CLIFF NOTES 

Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

Driver Shortage Could Have Significant Impact On Consumer Shopping Habits

According to industry experts, 90,000 new drivers need to be hired every year for the next 10 years to keep up with increased freight demand. Ultimately, the driver shortage will not only impact the trucking industry, but could also impact the retail and manufacturing sectors of the economy. See more here.

CVSA Roadcheck Scheduled To Take Place On June 5-7, 2018

This year, the Commercial Vehicle and Safety Alliance (CVSA) will be inspecting commercial motor vehicles to ensure compliance with the latest operating requirements. The CVSA is expected to further scrutinize driver equipment due to the latest Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandates. For further information, please contact us or reach out to your Ascent Global Logistics representative.

US And China Reach Temporary Agreement That Could Further Delay Tariffs

This week, United States Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin declared that the S301 tariffs are currently "on hold." This decision came after China and the United States reached an agreement to a framework that could possibly reduce the trade deficit. For more information regarding the latest updates to the S301 tariffs, please contact us or reach out directly to your Ascent Global Logistics representative.

New IMO Regulations Could Cause Oil Prices To Rise To $90 Per Barrel By 2020

Recent reports predict that oil prices could continue to rise to $90 a barrel. There are many possible factors for this price increase, which include new regulations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that would cap maximum sulfur content in diesel fuel to 0.5 percent. See more here.

Port Of Long Beach Sees 11 Percent Increase In Container Volumes In April 2018

In the month of April, the Port of Long Beach handled 618,438 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which was an 11 percent increase year-over-year for April. Possible reasons for the year-over-year increase include the result of expedited shipments as a result of possible tariffs. See more here.

Retail Consolidation

Local Grocery Pickup And Delivery Could Fuel Walmart Online Growth

Walmart is hoping to use online grocery pickup and delivery as a way to further expand its business. Given its vast network of stores and distribution centers, Walmart has the supply chain capabilities to compete in the online grocery store vertical. See more here.

Consumers' Opinions Help Drive Retail Supply Chain Investments In 2018

Consumers' opinions are becoming increasingly important as companies work to improve their retail supply chains. One strategy retailers can employ is providing consumers with real-time visibility into their shipments. See more here.