Logistics Pulse
This week's top news in trucking and logistics
Trade uncertainty continues to shape sourcing decisions as freight activity strengthens and retailers invest in faster distribution. This week, Canada tariff talks remain unresolved, aluminum pricing faces scrutiny, and rail volumes move higher.
Top articles this week:
Trump delays 50% tariffs on Canada imports for 3 days
The U.S. delayed planned 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports until August 22 as negotiations continue. The duties would cover products ranging from agricultural materials and chemicals to consumer goods and machinery. While both countries report progress, the short extension leaves cross-border shippers with limited clarity. Companies may need to keep sourcing, inventory and transportation plans flexible.
How is your business preparing for further changes to U.S.–Canada trade policy?
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
Nearly 60 members of Congress call for aluminum pricing investigation
Nearly 60 members of Congress are asking the Department of Commerce to investigate domestic aluminum pricing. Their concerns center on the Midwest Premium, which reflects tariff effects even when manufacturers use domestic or recycled material. Industry representatives maintain that the premium is an established benchmark based on market transactions. Any resulting changes could affect procurement and material sourcing across several industries.
How closely is your team monitoring aluminum pricing across your supply chain?
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
Rail freight puts the pedal to the metal(s) in latest data
U.S. rail traffic increased 2.4% year over year during the week ending August 15. Carload volume rose 1.9%, while intermodal shipments increased 2.7%. Metals led the gains, although motor vehicle and parts shipments declined. Overall volume remains ahead of 2025 levels, signaling steady demand and continued truckload-to-intermodal conversions.
Are changing freight conditions influencing your modal mix?
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In Other News:
Regulators set schedule for review of UP-NS merger
U.S. container imports rose 4.5% in July, driven partly by stronger volumes from China.
Home Depot rolls out express delivery in 3 hours or less across US
Home Depot is using more than 2,000 stores as fulfillment hubs to offer delivery in three hours or less.
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
How Sprouts balances self-distribution and store growth
Sprouts is coordinating store expansion with its self-distribution network to improve efficiency and support growth.
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
Amazon drone delivery expansion targets 500 cities by year’s end
Amazon plans to expand drone delivery from 11 locations to nearly 500 communities by the end of 2026.
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
Amazon preps 1M-square-foot distribution center in Connecticut
The proposed facility would use automated equipment to move bulk inventory to downstream sortation and delivery centers.
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
As diesel futures markets plummet, benchmark retail price rises