Amid strike fears, cargo diversion a key fixture in 2022’s supply chain playbook

The shadow of negotiations clouds U.S. railroads and West Coast ports. Shippers have leaned on less-risky alternatives, despite some drawbacks.

By Max Garland • Nov. 16, 2022

Third rail union rejects contract as deadline for agreement looms

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, which represents approximately 300 workers, has agreed to a “cooling off” period until Dec. 9.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 14, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating rising costs, network changes and logistics disruptions across global supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Deadline to avoid rail strike or lockout extended to December

The country’s third-largest rail union agreed to a longer “cooling off” period in an attempt to avoid congressional intervention and service disruptions.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 9, 2022

Major railroads mandated to keep reporting service restoration progress

Regulators will continue to monitor BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific after noting they are unlikely to reach their improvement targets before the end of the current reporting period. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 9, 2022

Rail labor negotiations: Tracking the path to ratification

A strike or lockout was avoided after Congress intervened to impose an agreement. Here’s how we got there.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Updated Dec. 2, 2022

Shippers urge Biden to prevent potential rail shutdown

Over 300 trade associations signed a letter asking the president to prevent a strike or lockout.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 28, 2022

A second rail union rejects labor deal over paid sick leave

The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and their employers agreed to avoid service disruptions until December as part of a "status quo" period.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 27, 2022

Railroads reject union’s sick leave demands, fueling strike concerns

Shippers are warily eyeing the negotiations process in case of an economically damaging rail shutdown.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 25, 2022

Port of LA cargo volumes drop as ongoing labor talks deter some shippers

The port handled 21.5% fewer containers last month compared to September 2021, and the ship backlog has receded.

By Alejandra Carranza • Oct. 20, 2022

Railroads should give workers the benefits they seek

It's time to get freight rail back on track with a stable workforce and improved service, writes the National Association of Chemical Distributors.

By Eric R. Byer • Oct. 17, 2022

Railroads back to bargaining table after large union rejects labor agreement

The National Railway Labor Conference, which is representing railroads in negotiations, said that "failed ratification does not present risk of an immediate service disruption.”

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 11, 2022

BNSF plans $1.5B inland intermodal hub to ease port congestion

Instead of letting cargo crowd the docks in Los Angeles and Long Beach, the goal is to move goods further inland.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 3, 2022

Ian prompts port, rail closures as it barrels toward the Carolinas

Terminals closed as hurricane-force winds are expected to batter the Southeast coast.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 30, 2022

Rail strike averted as employers, unions reach tentative deal

The deal is welcome relief for shippers who had warned that a shutdown of the nation's rail system would carry catastrophic impacts.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Updated Sept. 15, 2022

Railroads cut service in preparation for potential strike

Shippers are calling on Congress to intervene if railroads cannot reach an agreement with two of the largest unions by the end of the week.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 12, 2022

Union Pacific reports service improvements after months of congestion

The railroad is still asking shippers to limit the number of private cars on its network to build on positive momentum.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 31, 2022

BNSF to end embargo on westbound shipments Sept. 4

The railroad will still work with individual shippers to manage traffic flows, noting limitations on shipments within its network helped reduce congestion.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 19, 2022

As East Coast delays rise, Port of LA director appeals to shippers: ‘Come to Los Angeles’

The 109-ship queue to enter the U.S.'s largest container port had dropped 88% as of July.

By Colin Campbell • Aug. 18, 2022

Railroads should raise pay 24%, White House labor board proposes

Carriers wanted a smaller increase, but say they are ready to secure a contract as labor woes persist.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 17, 2022

Plan for inland port in the middle of California’s Mojave Desert gains traction

Local officials signed off on a proposal that developers say could help relieve congestion at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 16, 2022

Lawmakers seek to ban railroads from raising rates during service emergencies

A bill introduced to address rail service declines would also require carriers to include delivery service standards in contracts.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 8, 2022

Regulators propose two-person train crew minimum

Railroads warn the proposal could exacerbate labor challenges that have stymied their ability to restore service. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 27, 2022

BNSF extends westbound shipping embargo into August

The railroad plans to incrementally loosen the embargo due to recent velocity gains.

By Colin Campbell • July 27, 2022

Empty containers buoy Port of Los Angeles cargo volumes to June record

Despite inflation and recession concerns, the results show "Americans are still spending on goods,” Executive Director Gene Seroka said.

By Colin Campbell • July 18, 2022

BNSF limits westbound shipments with rise in congestion

The railroad is adding locomotives and offering vacation buybacks for workers as its service recovery “remains choppy.”

By Sarah Zimmerman • June 29, 2022