Commerce Express Weekly Road Map:

November 5th, 2024 

Keeping you informed on the latest news/insights in our industry.

Winter is Coming: Preparing for the Expected and Unexpected

Unfortunately, we don’t have a crystal ball to predict when, where, or how winter weather will impact us (or freight) this season. However, there are ways to prepare for the unexpected.

Severe weather disruptions can lead to significant delays and costs for the trucking industry, ultimately affecting the entire domestic supply chain. By proactively addressing potential supply chain issues, companies can lower operational costs, protect their reputation, and ensure timely delivery of products and services to their customers.

Staying informed about upcoming winter storms and road conditions is crucial for preparing for any freight delays. In addition, shippers should communicate with their providers about strategies to navigate the unpredictability of winter weather. While winter conditions are anticipated, the timing and duration of storms can be quite unpredictable.

Do you have contingency plans in place?

Commerce Blog

Halloween is a night of costumes and candy. Monsters and scares are packaged in a commercially whimsical way. It’s a holiday meant for well-spirited spooking, not actual fear and torment.

However, in the world of transportation and logistics, nightmares can bleed into reality. Sometimes everything in a shipment just goes wrong. Commerce Express Inc. calls these “freightmares”.

The following is a “freightmare” Commerce Express Inc.’s Managing Director Andrew Koval recalls hearing from a shipper before they switched to Commerce Express.

 

Diesel Update: The average price of diesel decreased by 3.7 cents a gallon, putting the average price of diesel per gallon at $3.536 , per the U.S. EIA.

[Labor] Canada:

Vancouver/Prince Rupert – the ILWU Local 514 issued a 72-hour strike notice last Thursday, followed by the B.C. Maritime Employers Association issuing a 72-hour lockout notice. These notices went into effect Monday, November 4th.  In a press release, the port said they expect disruptions to operations to occur due to this work stoppage.

Montreal – As of October 31st, dockworkers at the port went on an indefinite strike impacting two container terminals – Viau and Maisonneuve. Per the port, all other terminals will remain in service. Recently, the port employers said they will be suspending salary guarantees for the striking union members, starting Tuesday (11/5), due to the financial impact of ongoing strikes and lower port volumes, the MEA said in a statement.

Infrastructure: The EPA has awarded almost $250 million to the Clean Corridor Coalition, in an effort to add electric truck chargers throughout the U.S. East Coast, specifically along Interstate 95.  

Intermodal: CSX introduced double-stack service to and from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore on Monday, following the completion of clearance projects north of the Howard Street Tunnel.

Port Infrastructure: Oregon plans to be the first ship to rail port terminal on the USWC after receiving $25 million from the US DOT.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on email
Email
Share on google
Google+