Articles

Legislation, Public Policy, Regulations

In Allocating Virus Crisis Relief, U.S. Policymakers Can’t Ignore America’s Ports

COVID-19 has profoundly altered our ways of life. Thankfully, one aspect has remained relatively stable…the movement of essential goods through our ports. During the pandemic, America’s ports have ensured store shelves remain stocked and commerce continues to flow. Due to the supply chain in which ports are a central link, people have been able to […]

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How Can Trucking Companies Navigate COVID-19-Driven Regulation Complexity?

The coronavirus pandemic is upending logistics and the trucking industry. With many government offices closed, authorities are relaxing some regulations, such as for CDL license renewals and medical certifications. Hours-of-service regulations are temporarily suspended for drivers transporting loads of essential supplies, such as medical devices, protective equipment, food, and petroleum. SHIFTING GUIDELINES Organizations are also […]

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Keith Biondo

Flexing Muscle on China Trade Compliance

The Trump administration is using a novel approach—e-commerce shipment enforcement—to ensure that China complies with Phase 1 of the U.S.-China trade deal signed in January 2020. Trade compliance intersects with billions of dollars of e-commerce shipments in Operation Mega Flex, which the Department of Homeland Security outlined in late February 2020. Mega Flex targets what […]

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Supply Chain Labeling and Logistics: How to Deal with Customer and Regulatory Requirements

When it comes to logistics, the speed and convenience of e-commerce has led to changing expectations in the business-to-consumer sector. Many leading third-party logistics (3PL) groups say their customers expect the same level of speed and convenience that they’d get from an e-commerce platform. Customers want the ability to see their cargo in near-real time […]

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Useful COVID-19 Information & Guidance

The following links provide practical information and official guidance related to COVID-19, including new workplace guidelines, frequently asked questions, and updates from the government. CDC’s official guide for business OSHA’s guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 EPA’s list of disinfectants suitable for use against COVID-19 John Hopkin’s Coronavirus Dashboard showing real-time data on COVID-19 spread […]

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Eric R. Byer and Mark M. Fisher

Why Freight Rail Needs Reform

A lack of competition, outdated regulations, and a handicapped federal agency allow poor delivery service, failure to provide notice of fee changes, and inadequate customer service, making it harder for shippers to depend on freight rail. Those shippers include a substantial percentage of National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) members, such as Univar Solutions, who […]

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Good Question: To address the truck driver shortage, should we lower the minimum driver age to 18?

Good Question: To address the truck driver shortage, should we lower the minimum driver age to 18?

I agree with lowering the age restriction for getting an interstate CDL to 18. Currently, commercial drivers between 18 and 21 can operate with a CDL as long as they don’t cross state borders. Think about that—a 19 year old can legally operate a commercial rig between Miami and Pensacola, Florida (670 miles apart), but […]

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U.S. Manufacturers Brace for Tariff Backlash

U.S. Manufacturers Brace for Tariff Backlash

Shortly after the Trump administration announced the United States would impose tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, Harley-Davidson was among the companies expressing concern. The U.S. motorcycle manufacturer stated it would suffer a severe impact on sales if other countries countered by imposing a punitive or retaliatory tariff on its bikes. If President Trump follows […]

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Plan for Change: How to Make Sure Your Supply Chain Remains Resilient in the Midst of Political Uncertainty

These days, disruption is a big part of the cost of doing business. Many of us feel we’ve got more than our share of uncertainty, thanks to technological advances, globalization, demographic shifts, and natural disasters. But U.S. companies today must also pay attention to political uncertainty in their supply chain and logistics risk profiles. The […]

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Rob Kriewaldt

The Need for Speed in Automated Truck Policy – WSI

I recently read that in the 1970s, Congress held hearings and engaged in serious discussions about whether or not a personal computer could be trusted not to read the brainwaves of its users. This is a fine example of how those responsible for regulating technology tend to trip over what they don’t understand. That’s why […]

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H.O.W. | How to Manage Your Carrier Relationships After the ELD Mandate

H.O.W. | How to Manage Your Carrier Relationships After the ELD Mandate

As the mid-December deadline approaches for the implementation of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate for most commercial truck drivers, shippers are, not surprisingly, worried about how it will affect their supply chain capacity. MORE TO THE STORY: 4 ways to manage capacity post-eld Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules, most trucks built after […]

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