Logistics Pulse
This week's top news in trucking and logistics
Trade policy, shifting freight flows, and an early peak season continue to reshape supply chain planning. This week, a Jones Act waiver extends flexibility for domestic shipping, retailers enter the holidays with inventory already in place, and freight networks adapt to changing demand.
Top articles this week:
New harbor commission president backs Long Beach port plans
The Port of Long Beach is moving forward with plans to double annual container throughput to 20 million TEUs by 2050. Major infrastructure investments include expanding on-dock rail capacity to improve cargo movement and reduce dwell times as the port prepares for long-term trade growth.
How could expanded port capacity reshape freight flows through Southern California?
Trump extends limited waiver of shipping law to keep oil flowing in U.S. amid Iran war
President Trump extended a Jones Act waiver for another 90 days, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to continue moving qualifying commodities between U.S. ports. The waiver has added vessel flexibility for domestic energy shipments, although analysts expect its direct impact on fuel prices to remain limited. The extension shows how policy changes can quickly influence available capacity and domestic freight flows.
How could the extended waiver impact domestic freight flows?
Retailers stocked up for upcoming holiday season
Retailers pulled holiday merchandise forward this year as they prepared for tariff changes and supply chain uncertainty, potentially bringing the traditional peak shipping season to an early close. The shift shows how trade policy is changing ordering cycles and making historical peak-season patterns less predictable.
How are you adapting to shifting peak-season patterns?
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
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In Other News:
U.S. container imports surge on China peak season momentum
U.S. container imports rose 4.5% in July, driven partly by stronger volumes from China.
Why 47.5 is a scary number for East Coast ports
Lower water levels are forcing the Panama Canal to reduce vessel draft, potentially limiting cargo capacity.
Michael Kors owner says port congestion spurred inventory delays
Capri Holdings is using faster freight options after Asian port congestion delayed inventory shipments.
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
Amazon combines air, ground operations teams
Amazon is combining its air, ground, and sort center teams to streamline its middle-mile network.
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
Asia ocean line in $135M expansion of US box terminal
A $135 million Port of Tacoma expansion is expected to increase container capacity by nearly 40%.
As diesel futures markets plummet, benchmark retail price rises