STB: Railroads' service recovery plans 'woefully deficient'

Four Class I railroads could face noncompliance fines of more than $8,000 a day if they fail to correct issues.

By Sarah Zimmerman • June 14, 2022

Stronger rail oversight needed as decaying service threatens food security

Old industry weaknesses are causing major problems, particularly for shippers who have no competitive alternative.

By Robb MacKie and John Bode • June 3, 2022

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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

Stephen Lyons will be the next US port envoy

The retired general of the U.S. Transportation Command will replace John Porcari as the officer in charge of easing freight bottlenecks.

By Colin Campbell • May 31, 2022

STB orders 4 railroads to give service updates as congestion disrupts shipper operations

The board will use the railroads' data over the next six months to assess whether further regulation is warranted.

By Sarah Zimmerman • May 10, 2022

Shippers push FMC to expand oversight on demurrage, terminal dwell fees

The National Shipper Advisory Committee wants regulators to have more oversight on intermodal cargo and ensure that costs associated with dwell fees aren't passed along to customers. 

By Alejandra Carranza , Sarah Zimmerman • May 4, 2022

Sherwin-Williams deploys private fleet to ease supplier transportation snarls

The paint maker is also prioritizing certain products and formulations "to make the most of the raw materials that are available to us," said CEO John Morikis.

By Sarah Zimmerman • May 3, 2022

Railroads say higher volumes, labor constraints present obstacles to better service

Carriers laid out plans to reduce operating inventory and ramp up hiring during an emergency hearing. But executives noted relief is likely months away.

By Sarah Zimmerman • April 28, 2022

Shippers press regulators to intervene as rail service challenges mount

At an emergency hearing, shippers warned regulators rail service issues could increase shipping delays and bring new supply shocks.

By Sarah Zimmerman • April 27, 2022

Rail regulators propose easier path for shippers to get service relief

Businesses and agricultural producers say missed switches, equipment shortages and major delays have in some cases led to production shutdowns.

By Sarah Zimmerman • April 25, 2022

JB Hunt reports rising trucking demand as rail challenges restrict intermodal

Rail velocity prevented the carrier from further capitalizing on high intermodal demand.

By Sarah Zimmerman • April 20, 2022

Fewer cars, more locomotives: Union Pacific, BNSF try to clear congestion

A deluge of cargo has Union Pacific threatening to meter traffic if shippers don't voluntarily reduce inventory.

By Sarah Zimmerman • April 14, 2022

China backlog, rising dwell times pose threat to Port of Los Angeles rebound

The issues loom as cargo volumes are rising at the port, with more imports on the way.

By Colin Campbell • April 13, 2022

STB poised to decide reciprocal switching rules as shippers, railroads remain at odds

Shippers want regulation to combat service declines. Railroads say it will cause new headaches and potentially more congestion.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 30, 2022

By the numbers: Biden's budget priorities for supply chains

The president's requests to Congress include funding for ports, highways, electrification and domestic manufacturing.

By Colin Campbell • March 30, 2022

Strained oat supply pushes Oatly to raise prices, expand sourcing

Oat production reached near-record low levels following drought conditions across the U.S. and Canada.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 24, 2022

Canadian Pacific work stoppage ends as railroad, union enter arbitration

The agreement avoids additional supply chain pain for businesses already beset by rising shipping and commodity costs.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 22, 2022

TL spot rates climb as Canadian Pacific shuts down due to labor dispute

The railroad locked out workers and is halting operations after failing to reach an agreement with the union. 

By Max Garland • Updated March 20, 2022

White House plans to launch supply chain data-sharing portal

The Freight Logistics Optimization Works initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Transportation, aims to produce a proof-of-concept freight information exchange by the end of summer. 

By Colin Campbell • March 16, 2022

Size matters: How Walmart and Target dominated amid disruption, inflation

Both retailers leaned on their scale to get goods on shelves and keep prices low, at least relative to the industry. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 8, 2022

How Union Pacific achieves supplier diversity goals with Amazon Business

Union Pacific Railroad strengthens its commitment to supplier diversity through digital procurement.

By Amazon Business • March 8, 2022

Data sharing, ports and manufacturing: White House reveals supply chain plans

Seven federal agencies proposed dozens of solutions to speed the movement of goods and add long-term resilience. Some carriers are already pushing back at the prospect of new regulations.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 25, 2022

Truck, rail and empties: Efforts to clear congestion at Port of Los Angeles pick up speed

To further improve cargo flow, the port is also seeking to boost truck gate and on-dock rail usage.

By Colin Campbell • Feb. 18, 2022

Rail shippers push regulators to adopt reciprocal switching rules

A divisive proposal that would give certain shippers more access to competitive rail options is set for a federal hearing in March.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 16, 2022

Tracking the shift to 24/7 supply chains

The San Pedro Bay ports could continue to dangle the threat of a container dwell fee through this summer.

Dairy export working group pursues solutions for hard-hit industry

Supply chain woes are costing U.S. dairy companies millions and damaging exporter credibility, according to the IDFA.

By Colin Campbell • Feb. 1, 2022