CLIFF NOTES 

Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

Truckload Delivery Issues Could Increase By 50 Percent Due To Hurricane Florence

During the week of September 10, analysts from Convey reported a 49 percent increase in shipping exceptions from the previous week; this means that parcels and LTL shipments were unable to be properly delivered. Although I-95 has opened to traffic, shipping lanes could continue to feel the effects of Hurricane Florence over the next few weeks. See more here.

ATA Truck Tonnage Index Fell 1.8 Percent Between July 2018 And August 2018; Increases 4.5 Percent Year-Over-Year

American Trucking Associations' Seasonally Adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 1.8 percent in August 2018 compared to July 2018; meanwhile, the Truck Tonnage Index increased 4.5 percent year-over-year in August 2018. ATA's Truck Tonnage Data shows that significant increases in truckload freight began around August 2017. See more here.

List 3 Of Section 301 Tariffs Implemented September 24, 2018

From 6031 original HTS numbers to 5745 HTS numbers, trade was notified on September 17, 2018 that List 3 was enacted on Monday, September 24, 2018 at a 10 percent rate through the rest of 2018. The affected tariffs will increase up to 25 percent on January 1, 2019. See more here.

Merchandise Processing Fee Scheduled To Increase On October 1, 2018

While the base Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) of 0.3464 is not scheduled to increase, the Minimums and Maximums are going to see an increase. Moreover, the informal fee, mail fee and manual entry / release surcharge are also set to increase. See more here.

Wilmington, NC Port Partially Reopens, Sets Monday Normal Service

As of Friday, September 21, 2018, port activity in areas west of Interstate 95 began returning to normal. The Port of Wilmington, NC partially reopened, but is still facing problems due to the effects of Hurricane Florence on the coast of North Carolina. To find out if your shipments have been affected, contact us or reach out to your Ascent Global Logistics representative directly.

Retail Consolidation

Walmart Picks Blockchain To Track Food Safety With Vegetable Suppliers

Recently, Walmart stated that it would require all suppliers of leafy green vegetables to track food production and delivery using blockchain technology. Suppliers would have to adhere to these new standards within one year to improve food safety. See more here.

Retailers Discuss Potential Effects Of Proposed Chinese Tariffs

Chief Executives from retailers such as Walmart, Target and Best Buy believe that prices of everyday goods are expected to rise over the next year. Many experts point to the latest proposed tariff as a key cause to price increases. See more here.