at the end of his current term does not mean he is mailing it in. In fact, it appears to be quite the opposite, especially given the myriad details proposed this week under his leadership to remedy the longstanding ailments that plague United States infrastructure. These details came in the form of a discussion draft” focused on meeting the challenges of a 21st...
Drewry shares a few insights on current state of ocean shipping
July 24, 2018
Philip Damas, head of Drewry’s Supply Chain Advisors, notes in an exclusive interview that carrier capacity decisions are driven by trade profitability, ship utilization and other factors.
Freight transportation and logistics economic outlook remains largely positive
July 23, 2018
There is a lot to like about the current strength of the freight transportation and logistics economy.
Port of Oakland’s monthly volume report reflects trade war tensions
July 16, 2018
Oakland handled the equivalent of 87,207 20-foot import containers in June. That beat the previous monthly record of 84,835 containers set last July.
Note to CEOs (Part 3): Committed to reducing your rising freight costs? You must be kidding!
July 12, 2018
In case you missed my transportation notes to CEOs Part 1 (Don’t fail to plan!) and Part 2 (Your people need you!), let me set the stage: Since the beginning of 2018, the Wall Street Journal has run over 70 articles about how the current freight market is negatively impacting supply chains and corporate earnings. Between January and April, 148 CEOs in the S&P 500 cited transportation and supply chain issues as having a negative impact on profitability. This increased focus on freight is...
U.S.-China back and forth tariff actions are a sign of things to come
July 11, 2018
Given all the recent back and forth tariff activity going on between the U.S. and China, it is worth noting that on Friday, July 6 the U.S. began imposing tariffs of 25% on around $34 billion worth of Chinese products, which USTR said were made in “response to unfair Chinese practices.” These tariffs, said USTR will eventually cover up to $50 billion in Chinese imports, with the products targeted by the tariffs comprised of those benefiting from China’s industrial policy and...
European shippers may also “feel the pain” of more ocean cargo carrier consolidation
July 10, 2018
The European Shippers’ Council recently stated that the service provided by container shipping lines has deteriorated since 2016 and is now seen by exporters, importers and freight forwarders “as more problematic.”
Taking a look at the (mid) year in review
July 9, 2018
Most every December, in this space, we take a look at the logistics year in review. It is always fun to look back to see what some of the key themes were over the course of the year. But this year Newsroom Notes is taking a look at the “year to date,” rather than the year in review
Trade with Japan must remain strong, says Port of Oakland chief
July 6, 2018
At a time when trade Pacific Rim trade relations remain tenuous at best, the Port of Oakland recently made a significant overture to Japan for strengthening its business relationship.