Supply chains 2022: A year in pictures

Rising inflation, strike threats and slowing demand triggered a wave of business uncertainty following months of growth. Take a look back at 13 memorable moments.

By Edwin Lopez , Kelly Stroh , Sarah Zimmerman , Shaun Lucas • Jan. 10, 2023

Joann’s $200M cost reduction plan relies on falling ocean rates

The craft retailer has endured tens of millions of dollars in excess freight expenses throughout the pandemic.

By Kelly Stroh • Jan. 4, 2023

Port Houston to move forward with container dwell fee in February

The fee has now been reinstated after being postponed due to delays from the port’s external software developer.

By Alejandra Carranza • Jan. 4, 2023

Retailers clear inventory, automate in pursuit of supply chain normalcy

Ongoing promotional environments and cargo diversions are just a few of 2022’s most notable supply chain trends.

By Kelly Stroh • Dec. 29, 2022

FMC examines shipping line compliance on anti-retaliation

The agency is asking some of the largest carriers to provide information on how they're adhering to provisions of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.

By Alejandra Carranza • Dec. 22, 2022

Rail regulators streamline process for shippers to challenge unreasonable rates

The Surface Transportation Board will decide a final rate in small disputes unless all seven Class I carriers agree to opt into a voluntary arbitration program.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 20, 2022

Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach to end terminal dwell fee

Officials said the threat of a fee contributed to a 92% decline in lingering cargo since the program was announced last October. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 18, 2022

LA port director embarks on ‘whistlestop tour’ to bring cargo back West

With cleared congestion and open capacity at the port, Executive Director Gene Seroka met with shippers across the country to regain lost volumes.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 15, 2022

Costco slows chartered ship use as supply chain congestion eases

The retailer took a $93 million charge so it could downsize its shipping activities after controlling delivery on 50,000 containers during the ocean crunch.

By Ben Unglesbee , Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 14, 2022

Air freight rates nosedive with shippers flocking to ocean

Businesses are opting for shorter capacity commitments to maintain flexibility, experts say.

By Kelly Stroh • Dec. 13, 2022

Maersk CEO to retire after 40 years with the company

As chief executive since 2016, Soren Skou has led the shipping giant through the pandemic era. Replacing him is Vincent Clerc, CEO of its ocean and logistics business.

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 13, 2022

Port of Savannah to transform terminal into container-only operation

The Georgia port will renovate its Ocean Terminal and shift breakbulk cargo to accommodate a rise in shipping volumes.

By Alejandra Carranza • Dec. 12, 2022

CMA CGM purchases two terminals in New York, New Jersey

If the deal clears, the ocean carrier would own seven terminals in the U.S. and gain a critical foothold at the nation’s top East Coast gateway.

By Alejandra Carranza • Dec. 12, 2022

Victoria’s Secret moves freight from air to ocean in bid to save costs

Executives said normalizing freight rates and improved supply chain flow have allowed the retailer to put goods back on boats, a strategy it expects will help save costs through next spring.

By Kelly Stroh • Dec. 8, 2022

Amazon leverages ocean shipping for next-day delivery in Sweden

The e-commerce giant is ramping up its use of short trips by sea in a bid to lower carbon emissions.

By Alejandra Carranza • Dec. 7, 2022

FMC to review over 175 shipper complaints against ocean carriers

The agency unveiled preliminary guidance on how it would handle potential charge violations of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.

By Alejandra Carranza • Dec. 7, 2022

MSC Air Cargo takes flight

The carrier launched its commercial operations with a route to Belgium.

By Kelly Stroh • Dec. 7, 2022

Gap reaps benefits from lower air freight rates

Retailers are growing more optimistic about freight-related tailwinds as rates become more favorable heading into the new year.

By Kelly Stroh • Dec. 5, 2022

Biden signs legislation preventing rail strike, lockout

The president said the law avoids “what, without a doubt, would have been an economic catastrophe at a very bad time in the calendar.”

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 2, 2022

Senate sends bill avoiding rail shutdown to Biden’s desk

The divided chamber shot down an amendment to give workers seven days paid sick leave.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 1, 2022

FedEx stands to benefit from new de-icing pads at key cargo airport

The timing for the Memphis International Airport facility's launch couldn’t be better as the busy holiday season ramps up, a FedEx executive said.

By Max Garland • Nov. 30, 2022

House passes bills to avert US rail shutdown, add paid sick leave

The vote comes just two days after President Joe Biden urged congressional intervention, warning “a rail shutdown would devastate our economy.”

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 30, 2022

Maersk, IBM to shut down blockchain joint venture TradeLens

The tool was intended to start a “digital revolution” for the supply chain. But it will end in Q1 2023 after failing to achieve commercial viability. 

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 30, 2022

Port Houston pauses container dwell fee

The postponement was due to delays from the port's external software developer.

By Alejandra Carranza • Nov. 29, 2022

Biden calls on Congress to prevent rail shutdown

The president said he’s been advised that “there is no path to resolve the dispute at the bargaining table” before the Dec. 9 deadline.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 28, 2022