Postal Service does more harm than good by prioritizing package delivery

The timely and efficient delivery of mail is essential for keeping the U.S. economy humming and supply chains efficient, the author writes.

By Paul Steidler • March 30, 2021

The US has a new trade chief. What supply chains can expect on tariffs and China.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai recognizes China as "simultaneously a rival, a trade partner and an outsized player," in the global trade landscape.

By Shefali Kapadia • March 18, 2021

Congress takes on truck driver shortage, reboots bill to permit under-21s to haul interstate loads

Proponents of the DRIVE-Safe Act applaud its ability to bring young drivers into the workforce, but opponents express safety concerns.

By S.L. Fuller • March 16, 2021

USPS rose to the challenges of peak, unlike private carriers

"Criticisms of USPS' package business are off base," and Congress should build around the Postal Service's core strength, the author writes.

By John M. McHugh • March 9, 2021

FMC, lawmakers meet to discuss container practices, whether carriers violate Shipping Act

One commissioner said legislation and modernization to the Shipping Act might be necessary to resolve ongoing container issues.

By Matt Leonard • Updated April 9, 2021

FMC: Injecting more containers won't solve supply chain woes

Two commissioners — a Republican and a Democrat — call for cooperation among supply chain stakeholders.

By Daniel B. Maffei & Louis E. Sola • March 2, 2021

Biden orders review of US supply chains after a year of shortages, delays

The review will start with understanding where suppliers are located, but experts say that making big changes could require government assistance.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 25, 2021

Shipper, trucker groups applaud FMC on 'strongest step' to demand container information from carriers

The Federal Maritime Commission said failing to follow the agency's interpretive rule on detention and demurrage "might constitute a violation of" the Shipping Act.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 18, 2021

FMC to discuss 'big, huge step' related to detention, demurrage and container returns

The commissioners will meet as ports face congestion issues resulting from record import levels and shippers deal with a container imbalance that is increasing the price of equipment.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 11, 2021

Why the empty container math doesn't add up in US exporters' favor

What led to a global imbalance of available shipping containers? And what were the effects on U.S. businesses?

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 3, 2021

FMC calls on Biden to prioritize vaccines, PPE for port workers

Unions and groups representing maritime employees reported nearly 2,000 COVID-19 cases since March 2020.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 1, 2021

US tariffs on high-alcohol wine from Germany and France take effect this week

The new import duties are part of a longstanding dispute about commercial jetliner subsidies that has spilled over into food and alcohol.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 11, 2021

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao resigns following insurrection at Capitol

Chao said the department will help President-elect Joe Biden's pick for transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg, assume the post.

By S.L. Fuller • Jan. 7, 2021

European shippers say ocean carriers broke contracts, call on regulators to step in

Authorities in China and South Korea and the Federal Maritime Commission in the U.S. are also examining ocean shipping practices and container availability.   

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 7, 2021

FAA: New drone rules address safety, provide more operational flexibility

While the industry has seen a flurry of drone activity with UPS, Amazon Prime, Walmart and others, regulation and investment hurdles have precluded more widespread adoption for delivery operations.

By A.B. Brown • Jan. 5, 2021

Short-term freight snags expected as Brexit deal goes into force

Officials expect delays to accrue beginning Monday and affect just-in-time and perishable supply chains the most.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 4, 2021

Refusing US export cargo may violate Shipping Act, FMC warns in letter to carrier association

The ideal situation is industry works out a solution on its own, one commissioner said. But the agency could open a new investigation and has the power to levy fines if the alleged behavior continues.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 21, 2020

Containers, port congestion subject of upcoming FMC meetings with 6 ocean carriers

The Federal Maritime Commission has suggestions for how the carriers can improve container movement, but the agency doesn't have plans for enforcement.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 15, 2020

Port of Long Beach terminals commit to 50% dual transactions

Executive Director Mario Cordero said dual transactions go both ways: Terminal operators must maximize appointments, and truck drivers must meet the appointments.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 8, 2020

FedEx will partner with McKesson on vaccine distribution, expand cold storage locations by 28% in 2021

Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday the federal government believes it is days away from beginning to distribute "tens of millions" of vaccine doses.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 4, 2020

US blocks cotton imports from leading producer in Xinjiang region of China

Customs and Border Protection will detain Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps shipments at U.S. ports of entry, and CBP expects diverted imports to reach billions of dollars. 

By A.B. Brown • Dec. 3, 2020

A tale of hand sanitizer: How the ethanol supply chain pivoted for COVID-19

Raw material inputs for hand sanitizer were plentiful. But manufacturing capabilities, government regulations, packaging and tankers are a different story.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Dec. 3, 2020

Port of Rotterdam warns of no transport if Brexit paperwork incomplete

The Customs Administration of the Netherlands expects a 20% to 30% increase in declarations for imported and exported cargo following Brexit.

By A.B. Brown • Dec. 1, 2020

Supply chain bottlenecks prompt FMC investigation into container movement

U.S. exporters have witnessed containers leave empty on ocean carriers before having the chance to load them with cargo. 

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 23, 2020

CH Robinson: Importers have left nearly $1B in China tariff refunds on the table

Keeping tabs on product-specific tariff exclusions is time-consuming and "incredibly complex," shippers have told C.H. Robinson.

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 19, 2020