Our team wishes you a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday weekend!

CLIFF NOTES 
Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

ELD Delayed 90 Days for Agriculture Loads

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) announced on Monday that truckers hauling agriculture loads and livestock will receive an additional 90 days to comply with the quickly approaching ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate. Click here to read more. 

Truck Tonnage Index Continues to Accelerate

The American Trucking Association (ATA) announced that the For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 3.3 percent to 147.6 during October, up from 142.9 in September. Compared year-over-year, the index jumped 9.9 percent, the largest YOY increase since December 2013. Click here to read more. 

FMC Sets Hearing for Petition on Detention, Demurrage and Per Diem

The FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) recently announced dates for its public hearings regarding the petition filed by the Coalition for Fair Port Practices which addresses detention, demurrage and per diem charges. The petition advocates for the establishment of a rule that would require ports and carriers to extend the number of free days when congestion, severe weather or other issues prevent pick up or return of containers within the standard free time. Click here to read more. 

Strikes Delay Brazilian Cargo

Four weeks of strike actions by the Brazilian Receita Federal (Customs) are causing substantial cargo delays with sources citing that wait times are ranging between five and seven days at major seaports. Truck traffic has also reportedly been impacted at key cargo crossings along the Argentina and Paraguay borders. 

Proposed Policy Change for Importers that Owe AD/CVD Duties

The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) recommended this week that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) require additional security measures for importers that have non-payed duties or haven't paid an increased duty bill within 60 days of issuance. These measures could include the requirement of live entry and single-entry bonds for any import cargo containing AD/CVD (Antidumping/Countervailing) applicable products. 

Retail Consolidation

Walmart Makes Bold Move by Pre-Ordering 15 Tesla Trucks

Walmart announced on Friday that it has pre-ordered 15 Tesla electric tractor trailers. The futuristic trucks are projected to decrease the cost per mile from $1.51 to $1.26, run 500 miles on a single charge and allow drivers to stand while operating the truck if preferred. If regulatory changes are made in advance of the roll out (projected 2019), the trucks will permit one driver to lead a platoon of trucks with a fleet management system, which could help counteract the growing driver shortage. Click here to read more. 

Retail Survival: Stores vs. Online 

While more than 6,000 brick-and-mortar stores are expected to close this year, a recent study from BigCommerce found that consumers are likely to spend 28 percent more in stores than online. To succeed in the new world of retail, experts are stating retailers must focus on the holistic shopping experience, proper inventory levels and speedy fulfillment, attentive salespeople and convenience. Click here to read more.