Commerce Express Weekly Road Map:
January 28th, 2025
Keeping you informed on the latest news/insights in our industry.
Cargo Theft Last Year Increased Year-Over-Year
In 2024, cargo theft throughout the U.S. and Canada saw an uptick from 2023. To be specific, there was 3,625 more reported incidents – a 27% increase, according to CargoNet data.
California and Texas were the top two states that saw the most significant rise in cargo theft activity. Texas saw a 39% increase while California saw a 33% increase. Something that stood out in CargoNet’s report was the changes in the targeted commodities. In 2024 some of the new targets were raw and finished copper products, electronics, and cryptocurrency mining hardware. Back in 2023, there were more frequent thefts of engine oils, fluids, solar energy products and energy drinks.
As a freight broker, the Commerce Express team works closely with their shipper-customers and transportation partners to ensure complete visibility for all parties.
“Our team rigorously vets prospective carriers before we make the important decision to entrust one with a client’s load. We have a qualification process which includes proving if a carrier is credible, reputable, and in business for at least six months. We also verify the identities of truck drivers, trucks and equipment, and other personnel involved in each transaction,” Commerce Express Managing Director Andrew Koval states.
Commerce Blog
Less-than-truckload shipping can act as a godsend for businesses who regularly push out or bring in a small amount of goods per shipment. The operating model places several separate loads all into one trailer. These combined loads form one multi-stop truckload, as the truck delivers to the respective drop-off points of each shipment. The individual, separate, businesses (shippers) are then charged on the amount of space their own load used, the type of good that was shipped, and the location of the pickup/destination.
For LTL shipping, we—Commerce Express Inc.—recommend that you work with a third-party logistics provider, or freight broker, to ensure your service requirements and details are in order before you receive a quote or request to book. That way it’s less likely that a carrier will pass an unexpected fee on to you. Communication between involved parties regarding receiving issues or mispackaged freight can help identify whether certain charges will be added to your bill prior to the final invoice. In some cases, active communication can also give shippers an opportunity to correct issues that are discovered, avoiding potential charges.
Read More.
Are you an LTL shipper in need of options?
Diesel update: The average price of diesel decreased 5.6 cents a gallon, putting the average price of diesel at $3.659 a gallon, according to the U.S. EIA.
Not surprisingly, the Gulf Coast, Midwest, and East Coast all saw double digit diesel pump prices during the week of January 20th, due to the strong winter conditions those regions faced, per the EIA.
Cross-Border Labor: Canadian National railway is preparing for a potential strike as the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) union rejected their offer. The earliest the strike would begin would be on January 28th.
However, per a statement from CN, they say any work stoppage will have “no impact on our operations. Contingency plans are in place, operations will continue, and our dedicated teams are prepared to ensure the seamless continuity of service.”
The current contract between the parties expired on December 31st, 2024. However, bargaining started back in September 2024.
Weather: Parts of Interstate 5 in California were temporarily closed yesterday due to mudslides and ice. Caltrans District 7 said for drivers to use US 101 as a north/south detour.
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