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Ascent Global Logistics News Update

CLIFF NOTES 
Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

Winter Storm to Hit East Coast

Winter Storm Grayson to Hit East Coast 

Please note logistics operations could be impacted from North Florida to New England as Winter Storm Grayson moves along the East Coast this week. Southern states will receive freezing rain, sleet and snow while the Northeastern region expects near-blizzard conditions. If you have an urgent shipment and need expedited services, please click here to contact our team. Click here to track the storm. 

Load-to-Truck Ratios Hit Record Levels

Load-to-Truck Ratios Hit Record Levels

According to the DAT, the freight market ended the year at an all-time high with the van load-to-truck ratio surging to 12.2 loads per truck. The combination of frigid weather and tight capacity pushed average van rates up two cents per mile and average reefer rates up six cents per mile. Click here to read more. 

International Freight Forwarding
Strikes in Western India Halt Supply Chains

Strikes in Western India Halt Supply Chains

Protests across the state of Maharashtra are causing supply chain disruptions early this week. Please note that shipping disruptions could impact container pick ups and drop offs at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) during the short-term. Please contact your local Ascent Global Logistics representative for shipment-specific questions. 

Chinese New Year Reminder

Chinese New Year Reminder

Please remember that the Chinese New Year (CNY), which will occur from February 16-21, 2018, is quickly approaching. Importers should be communicating with suppliers to ensure orders are approved and bookings are made well in advance. The CNY holiday will cause origin operations to cease during the official holiday dates with the potential to impact production and shipping for up to one month.

Bangladesh Truck Weight Rule Temporarily Suspended

Bangladesh Truck Weight Rule Temporarily Suspended

The recently deployed weight limit policy limiting heavy trucks from transiting the busy Dhaka-Chittagong highway has now been temporarily delayed until March 15, according to the JOC. The reduced weight limit was reportedly causing severe congestion at nearby seaports. 

Retail Consolidation

Walmart Tests Text Shopping

Walmart Tests Text Shopping

According to reports, a subsidiary of Walmart is testing a personal shopping service that allows consumers to purchase products via text message by texting general product information, making a specific request or sending a photo of an item. Click here to read more.

Kroger's Seamless Checkout to Take the Lead?

Kroger's Seamless Checkout to Take the Lead? 

Kroger expects to expand its successful "Scan Bag Go" pilot program to 400 stores this year, surpassing some of the omnichannel plans of Walmart and Amazon. Walmart and Amazon do have their own technology initiatives, one of which includes unmanned convenience stores. Click here to read more. 

Statistic of the Week

77%

The projected share of global ocean container shipping capacity held by the top ten carriers in 2018, up from 58% in 2010, according to Alphaliner. 

Upcoming Events

Catch up with the Ascent Global Logistics team at the below upcoming event: 

PPAI EXPO 2018 (Booth #2661)
Las Vegas 1/14 - 1/18 

International Holiday Calendar

International Holiday Calendar 1.3.18.png

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