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. 7, 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. 7, 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

USMCA will enter into force July 1

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 April 27, 2020

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

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

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

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

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. 8, 2020

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

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

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

Trump administration lays out plans to import drugs from abroad

Drug importation as a policy has a long history, but has been rejected in the past over concerns about supply chain security and regulatory resources. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Dec. 18, 2019

Trump to sign phase 1 of China trade deal Jan. 15

The president said he would travel to Beijing "at a later date" to begin discussions on the second phase of the deal. No new details were released by Trump nor the U.S. Trade Representative on what was in the first phase of the deal.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 13, 2019

US House votes 'yes' on revised USMCA

The business community supports USMCA, touting the potential for smoother customs processing and streamlined shipments, while economists estimate the overall impact on the economy will be middling.

By Morgan Forde • Updated Dec. 20, 2019

What does the future hold for ELDs?

The widespread use of ELDs marks the first time shippers and brokers have a line of sight into the supply side of their business — that’s nothing short of powerful, writes Oren Zaslansky, CEO of Flock Freight.

By Oren Zaslansky • Dec. 11, 2019

Amazon, DHL, UPS gear up to test cargo bikes in New York City

City officials hope the use of cargo bikes will result in reduced congestion, improved air quality and a safer environment for pedestrians. Logistics companies say it will be easier to find parking.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 4, 2019