Shipowners and operators should get ready for a rough ride in 2020 as several economic and political factors will continue to shape the industry. The Trans-Pacific Eastbound will struggle, with not enough of a demand increase to make up for the excess capacity, amid an ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China. Volume Contracts […]
The unfortunate medical issues that the coronavirus causes have been all over the news recently. While the biggest concern is how the virus will affect human health, it will also have a far-reaching effect on the global economy and international shipping. Since the virus originated in Wuhan, China, it is the country that is currently […]
The United States, Mexico, and Canada conduct a large amount of trade. According to the U.S. Census, Mexico and the United States traded $309 billion worth of goods during the first six months alone of 2019, making Mexico the U.S.’s main trading partner. Canada was not too far behind, at $306 billion. The implications of […]
Technology plays a vital role in the supply chain. Digitization has created a more efficient supply chain by allowing logistics managers to make more informed decisions. However, this is not to say that there are no disadvantages on relying too heavily on technology in the supply chain. Why Technology is Needed In a survey conducted […]
With a tumultuous 2019 within the shipping industry, many are wondering how the new year will play out with many global changes on the horizon. Major factors such as the implementation of the IMO 2020 regulations and the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China are sure to affect the international shipping rates for […]
The current trucking market may be making some nostalgic for 2018. Last year, shippers had to fight to secure sufficient truck capacity. This year, the tables have turned, and brokers and carriers are the ones calling around to find freight. Long haul trucking spot rates are 20% lower than last year. The Cass Freight Shipments […]
The arrival of Hurricane Dorian is a big signal that it is time to prepare for peak hurricane season. In fact, suppliers should make sure to prepare for a particularly powerful hurricane season this year. NOAA forecasters monitoring atmospheric patterns says that, due to the end of El Niño, conditions are more favorable for above-normal […]
On August 14, the DOT officially announced proposed changes to federal hours of service regulations for truck operators. The rule seeks to enhance safety and give commercial drivers more flexibility in managing their driving time. But amid indicators that indicate a possible freight recession, some are worried about the effect the new rules could have […]
Last year saw an extraordinary rate of growth for air cargo. No one expected 2019 to replicate that level of demand. Still, even with mild expectations, the global air freight market has been strikingly weak in the first half of 2019. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) previously forecast an average annual growth rate of […]
Lately, it seems the shipping industry is staring down an all too familiar problem: the race to the bottom. This means annual RFPs and frequent carrier switching, costing shippers money as they spend time finding and onboarding new carriers. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a bit of innovation, carriers can find […]