Regulation

To battle congestion, California seeks private, public land for container storage

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a nine-point executive order on Wednesday, geared toward easing supply chain bottlenecks.

By Edwin Lopez • Oct. 21, 2021

Legislators propose federal office to manage supply chain crises

A new bill would create the Office of Supply Chain Resiliency and Crisis Response to monitor and respond to disruptions.

By Colin Campbell • Oct. 18, 2021

Walmart, UPS commit to use night hours at West Coast ports to smooth cargo flows

During a speech on Wednesday, President Joe Biden said he envisioned the U.S. will eventually operate on a 24/7 supply chain schedule, and extended hours at ports is just the first step.

By Edwin Lopez • UPDATED: Oct. 14, 2021 at 12:45 p.m.

How a software bill of materials can help guard against supply chain cyberattacks

Having software suppliers provide an "ingredient list" for their products can help speed the process of mitigating and responding to cyberattacks, experts said.

By Samantha Schwartz • Sept. 29, 2021

It's time for integrated post-purchase solutions

Maximize value recovery on omnichannel returns with an integrated post-purchase management solution.

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: Oct. 21, 2021 at 11:30 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

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

'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.