Commerce Express Weekly Road Map:
October 1st, 2024
Keeping you informed on the latest news/insights in our industry.
CVSA Releases Results From International Roadcheck 2024
During the period from May 14th to 16th this year, CVSA conducted their annual International Roadcheck, resulting in 48,761 inspections throughout North America.
According to the CVSA, violations included 13,567 vehicles, 2,714 drivers, and 163 hazardous materials/dangerous goods. As a results, 9,345 commercial vehicle combinations and 2,290 drivers were placed out of service.
The leading causes for vehicles being taken out of service were: defective service brakes (25%), tire issues (20.8%), and other brake violations (18.3%), lighting problems (11.6%), and cargo securement issues (9.6%).
As an intermediary (freight broker), Commerce Express Inc. is trusted by its clients to award their cargoes to a vetted pool of trucking companies. For 40 plus years, Commerce Express has forged trusted relationships with a variety of transportation vendors. From small trucking businesses and owner-operator drivers to large fleets and Class I railroads, Commerce Express Inc. has found strategic allies in all corners of supply chain services.
Commerce Blog
With a series of jumps across key regions of the country, the national average price of diesel fuel in the U.S. has slightly elevated, up 1.3 cents per gallon from a week ago. The subtle creep upward breaks a ten-week streak of price decreases.
The national average now stands at $3.54 per gallon.
Both literally and figuratively, diesel is what fuels the trucking industry. While there could be a day when alternatives take over, diesel is virtually the single fuel source powering fleets across the country. Trucking companies, who are dependent on fuel supply just like shippers are dependent on truckload capacity, are keen to adapt whenever the price of diesel fluctuates. In other words, if diesel trends upward, freight rates will promptly follow suit as result of trucking companies making up for the increase in operating costs. Afterall, if they didn’t, they would be compromising their financial health.
Read more about how Commerce Express Inc. provides assurances to clients when addressing and implementing fuel surcharges.
[STRIKE ADVISORY]: U.S. East/Gulf Coast Officially Go On Strike:
Well folks, here we are. A strike has officially started on the U.S. East/Gulf Coast (affecting ports from Maine to Texas) as of 12:01am today. It is uncertain how long this strike will last or when/if the government will get involved. Wages and automation continue to be key issues in negotiations. Latest reports say the recent offer from USMX, including a 50% wage increase, have been rejected by the ILA.
We will continue to post updates on this situation in this newsletter every Tuesday. If you have questions or would like to talk with a member of our team on how to mitigate through this, please contact us.
[STRIKE ADVISORY]: Port of Montreal: The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 375 issued a 72-hour notice to strike, beginning September 30th to October 2nd, with operations resuming on Thursday, October 3rd. The strike will impact terminals Viau and Maisonneuve, while the Port of Montreal’s other terminals will remain operational. Access to the affected terminals is prohibited, and no rail, ship, or truck services will be available during this time, the port has stated.
Weather:
Last Thursday, Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend before weakening to a tropical storm as it moved through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.
Florida’s seaports have now reopened and resumed operations. South Carolina Ports Inland Port Greer is also back in service.
However, Western North Carolina has faced significant challenges with severe flooding, destroyed roads, and widespread power outages. The NC DOT has advised that all roads in that region should be considered closed. Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 are impassable at many locations.
Diesel update: The average price of diesel increased 0.5 cents a gallon, putting the average price of diesel at $3.544, per the U.S. EIA.
Truckload: Starting October 1st, the sale of the final freight terminals owned or leased by the bankrupt less-than-truckload carrier Yellow Corp will begin, per a court filing. This includes 47 owned terminals and 65 leased properties, which feature over 3,100 and 4,000 doors, respectively, per Transport Topics. This sales process is expected to be finalized as early as January.
Rail: Last week, Whitewater Township, a town of 6,000 In Ohio, was evacuated due to a hazardous styrene leak from a railcar. According to AP News, the evacuation order has now been lifted, allowing residents to return home. An investigation into the leak is ongoing, along with efforts to assist those affected by the incident.
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