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FMC announces 2 initiatives related to detention, demurrage and compliance

This is the latest action from the Federal Maritime Commission to address issues in the ocean shipping industry, as the pandemic brought forward a series of complaints.

By Alejandra Salgado • Sept. 16, 2021

Vaccine mandate adds another wrinkle to warehouse, distribution hiring crunch

The mandate's "aim is good, but there will likely be short-term pain for long-term gain," said Raj Patel, senior director of 3PL global industry strategy at Blue Yonder, in an email.

By Max Garland • Sept. 14, 2021

Biden to require large employers mandate vaccines

The ruling will especially impact warehouse workers, as many large companies had avoided requiring vaccines for frontline staff amid an acute labor shortage.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 10, 2021

Canadian National clears way for KCS, CP deal

Canadian National said it would not pursue an acquisition with Kansas City Southern "any further" after the U.S. railroad said it preferred to be acquired by Canadian Pacific.

By Edwin Lopez • UPDATED: Sept. 15, 2021 at 10:08 a.m.

Consolidation in ocean shipping: A 20-year journey puts scrutiny on carriers

After Hanjin's bankruptcy, carriers continued to band together to scale operations and provide shippers a global footprint. Now the White House is taking a closer look.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 31, 2021

White House appoints 'port envoy' to tackle congestion, bottlenecks

John Porcari's appointment follows months of conversations between supply chain stakeholders and the Department of Transportation.

By Edwin Lopez • Aug. 30, 2021

5 years of supply chain disruptions and the lessons learned

Hindsight has the virtue of revealing opportunities we may have missed.

By Edwin Lopez • UPDATED: Sept. 21, 2021 at 11:12 a.m.

Shortages and other challenges across liquor supply chain throw a wrench in summer rebound

"We’re at the mercy of the supply chain," said the CFO of Brown-Forman, the maker of Jack Daniel's and Woodford Reserve. 

By A.B. Brown • Aug. 19, 2021

Two Canadian railroads want KCS. It's a fight that will test regulations and already has shippers on edge.

Rail customers expressed worries the acquisition of Kansas City Southern could lead to higher rates or more consolidation, though many also filed letters of support for a specific deal.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 16, 2021

Port congestion has Biden's attention. Here's what San Pedro ports recommend.

Executives at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach have a long list of ideas they want to implement as Biden brings together various stakeholders on the issue.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 13, 2021

Lawmakers propose updates to Shipping Act, drawing shippers' praise and carrier rebukes

Changes include broadening the scope of the Federal Maritime Commission's authority on U.S. exports and detention and demurrage.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 11, 2021

Opinion

Stress tests: The right tool for strengthening supply chains.

Simulations of potential disruptions — large economic shifts, trade wars, climate change or even cyberattacks — can yield forward-looking assessments of risk.

By Jonathan Welburn • Aug. 09, 2021

SEC may require supply chain emission disclosures in expanded 10-Ks

SEC Chair Gary Gensler says a company, when filing mandatory climate risk disclosures, may need to measure carbon emissions across its "value chain."

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 05, 2021

FMC seeks details on congestion surcharge practices from 8 ocean carriers

Some cargo owners had "shared information with the commission regarding concerns about these charges and their validity," FMC spokesman John DeCrosta said.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 05, 2021

Deep Dive

'You can pay or you can wait': How retailers are navigating a shipping crisis

Consumer demand came raging back this year. The supply chain wasn't ready for it, and now retailers, brands and consumers are paying the price.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 03, 2021

MCS Industries to FMC: MSC, COSCO unfair practices created $600K in damages

The complaint will head to the FMC's Office of the Administrative Law Judges where it will be assigned to the agency's sole judge.

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: Aug. 5, 2021 at 10 a.m.

STB asks Class I railroads to explain 'substantial' demurrage fees

Congestion at intermodal rail hubs like Chicago and Memphis, Tennessee, led the regulator to investigate claims of "significant storage fees" before deciding whether further action is required.

By Edwin Lopez • July 26, 2021

FDA seeks to fix 'great weaknesses' in medical device supply chain

Acting Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Janet Woodcock wants Congress to give the agency "expanded authority to obtain supply disruption notifications for critical devices any time there is the potential for a shortage.”

By Nick Paul Taylor • July 23, 2021

FMC to audit top 9 carriers as part of permanent program to oversee detention, demurrage

The agency said it wants to ensure "shippers do not suffer from unfair disadvantages."

By Matt Leonard • July 21, 2021

Biden takes aim at consolidation in ocean, rail with new executive order on increasing competition

The FMC and DOJ Antitrust Division signed a Memorandum of Understanding Monday as the two agencies begin to work more closely on oversight and enforcement in the ocean freight market.

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: July 13, 2021 at 9:08 a.m.

Supplier financing disclosure would be required under proposed accounting rule

The trade payable arrangements, which help companies manage cash, typically aren’t publicly reported despite posing a liquidity risk.  

By Robert Freedman • July 08, 2021

Opinion

Biden administration needs to broaden supply chain focus to all 'essential' products

The pandemic experience has clarified that personal care and cleaning products are just as important as a stocked pantry to everyday life, writes Tom Madrecki of the Consumer Brands Association.

By Tom Madrecki • June 25, 2021

Deep Dive

The misconceptions in the rare earth supply chain

The problem isn't a shortage of raw materials. The problem is getting them out of the ground — and out of China.

By Emma Penrod • June 17, 2021

FMC commissioners back audits of ocean carrier detention and demurrage

One shipper called the fees "unfair" and scolded carriers for profiting off of supply chain challenges.

By Matt Leonard • June 16, 2021