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

US eases tariffs on UK steel and aluminum

The U.K. will lift approximately $500 million worth of tariffs on U.S. products such as whiskey and blue jeans. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 23, 2022

Biden bans more imports from Russia

Alcohol and seafood are on the latest list of products affected as the U.S. prepares to alter trade relations.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 11, 2022

Russia bans wide range of exports in response to Western sanctions

The country will suspend exports of over 200 products including medical and tech equipment until the end of the year.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 10, 2022

Ocean carriers, ports want to grow the South Atlantic Chassis Pool

A rise in volumes has the ports looking for ways to expand equipment availability and improve efficiency. Their plan is to give the pool manager more control. 

By Colin Campbell • March 9, 2022

White House ends Russian oil, energy imports into US

President Joe Biden said the actions would "inflict further pain on Putin, but there will be cost as well here."

By Jim Stinson • March 8, 2022

White House accelerates plans for zero-emission trucks

The Biden administration looks to expand zero-emission technology as it announces a proposal to dramatically curb truck emissions by 2031.

By Jim Stinson • March 8, 2022

Maersk, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd asked to provide rate information to US lawmakers

Carriers are under scrutiny as ocean rates for shipments from Asia have climbed 204% YoY for the West Coast, according to Freightos.

By Alejandra Carranza • March 7, 2022

FMC, Justice Department pledge to share resources, enforce competition in ocean shipping

"I'm not saying there's collusion, but it's not competitive enough," said a speaker at the Transpacific Maritime conference. 

By Alejandra Carranza • March 1, 2022

Data sharing, ports and manufacturing: White House reveals supply chain plans

Seven federal agencies proposed dozens of solutions to speed the movement of goods and add long-term resilience. Some carriers are already pushing back at the prospect of new regulations.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 25, 2022

White House invests $35M to tackle rare earth supply vulnerabilities

China's foothold on the mineral supply chain has the U.S. looking to bolster domestic production.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 23, 2022

Furniture retailer settles claim it refused to hire women for warehouse jobs, saying they 'can't lift'

American Freight will pay $5 million to resolve the nationwide lawsuit.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 23, 2022

Labor Department to ramp up worker rights enforcement in warehousing, logistics

An initiative will focus on ensuring workers are paid their legally owed minimum and overtime wages, are safe from harassment and are provided proper time off.

By Emilie Shumway • Feb. 22, 2022

Justice Department to probe companies exploiting supply chain issues

The DOJ's Antitrust Division, in collaboration with the FBI, is taking steps to root out collusion "in industries particularly affected by supply disruptions."

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 18, 2022

Rail shippers push regulators to adopt reciprocal switching rules

A divisive proposal that would give certain shippers more access to competitive rail options is set for a federal hearing in March.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 16, 2022

Tracking the shift to 24/7 supply chains

The San Pedro Bay ports could continue to dangle the threat of a container dwell fee through this summer.

Inflation may last through 2023 even if pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks end

Federal Reserve efforts to curb inflation are expected to collide with efforts to reshore production and worker or supply shortages, one research firm said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 2, 2022

OSHA pulls temporary vaccine rule, says permanent mandate is in the works

At the agency's request, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed challenges to the ETS as moot.

By Kate Tornone • Updated Feb. 22, 2022

SCOTUS upholds stay on OSHA's vaccine mandate

The onus is back on employers to decide whether they want to institute their own requirements, one attorney said.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 18, 2022