21 Oct 2024

Rail Delays Soar as LA-LB Ports Hit Record Import Highs in September

  In September, rail container dwell times at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach hit their highest levels in two years as the ports experienced a surge in import volumes from Asia. This spike is partially attributed to retailers redirecting cargo from the East and Gulf coasts due to a looming longshore strike. […]

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08 Oct 2024

Hurricane Double Blow Shakes US Trucking Market, Driving Spot Rates Higher

Truckload spot rates across the southeastern U.S. are rising sharply in response to back-to-back hurricanes. After Hurricane Helene ravaged parts of Florida to North Carolina, the trucking market experienced significant disruption. Now, as Hurricane Milton approaches the Gulf Coast of Florida, spot rates are climbing even higher. Last week saw nationwide increases in spot rates […]

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14 Dec 2023

E-Commerce Takes Flight: Airfreight Industry Gear Up for Growth in 2024 and Beyond

Forget the runway, e-commerce is propelling the airfreight industry towards new heights. While overall supply chain growth flatlines in 2024, online shopping’s meteoric rise promises to be the wind beneath its wings. This isn’t just a temporary surge; it’s a fundamental shift in consumer behavior, fueled by a pandemic-born expectation of instant gratification. Next-day delivery? […]

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04 Dec 2023

Biden’s Supply Chain Plan: Missing the Demand Side of the Equation

President Biden’s White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience is a welcome step, but its focus solely on boosting supply misses a crucial element: demand flexibility. A comprehensive approach addressing both sides of the equation is essential for a truly resilient supply chain. The Myopia of Supply-Side Solutions: While Biden’s initiative acknowledges the pandemic’s impact, […]

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11 Nov 2023

Belgium to Increase Container Scanning Using AI to Combat Drug Smuggling

Belgian authorities are planning to increase container scanning using artificial intelligence (AI) at its ports, focusing on shipments from high-risk areas like Latin America to combat drug smuggling. Currently, only 5% of containers entering the country’s ports are scanned, according to Belgium’s customs chief, Kristian Vanderwaeren. The measure is part of a broader effort to […]

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03 Nov 2023

Air Cargo in the Evolving Logistics Landscape

The logistics industry is undergoing significant changes, with trade flows shifting and the structure of e-commerce evolving. However, air cargo is still well-positioned to play a vital role. In the US market, Laredo on the US-Mexico border has surpassed the Port of Los Angeles as the biggest gateway for imports for the eighth consecutive month. […]

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15 Oct 2023

China’s Global Shipping Network: A Tool for Surveillance and Control

Beijing’s global maritime operations double as intelligence-gathering outposts. Introduction: Maritime trade, which accounts for ninety percent of global trade, plays a pivotal role in connecting markets worldwide. However, its vulnerability to disruptions, whether due to pandemics, port congestion, or shipping incidents, underscores the need for safeguarding this critical sector. Unlike traditional naval embargoes, modern warfare […]

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02 Oct 2023

Historic Green Shipping Corridor Launched to Cut Emissions on Trans-Pacific Trade Route

  A voluntary partnership of leading maritime goods movement stakeholders, including the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Shanghai, some of the largest shipping lines in the world, with input from leading cargo owners, have developed a Green Shipping Corridor Implementation Plan Outline to accelerate emissions reductions on one of the world’s busiest container […]

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17 Jul 2023

US Forwarders Advised to Prepare for Potential UPS Strike Disruption

Freight forwarders in the United States have been warned to prepare for potential strike action at UPS and the looming insolvency of major trucking firm Yellow Freight. The situation has raised concerns over the impact it may have on supply chains and the flow of goods across the country. Brandon Fried, the executive director of […]

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