Commerce Express Weekly Road Map:
May 21st, 2024
Keeping you informed on the latest news/insights in our industry.
Domestic Market Updates –
- Diesel update: As of May 20th, the average price of diesel was $3.789 a gallon. Seeing a 5.9 cent decrease from last week, per the EIA.
- Ports: SC Ports continue to see their software systems get restored, after identifying a software issue on Saturday. The latest update, according to the port’s website, no cargo can be picked up or dropped off while they continue to work through this. SC Ports will continue to post hourly updates to keep stakeholders informed on their progress.
- Labor: The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) is assessing if a potential strike by CN and CPKC rail workers could impact the health and safety of Canadians, per the JOC. This ongoing situation delays the potential strike, which could have taken place as early as May 22nd. Take a closer look at these negotiations.
- Equipment: Recent data shows U.S. Class 8 truck sales reach a double digit decline (13%) in April, per Ward Intelligence.
- Baltimore Bridge: Access to the Port of Baltimore remains on track to be accessible by the end of May, per the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Ports: Delaware plans to expand and add a new terminal in Edgemoor, with the ability to handle 1.6 million TEUs.
- Ports: The Port of Portland’s container service may continue after all, as Oregon governor proposes funding to allows those service to be maintained. How did we get to this point? Read this blog for more information.
Memorial Day Traffic Expectations
Next Monday is Memorial Day and with that will come an increase in traffic in fact AAA predicts record numbers. So, what are some expectations for this upcoming Memorial Day?
- Lots of travel, so be prepared. AAA is expecting 43.8 million people to travel 50 miles or more from home – which is a 4% increase from last year, and just under the record a nearly two decades ago (2005) when 44 million travelers during the Memorial Day travel period.
- Truckers should prepare for extra congestion during this travel period. Give yourself plenty of room and be on the lookout for motorists on the side of the road. Keep your radio on, stay hydrated.
- Cargo theft incidents can increase during this period due to thieves taking advantage of businesses being closed longer than usual, due to the holiday. Stay alert.
New Tire Inspection Sensor System Planned in Idaho
A recently approved tire inspection sensor system in Idaho is in the works. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will start installing a new system, Tire Anomaly and Classification (TAC) systems at various ports of entry in Idaho.
As the ITD notes, data from TAC systems can alert truckers of damaged tires before a bigger safety issues arises. Should a semi-truck traveling at highway speeds encounter a tire blowout, it could pose a significant risk to others on the road.
This new system will cost $1.2 million but the ITD is hopeful it will prevent unnecessary accidents.
Have questions? Reach out to our team today.
Commerce Blog
For North American supply chains, an unstoppable force—untapped growth in cross-border trade—has met an unmovable object—a rampant rise in cargo truck thefts.
In April, 153 incidents of cargo truck thefts were reported across Mexico’s roadways, according to the National Association of Vehicle Tracking and Protection Companies (ANERPV), a Mexico-based vehicle security and tracking organization. The total number of incidents is a 7.7 percent increase from April 2023 and translates to about five truck thefts per day over the last month.
FRA Releases Two Final Rules Regarding Rail Safety
Rail safety has been a pressing topic in the last year. Earlier this week, the Federal Railroad Administration announced two final rules that force railroads to develop certification and training programs for train dispatchers and signal employees.
What do these final rules mean?
- Firstly, the FRA says railroads will need to present certification programs to the FRA for approval. These programs will assess the expertise, experience, and past safety performance of dispatchers, responsible for managing track usage and directing train routes, and signal employees, tasked with installing, repairing, and maintaining signal systems guiding train movements.
- Secondly, these initiatives will guarantee that dispatchers and signal employees undergo regular training in railroad safety protocols, operational rules, and procedures, along with updates on emerging systems and technologies.
U.S. Rail Traffic From the Week Ending May 11th, 2024
- Weekly data regarding U.S. rail traffic shows 468,748 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 0.6% from the same time last year – per AAR data.
- Intermodal volume in the U.S. saw a 7.7% increase (259,429 containers and trailers) from last year.
- Commodities including chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, and miscellaneous carloads all saw increases this week when compared to this same time last year. While coal, non-metallic minerals, and grain all saw decreases.
- For the first 19 weeks of this year, rail volume in North America saw a 2.1% increase (totaling 12,481,187) from last year, the data shows.
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