Freight

August import volume swells above 2019 levels as retailers restock, prep for holidays

High import volume is expected to continue going into September, and the next six months are expected to be stronger than the previous six months.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 17, 2020

ACT Research: Spot rates up 30% as shippers fight for trucking space

Customers have approached carriers such as Knight-Swift and U.S. Xpress offering higher rates to secure space in the tight market.

By S.L. Fuller • Sept. 17, 2020

Maersk and Canadian Pacific to build transload, distribution center to take reliance off trucks

The partnership reduces intermodal handoffs, furthering Maersk's long-term strategy to become an integrated logistics company with end-to-end services.

By S.L. Fuller • Sept. 16, 2020

Amazon Air booms as worldwide air cargo falls

Air cargo volume is down compared to 2019, which means merchants still looking for capacity are fighting for the little space that's left on the market.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 16, 2020

Hurricane Sally douses east-west throughways as it makes landfall in Alabama

Because Sally is slow-moving, the taper after landfall could last several days, and the bounce back may be delayed by recent storms Laura and Marco. 

By Emma Cosgrove • UPDATED: Sept. 16, 2020 at 9:41 a.m.

Transpacific rates more than double, capacity constraints create 'nightmare' for shippers

"The supply chain is just jammed," said one shipping association executive, adding that the current environment has made procuring freight the hardest its been in his 40 years in the business.

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: Sept. 11, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.

Deep Dive

The driver shortage: A big piece of the tight capacity puzzle

Retirements, hesitant drivers and career changes shrunk the workforce, contributing to market imbalances in the supply chain.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 11, 2020

Intermodal leads rail volume recovery as retailers restock

Despite what may turn out to be a dramatic recovery for certain segments of the railroads' businesses, pricing is unlikely to shift until 2021, one CSX executive said.

By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 09, 2020

Uber Freight enters enterprise software game, extending visibility to loads off the platform

Uber Freight has spent much of the last year partnering with TMS providers, but its Link product may put the company in competition with those players. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 08, 2020

Port of LA launches dashboard to break down forecasted volume for incoming cargo

The dashboard shows what volume is expected to move via rail and the size of the containers making landfall, which helps the port's supply chain partners plan labor and other resources in advance.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 08, 2020

FMCSA seeks comments on letting drivers under 21 haul interstate loads

Proponents of the change say it could help ease the driver shortage, while opponents have raised safety concerns.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 04, 2020

DOT plans funding boost, regulatory rollbacks in national freight strategy

To address chronic infrastructure challenges, the department plans to develop a way to identify bottlenecks across modes among other goals. 

By S.L. Fuller • Sept. 04, 2020

Trucking capacity tightens, signs of loosening loom

Truckstop.com had 98 times the number of loads per truck, but a DAT analyst said consumers might be ready to slow their spending.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 03, 2020

Airfreight rates expected to stay elevated through peak due to loss of belly capacity

Freighter capacity increased 29% in July compared to the same month last year, but the gains were not enough to offset a 70% dip in belly capacity.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 02, 2020

Maersk's latest reshuffle dissolves Damco, integrates air and LCL

The carrier's reorganizations, acquisitions and divestments are focused on a central goal: to be an integrated logistics company and a provider of end-to-end services for shippers.

By Shefali Kapadia • Sept. 01, 2020

Q3 ocean volume on par with 2019, but Transpacific rates jump nearly 50%

Consumers have buoyed ocean volume by moving spending from services to goods during lockdowns.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 31, 2020

FMCSA floats pilot on pausing 14-hour driving window

Part of the Split Duty Period Pilot Program would explore how often detention pauses occur and what effect they have on drivers. 

By S.L. Fuller • Aug. 31, 2020

Uber Freight to offer short-term dedicated contracts on over 1,000 lanes

Digital brokers are addressing the need for secure capacity and pricing in a volatile market.

By S.L. Fuller • Aug. 28, 2020

Spot rates jump, ports remain closed as Laura heads north

Experts anticipate disruptions could last for days, due to high-speed winds and flooding in agricultural and energy supply chain hubs.

By Emma Cosgrove • UPDATED: Aug. 27, 2020 at 11:15 a.m.

Regulators warn Class I railroads on service issues, 'excessively late' trains

The railroads have renewed their commitment to precision scheduled railroading principles as volumes remain low compared to 2019.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 26, 2020

Drewry: Ocean reefer cargo expected to grow nearly 4% annually until 2024

The pandemic could disrupt apparel, electronics and other items that travel in dry containers more than food traveling in reefers.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 26, 2020

Hurricane Laura expected to disrupt Gulf Coast supply chains beginning Wednesday

The Port of Houston, which handles 70% of the container cargo making land in the Gulf of Mexico, will close Wednesday and possibly Thursday.

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 25, 2020

CH Robinson allows real-time pricing, instant booking with TMS integrations

The integration lets shippers pull real-time rates into their existing systems without introducing a new tool.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 25, 2020

ATA accuses ocean carriers, pool operators of 'sweetheart deal' and limiting chassis choice

The complaint filed with the Federal Maritime Commission claims ocean carriers get chassis at a cheaper rate than trucking companies, resulting in overcharges totaling "as much as $1.8 billion" over the last three years.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 21, 2020

UPS to raise China-US parcel surcharges 30% starting Aug. 30

China/Hong Kong airfreight rates are nowhere near their peak in May, but they have been slowly gaining altitude since early July with some hint of moderation in August.

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 21, 2020