Regulation: Page 2

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

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