CLIFF NOTES 

Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

Cheerios Maker Is The Latest Victim Of U.S. Trucker Shortage

General Mills is the latest company to cite higher shipping costs as a major headwind in 2018. Increased fuel costs and a trucker shortage have driven up expenses across industries. See more here.

Lawmakers Introduce DRIVE Safe Act

The DRIVE Safe Act was recently introduced to train younger (18-21) drivers far and above current standards. Supporters predict the proposal will help increase the number of drivers to ease capacity restraints in the domestic freight market. See more here.

Q2 2018 BAF Amounts

Here is a reminder of the new increased FMC compliant rates that were sent out in a customer advisory on March 1, effective April 1, 2018:

BAF (USWC) - 
$8 / 8 / 353 / 392 / 441 / 496 
BAF (PI/MLB) - 
$13 / 13 / 573 / 637 / 717 / 806 
BAF (USEC/RIPI/GULF) - 
$15 / 15 / 684 / 760 / 855 / 962 

Please note that the new Low Sulfur Fuel amounts are included in the numbers above.

Steel And Aluminum Tariffs: What Importers Need To Know

On March 1, 2018, The Administration announced intentions for tariffs on aluminum and steel products being imported into the United States. Throughout the month of March, the original intention has been amended to include key provisions, including exemptions for certain countries. See more here.

GSP Officially Renewed Through December 31, 2020

The Administration has now signed the spending bill that includes the GSP renewal language passed by the House in February. GSP will be renewed through December 31, 2020. The annual review announcement date will now be postponed from July 1 to November 1. See more here.

Retail Consolidation

Walmart's Key To Unlocking Its Full Online Growth Potential

Walmart's brick-and-mortar stores could serve as potential distribution hubs for its new online grocery store program. With the recent announcement that Walmart will be adding online grocery delivery to more than 100 cities, Walmart has a significant advantage over its competitors. See more here.

7 Takeaways from ShopTalk 2018

At the recent ShopTalk event, technology was slated as the key tool that will become an integral part of every retailer's supply chain. Ultimately, improving efficiency in one's retail supply chain is not just for fast fashion manufacturers. See more here.