CLIFF NOTES 

Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

Trucking Industry Continues To Add Jobs In June 2018

In June 2018, the U.S. economy added 213,000 jobs, 15,400 of which were in transportation and warehousing alone. According to the DOT, employment in the for-hire trucking industry grew by 2,500 jobs. See more here.

Compensation For Truck Drivers Continues To Improve

Industry experts saw an increased demand for new drivers due to factors such as the significant increase in cargo volumes. In order to maintain productivity, companies are continuing to improve driver compensation. See more here.

Cosco Expected To Sell OOIL Long Beach Terminal

Cosco Shipping Holdings is expected to sell Overseas Orient International Ltd's (OOIL) Long Beach Terminal business. This decision can be attributed to the need to satisfy Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) requirements. See more here.

U.S. Department of Agriculture's APHIS Seeks Input Regarding Lacey Act

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public input regarding regulatory options for Lacey Act declaration requirements for composite plant materials. The Lacey Act—which combats trafficking in illegally taken wildlife, fish or plants—requires an import declaration for certain plants and plant products. Click here to read more and to submit comments.

International Shipping Rates In Europe Increase To Highest Levels In A Decade

Starting in 2017, Europe began experiencing its own driver shortage, which has resulted in increased trucking rates. Additional factors in increased truckload rates across Europe include the rising demand for international cargo and a capacity shortage in popular European shipping lanes. Read more about this here.

Retail Consolidation

Walmart Looks To Blockchain For Better Package Tracking

Walmart Continues To Test Its Cashierless Retail Program

Walmart is currently exploring options to automate the payment process within its stores. Two methods Walmart is currently testing include (1) allowing customers to scan and pay for items within an app and (2) giving store team members the ability to help customers pay on mobile devices. See more here.