I have been in the hay export business for 32 years. During that time I have enjoyed the relevant input to shipping issues provided by American Shipper. I was especially thrilled to read your excellent editorial (January issue, page 48) regarding the port issues we are dealing with. This has been a disastrous affront […]
Global air freight demand in November grew 4.2 percent year-over-year, according to the latest figures from the International Air Transport Association, while capacity was up 3.3 percent. Compared to October, demand ticked up 0.8 percent, a rate IATA characterized as “healthy” and on its way to a projected 2014 growth rate of 4.5 […]
Drop in fuel prices may move airlines to rethink freight-pricing strategies.
Flexi-Van increased its per-diem rates to $20 for its West Coast chassis pools, effective Jan. 1. Rates also increased in other parts of the country, ranging from $17 to $19 per day. Related Magazine Content Chassis countermeasure The company cited rising labor and maintenance costs as the reason for the price adjustment. The […]
CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske on Dec. 16 announced that Todd Owen has been promoted to assistant commissioner of field operations. John Wagner, the acting assistant commissioner, was named the permanent deputy assistant commissioner. Owen, a rising star within the agency, currently is the director of field operations for the Los Angeles region, with […]
The countdown to a new, simpler way of doing business with U.S. Customs and other government agencies when it comes to cross-border trade is getting closer. I’m talking about the Automated Commercial Environment and International Trade Data System. Think of them as new computer systems and software programs designed to take the red […]
With container trailers in short supply, some shippers and truckers are creating dedicated fleets.
Chris Koch is retiring as chief executive officer of the World Shipping Council in July, 15 years after he was hired to set up what has become the principal trade organization for liner shipping. WSC provided a voice for the industry in Washington following the sale of several U.S.-based container companies to foreign […]
At the very beginning of 2015, I received an email out of the blue from someone suggesting I take a deeper look at a specific freight payment and audit vendor. The email intimated that this particular vendor was failing to make payments to carriers on behalf of its shipper customers. On the surface, […]
ACE is expected to help customs brokers, importers and U.S. Customs save money and be more efficient. With better tools at their disposal brokers will be able to do their job faster and cheaper, make payments, liquidate damages and provide value-added analysis of account data. The fear among many brokers that moving to […]
Customs brokers could be big losers if they can’t transmit to U.S. Customs in ACE by Nov. deadline.
Strategic View with Walter Kemmsies It won’t take much trade growth in future years to exacerbate congestion at U.S. seaport gateway areas unless significant investments in freight movement capacity take place. U.S. GDP is estimated to have grown 2.5 percent in 2014 with a much higher rate of growth in the second half […]
Container Analytics with Ben Meyer Two months ago, this column took a detailed look at slow steaming, the practice of adding a vessel to a loop and extending total rotation time by a full week in order to help manage capacity in a given trade (See American Shipper’s December 2014 issue, “U.S. exports sail […]
On Second Thought with Jerry Cook A new year means new opportunities, especially in the trade world. With the recently resurrected World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement seemingly back on track, and Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) close to completion, 2015 should be the year of trade. The 12 TPP countries are eager to finish this […]
Leading chassis companies expect “gray pools” by peak season.
Intermodal reefer startup has gradually gained business, despite tough conditions.
You might recall American Shipper put out a series of reports five or so years ago with transportation analyst Merge Global on the future of logistics and various transportation markets. As is the case with such consultancies, Merge Global has become Logistics Capital & Strategy, though stalwarts like Brian Clancy (a co-founder of […]
Fox Business News’ “Money With Melissa Francis” program was recently called out by the Associated General Contractors of America for running with a preconceived notion, rather than checking the facts. It’s a journalistic no-no. During a segment that aired on the Friday, Jan. 16 show, Francis cited the recent groundbreaking for the […]
As the founding partner of management consulting firm Summit Strategic Partners and a former port director, Stanley Payne sees interesting similarities between start-up companies he assists and port authorities. For one, ports and startups always seem to be looking for money. Then they price their product unrealistically low to gain market penetration. […]
Industry experts take aim at big ships and low rates as culprits in heated debate.
