Topic: Blogs

While San Pedro Bay megaports were making headlines with their celebrated “Zero Emission Mandate,” the Port of Oakland has been implementing the second part of its freight-hauler operation to clear the air.

Last week’s UPS third quarter earnings call was as busy as it gets in many ways. Not only did the transportation and logistics bellwether talk about its quarterly results, which were very strong to be sure, it also talked about its planned 2018 rate increases, a recent acquisition, and, not to be overlooked, its Peak Season preparation.

Shippers need to get in front of what is coming, when it comes to 2018 truckload contract rate increases.

Anyone that wakes up each day in a logistics job that centers around moving freight is more than aware of the fact that there is a significant truck driver shortage. That is nothing new; in fact, it is far from it. But that does not mean the driver shortage is viewed as a “whistle by the graveyard” or “nothing to see here” approach. In fact, it is and needs to be the opposite. This comes into full view when taking...

The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2017 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) were presented before some 700 maritime industry leaders to Andre Grikitis, Operating Chairman, Intermarine LLC; Captain Thomas Merrell, President, General Dynamics American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) and James Miller, Chairman, Board of Directors, Philly Shipyard ASA.

Coming off of last week’s Surface Transportation Board (STB) public listening session focusing on Class I rail carrier CSX’s service issues, CSX was again in the news this week with its third quarter earnings release.

That time has come for rate increases by the United State Postal Service (USPS), which were rolled out last week. As usual, these announced 2018 increases were filed in a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), and, if the price increases are approved, they would take effect on January 21, 2018.

When assessing the state of the 3PL (third-party logistics) market, it truly does go without saying there is something for everyone, especially in terms of the needed, and varied, services 3PL’s provide on behalf of their shipper customers. And it stands to reason that a premier source of these services comes in the form of the 2018 22nd Annual Third-Party Logistics Study published by Penske Logistics, Infosys Consulting, Penn State University, and Korn Ferry.

Having a myopic approach, or outlook, to something that “may” happen can often prove to be misguided, but that mindset seems to be spot on when assessing the direction of truckload rates and tightening truckload capacity. Why? Based on commentary from speakers at recent industry gatherings like the 2017 FTR Transportation Conference and CSCMP Edge, it stands to reason that in the coming months, rates are only heading in one direction: up.

When the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) convenes its 106th Annual Convention and Expo in Long Beach next month, much of the focus will be placed on climate change and the devastation to ocean cargo gateways in the southeast and gulf hit hard by two recent hurricanes. That’s because environmental stewardship is something that all ports take seriously now…even if they are not in the path of murderous winds and surging seas.

Salesforce, the San Francisco-based leader in CRM, today announced that Maersk Line—a worldwide leader in transportation and logistics, with a fleet of more than 600 vessels that move in excess of 12 million shipping containers each year—is expanding its use of Salesforce

​Make no mistake about it, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma will touch all of us. Aside from the devastation inflicted on the hundreds of thousands of individuals and families, these hurricanes will also significantly impact corporations throughout North America.

Although it may be too early to collect any data from this second major hurricane in three weeks, Noel Perry, Partner at FTR and Senior Economist for Truckstop.com says the impact will be significant.

When five ocean carrier members of the World World Shipping Council (WTC) convened in the San Francisco Bay Area recently, their technical experts requested a visit to the Port of Oakland to evaluate the port’s unique approach to shore power.

With consumer spending directly responsible for roughly two-thirds of all United States economic activity, it stands to reason it is, and, really, always has been and will remain to be, a key economic indicator. So, when an influential organization like the Washington, D.C.-based National Retail Federation (NRF) rolls out changes in its forecast for 2017 retail sales, as it did yesterday, it requires some attention.

The study results indicate rising consumer expectations surrounding online shopping are putting pressure on retailers to deliver on convenience, price, and the availability of products from around the world.

Recent data from FTR and the American Trucking Associations provide in-depth insight on motor carrier and shipper market outlooks.

Every year, Connie recipients are recognized with the prestigious award for outstanding contributions to containerization and world trade and transportation sector and are acknowledged for their pioneering spirit in their careers, as well as for the positive example they establish for those who will be the future the industry.

For anyone that thought CSX CEO Hunter Harrison would sit idly while his railroad is dealing with the blowback of service issues that came to light through multiple letters sent to him by the Surface Transportation Board, it is time to think again.

Trucking industry revenues for 2016 came in at $676.2 billion, which equates into 79.8%, or basically four-fifths of total U.S. freight spend.