3 forces that will move freight markets in 2019 … and 1 that won't

New regulations, operating models and economic changes will lead to shifting trends this year in trucking, ocean shipping and rail.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 7, 2019

High ocean freight rates in December foreshadow expensive 2019

The last time the shipping industry suffered a big shock, in late 2016, shippers paid the price in spot rates. Now the 2018 - 2019 shipping cycle appears to be following a similar trend.

By Edwin Lopez • Jan. 7, 2019

Trucking market expected to cool in 2019

A combination of unsustainable economic growth and overall uncertainty has analysts expecting a slowdown in the trucking market and the economy overall. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 7, 2019

California publishes list of trucking companies with pending labor violations

After a 90-day waiting period, retailers and other companies that contract trucking services at ports will be on the hook for unpaid wages, unreimbursed expenses, damages, penalties and applicable interest owed to drivers. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 4, 2019

Environmental concerns loom after MSC loses 270 containers at sea

Containers on the sea floor could "eventually become a significant source of pollution," according to The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

By Edwin Lopez • Updated Jan. 7, 2019

How Walmart hired 1,400 drivers last year

Shorter hiring cycles and referral bonuses helped Walmart meet its driver needs in a tight labor market. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 3, 2019

Freightos: Ocean rates could rise 10% due to sulfur surcharges

Several shipping lines announced last year that bunker adjustment factors and surcharges would take effect on Jan. 1, one year ahead of the IMO 2020 deadline.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 3, 2019

UK preps emergency supply chain as Brexit nears 'cliff-edge scenario'

The country's Department for Transport awarded three freight contracts for carriers to ease congestion in case the U.K. leaves the EU in March without a new trade deal.

By Edwin Lopez • Jan. 3, 2019

STB takes aim at railroads for charging late fees

The fees in question are meant to help avoid the nightmare scenario of the CSX transition to PSR, which was plagued by last-minute service changes, lost cars and delayed deliveries.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 3, 2019

FMCSA overrules California's stricter HOS rules

The decision fulfills the wish of the American Trucking Associations, which petitioned the FMSCA to interfere with California's regulations in September.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 2, 2019

China will build 150 high-tech logistics hubs by 2025

Major seaports as well as inland cities will help facilitate fulfillment in the world's largest e-commerce market. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 2, 2019

How the ELD mandate affected supply chains in 2018

Many carriers feared the electronic logging device mandate would permanently squeeze the trucking industry, but capacity appears to be rebounding.   

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 21, 2018

Supply Chain Dive's 10 best stories of 2018

Stories of transformation and disruption prevailed in the supply chain landscape.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 21, 2018

California tackled supply chain labor issues head on in 2018

Golden State courts and legislators took it upon themselves to clear up the difference between employees and independent contractors and hold shippers accountable.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 21, 2018

Ocean carriers adjust networks for 2019

2M and THE Alliance modified their service loops, as the latter group of shipping lines works to recapture market share next year.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 20, 2018

West Coast warehouse capacity stretched thin amid import rush

Record imports are squeezing storage space and chassis availability, creating a recipe for continued congestion through the winter. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 20, 2018

ELD effects ripple far beyond trucking — to air cargo

The electronic logging device mandate has changed the shape of transportation logistics, with effects spiraling into intermodal freight.

By Barry Hochfelder • Dec. 20, 2018

FedEx doesn't see Amazon Air as a competitor, CEO says

Statements from FedEx executives on the company's earnings call refute an analyst report citing "encroachment" from Amazon Air.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 20, 2018

How software can save your holiday supply chain

Retailers can rely on intelligent software to help them forecast inventory, improve decision-making and decrease empty carrier miles to better meet customer needs. 

By Pervinder Johar, CEO, Blume Global • Dec. 19, 2018

Cost-savings in Texas may explain weak November for rail

The carload decline that might otherwise suggest a market correction may actually be the result of dynamics in one commodity group: crushed sand, stone and gravel.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 18, 2018

Uber Freight adds facility data to shipper platform

The "Freight Insights" tool will roll out this month and further promote transparency in the logistics industry. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 18, 2018

Carriers invest in scrubbers as IMO 2020 approaches

Drewry Maritime Consultants predict scrubber installations may interrupt vessel supply enough to affect pricing for shippers.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 17, 2018

Empty container volumes rise in US-China trade war

The Ports of Long Beach and Oakland are seeing an uptick in empty containers leaving the ports, reflecting an imbalance of trade as Chinese businesses shift supply chains. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 17, 2018

FMC will standardize language for detention, demurrage fees

The agency found the fees are a helpful tool to expedite the movement of cargo across a terminal, but the lack of common language around these has hampered their efficiency.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 14, 2018

Maersk will offer extended cargo protection for shippers

The add-on coverage will allow shippers to cover the risk of loss, including General Average payouts that are not covered by standard marine cargo insurances.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Dec. 11, 2018