CLIFF NOTES 
Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

Double Digit Shipping Rate Increases?

Rates are projected to continue to rise and have the potential to increase double digits as a result of further capacity tightening and strengthening in the spot market, according to FTR analysts. Prior to the widespread supply chain disruptions caused by Harvey and Irma, load activity and rates were already up 20 percent compared to 2016. Click here to read more. 

Carrier Costs on the Rise

According to the American Transportation Research Institute, the average cost-per-mile for carriers increased $1.592 during 2016. Increases in driver wages, driver benefits, procurement of equipment, maintenance, tolls, permits and insurance have all contributed to rising costs for carriers. Click here to read more. 

COSCO-OOCL Inch Closer to Consolidation

COSCO shareholders approved the takeover of fellow Chinese ocean carrier, OOCL, this week. The consolidation would allow COSCO-OOCL to surpass CMA CGM and claim the title of being the third largest container line in the world. There are a few additional regulatory hurdles to pass before the deal is considered final. 

NAFTA Sunset Clause Proposed

The fourth of seven rounds of NAFTA negotiations concluded in Washington D.C. this week. The most recent proposal calls for a 'sunset clause' which would result in NAFTA expiring every five years unless all three countries agree it should continue. Click here to read more. 

CAAP to Cost LA-LB & Shippers

The Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach is projected to incur an additional $4 billion in costs to prepare for compliance with the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). The CAAP mandates zero-emission, electric equipment at all marine terminals by 2030 and zero emission trucks by 2035. Click here to read more. 

Retail Consolidation

Potential Walmart-Lord & Taylor Partnership

According to reports, Walmart Stores Inc. is close to securing a deal that would give Lord & Taylor dedicated space on Walmart's website. The partnership would support Walmart's ecommerce strategy and help it compete against its largest rival, Amazon. Click here to read more. 

Target Plans New Stores

Target stated this week that it plans to double the number of new stores it opens over the next three years. The big-box retailer will also increase the number of stores it remodels. Target stated brick-and-mortar stores are essential to its ecommerce distribution network. Click here to read more.