CLIFF NOTES 
Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

An increasing driver shortage combined with a strong freight market has prompted some carriers to begin considering alternative tactics for recruiting and retaining drivers. While increasing pay is certainly an industry trend, restructuring how drivers are paid is also gaining momentum. For example, paying per hour instead of per mile is becoming popular in major metro areas where traffic hinders the number of miles a driver can travel in an hour. Click here to read more about the driver shortage. 

Certain States Work to Block ELD 

According to reports, legislators in South Dakota, Missouri, Tennessee and Idaho have introduced proposals that would impact the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate. Proposals range from suspension of funding for ELD enforcement, outright repeal and permanent exemption for agriculture and livestock carriers. Click here to read more. 

Tariffs & Quotas Proposed on Imported Steel & Aluminum Products

The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed that tariffs and quotas be imposed on imported steel and aluminum products from numerous origins including China, Brazil, India, Malaysia, Russia and other countries. The final decision on applicable duty rates and quotas must be made by the middle of April according to the official report. Click here to access the report. 

Miami Airport Receives FTZ 'Magnet Site' Approval

The Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) has officially gained approval from the U.S. Commerce Department to designate Miami International Airport's entire 3,230-acre land parcel as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) 'magnet site.' Click here to read more. 

COSCO-OOCL Largest U.S. Import Carrier in 2017

Pending final regulatory approval, the merged COSCO Shipping and OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line) entity will have transported roughly 13 percent of all U.S. imports during 2017, making it the largest import ocean carrier. Consolidation of major ocean carriers continues to cause market share fluctuations with CMA CGM/APL capturing second place (12.9 percent) and the Ocean Network Express (ONE), which is comprised of MOL, NYK Line and K-Line, capturing third place (12.8 percent). 

Retail Consolidation

Walmart Releases Q4 Results

Walmart has announced its 4th quarter results reporting that total revenue reached $136.3 billion, a 4.1 percent increase. While the quarterly results were not as strong as expected, e-commerce sales expanded 23 percent during Q4 and are expected to continue to help fuel company growth. Click here to read more.

Albertsons & Rite Aid to Merge

Albertsons, one of the nation's largest grocery retailers, will reportedly merge with Rite Aid Corporation, a leading drugstore chain, to offer shoppers more convenient access to food, pharmacy offerings and wellness products. The entity's combined value would be roughly $24 billion, including debt. Click here to read more.