Port congestion has Biden's attention. Here's what San Pedro ports recommend.

Executives at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach have a long list of ideas they want to implement as Biden brings together various stakeholders on the issue.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 13, 2021

Ocean Shipping Reform Act heads to Biden's desk

Lawmakers voted on the Senate version of the bill days after the president pushed for its approval.

By Matt Leonard • Updated June 13, 2022

Stress tests: The right tool for strengthening supply chains.

Simulations of potential disruptions — large economic shifts, trade wars, climate change or even cyberattacks — can yield forward-looking assessments of risk.

By Jonathan Welburn • Aug. 9, 2021

SEC may require supply chain emission disclosures in expanded 10-Ks

SEC Chair Gary Gensler says a company, when filing mandatory climate risk disclosures, may need to measure carbon emissions across its "value chain."

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 5, 2021

FMC seeks details on congestion surcharge practices from 8 ocean carriers

Some cargo owners had "shared information with the commission regarding concerns about these charges and their validity," FMC spokesman John DeCrosta said.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 5, 2021

'You can pay or you can wait': How retailers are navigating a shipping crisis

Consumer demand came raging back this year. The supply chain wasn't ready for it, and now retailers, brands and consumers are paying the price.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 3, 2021

MCS Industries to FMC: MSC, COSCO unfair practices created $600K in damages

The complaint will head to the FMC's Office of the Administrative Law Judges where it will be assigned to the agency's sole judge.

By Matt Leonard • Updated Aug. 5, 2021

STB asks Class I railroads to explain 'substantial' demurrage fees

Congestion at intermodal rail hubs like Chicago and Memphis, Tennessee, led the regulator to investigate claims of "significant storage fees" before deciding whether further action is required.

By Edwin Lopez • July 26, 2021

FDA seeks to fix 'great weaknesses' in medical device supply chain

Acting Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Janet Woodcock wants Congress to give the agency "expanded authority to obtain supply disruption notifications for critical devices any time there is the potential for a shortage.”

By Nick Paul Taylor • July 23, 2021

FMC to audit top 9 carriers as part of permanent program to oversee detention, demurrage

The agency said it wants to ensure "shippers do not suffer from unfair disadvantages."

By Matt Leonard • July 21, 2021

Biden takes aim at consolidation in ocean, rail with new executive order on increasing competition

The FMC and DOJ Antitrust Division signed a Memorandum of Understanding Monday as the two agencies begin to work more closely on oversight and enforcement in the ocean freight market.

By Matt Leonard • Updated July 13, 2021

Supplier financing disclosure would be required under proposed accounting rule

The trade payable arrangements, which help companies manage cash, typically aren’t publicly reported despite posing a liquidity risk.  

By Robert Freedman • July 8, 2021

Biden administration needs to broaden supply chain focus to all 'essential' products

The pandemic experience has clarified that personal care and cleaning products are just as important as a stocked pantry to everyday life, writes Tom Madrecki of the Consumer Brands Association.

By Tom Madrecki • June 25, 2021

The misconceptions in the rare earth supply chain

The problem isn't a shortage of raw materials. The problem is getting them out of the ground — and out of China.

By Emma Penrod • June 17, 2021

FMC commissioners back audits of ocean carrier detention and demurrage

One shipper called the fees "unfair" and scolded carriers for profiting off of supply chain challenges.

By Matt Leonard • June 16, 2021

US, EU suspend tariffs on $11.5B worth of goods trapped in aircraft dispute

Duties were 15% on aircraft products and 25% on non-aircraft products, including spirits, wine, food products and machinery.

By Shefali Kapadia • June 15, 2021

USDA to invest over $4B to strengthen the food supply chain

The agency's investments through the Build Back Better Initiative are part of the Biden administration’s efforts to make U.S. supply chains more resilient.

By A.B. Brown • June 11, 2021

White House supply chain report outlines reshoring ambitions

The document provides a series of recommendations on where and how the U.S. can build up domestic capacity.

By Matt Leonard • June 9, 2021

As storms become more frequent and volatile, some ports plan for the risk — but most do not

The interconnectedness of ports leave assets such as warehouses, trucking networks and railroads vulnerable to disruptions from climate change and rising sea levels.

By Matt Leonard • Updated June 8, 2021

Port of Long Beach waives pollution fee for natural gas trucks as it targets supply chain emissions

The exemption aims to incentivize the trucking industry to adopt cleaner fuels while electric and hydrogen technology scale.

By S.L. Fuller • May 27, 2021

FMC picks 24 shippers to advise it on container issues

With Daniel Maffei as chairman, the agency will seek advice from importers and exporters while also looking to modernize the Shipping Act.

By Matt Leonard • Updated Sept. 10, 2021

5 freight technologies send supply chains on a greener path

A growing level of shipper interest, along with pressure from the public and regulators, is driving carriers to invest in more sustainable delivery options.

By Matt Leonard , S.L. Fuller • April 21, 2021

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