Today’s Pickup: Tariff terror for shippers, auto industry

Good morning,

Impending tariffs have caused shippers to stock up, and the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are feeling the impact. While the ports typically see summertime increases, a rise in imports by 8.4% last month marks an early boom for the season, which normally surges from July to September. 

“Peak season has come early, so to speak,” said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach. Cordero estimates that “70% of the Port of Long Beach’s import volume is directly related to China. Of that, about 7% would be affected by the first round of tariffs” (Wall Street Journal).

Did you know?

Meat consumption this year is expected to hit a record, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture expecting an average American to eat 222.2 pounds of red meat and poultry in 2018. (FreightWaves)

Quotable:

“Our viewpoint on a 25% tariff on automotive and automotive parts is that it is something that is misguided…We believe in the end the consumer will end up having to pay the additional costs.”

—Brian Krinock, senior vice president, vehicle plants for Toyota North America.

In other news:

Auto industry pushes White House to back off tariffs

Leaders in the automotive industry warn President Trump of the ripple effect that his administration’s proposed tariff would have on the broader economy and workforce (Wall Street Journal).

Volga-Dnepr stuns the market with multi-billion dollar order for Boeing freighters

Volga-Dnepr Group announced their order for 5 B747-8Fs and intends to order 29 B777 for its UK airline Cargologicair (The Loadstar).

A rare, 2.6-acre development opportunity in the heart of Phoenix

The city of Phoenix has made a request for proposals to revitalize their downtown transportation hub, providing a rare opportunity to impact the 195,000 employees who work in Phoenix’s Central Business District (Forbes).

Unlocking blockchain’s potential in your supply chain

A.T. Kearney experts breakdown blockchain technology, citing its success in driving efficiency within supply chains (Supply Chain 24/7).

Southampton to build new terminal

Associated British Ports (ABP), as part of their dedication to invest $66 million in port infrastructure, has announced their $20 million vehicle terminal that is set to open in 2019, “making space for 3000 vehicles” in Southampton (Port Technology).

Final Thoughts:

“Cities across the world are grappling with a problem that seems to keep getting worse every year – finding a parking space. The issue is so ubiquitous that is estimated that about 30% of all traffic on the city roads are vehicles in search of parking lots. As people clamor for more parking space, city administrations desperately try filling out vacant areas in the city with them, only to end up with a town that drowns in parking spaces.”

“Though this seems to put a finger in the dike, it can be seen that the usage of these parking lots invariably changes with regard to the location of the space and the time of the day. New research on parking spaces from the Research Institute for Housing America has surfaced, and it lays bare the massive underutilization of parking spaces and garages” (FreightWaves).

Hammer down everyone! 

Stay up-to-date with the latest commentary and insights on FreightTech and the impact to the markets by subscribing.