CLIFF NOTES 
Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

17-Month Streak Continues as YOY Freight Index Climbs Again

According to the DAT North American Freight Index, volumes jumped 65 percent year-over-year during October. While freight volumes increased compared to last year, volumes decreased three percent compared to September 2017. Increased retail shipments and imported goods compounded by ongoing recovery from severe weather is continuing to support a strong spot market. Click here to read more. 

Mergers Accelerated in 2017, Expected to Continue with ELD Implementation

According to data from Thomson Reuters, there have been 44 publicly announced freight transportation mergers this year, an increase from 38 during 2016. Industry analysts project that the amount of trucking mergers will accelerate when the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate takes effect next month. Click here to read more.

Global Container Fleet to Increase 7.1 Percent 

Alphaliner and IHS Markit report there are 78 mega-ship orders, equating to roughly 1.2 million TEUs, which are scheduled to enter the market during 2018. Added capacity is expected to outpace the rate of scrapping, which is projected to reach 351,065 TEUs, during 2018. As a result, the total capacity of the global fleet is forecasted to increase 7.1 percent. 

December 15 GRI 

Please note Trans-Pacific Eastbound Trade carriers are planning a General Rate Increase (GRI) in the amount of $20/CBM, $40/MT, $900/20', $1,000/40', $1,000/40'HQ and $1,265/45', to become effective December 15, 2017. Ascent Global Logistics will continue to work diligently with carriers to mitigate this GRI in support of our clients.

Petya Prompts Port Cybersecurity Bill 

The Petya cyber attacks caused shipping operations to halt around the globe earlier this summer. As a result, U.S. legislators recently advanced a bill that would address maritime cybersecurity risks in an effort to safeguard cargo gateways. Click here to read more. 

Retail Consolidation

Retailers Race to Capture Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales

Competition between the largest U.S. retailers is increasing as Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly approaches. Amazon has already kicked off a number of special deals and a majority of retailers will offer free shipping to entice consumers to shop online. Click here to read more. 

Walmart Raises Online Prices & Lowers Store Prices

According to reports, Walmart is quietly raising the prices for some of its online consumer goods. It is choosing to display the lower in-store price on its website to drive traffic to brick-and-mortar stores. Click here to read more.