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 9, 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 8, 2021

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.

June 7, 2021

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 4, 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 3, 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 1, 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.

June 1, 2021

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 1, 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 1, 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 1, 2021

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

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

GAO begins to study PSR's effect on reliability, fees for shippers

It's too early to tell when the study will be finished, but it will include recommendations on how to address the effects of precision scheduled railroading.

By Edwin Lopez • Updated Nov. 18, 2021

Wayfair adds fulfillment capacity, scales forwarding to help supply chain flow

Scale and carrier partnerships help prioritize shipments, but the company is not immune to port congestion, inventory constraints and delivery delays, the CEO said.

By Matt Leonard • May 13, 2021

Maersk pursues M&A for end-to-end logistics, moves to 'larger targets'

The carrier's litmus test for acquisitions is a company with a strategic geographic footprint, an established customer base and a scalable model.

By Matt Leonard • May 12, 2021

FMC picks 24 shippers to advise it on container issues

With Daniel Maffei as chairman, the agency will seek advice from importers and exporters while also looking to modernize the Shipping Act.

By Matt Leonard • Updated Sept. 10, 2021

Sea-to-air conversions drive up airfreight rates on Transpacific

Tight capacity and volatility in the air cargo market leads many shippers to seek longer-term contracts with their carriers.

By Matt Leonard • May 10, 2021

Suez jam, recalls pile on Peloton's supply chain costs

Expedited shipping allowed Peloton to deliver more products and reduce its inventory backlog, but it chipped away at margins.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 7, 2021

Maersk increases contract volumes, hikes renewal rates

Some of the multi-year contracts are using a fixed rate for the first year before switching to an index-linked rate in later years, the CEO said.

By Matt Leonard • May 6, 2021

CH Robinson reprices contracts, hikes rates as truck capacity remains tight

Brokerage businesses are thriving in an environment where capacity is limited and they can play matchmaker between cargo owners and multiple carriers. 

By Matt Leonard • May 5, 2021