Port of LA's Seroka calls for nationwide data sharing portal

The system would allow ports, carriers and shippers to get a better view of cargo movement with details including when a customer makes a reservation and the location of containers throughout the country.

By Matt Leonard • June 12, 2020

Cross-border postal rates going up July 1 for many shippers

Increases are highly variable, but by one estimate the USPS inbound rate from China could go up 100% or more from the existing rate.

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated June 9, 2020

Drones and delivery trucks could work together, but regulatory hurdles remain

Using drones and trucks for a hybrid delivery system can leverage the best elements of both modes within a shipper's network, according to a recent MIT research paper. 

By Morgan Forde • May 28, 2020

FAA exemption allows cargo to travel in passenger seats

Airlines for America, a trade association, filed for the exemption April 23, arguing it would open up more capacity for airlines to transport critical medical supplies.

By Matt Leonard • May 22, 2020

Experts: 3 ways coronavirus has shifted supply chains' focus

Practitioners from across the industry came together at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss how the pandemic is affecting their operations. 

By Matt Leonard • May 20, 2020

Drug manufacturer gets $354M federal contract to produce COVID-19 medicines in the US

The contract was awarded to Phlow, a little-known, Virginia-based company that aims to secure a U.S.-based supply chain for essential medicines.

By Jacob Bell • May 19, 2020

China waives retaliatory tariffs on 79 US import categories

The imports eligible for waivers include semiconductor parts, medical disinfectants, rare earth metals and chemical products.

By Morgan Forde • May 13, 2020

USDA to purchase $470M in surplus meat, dairy and produce

After facing criticism that the government's efforts have been slow to help producers during the pandemic, the department said this will allow food to be distributed to communities nationwide.

By Lillianna Byington • May 5, 2020

7 states form regional supply chain to buy $5B in medical equipment to fight coronavirus

Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island want to use their combined purchasing power to drive down prices for in-demand items like ventilators and personal protective equipment.

By Rebecca Pifer • May 4, 2020

Medical association pushes US to lift tariffs on Chinese imports of devices needed to fight COVID-19

The trade group wants indefinite exemptions for imaging components and devices used in ventilators, among other items. It also floated a compromise: re-imposing them one year after the pandemic passes.

By Nick Paul Taylor • April 30, 2020

FMC detention, demurrage guidance comes as coronavirus outbreak aggravates preexisting port problems

The FMC's final guidance on what constitutes fair charges can also help inform contract negotiations.

By S.L. Fuller • April 29, 2020

UAW says May start is too early for automotive manufacturing

Last week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended the state's stay-at-home order until May 15. The UAW said it supported the extension.

By Matt Leonard • April 27, 2020

90-day delay of tariff payments does not include Trump administration duties on Chinese goods

Importers must demonstrate "significant financial hardship" to qualify for the temporary payment delay.

By Matt Leonard • Updated April 21, 2020

DOJ clears antitrust concerns, allows medical suppliers to collaborate on manufacturing and distribution

Five major medical suppliers wrote to the agency seeking an antitrust enforcement reprieve in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Emma Cosgrove • April 6, 2020

How the CARES Act will affect supply chains

The law offers financial relief to businesses weathering COVID-19 disruption and attempts to keep freight and last-mile cargo moving.

By Morgan Forde • April 1, 2020

FMC creates teams to address coronavirus-related cargo challenges

The agency took a similar approach in 2016, partnering with representatives from port authorities, terminal operators, longshore labor, rail and other stakeholders.

By Matt Leonard • April 1, 2020

From Section 301 to COVID-19: How a volatile China changed supply chains

An ongoing trade war, and now a global pandemic, pushed U.S. businesses to diversify and raised the question: Are we too dependent on China?

By Shefali Kapadia • March 31, 2020

67 trade organizations urge FMC to adopt rule on detention, demurrage fees

Trade associations across industries say clarity is needed to keep fees consistent and fair, especially in the current coronavirus-impacted global economy.  

By S.L. Fuller • March 17, 2020

House of Representatives launches Congressional Supply Chain Caucus

The bipartisan caucus will focus on policies to address supply chain challenges related to manufacturing, trade, delivery and resiliency.

By Morgan Forde • March 6, 2020

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