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. 4, 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. 3, 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. 2, 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. 1, 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

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

Case accusing carriers, chassis pool operators of 'sweetheart deal' moves forward after judge denies stay

The complaint filed by the ATA 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 • Updated Feb. 1, 2021

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

Maersk bullish on remainder of 2020 after increasing rates 4.5% in Q2

The carrier reinstated guidance but with a familiar caveat: The market is still more unpredictable than it was pre-pandemic.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 20, 2020

Peak season in a pandemic: What happens to freight rates and capacity?

Metrics and economic factors can help shippers gauge capacity and rates for air, ocean, trucking and rail heading into freight's busy season.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 20, 2020

Spot rates are sky high. Will contract rates follow?

Contract rates typically catch up to spot rates in three to six months, but weakness in the economy could stall an increase.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 20, 2020

Ports show mixed results on imports ahead of back-to-school season

Imports of some school staples slumped in July, suggesting that shippers are being cautious as many schools begin the year teaching remotely.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 18, 2020

Imports rose in July. Has peak come early or are supply chains making up for lost time?

Empty container returns to Asia from the Port of Los Angeles were on par with 2019 levels, signaling an expected uptick in trade flows on the Transpacific.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 14, 2020

Study: Dedicated contract carriage will grow modestly as shippers seek capacity safe haven

Contracts can shield shippers now when spot rates are high, but they helped shield carriers when volumes dropped in March and April.

By S.L. Fuller • Aug. 14, 2020

Transpacific rates swell as retail restocking revives import volume

Capacity has grown compared to this time last year, but the reintroduction of sailings hasn't pushed down rates for cargo flowing from East Asia to the U.S. West Coast.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 12, 2020

JB Hunt makes 120-mile haul for Walmart in Daimler electric truck

The carrier's first delivery using an all-electric Freightliner eCascadia marked the start of a three-month testing phase.

By S.L. Fuller • Aug. 12, 2020

Railroads voice wary optimism for peak as freight volumes make slow progress in July

Intermodal traffic is close to pre-pandemic levels, down 1% compared to July 2019. CSX attributed growing intermodal volumes to retailers replenishing inventories.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 11, 2020

Strike ends at Port of Montreal, operations resume

During the 11-day strike, container terminals closed their gates to trucks as port workers protested overtime cuts and changes to premium pay for nights and weekends.

By Jim Stinson • Updated Aug. 24, 2020

Spot market rates shoot up as capacity tightens

Truckload capacity usually declines at this point in the year, DAT said, but a citrus volume surge in California, a hurricane along the Southeast coast, and consumer demand and fulfillment caused an increase in loads.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 7, 2020