USPS withdraws contract termination notices after UPU commitment

A sigh of relief spread across the USPS stakeholder community Wednesday after the vote. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 30, 2019

Tariffs threaten to dampen holiday spending

Retailers have little room for error at a time when consumer confidence is showing cracks, an AlixPartners study finds.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 27, 2019

The Backroom: Riding the tariff rollercoaster

No business likes uncertainty. Over the past several months, retailers that rely on goods shipped to the U.S. from China — a significant swath of the industry — have faced a highly uncertain landscape.

By Liza Casabona • Sept. 26, 2019

US, Japan sign trade deal to lower tariffs on agricultural goods

Japan will lower or eliminate tariffs on agricultural imports from the U.S. worth $7.2 billion, potentially helping U.S. export supply chains that have suffered amid recent trade conflicts. 

By Cathy Siegner • Updated Oct. 8, 2019

UPS pays $2.25M to settle EEOC claims it denied pregnant women light duty

Experts have said pregnant workers must be provided with the same access to light duty that other employees receive. 

By Lisa Burden • Sept. 25, 2019

US will remain in Universal Postal Union after compromise vote

"The Union is intact," said Universal Postal Union Secretary-General Bishar A. Hussein at a press conference following the vote.

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated Sept. 25, 2019

Coalition of shippers and carriers seeks zero-emission ocean shipping

The Getting to Zero Coalition announced this week it would begin a push to decarbonize the ocean shipping industry in line with Paris Agreement targets.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 24, 2019

US-Mexico tomato deal comes with heavy inspection burden, worrying buyers

Walmart's Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs James R. Bailey reportedly wrote to the Commerce Department that "such intensive inspections do not seem proportionate to the risk."

By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 23, 2019

Japan, South Korea trade war escalates with supply chains caught in the middle

Tensions have been heating up between the two countries since last year, coming to a head this week as Japan and South Korea have removed each other from their preferred trading partner lists.

By Morgan Forde • Sept. 19, 2019

Trump administration threatens California emissions authority as state continues EV-focus

California passed six EV-related bills this legislative session, but its zero emissions vehicle rebate program could be threatened by EPA's actions.

By Catherine Morehouse • Sept. 19, 2019

Industry should advocate for Trump's trade and immigration reforms, says USDA head

The president is agriculture's "best advocate," Sonny Perdue told attendees at the United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Conference.

By Lillianna Byington • Sept. 19, 2019

76% of shippers using route, load optimization in sustainability efforts

A survey found the reasons for adopting green initiatives was fairly evenly split between public perception, regulation and cost savings.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 19, 2019

UBS: Tariffs, store closings mean easy pickings for off-price retailers

As other retailers cancel orders, opportunity abounds for stores like TJ Maxx to buy inventory at even deeper discounts. 

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 18, 2019

Vice President Pence touts USMCA as a 'template' for future trade deals

In addition to touting $33 billion in savings to be gained from cutting "red tape" trade regulations, Pence hinted the agreement, once ratified, could give the U.S. leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with China. 

By Morgan Forde • Sept. 18, 2019

USMCA promises streamlined shipments and customs — if it passes

Chapter 7 of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement would consolidate data sets and create greater efficiency in brokerage, panelists said at the CSCMP Edge conference in Anaheim, California. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Sept. 17, 2019

UPS reaches $8.4M settlement with US government for overcharging on deliveries

The logistics provider was accused of overcharging federal agencies for delivery services on a contract with the Government Services Administration.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 16, 2019

EEOC: Union Pacific ignored doctor's opinion of worker recovered from tumor

Employers violate the ADA if they claim an employee with medical restrictions poses a safety risk but cannot show a "direct threat," EEOC has said. 

By Lisa Burden • Sept. 13, 2019

Trump: US will delay Oct. 1 tariff increase on Chinese goods by 2 weeks

A 25% tariff on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods was set to increase to 30% on Oct. 1 but is now delayed until Oct. 15 "as a gesture of good will," Trump said Wednesday.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 11, 2019

California Senate passes bill making it more difficult to classify workers as contractors

Assembly Bill 5 has divided the industry, with unions relaying support for the bill and carriers in opposition on the grounds it will hurt independent truck drivers. 

By Matt Leonard • Updated Sept. 11, 2019

Manufacturer to pay $1M for terminating workers who participated in OSHA investigation

The court's punitive damages award is the largest ever assessed under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

By Jennifer Carsen • Sept. 10, 2019

Amazon and Wayfair could raise prices to offset tariffs: Bank of America

Bank of America estimates Amazon could have to raise its prices by 2.1% to 2.6% while Wayfair could bump up prices by 4.6% to offset a 15% China tariff.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 6, 2019

NLRB: Misclassifying workers does not violate NLRA

The issue of classification has been a major consideration within the transportation industry over the last few years, as lawsuits indicate employers used the status to skirt obligations such as overtime and meal breaks.

By Katie Clarey • Sept. 3, 2019

What US companies should know about expanding manufacturing to Mexico

As the trade war with China continues, more companies are looking south of the border with new interest.

By Sergio Tagliapietra, CEO IVEMSA • Sept. 3, 2019

Report: Procurement offices can see 45% cost reduction with digital transformation

Cost savings are only beneficial for a company if they don't also result in reduced efficiency and effectiveness, according to research from the Hackett Group.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 29, 2019

Preparing for Brexit, UK plans $36.6M in grants for port upgrades

The U.K. Department for Transport announced this morning it will allocate 30 million British pounds ($36.6 million) to improve infrastructure at, and connecting to, major ports in anticipation of increased traffic and wait times in the event of a no-deal Brexit this fall.

By Morgan Forde • Updated Aug. 30, 2019