Fewer cars, more locomotives: Union Pacific, BNSF try to clear congestion

A deluge of cargo has Union Pacific threatening to meter traffic if shippers don't voluntarily reduce inventory.

By Sarah Zimmerman • April 14, 2022

China backlog, rising dwell times pose threat to Port of Los Angeles rebound

The issues loom as cargo volumes are rising at the port, with more imports on the way.

By Colin Campbell • April 13, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside the trends affecting logistics management

The demise of the de minimis exception, trade tensions and tariffs are among the new challenges logistics managers are facing.  

By Supply Chain Dive staff

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

By the numbers: Biden's budget priorities for supply chains

The president's requests to Congress include funding for ports, highways, electrification and domestic manufacturing.

By Colin Campbell • March 30, 2022

Strained oat supply pushes Oatly to raise prices, expand sourcing

Oat production reached near-record low levels following drought conditions across the U.S. and Canada.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 24, 2022

Canadian Pacific work stoppage ends as railroad, union enter arbitration

The agreement avoids additional supply chain pain for businesses already beset by rising shipping and commodity costs.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 22, 2022

TL spot rates climb as Canadian Pacific shuts down due to labor dispute

The railroad locked out workers and is halting operations after failing to reach an agreement with the union. 

By Max Garland • Updated March 20, 2022

White House plans to launch supply chain data-sharing portal

The Freight Logistics Optimization Works initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Transportation, aims to produce a proof-of-concept freight information exchange by the end of summer. 

By Colin Campbell • March 16, 2022

Size matters: How Walmart and Target dominated amid disruption, inflation

Both retailers leaned on their scale to get goods on shelves and keep prices low, at least relative to the industry. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 8, 2022

How Union Pacific achieves supplier diversity goals with Amazon Business

Union Pacific Railroad strengthens its commitment to supplier diversity through digital procurement.

By Amazon Business • March 8, 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

Truck, rail and empties: Efforts to clear congestion at Port of Los Angeles pick up speed

To further improve cargo flow, the port is also seeking to boost truck gate and on-dock rail usage.

By Colin Campbell • 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.

Dairy export working group pursues solutions for hard-hit industry

Supply chain woes are costing U.S. dairy companies millions and damaging exporter credibility, according to the IDFA.

By Colin Campbell • Feb. 1, 2022

Rail volumes decline as omicron causes staffing problems

Labor constraints at railroads have translated into disrupted service, some shippers say.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 28, 2022

JB Hunt invests in intermodal as rail congestion hampers operations

Despite congestion, intermodal expansion goals remain. J.B. Hunt plans to buy more equipment while rival Schneider switches to Union Pacific.

By S.L. Fuller • Jan. 27, 2022

'It's gotten really bad': Union Pacific bumps up security after cargo thefts near LA rail yard

Break-ins used to be a "nuisance" for the railroad, but security concerns have led to plans for barriers and more enforcement, said CEO Lance Fritz.

By Colin Campbell • Jan. 26, 2022

Nike says a 'sole train' helped mitigate supply chain disruptions

In addition to fast-tracking product to Memphis by rail, the brand also added several distribution centers and deployed 1,000 robots.

By Colin Campbell • Jan. 25, 2022

'Insult to injury': Record rail demurrage adds to shipper costs

Storage fees skyrocketed in 2021 after an import surge snarled transportation networks. The ballooning revenues have shippers and railroads at odds over who's at fault for congestion.

By Sarah Zimmerman , Edwin Lopez • Jan. 12, 2022

Railroads faced service disruptions, congestion as intermodal demand grew

At times in 2021, there seemed to be more business than railroads could handle.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 21, 2021

CSX, Norfolk Southern say labor constraints are affecting service

Hiring and retention challenges are affecting the companies' abilities to handle increased intermodal demand, according to railroad executives.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 11, 2021

Georgia Ports Authority to convert 5 facilities into pop-up container yards

A yearlong rise in loaded import containers has ports looking for more space. Los Angeles and Long Beach are making similar moves.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 10, 2021

Biden signs $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill

Along with repairing roads and bridges, the legislation creates an office overseeing freight policies that encourage supply chain efficiencies.

By S.L. Fuller • Updated Nov. 15, 2021

Union Pacific steps up efforts to ease West Coast port congestion

The railroad is adding incentives for weekend drop offs and supporting the Port of Long Beach as it looks to move cargo out via rail instead of truck.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 28, 2021