Regulation

How the CARES Act will affect supply chains

The law offers financial relief to businesses weathering COVID-19 disruption and attempts to keep freight and last-mile cargo moving.

By Morgan Forde • April 01, 2020

FMC creates teams to address coronavirus-related cargo challenges

The agency took a similar approach in 2016, partnering with representatives from port authorities, terminal operators, longshore labor, rail and other stakeholders.

By Matt Leonard • April 01, 2020

Deep Dive

From Section 301 to COVID-19: How a volatile China changed supply chains

An ongoing trade war, and now a global pandemic, pushed U.S. businesses to diversify and raised the question: Are we too dependent on China?

By Shefali Kapadia • March 31, 2020

67 trade organizations urge FMC to adopt rule on detention, demurrage fees

Trade associations across industries say clarity is needed to keep fees consistent and fair, especially in the current coronavirus-impacted global economy.  

By S.L. Fuller • March 17, 2020

House of Representatives launches Congressional Supply Chain Caucus

The bipartisan caucus will focus on policies to address supply chain challenges related to manufacturing, trade, delivery and resiliency.

By Morgan Forde • March 06, 2020

Opinion

A break from trade uncertainty is a good time to future-proof your supply chain

Beijing and Washington have agreed to play nice for a while and the USMCA is almost complete, but firms shouldn’t sit back and relax, writes Lou Longo, an international consulting practice leader at Plante Moran.

By Lou Longo • Feb. 18, 2020

Nuro's autonomous delivery vehicle cleared to hit the road

The company will begin public road testing with 5,000 of its R2 units in Houston over the coming weeks, carrying consumer products, groceries and restaurant orders.

By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 07, 2020

China to slash tariffs by 50% on $75B of US imports

The trade war is far from over as tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods remain and supply chains stay on high alert.

By Shefali Kapadia • Feb. 07, 2020

US expands tariffs to cover steel- and aluminum-based items

Businesses importing foreign-made steel and aluminum products as a mitigation tactic against tariffs on the raw materials will require reassessment of sourcing plans before the tariffs kick in on Feb. 8.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 28, 2020

DHS targets warehouses to combat counterfeits

Facility owners would be responsible for proactively notifying CBP, if counterfeit or illicit goods are found in their facilities, and complying with agency orders.

By Morgan Forde • Jan. 27, 2020

California AG files brief to overturn AB5 injunction

U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez​ said California "encroached on Congress’ territory" by removing motor carriers' choice to use owner-operators. The injunction remains in place until the court reaches a final verdict in the case. 

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: March 16, 2020 at 9:02 a.m.

Canadian Parliament ratifies USMCA before adjourning due to coronavirus outbreak

The trade deal promises streamlined digital trade and higher duty-free thresholds in a win for small and medium-sized shippers.

By Morgan Forde • UPDATED: March 13, 2020 at 4:36 p.m.

US will increase exports to China by $200B under phase 1 deal

The signing of the deal drew praise from industry, but it was followed by pleas to do more to remove tariffs.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 15, 2020

Panama Canal adds fees, changes booking as it fights drought

The canal plans to increase investment in projects that address the sustainability of its water supply after rainfall last year fell 20% below average. 

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: Feb. 19, 2020 at 4:15 p.m.

Boeing supplier's 2.8K layoffs highlight scale of supply chain disruption

Spirit AeroSystems blamed the layoffs on Boeing's decision to stop 737 Max production and said it's not clear when manufacturing could begin again.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 13, 2020

Q&A

What are the top supply chain trends of 2020? 4 experts weigh in

2019 trends including automation, speedy operations and changing global supply chains will likely carry over and intensify this year.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 13, 2020

Brexit vote paves way for Jan. 31 exit, future of EU trade remains uncertain

The U.K. will remain subject to EU trade laws until Dec. 31, 2020, though the European Commission President called the likelihood of reaching a comprehensive trade agreement by the end of the year "impossible."

By Morgan Forde • UPDATED: Jan. 23, 2020 at 10:36 a.m.

TradeLens blockchain platform awaits antitrust clearance by FMC

The agreement allows sharing of data related to the physical movement of goods, but prohibits discussion of rates or terms between carriers and customers.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 10, 2020

California state court rules AB5 doesn't apply to trucking, LA to appeal

NFI Industries and its subsidiaries were accused of misclassification in a lawsuit, which cited AB5. The defense argued the legislation, which was passed into law last year, is preempted by federal regulations.

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: Jan. 9, 2020 at 4:58 p.m.

Walmart petitions court ruling requiring retailer to pay $54.6M to drivers

The drivers filed a class-action suit seeking back pay for time spent in layover, on break or spent in inspections.

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: Jan. 27, 2020 at 10:58 a.m.

FEMA focus should shift to supply chain recovery: report

Existing prevalent models of emergency management often put FEMA in competition with private supply chains for crucial resources.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 08, 2020

Judge extends restraining order temporarily exempting trucking from AB5

The judge heard arguments from both sides on Monday but did not reach a final decision, which could take days or weeks, CTA said.

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: Jan. 13, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

Deep Dive

Trucking braces for impact as uncertainty surrounds California's AB5 law

Though temporarily stayed, the controversial law presents a major shift for supply chains that experts expect to affect trucking capacity and eventually rates should it be fully enforced.

By Matt Leonard , Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 23, 2019

China to lower tariffs on hundreds of products Jan. 1

Products set for lower tariffs include imported frozen pork, frozen avocados, non-frozen orange juice, wood and paper products and some components for high-tech electronics.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 23, 2019

Is railroad profitability bad for shippers?

The Surface Transportation Board considers the question as it examines changing the standards by which shippers can seek recourse against railroad rates.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 19, 2019