The Latest

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  Tracker

  US ports by volume: How maritime cargo trends are stacking up

  The amount of containers handled at 12 major gateways can help show how the economy is faring. Use this tracker to dig into trends by seaport, coast and month.

  Updated Jan. 8, 2025

  Maritime

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  Final rule to overhaul H-1B visa eligibility requirements takes effect Jan. 17

  Employers should be prepared for potential disruption caused by the rule, attorneys for law firm Fragomen wrote this week.

  Operations Management

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  2025 brings wave of parcel carrier rate hikes

  Shippers are facing price increases and surcharge changes but have room to negotiate discounts.

  Last-Mile Delivery

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  USPS’ transportation consolidation efforts have hurt service: OIG

  The Postal Service's Local Transportation Optimization initiative particularly impacted on-time delivery for rural customers, per an agency watchdog report.

  Last-Mile Delivery

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  ILA-USMX port labor talks

  Shippers urge ILA, USMX to reach deal before deadline

  The East and Gulf Coast port labor contract will expire again on Jan. 15, prompting fears of a new strike.

  Manufacturing

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  ILA-USMX port labor talks

  Potential port strike could bring second round of surcharges

  Hapag-Lloyd and MSC are among the carriers planning fees ahead of a possible work stoppage at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports.

  Maritime

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  Workers are willing to disclose disability — but few ask for accommodation

  Nearly 3 in 4 workers who request an accommodation have their requests denied, Deloitte said.

  Operations Management

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  Tracking the speed, dwell and cars of Class I railroads

  This dashboard shows the average speed, dwell time and cars online for all of the Class I railroads operating in the U.S.

  Updated Jan. 9, 2025

  Rail

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  Winter Storm Blair: FedEx, UPS and US Postal Service warn of delays

  Delivery services across the central and eastern U.S. have been stymied by the severe weather.

  Last-Mile Delivery

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  FedEx Supply Chain lays off 70 employees at multi-client facility

  The workforce reduction in Pennsylvania comes after a customer chose to not renew its contract with the 3PL.

  Operations Management

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  Walmart misled delivery drivers on earnings access, lawsuit claims

  The CFPB says the retailer deposited Spark drivers' pay into illegally opened accounts without their consent.

  Last-Mile Delivery

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  Lockheed Martin taps next chief supply chain officer

  Abby Lilly will focus on streamlining the defense technology manufacturer’s processes and strengthening supplier partnerships.

  Manufacturing

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  How retailers and manufacturers are navigating tariff concerns

  Companies are evaluating sourcing plans and procurement networks ahead of expected trade landscape changes under President-elect Donald Trump. 

  Manufacturing

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  FedEx targets growth in 4 customer segments

  Network changes and new capabilities aim to snag market share in healthcare and automotive B2B, U.S. e-commerce, global air freight and Europe.

  Air Cargo

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  Shein joins CBP’s import data sharing initiative

  The pilot program aims to prevent illegal and hazardous products from entering the U.S.

  Retail

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  Demand ticks up as manufacturers pin hopes on Trump administration: PMI

  Despite concerns about potential tariffs, manufacturers expect growth in 2025.

  Manufacturing

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  US Steel streamlines procurement processes with AI-powered platform

  The steel producer is using GEP Software to analyze spend and forecasting while also managing its sourcing project pipeline.

  Technology

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  Mexico restricts duty-free apparel imports

  The rule change will significantly impact foreign fashion brands and 3PLs using Mexico for de minimis shipments to the U.S.

  Last-Mile Delivery

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  Deep Dive

  Trump is promising new tariffs. How should companies be preparing?

  Retailers and manufacturers that emphasize optionality in their supply chains will be best equipped to navigate a shifting trade landscape, experts say.

  Manufacturing

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  Exploring the de minimis exemption’s role in supply chains

  The provision has come under fire in recent years, with any potential changes likely impacting manufacturing, parcel shipping and air cargo operations.

  Air Cargo

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  Amazon, OSHA reach settlement over worker safety

  Nine of 10 citations were withdrawn, though the e-tailer has agreed to pay more than 90% of the penalties and inspections continue, according to the Department of Labor.

  Operations Management

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  Supply Chains 2024: A year in pictures

  The industry saw significant upheaval, with a major container vessel crash, natural disasters and port and rail shutdowns. Here are some memorable moments.

  Last-Mile Delivery

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  Academy Sports and Outdoors reduces China reliance by 20%

  The sports retailer continues to diversify its sourcing base as it plans for possible tariff hikes under the Trump administration. 

  Retail

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  Over 100 fashion brand supply chains linked to oil, gas fracking in Texas

  Old Navy, H&M and Adidas were among the 107 companies reported to be using textile materials generated by petrochemicals linked to the Permian Basin, per Stand.earth.  

  Manufacturing

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  Amazon warehouse workers on strike amid holiday rush

  The e-commerce giant said work stoppages at seven facilities have not impacted operations.

  Last-Mile Delivery

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