Lower inventories offset rising transport costs in 2020: report

A lack of inventory may have caused supply chain challenges, but it also led to a 15% decrease in logistics costs in 2020, according to CSCMP's Annual State of Logistics Report.

By Edwin Lopez • July 8, 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

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating evolving global trade and tariff policies, rising costs and operational uncertainty across supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

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

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

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

5 freight technologies send supply chains on a greener path

A growing level of shipper interest, along with pressure from the public and regulators, is driving carriers to invest in more sustainable delivery options.

By Matt Leonard , S.L. Fuller • April 21, 2021

Kansas City Southern moves forward with offer from Canadian National

The deal still has to be approved by regulators, and it is expected to be completed in the second half of 2022.

By Matt Leonard • Updated May 21, 2021

Lamb Weston reports higher transport costs after pivot to spot trucking

The company usually relies more on rail for moving inventory from factories to distribution centers, but changes in production schedules necessitated a more flexible transportation option.

By Matt Leonard • April 9, 2021

Kansas City Southern, Canadian Pacific agree to $29B deal

The combined rail networks will create the first such service to stretch across Canada, the United States and Mexico.

By Matt Leonard • March 22, 2021

Winter storms squeeze capacity, drive spot rates up 20 cents

Long-haul deliveries and outbound volumes dropped in Texas markets, but analysts said effects may be just a "blip" on the long-term freight market radar.

By Shefali Kapadia • Feb. 25, 2021

Winter weather disrupts Western rail service, logistics networks

Union Pacific told customers to expect a delay of at least 72 hours for shipments moving through the affected region until conditions improve.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 16, 2021

Intermodal carloads up 12% but railroads struggle with trip plan compliance

Traditional commodities, such as coal, saw volume slump on the rail lines in 2020, but intermodal grew thanks to a tight trucking market and a glut of containers needing to move.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 26, 2021

BNSF: Network redundancy key to intermodal speed

The railroad's new CEO, Katie Farmer, discussed adding redundancy at a time when other railroads see whittling away at network assets as the more in-vogue option.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 21, 2021

Congestion could clog California ports into February, Hapag-Lloyd warns

One analyst suggested the congestion might continue into March, as nearly one quarter of all cargo was experiencing dwell times longer than five days near the end of 2020.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 14, 2021

Railroads leaned into PSR principles during the pandemic

The Class I railroads sought to do more with less, as volume rebounded after a dip in the spring. But it wasn't all success in 2020.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 22, 2020

JB Hunt: Rail ramp congestion disrupts intermodal service in Los Angeles, Chicago

J.B. Hunt expects the closures will impact its ability to pick up freight through Dec. 19.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 17, 2020

Transport groups request vaccine priority for supply chain workers

The industry's call echos the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' proposal that essential transportation workers receive the vaccine after healthcare personnel.

By A.B. Brown • Dec. 10, 2020

CSX aims to expand Northeast reach with Pan Am acquisition

The deal closed after regulators signed off in April, saying it would give shippers "more efficient single-line service."

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated June 2, 2022

Restocking is 'alive and well,' giving intermodal its best month ever

Intermodal volume was up 10% YoY in October and saw strong numbers in the first two weeks of November.

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 18, 2020

Dole, Amazon settle in as logistics infrastructure in Wilmington, Delaware, builds up and out

The Small Wonder's largest city offers close access to customers and labor but lower land prices than many of the surrounding markets. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Nov. 17, 2020

As supply chains cut costs, El Paso, Texas, takes on a new role

When DHL chose El Paso as its flagship border office, it joined a long list of companies that have made the city a magnet for logistics investments over the past six years. 

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 17, 2020

Is Amazon Air making Cincinnati a supply chain hub for small business?

The e-tailer's revved-up presence in the area has spurred developments that are expanding infrastructure and logistics resources.

By A.B. Brown • Nov. 17, 2020

Tracking the speed, dwell and cars of Class I railroads

This dashboard shows the average speed, dwell time and cars online for all of the Class I railroads operating in the U.S.

By Matt Leonard • Updated March 19, 2026

US Class I railroads prioritize PSR, efficiency at the expense of service

When intermodal volume came flooding back in Q3, railroads made trains longer. But results for the quarter show that's not necessarily a recipe for good service.

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 4, 2020

Norfolk Southern works to woo shippers with 'truck-like' offerings

Norfolk Southern specifically highlighted its recent joint venture, Rail Pulse, which is an effort to improve rail visibility by increasing the use of telematics.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 29, 2020