Freight

Waymo expands autonomous truck tests to Texas, New Mexico

In comments filed last year with the federal government, Waymo said it has "increasingly turned our attention to moving goods."
By Matt Leonard • Jan. 24, 2020
CH Robinson launches supply chain innovation lab

Solutions will aim to reduce lead times and empty miles and increase freight visibility for shippers, while integrating into their own ERP systems.
By Morgan Forde • Jan. 24, 2020
Union Pacific predicts more headcount cuts and yard consolidation in 2020

Hump yards, train lengths and personnel are still in the crosshairs as the railroad chases its long-term goal of a 55% operating ratio, executives said.
By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 24, 2020
Demand signals show signs of life, but trucking industry still struggling

Multiple experts suggest more capacity will need to leave the market before rates move to favor carriers rather than shippers, but there were some positive signals for carriers to round out 2019.
By Matt Leonard • Jan. 23, 2020
Opinion
How to leverage digitization and reduce freight volatility

The end goal should not be just surviving a potential market downturn — it should envision a broader path toward long-term growth and resilience.
By Ahmad El-Dardiry • Jan. 23, 2020
Nolan Transportation expands cold chain offerings with Eagle Transportation acquisition

Eagle Transportation's network expands Nolan's capacity and geographic reach in a growing cold chain market.
By Morgan Forde • Jan. 22, 2020
Fastenal's fleet drags on margins, but still a competitive advantage CEO says

The company's ability to offset its transportation cost with freight sales is, like any carrier, subject to the whims of the market.
By Matt Leonard • Jan. 21, 2020
Railroad M&A less likely in age of PSR: Canadian National CEO

Operational improvements have changed the motivations for mergers in the industry and diminished the immediate benefits, the CEO said.
By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 21, 2020
CSX delivers record service, but taking traffic from trucks is a long game

Railroads see efficient, reliable intermodal service as the key to converting freight from highway to rail.
By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 17, 2020
California Trucking Association wins injunction, trucking remains exempt from AB5

U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez said California "encroached on Congress’ territory" by removing motor carriers' choice to use owner-operators. The injunction remains in place until the court reaches a final verdict in the case.
By Matt Leonard • Jan. 16, 2020
Union Pacific CEO: PSR is dead. Long live PSR.

After difficult conversations during the PSR transition, 2020 should bring smoother sailing for shippers, CEO Lance Fritz told the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers.
By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 16, 2020
Panama Canal adds fees, changes booking as it fights drought

The canal plans to increase investment in projects that address the sustainability of its water supply after rainfall last year fell 20% below average.
By Matt Leonard • Jan. 15, 2020
Sustainable ocean freight gains momentum as Kuehne + Nagel, 7 others forgo Arctic shipping

Eight companies pledged not to use the Northern Sea Route, a pathway through the Arctic which cuts transit times but carries environmental consequences.
By Morgan Forde • Jan. 14, 2020
Q&A
What are the top supply chain trends of 2020? 4 experts weigh in

2019 trends including automation, speedy operations and changing global supply chains will likely carry over and intensify this year.
By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 13, 2020
TradeLens blockchain platform awaits antitrust clearance by FMC

The agreement allows sharing of data related to the physical movement of goods, but prohibits discussion of rates or terms between carriers and customers.
By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 10, 2020
California state court rules AB5 doesn't apply to trucking, LA to appeal

NFI Industries and its subsidiaries were accused of misclassification in a lawsuit, which cited AB5. The defense argued the legislation, which was passed into law last year, is preempted by federal regulations.
By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: Jan. 9, 2020 at 4:58 p.m.
Air cargo continues slump, down for 13th straight month

November is usually peak season for air cargo, but the ongoing trade war impacted volume in North American and Asian markets.
By Matt Leonard • Jan. 09, 2020
Port of Baltimore to reduce diesel emissions with $1.8M EPA grant

The funding will allow the port to replace old, diesel-powered equipment and drayage trucks with newer, efficient models.
By Morgan Forde • Jan. 09, 2020
Court rules Walmart must pay drivers $54.6M for layover, break time

The drivers filed a class-action suit seeking back pay for time spent in layover, on break or spent in inspections.
By Matt Leonard • Jan. 08, 2020
Knight-Swift, DAT team up on rate forecasting

The two companies will pilot the forecasting model for the next quarter before opening it up to other carriers, brokers and shippers.
By Matt Leonard • Jan. 07, 2020
Class I railroads embrace PSR to mixed results

For the first six months of 2019, railroads celebrated dramatic results and profitable progress implementing precision-scheduled railroading. But as the year stretched on, PSR was put to the test.
By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 29, 2019
Deep Dive
Trucking braces for impact as uncertainty surrounds California's AB5 law

Though temporarily stayed, the controversial law presents a major shift for supply chains that experts expect to affect trucking capacity and eventually rates should it be fully enforced.
By Matt Leonard , Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 23, 2019
Knight-Swift lowers earnings guidance citing market trends

The company said recent bankruptcies in the trucking industry and the recent decrease in Class 8 truck orders will result in truck capacity falling more in line with current demand in 2020.
By Matt Leonard • Dec. 20, 2019
Is railroad profitability bad for shippers?

The Surface Transportation Board considers the question as it examines changing the standards by which shippers can seek recourse against railroad rates.
By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 19, 2019
Convoy fully automates brokerage, matching and pricing on select lanes

Automated matching and pricing can cut down on calls and emails exchanged, saving valuable time for supply chains.
By Matt Leonard • Dec. 17, 2019