Spotlight
Blockchain could be the answer to stopping child labor in Congo cobalt mines
Blockchain could be the answer to stopping child labor in Congo cobalt mines

Though cobalt is an integral part of our lithium-ion batteries, the extraction of the trace element is a huge cause for concern. Blockchain could provide respite by bringing accountability and transparency into cobalt supply chains.

Read More →
Government shutdown sidetracks US shipping agency’s new mandates
Government shutdown sidetracks US shipping agency’s new mandates

New power given to the Federal Maritime Commission to scrutinize the effects of ocean carrier competition has been put on hold by the government shutdown.

Read More →
Drayage throws shade at ocean carriers' latest money grab: fees for street turns
Drayage throws shade at ocean carriers' latest money grab: fees for street turns

Surprise fees for practice that reduces congestion at ports and improves driver turns amounts to ‘dirty pool’ on part of the steamship lines.

Read More →
Port Report: MSC tops mega-ship additions through 2020, but CMA-CGM not far behind
Port Report: MSC tops mega-ship additions through 2020, but CMA-CGM not far behind

Capacity additions set to have knock-on effect for trades into North America; Australia’s port strike to cause Pacific Rim ripples.

Read More →
Today's Pickup: Brexit soap opera, Netflix' rail exploits, Portland freight hub
Today's Pickup: Brexit soap opera, Netflix' rail exploits, Portland freight hub

Plus: Skewering Theresa May, B.C. rail investigations, California clean air program assessment

Read More →

FREIGHTWAVES' SONAR CHART OF THE WEEK (JAN 13- JAN 19, 2019) 

Cass shipment index (white) and ISM’s Purchase managers index (ORANGE)

Cass shipment index (white) and ISM’s Purchase managers index (ORANGE)

SONAR aggregates data from hundreds of sources, presenting the data in charts and maps and providing commentary on what freight market experts want to know about the industry- in real time.

If you are interested in gaining insights with thousands of freight market charts and maps, sign up for a SONAR demo.

Insurance & Claims Management
Spotting phony pickups and ID scams is crucial for cargo safety
Spotting phony pickups and ID scams is crucial for cargo safety

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Cargo theft in absolute numbers is minuscule. But that does not negate the havoc it plays on the image of the carrier in question, and the supply chain disruptions it leaves at its wake.

Tackling cargo theft by reducing operational vulnerability
Tackling cargo theft by reducing operational vulnerability

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

With cargo theft being a regular occurrence, it is vital for fleets to stay alert and train their personnel to keep the truck and the trailer safe from hijackers.

How blockchain can be a solution for cyber crime and more right now
How blockchain can be a solution for cyber crime and more right now

The Department of Homeland Security is looking for some innovative companies to get them on a blockchain. Smart contract tendering—among other applications—should be readily achievable by a company with some sensible approaches.

6 reasons your company could use cyber liability insurance
6 reasons your company could use cyber liability insurance

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

It’s not just hackers and security that can lead to a “cyber” problem. Exposures are vast. Just having an internet presence and shared databases creates exposure. Awareness is essential to managing risk.

Winter is coming: 12 tips for your air, electric, and wheel system survival
Winter is coming: 12 tips for your air, electric, and wheel system survival

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

This week we offer specific ways to focus on air systems, electric and controls, and wheel ends.

What fleets can do to beat back rising insurance costs
What fleets can do to beat back rising insurance costs

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Why are rates rising in this first year of full ELD compliance? What can be done to maximize margins?

How can tech help drivers sleep?
How can tech help drivers sleep?

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Since July 2017, dayzz has been developing an evidence-based, personalized sleep training app for enterprise workforces to improve sleep quality while reducing healthcare and employer costs.

Futures trading isn't gambling, and leaving yourself exposed can be risky: DTN's Susich
Futures trading isn't gambling, and leaving yourself exposed can be risky: DTN's Susich

It’s a tricky balance between risk and safety, but in the trucking world, before freight futures, there was no way to protect a company’x exposure.

It's all about repetition: how drivers and fleets prepare for severe weather
It's all about repetition: how drivers and fleets prepare for severe weather

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Think you’re well acquainted with the fundamentals? Safety is about more than just good planning and communication.

How Scroll is developing data security solutions on blockchain
How Scroll is developing data security solutions on blockchain

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Still in its infancy, blockchain is increasingly being adopted by companies seeking data security solutions. Scroll is one such company.

Distracted driving could be solved for fleets with a simple technology
Distracted driving could be solved for fleets with a simple technology

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

The company’s patent-pending approach is differentiated by its reliability, low power consumption, and what they call seamless integration.

Health risks of over-the-road truckers under new study
Health risks of over-the-road truckers under new study

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

A Canadian research team is trying to better understand factors that impact driver’s health, safety, and wellness.

5 steps drivers can take to lower their risk of being involved in a crash
5 steps drivers can take to lower their risk of being involved in a crash

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Learn how truck drivers can be more proactive about safety on the roadways in light of the recent increase in fatal crashes.  

The emerging urgency to protect yourself against cyber crimes
The emerging urgency to protect yourself against cyber crimes

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

As we witness an open flow of IT information from vehicles of all kinds, it is critical to consider firewalls and anti-malware protection as well as cyber liability insurance coverage.

King of the Road? 3 reasons to keep truckin’
King of the Road? 3 reasons to keep truckin’

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

It’s been a wild year, and while at times it may feel more like riding a bull than being “King of the Road,” just hang on a little longer. The times are changing and they’re changing fast.

Brake safety day: raising awareness to raise safety standards
Brake safety day: raising awareness to raise safety standards

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Many of the 1,600 violations were easily preventable, but no one had caught them prior to the surprise inspection.

Data in, data out: What’s data got to do with driver retention?
Data in, data out: What’s data got to do with driver retention?

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

One of the most important opportunities remains frequently overlooked when it comes to data: the human element.

We have the technology: is solving drunk driving as easy as it sounds?
We have the technology: is solving drunk driving as easy as it sounds?

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

The idea that technology will save lives is exciting on the one hand. On the other, just how seamless will the technology be? Will it be optional or mandatory?

Top 3 ways to attract and retain supply chain talent
Top 3 ways to attract and retain supply chain talent

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

A survey of nearly 16,000 warehouse workers uncovers three key factors to attracting and retaining supply chain talent in anticipation of holiday peak season and single-digit unemployment rate.

162 transportation and logistics companies make the 2018 Inc. 5000
162 transportation and logistics companies make the 2018 Inc. 5000

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

If you’re obsessed with growth, you’ll love the report. If you’re obsessed with logistics and the movement of freight, you’ll love the news even more.

Training drivers post-incident, in nice small nuggets
Training drivers post-incident, in nice small nuggets

The idea behind the new training program is to work with the drivers involved in an incident right away, wherever they are, and not eat up too much of their time.

Women make better drivers than men so why aren't there more during a capacity crunch?
Women make better drivers than men so why aren't there more during a capacity crunch?

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Among other things, women are known to take fewer risks on the road and also drive more carefully compared to men, thereby reducing the number of accidents caused due to negligence.

Technology as a means to improve safety, retention
Technology as a means to improve safety, retention

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Savvy companies know how to utilize technology to help solve retention issues, which, with patience, will lead to stronger quarters.

DOT pilot program to study the safety of 18-20 year-old commercial drivers
DOT pilot program to study the safety of 18-20 year-old commercial drivers

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…

The DOT’s pilot program to study the feasibility of 18-21-year-old drivers will have an insurance impact, but what exactly do insurance providers think of the proposal?

Cybersecurity is fast becoming critical, yet remains a non-core competency for most executives
Cybersecurity is fast becoming critical, yet remains a non-core competency for most executives

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

With autonomous vehicles virtually at our doorstep, it is becoming mission critical for carriers and drivers to protect themselves. Points of vulnerability will be exploited by those who seek to cause harm, economically or otherwise.

Can you solve the driver problem by making trucking cool again?
Can you solve the driver problem by making trucking cool again?

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…

Other than the economy slowing and unemployment rising, is there a solution to the driver problem?

Data driven solutions: a conversation with John Seidl
Data driven solutions: a conversation with John Seidl

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…

On the heels of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement regarding the Solving for Safety Visualization Challenge, FreightWaves spoke with Reliance Partners’ John Seidl to learn more about risk management in the industry.

How can owner-operators get the best deal on trucking insurance?
How can owner-operators get the best deal on trucking insurance?

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…

There are a lot of reasons why it’s hard for owner-operators to get the best deal possible on their truck insurance. Owner-operators are busy.

Developing better compensation packages for retention and improving insurance
Developing better compensation packages for retention and improving insurance

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…

One of his specific points of focus for improving driving retention has to do with compensation packages. Compensation packages have become more sophisticated in recent years, but there is room for improvement.

Alert: June 7 is one of the most dangerous days for truck drivers
Alert: June 7 is one of the most dangerous days for truck drivers

On June 7th, the highest odds for a truck being in a collision will occur between 4 pm and 7 pm and between 9 pm and midnight, accounting for 21% and 19% of the day’s accidents, respectively, almost twice what would be expected if accidents occurred at random times.

FREIGHTWAVES MARKET INSIGHTS
Weekly Market Update: Capacity abounds as volume flattens
Weekly Market Update: Capacity abounds as volume flattens

Capacity is abundant even though volume is relatively strong. Carriers are having little trouble covering the available freight making it a shippers’ paradise in mid-January.

Read More →
Purchasing Managers Index drops; shipment volumes next?
Purchasing Managers Index drops; shipment volumes next?

The falling Purchasing Managers Index tends to be correlated with the general freight market, the Cass Freight Shipment Index illustrates this. Is it time for carriers to pull back?

Read More →
Weekly Market Update: New Year starts with strong volume
Weekly Market Update: New Year starts with strong volume

The New Year has started off with a surprising amount of volume in the freight market. So far, capacity has been available to handle it. The tariff deadline extension may be providing a second wind.

Read More →
A look back at 2018 and how it will influence 2019
A look back at 2018 and how it will influence 2019

It’s that time of year; time to look forward and plan for the year. In order to have a better idea of where the economy and industry are headed, we always like to look back and review from where we came and what happened.

Read More →
Intermodal volumes post record 2018 on heels of tariff concerns
Intermodal volumes post record 2018 on heels of tariff concerns

Record intermodal shipments on the rail for the second year in a row has deep implication for the trucking market into 2019. Trucking will benefit, at least partially, from Norfolk Southern’s latest decision.

Read More →
Relationship between Dallas and Los Angeles explains the freight market in 2018
Relationship between Dallas and Los Angeles explains the freight market in 2018

Carriers lower rates heading to the West Coast this year as inbound container volumes flood the ports.

Read More →
Carrier operating ratios fall in October in a cooling freight market
Carrier operating ratios fall in October in a cooling freight market

Carrier operating ratios continue to fall in October with a less volatile freight market.

Read More →
Freight volume drops 2% on average from spring levels, but capacity is plentiful
Freight volume drops 2% on average from spring levels, but capacity is plentiful

The freight market has softened significantly in the last few months, but it is not due to a drastic reduction in volume.

Read More →
Today's Pickup: "The last thing I need is more data. I need more information," trucking exec tells vendors
Today's Pickup: "The last thing I need is more data. I need more information," trucking exec tells vendors

Information about that data is more needed; box moves strong at Port of Los Angeles, but peak season in rearview mirror.

Read More →
Carriers confront GM shutdown
Carriers confront GM shutdown

Universal and other carriers with exposure to automotive verticals face impact of GM plant shutdowns.

Read More →
Peaked: Australia heavy truck sales likely to slow
Peaked: Australia heavy truck sales likely to slow

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — A truck sales boom in Australia may have peaked this year. Although the year-to-date sales figures are up, the forward indicators are pointing toward a slowdown in 2019.

Read More →
U.S. container imports on downward path as 'pull forward' becomes 'air pocket'
U.S. container imports on downward path as 'pull forward' becomes 'air pocket'

Ocean carriers ease back capacity as import volumes slowdown, but industry still expected to be set fair for 2019.

Read More →
Demand capacity in balance?
Demand capacity in balance?

With the market data available on SONAR, we have ability to see all the ebbs and flows of freight movement happen in real-time.

Read More →
Spread between diesel wholesale and retail price jumps 41% in 2 months
Spread between diesel wholesale and retail price jumps 41% in 2 months

The big oil news of the week was OPEC deciding to cut production in an attempt to stop the price of oil from dropping further. Carriers should be happy with this in the long run but gained a short term boost to margins in the meantime.

Read More →

RECENT ARTICLES

Featured
Blockchain could be the answer to stopping child labor in Congo cobalt mines
Blockchain could be the answer to stopping child labor in Congo cobalt mines

Though cobalt is an integral part of our lithium-ion batteries, the extraction of the trace element is a huge cause for concern. Blockchain could provide respite by bringing accountability and transparency into cobalt supply chains.

Government shutdown sidetracks US shipping agency’s new mandates
Government shutdown sidetracks US shipping agency’s new mandates

New power given to the Federal Maritime Commission to scrutinize the effects of ocean carrier competition has been put on hold by the government shutdown.

Drayage throws shade at ocean carriers' latest money grab: fees for street turns
Drayage throws shade at ocean carriers' latest money grab: fees for street turns

Surprise fees for practice that reduces congestion at ports and improves driver turns amounts to ‘dirty pool’ on part of the steamship lines.

Port Report: MSC tops mega-ship additions through 2020, but CMA-CGM not far behind
Port Report: MSC tops mega-ship additions through 2020, but CMA-CGM not far behind

Capacity additions set to have knock-on effect for trades into North America; Australia’s port strike to cause Pacific Rim ripples.

Today's Pickup: Brexit soap opera, Netflix' rail exploits, Portland freight hub
Today's Pickup: Brexit soap opera, Netflix' rail exploits, Portland freight hub

Plus: Skewering Theresa May, B.C. rail investigations, California clean air program assessment

When fuel prices are moving up and down, who is making money? We take a look
When fuel prices are moving up and down, who is making money? We take a look

It’s a long road from the wellhead down to the fuel going into a truck. Who makes money along the way?

Driven to a deadly distraction
Driven to a deadly distraction

The advent of modern communications technology such as, obviously, the mobile phone, has created a new, yet poorly understood and under-researched, form of driver distraction. Australian road authorities are calling for research and are updating their road rules.

Striking longshoremen cause chaos at Australian box terminals
Striking longshoremen cause chaos at Australian box terminals

Rolling strikes by workers at the Hutchison Ports Australia box terminals in Sydney and Brisbane started at 6:00 a.m. (Australian Eastern Standard Time) yesterday January 17 and are causing logistics chaos.

Labour and Tories in Brexit stand-off
Labour and Tories in Brexit stand-off

The Conservative and Labour Parties are locked in a Brexit stand-off, with Labour leader refusing to enter into discussions with the Prime Minister unless a no deal Brexit is taken off the table. While Theresa May has said that it is not within her power to remove no deal from the list of Brexit possibilities.

FreightWaves Hall of Fame showcases die-cast models
FreightWaves Hall of Fame showcases die-cast models

This April, the Freight Alley Haul of Fame museum will open in FreightWaves’ new corporate headquarters in downtown Chattanooga.

First look: After taking out the BNSF charge, steady solid growth at J.B. Hunt
First look: After taking out the BNSF charge, steady solid growth at J.B. Hunt

Intermodal is about half the business. It saw its volumes decline but overall grew its revenue.

Major weekend snowstorm to slam eastern U.S. again
Major weekend snowstorm to slam eastern U.S. again

Significant snow, ice, wind to slam some big cities this weekend. Could take days to thaw out.

FreightWaves NOW - January 17, 2019
FreightWaves NOW - January 17, 2019

On today's episode Chad Provest talks to three Market Experts Nick Austin with the weather, Tech Expert Jeff Seibenhener, and Oil Market Expert John Kingston.

The Increasing Vehicle Fatality Problem
The Increasing Vehicle Fatality Problem

There’s been a significant increase in commercial motor fatalities over the past couple years. We look at some of the causes.

Industry turns to exoskeletons to boost worker productivity
Industry turns to exoskeletons to boost worker productivity

A growing number of factories, warehouses, and construction sites are integrating unpowered exoskeleton devices into their operations. Workers and companies using these devices are expected to benefit from increased safety and productivity.

FreightWaves releases air cargo volume and prices in SONAR
FreightWaves releases air cargo volume and prices in SONAR

FreightWaves adds air cargo volume and pricing data to SONAR platform

How technology can help secure capacity in a driver-constrained market
How technology can help secure capacity in a driver-constrained market

In the midst of the driver shortage and a growing economy, technology can be invaluable to brokers at third-party logistics providers working to secure reliable capacity for their customers.

A 22-year-old whiz kid moves from ice cream to freight
A 22-year-old whiz kid moves from ice cream to freight

“I thought: I can  book a flight online, a hotel online. Why can’t I book a shipment online?”

Michigan State University’s Department of Supply Chain Management and FreightWaves sign memorandum of understanding
Michigan State University’s Department of Supply Chain Management and FreightWaves sign memorandum of understanding

MSU Supply Chain Management and FreightWaves will partner on curriculum, joint events, and transportation-related research projects.

Knight Swift delivers a surprise message to Wall Street: we had a better quarter than you thought
Knight Swift delivers a surprise message to Wall Street: we had a better quarter than you thought

The company’s stock took it on the chin for much of 2018 but the company said it had a strong fourth quarter.

Chicago to Atlanta a carrier safe haven amid the carnage?
Chicago to Atlanta a carrier safe haven amid the carnage?

Chicago to Atlanta is holding up around $2/mile net of fuel, while lanes like Los Angeles to Dallas have crashed 40% off their November high.

Spotting phony pickups and ID scams is crucial for cargo safety
Spotting phony pickups and ID scams is crucial for cargo safety

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Cargo theft in absolute numbers is minuscule. But that does not negate the havoc it plays on the image of the carrier in question, and the supply chain disruptions it leaves at its wake.

Another step in the comeback of Roadrunner: a mainstream analyst is following them again
Another step in the comeback of Roadrunner: a mainstream analyst is following them again

Analyst Bruce Chan at Stifel praises the reorganization at the company that suffered an accounting scandal and sees the base being laid for future growth.

FreightWaves LIVE: voice technology in cars and the cab
FreightWaves LIVE: voice technology in cars and the cab

FreightWaves joined in on the third annual Alexa Conference with its estimated 600 attendees from more than 12 countries. What’s coming in voice technology for transportation in 2019 and beyond?

Today’s Pickup: a Supreme Court verdict that could shrink margins of Uber and Lyft
Today’s Pickup: a Supreme Court verdict that could shrink margins of Uber and Lyft

Gig economy companies contend with Supreme Court ruling that mandates full time workers to be considered as employees and not contractors; oil supply reduces after Saudi Arabia’s drastic production cut; government shutdown strains supply chains across the country.

Port Report: Los Angeles box volumes are high, but so is trucker dissatisfaction
Port Report: Los Angeles box volumes are high, but so is trucker dissatisfaction

 Container volumes remain strong, but delays mean fewer overall pickups; drivers also not pleased with new fees for flipping containers.

Are we there yet? Autonomous vehicles may never be there
Are we there yet? Autonomous vehicles may never be there

How close are human drivers to interacting with autonomous vehicles on the roads? That is the answer a panel at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit tried to solve on Wednesday.

NFI targets July exit from controversial Los Angeles warehouse
NFI targets July exit from controversial Los Angeles warehouse

Facility has been frequent target of labor action and drew attention of local politicians, who tried to evict third-party logistics firm.

Airbus announces 400 new jobs; will build the A220 in Mobile
Airbus announces 400 new jobs; will build the A220 in Mobile

Airbus (AIR: EURONEXT) broke ground for its new A220 manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama on Wednesday. The newest airliner in Airbus’ product line, the A220 is designed to revolutionize the market for 100-150 seat aircraft.

Major blizzard heading to the Sierras
Major blizzard heading to the Sierras

Several feet of snow, white-out conditions still on track to slam northern Sierras tonight. Winds will be worse than previously thought, gusting to more than 100 mph.