Freight

Yantian resumes full operations, backlog expected to linger up to a month

"Having an incident like Yantian right now, in a market which is out of balance, that just adds on top of the current imbalance," one analyst said.

By Matt Leonard • June 24, 2021

Deep Dive

Last year, the Transpacific was a 'nightmare.' It's only gotten worse.

One shipper offered a carrier $6,000 for space. It was told $60,000 wouldn't even be enough.

By Matt Leonard • June 24, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Trendline

The Supply Chain Dive Outlook on 2021

The early parts of 2021 reveal a continuation of 2020's trends, making it clear the pandemic will affect the supply chain ecosystem long term. 

By Supply Chain Dive staff

6 charts show the effects of Yantian port congestion

Dwell times increase, containers build up and blank sailings surge — all at a time when shippers are planning and importing for peak season.

By Matt Leonard • June 22, 2021

Supply chain constraints, spot posts push up trucking rates

Strong demand resulted in rates continuing to rise MoM and YoY across van, flatbed and reefer, according to DAT.

By Matt Leonard • June 21, 2021

Column

Patent Pending: Walmart's idea for just-in-time, FourKites' plan for predictive visibility

Supply chain innovators apply to patent what they see as important tools for the future. Sometimes they're brilliant. Sometimes they're funny.

By Matt Leonard • June 18, 2021

FMC commissioners back audits of ocean carrier detention and demurrage

One shipper called the fees "unfair" and scolded carriers for profiting off of supply chain challenges.

By Matt Leonard • June 16, 2021

Railroads post strong volume but struggle with congestion

Rail dwell time at the San Pedro Bay surged to 11.2 days in April, up from more than 7 days in January.

By Matt Leonard • June 14, 2021

Wilmington Air Park, once abandoned by DHL, is brought to life by Amazon Air

Wilmington grew its cargo volume by nearly 289% YoY in 2020, according to an analysis of government data by researchers at DePaul University

By Matt Leonard • June 14, 2021

Low capacity keeps airfreight rates high between Asia and US

Prices from Hong Kong to the U.S. reached $8.07 per kilogram as of Monday, which is down from a mid-May peak but more than double 2019 rates.

By Matt Leonard • June 10, 2021

Congestion, container issues pile up at Yantian and southern China ports

Analysts and container lines warn of two-week delays as ports limit operations due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

By Shefali Kapadia • June 09, 2021

Brands turn to air cargo as inventory delays continue

The companies behind brands such as Levi Strauss and Tommy Hilfiger said they are expediting more shipments to keep up with sales.

By Edwin Lopez • June 08, 2021

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Seeking sustainability: Do you ship with companies protecting blue whales and blue skies?

Learn how your company can reduce air pollution and protect whales with sustainable maritime shipping.

Dollar Tree: 'Upside down' ocean market sends import rates skyward

The company utilized spot markets more than it expected last quarter, which tripled its transportation cost assumption.

By S.L. Fuller • June 04, 2021

Averitt Express opens Dallas distribution center, as e-commerce drives fleets closer to consumers

A trend is emerging among logistics providers like Averitt Express as they plan new facilities: build closer, distribute faster. 

By Jim Stinson • June 03, 2021

Supply chains stick with lean methods despite inventory woes

Growing demand and flat inventory growth led the inventory-to-sales ratio to drop to 1.23 in March, the lowest ever recorded.

By Matt Leonard • June 01, 2021

How supply chains contend with severe weather and climate disasters

As the climate changes, the threat to logistics networks evolves. So must the industry.

Deep Dive

As storms become more frequent and volatile, some ports plan for the risk — but most do not

The interconnectedness of ports leave assets such as warehouses, trucking networks and railroads vulnerable to disruptions from climate change and rising sea levels.

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: June 8, 2021 at 1:52 p.m.

How trucking firms prepare drivers for severe weather

Communication is crucial, as just one storm can cause nationwide havoc in freight movement.

By Jim Stinson • June 01, 2021

Data vs. instinct: How autonomous trucks operate in stormy conditions

Radar, lidar and cameras substitute for — and even exceed — a human driver's senses.

By Heather Larson • June 01, 2021

Crumbling infrastructure, volatile weather a double whammy for logistics

On streets and highways, transport leaders gird constantly for delays and rerouting. 

By Jim Stinson • June 01, 2021

UPS offers tracking tech, logistics and warehousing in pharma cold chain service

Lessons learned from vaccine transport and distribution help the company tap into demand it anticipates will outlast the pandemic.

By Matt Leonard • May 27, 2021

Foot Locker: Stage is set for inventory improvement as port congestion eases

The company's inventory level was down 30% in its most recent quarter compared to a year ago, when store closures led to a build-up of inventory.

By Matt Leonard • May 25, 2021

Drop trailers provide flexibility amid tight trucking capacity

The category offers a cost-effective way to keep up with demand, and it also helps mitigate some impacts of the driver shortage on shipping.

By Amanda Loudin • May 24, 2021

Demand, container shortages drive Zim contract rates up 50%

The carrier had to limit the volume it could commit to shippers even as it expanded capacity on the Transpacific.

By Matt Leonard • May 21, 2021

A fractured bridge, a closed pipeline and the fragile backbone of the nation's supply chain

Two recent events underscore the importance of the infrastructure that helps move goods around the world.

By Matt Leonard • May 18, 2021