Regulation

Xinjiang import ban creates compliance challenges for supply chains

Companies will need to show any goods linked to the western Chinese region don’t come from a company using forced labor practices.

By Robert Freedman • June 30, 2022

Semiconductor makers urge passage of federal funding bill for domestic manufacturing

Intel and GlobalFoundries say their U.S. expansion plans rely on Congress passing the legislation.

By Matthew Thibault • June 29, 2022

PIE Program offers companies a win-win-win

The PIE Program provides a path for companies to manufacture high-quality, low-cost goods.

June 27, 2022

Biden calls for three-month federal gas tax holiday

Lifting the federal 18-cent tax per gallon of gas and 24-cent tax per gallon of diesel for three months would “give Americans a little extra breathing room,” the White House said.

By Colin Campbell • Updated June 22, 2022

SEC chair says not all companies will need to disclose emissions

The agency plans to require climate disclosures only from companies that have publicly committed to curbing scope 3 emissions, said SEC Chair Gary Gensler.

By Jim Tyson • June 21, 2022

Biden just signed a law to lower shipping costs. Will it work?

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act allows for more enforcement of rising fees. But shippers say the law isn’t a “silver bullet.”

By Sarah Zimmerman , Alejandra Salgado • June 16, 2022

'Big step forward': Shippers react to passage of Ocean Shipping Reform Act

Industry groups praised the bill, which legislators say will reduce shipping costs and promote U.S. exports.

By David Taube • June 14, 2022

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

'The rip-off is over': Biden urges shipping reform during Port of Los Angeles visit

The president warned carriers that new regulations could be coming as he called on Congress to pass the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022.

By Colin Campbell , Sarah Zimmerman • June 10, 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

Victoria's Secret finances 'historic' settlement with garment workers

The $8.3 million loan to a factory owner for unpaid severance was a victory for workers "meted out by global supply chains," an advocacy group said.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 2, 2022

How an infant formula plant shutdown unraveled into a national crisis

A timeline shows how safety issues at a plant in Sturgis, Michigan led to inventory shortfalls nationwide.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Updated June 23, 2022

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

Bringing business back home

UNICOR, a federal program, is helping return manufacturing to the U.S.

May 23, 2022

FMC proposes 6 changes to automated carrier fees

The FMC seeks public comment on or before June 9 on tariff access fees and co-loading definition.

By Alejandra Salgado • May 17, 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 Salgado , Sarah Zimmerman • May 4, 2022

Indonesia's palm oil export ban takes effect as supply pressures mount

The world's largest supplier of the popular ingredient widened its restrictions at a time when alternative sources and substitutes face their own challenges.

By Samantha Oller • April 28, 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

Indonesia to end palm oil export ban

The country will resume exports May 23. Prices should see "downward pressure," one analyst said.

By Samantha Oller • Updated May 20, 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

US suspends trade ties with Russia, bans oil imports

Imports from Russia will be subjected to higher tariffs. U.S. steelmakers are among industries bracing for the fallout.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Updated April 11, 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

US ramps up sanctions, plans to reduce Europe's energy reliance on Russia

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has complicated businesses' efforts to overcome supply chain disruptions.

By Jim Tyson , Sarah Zimmerman • March 25, 2022