Regulation

USPS watchdog says agency didn't consider operational impact of changes as it cut costs

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's changes to the post office — beginning soon after he took the helm in May — caused confusion within the service, and led to "slower and less reliable mail delivery," according to the report.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 22, 2020

CBP issues forced labor finding for stevia imports from manufacturer in China

The enforcement finding follows a civil penalty of $575,000 imposed on Pure Circle U.S.A. for importing stevia extracts and derivatives from the company identified in the report.

By A.B. Brown • Oct. 21, 2020

Deep Dive

Biden and Trump envision similar supply chains — but different paths to get there

Both presidential candidates promote investment in domestic manufacturing and supply chains, but they diverge on how to handle global trade relations.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 16, 2020

FMC investigates claims ocean carriers are unfairly billing 3PLs, forwarders, brokers

The inquiry will examine the use of the term "merchant" on bills of lading and who is responsible for paying detention, demurrage and other charges.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 08, 2020

CBP blocks imports from major palm oil producer over forced labor allegations

Nestlé, Unilever and L'Oréal have already taken steps to distance themselves from FGV, the subject of the withhold release order.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 01, 2020

UK government warns of 7K lorry lines at ports after break from EU

Anywhere from 40% to 70% of trucks traveling to the EU won't be ready on the first day after the transition, according to estimates.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 24, 2020

Ocean carriers seek dismissal of ATA's FMC chassis complaint

The group argues the FMC does not have jurisdiction and says the Shipping Act of 1984 — which the original complaint is based on — is meant to protect shippers, not motor carriers.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 23, 2020

Home Depot, Tesla, thousands more file suits seeking China tariff refunds

U.S. importers could see financial relief if the court grants a refund on list 3 tariffs, but the lawsuits may be a long shot.

By Shefali Kapadia • UPDATED: Oct. 1, 2020 at 2:35 p.m.

August import volume swells above 2019 levels as retailers restock, prep for holidays

High import volume is expected to continue going into September, and the next six months are expected to be stronger than the previous six months.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 17, 2020

AmCham: 71% of businesses have no plans to leave China despite souring trade relations

More than one in four companies believe the trade war will last indefinitely, according to a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and PwC.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 14, 2020

Transpacific rates more than double, capacity constraints create 'nightmare' for shippers

"The supply chain is just jammed," said one shipping association executive, adding that the current environment has made procuring freight the hardest its been in his 40 years in the business.

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: Sept. 11, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.

Deep Dive

The driver shortage: A big piece of the tight capacity puzzle

Retirements, hesitant drivers and career changes shrunk the workforce, contributing to market imbalances in the supply chain.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 11, 2020

Pandemic complicates supplier audits, increases modern slavery risk in Asian manufacturing hubs

Verisk Maplecroft's Modern Slavery Index reveals extreme or high risk in manufacturing centers such as Bangladesh, China, Myanmar and India.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 09, 2020

FMCSA seeks comments on letting drivers under 21 haul interstate loads

Proponents of the change say it could help ease the driver shortage, while opponents have raised safety concerns.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 04, 2020

FedEx opens Foreign Trade Zone in El Paso, Texas, as trade war and pandemic increase shipper interest

The deferral of duties is especially attractive as consumer demand for some items has dropped, allowing shippers to hold onto inventory without paying duties until demand returns.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 04, 2020

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. 04, 2020

Amazon Prime Air gets FAA clearance for drone delivery on 'highly rural' test range

Amazon said drones will help realize 30-minute delivery and expects the current model to carry 85% of the products sold on its marketplace.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 01, 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

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

ATA accuses ocean carriers, pool operators of 'sweetheart deal' and limiting chassis choice

The complaint filed 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 • Aug. 21, 2020

Stocked out: Why cleaning product supply chains struggle to meet demand

The disinfectant and cleaning product supply chain relies on a just-in-time approach, making it difficult to radically move the output meter in a short timeframe.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Aug. 20, 2020

'Made in China' order changes Hong Kong product labels, not tariffs

The labeling switch does not impact a product's tariff designation, but analysts said the "Made in China" label could have a negative effect on brand perception.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 13, 2020

US reverses decision to reimpose aluminum tariffs on Canadian imports

The initial announcement to reinstate the 10% duties came as manufacturers faced a shortage of aluminum cans.

By Shefali Kapadia • UPDATED: Sept. 16, 2020 at 11:10 a.m.

US orders government to prioritize domestic drug supply chain

A directive announced by the president Thursday would require government agencies to buy certain "essential" drugs from factories in the U.S.

By Ben Fidler • Aug. 06, 2020

DHL adds Foreign Trade Zone in Texas with plans for 3 more

The locations allow shippers to reduce the cost associated with tariffs on imported goods or component parts.

By Matt Leonard • July 24, 2020