Matt Schrap

The West Coast is holding tight and bringing it back. Southern California container ports are reporting strong cargo volumes in June, capping off a busy first half of the year driven by a robust U.S. economy. The Port of Los Angeles processed 827,757 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in June, marking a 10% increase over the previous month and less than 1% compared to last June, which was the Port’s best month last year. Six months into 2024, the Port of Los Angeles is 14% ahead of its performance in the previous year.

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Looking back at 2024, analysts state that US Class I railroads have made significant strides in service reliability and resilience, positioning themselves for volume growth after several challenging years.  This year, all Class I railroads consistently delivered velocity levels surpassing historical averages, even amid a 10% overall increase in intermodal volumes in the US. The railroads successfully navigated substantial operational pressures, aided by maintaining a sufficient reserve of train crews and locomotives. Enhanced efficiency at hump and flat-switching yards also contributed to their robust performance. Despite facing challenges such as a surge in international container imports, hurricanes, and port strikes, the railroads demonstrated remarkable resilience. They not only recovered but also implemented proactive measures to enhance operations and strengthen the supply chain.  Class I railroads are now prioritizing service quality, fostering stronger collaboration with customers, and rolling out new partnerships and offerings. These improvements are expected to drive continued growth in freight volumes moving forward. As Class I and other railroads continue to invest in service improvements and freight volume growth, adopting innovative technologies for optimized operations, enhanced safety, and supply chain - transparency is no longer optional, it’s essential. Trilogical’s proprietary rolling stock telematics solutions address these needs, offering cutting-edge technology at competitive costs and delivering a fast return on investment. With our #RailBlazer telematics system, fleet availability - critical for managing increased demands and unexpected challenges - can improve by 12-20%, while maintenance costs are reduced by up to 30%.  In addition, RailBlazer provides precise, track-level railcar location monitoring, making it a comprehensive solution for yard management. It addresses key challenges, including reducing dwell times and improving overall yard efficiency. The system’s advanced data analytics ensure transparency across the supply chain, offering real-time updates on loading status and ETA. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also elevates service levels and boosts shipper satisfaction, unlocking new business opportunities. #raifreight #freightindustry #railinnovation

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In 2024, over 50 million legitimate land border crossings occurred through our local San Diego County Ports of Entry, with an average of more than 150,000 daily crossings! These crossings, from the San Ysidro Port of Entry (the largest in the Western Hemisphere), Cross Border Xpress, Otay Mesa Port of Entry (with a nearly 10% increase over 2023), and Tecate Port of Entry, underscore the vitality of cross-border movement for the San Diego–Tijuana economy. As we continue to see this dynamic growth, it’s essential to advocate for increased staffing and advanced technology at these entry points. These investments will lead to safer, more efficient crossings, benefiting the people and businesses that rely on this cross-border connection daily. Together, we can support a prosperous, binational future by enhancing our border infrastructure and ensuring seamless, secure mobility between our regions. #CrossBorderCommerce #SanDiegoTijuana #BorderEconomy #BinationalRegion #SmartBorderCoalition

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The #aar report ending 5/11 shows U.S. railroad weekly volume was 468,748 carloads & intermodal units, up 0.6% compared to the same week in 2023. Carloads were 209,319, down 7.0% & intermodal volume was 259,429 containers and trailers – up 7.7% compared to the same week in 2023.

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VIEWS ON TRANSPORTATION CAPACITY, PRICING SIGNALING RECOVERY Sentiment around transportation capacity signaled slight growth in July. However, readings on utilization and pricing increased more meaningfully, suggesting a freight market correction is on the horizon. Check out the article: https://t.ly/PeLxZ #laufer #supplychain #freightforwarding

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No Doubt! the San Pedro Bay is one of the largest economic drivers in California - if not the U.S.A.! Read the study results below to better understand just how vital our gateway is! #sanpedrobayports #portoflosangeles #portoflongbeach #pasha #pmsa #sustainablelogistics

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With interstate closures, out-of-service rail lines and nearly 600 roads closed or impassable in the wake of Hurricane Helene, moving goods into and out of affected regions remains challenging. While the initial shock was severe — with the volume of shipments declining as much as 34% in Florida and Georgia on a week-over-week basis — we're starting to see recovery. FourKites data shows that shipments destined for Florida, Georgia and South Carolina plummeted more than 25% on a week-over-week basis in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene. By Tuesday, September 29, shipment volumes had largely recovered for the majority of states in the storm's path — with Florida seeing a 20% week-over-week increase. FourKites will continue to track the impact of tropical storms and hurricanes on global supply chain operations — make sure to follow and stay tuned for further updates. #data #HurricaneHelene #Florida #supplychain

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Three logistics companies in the San Diego were found to be paying Mexican nationals extremely low wages, as low as $2.77 per hour, according to an investigation. The Department of Labor has ordered fines and back wages to be paid by the companies. #logistics #yahoo #yahoofinance #ecommercenews #logisticsindustry #supplychain

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Very interesting deployment of electric trucks in drayage service. I haven't seen reporting on the economics of this or if market rates support the adoption of electric trucks in drayage service - if anyone has a breakdown on this, please share!

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Waypost Advisors can help you take advantage of the changes and options in moving material through your supply chain. Knowing what levers to pull keeps you efficient and agile, good for the planet, your customers, and your teams.

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According to ATRI's recently released study on the Costs and Consequences of Detention, "A majority of truckload drivers - 57.8 percent - were late or had to cancel a pick-up or delivery due to detention at the previous customers' facility at least once in 2023." As a former fleet manager, I experienced this issue on a near weekly basis. The lack of visibility and subsequent assumption-based planning fueled my desire for industry wide change. True Load Time was purpose built to empower drivers, carriers and brokers with objective facility performance data to make informed decisions on pricing & planning. Because what you don't know can hurt you. Ping me or reach out to your Tenstreet, LLC rep to get started. #visibility #SupplyChainIntelligence #TimeisMoney #VictoryOverDetention #HowMuchisYourTimeWorth #EfficientPlanning

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This article highlights the problem of keeping our roads int he high country open during the winter. Both the State Patrol and CDOT are understaffed for plowing roads. The staff there are doing a great job but there are not enough of them. Why? Because many potential employees cannot afford to live in these areas because of the high cost of housing. Problems for travel in the mountains will continue without some action on this problem. There is too little being done today to address this housing issue for these state employees, https://lnkd.in/g3FTGTNu

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Capitol Hill news today, LinkedIn peeps. The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight had a hearing yesterday afternoon on the California Air Resources Board rule on in-use locomotives. The hearing title offers a hint of the Committee majority's views, "Environmentalism Off the Rails: How CARB will Cripple the National Rail Network." You can watch a hearing recording and read the submitted testimonies here (https://lnkd.in/gcCRw4ST) including that of NAS Long Train Study committee colleague and current fellow Texan, Dr. Tyler Dick (https://lnkd.in/gy7Gzmjw). One of the many issues posed by this California regulation is its inconsistency with a uniform national standard for railroads otherwise provided in economic and safety regulations. National standards are integral in many transportation programs, including uniform standards for interstate highway design, uniform traffic control devices, and uniform interstate highway truck size and weight limits. Other parts of the Biden Administration have recently supported this goal of uniformity. The Solicitor General filed a brief in a case brought by the State of Ohio along with 28 other states to allow states to issue regulations restraining freight railroads to block highway-rail grade crossings (State of Ohio v. CSX Transportation Inc, No. 22-459). The Solicitor General wrote the following: "The cumulative effect of disparate state laws regulating blocked grade crossings could require interstate railroads to substantially modify their operations to comply with a patchwork of varying state and local grade-crossing requirements, thereby impeding the flow of interstate commerce." The Supreme Court failed to grant writ to Ohio, ending the appeal of lower court rulings. In the final rule regarding train crew size safety requirements in 49 CFR Part 218, the Federal Railroad Administration expressed this view: "Without this rule, railroads could be subjected to a different crew staffing law in every State in which they operate, as there would be no assurance that State laws governing crew size would be based on an analysis or determination concerning impacts on railroad safety. The lack of a uniform standard would likely result in additional costs and operational inefficiencies." We'll have to see how the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules on a CARB petition for a waiver to allow the rule on locomotive emissions to take effect on all railroad operations through the state. #airquality #emissions #railroads #regulation

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U.S. total weekly volume from the Association of American Railroads for the week ending May 25 was 485,232 - an increase of 1.2% over the same week last year. Carload volume was down 6.9%, and intermodal volume was up 8.9% over the same week in 2023.

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The #TxDOT is addressing #traffic congestion at the U.S.-Mexico border to improve #freight flows. #transportation #cargo #logistics #trucking #supplychain #truck #road #highway #roadway #travel https://lnkd.in/egjJS3Fj

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In the wake of increased container volumes, thanks to peak season, labor issues, and tariff concerns, West Coast rail congestion is on the rise. Dwell times at the Port of Long Beach are averaging four days, and the Port of Los Angeles is reporting eight days, both above optimal levels. Union Pacific and BNSF have deployed staging yards and are increasing container yard capacity, trying to address the delays. This has some shippers opting for alternatives such as cross-dock facilities for their cargo. #thefreightarchitects #jaguarfreight #logistics

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The busiest U.S. ocean container gateway could soon be handling $1 trillion worth of imports in a single quarter amid a roaring economy and resilient consumer spending. Record volume of 954,706 TEUs in September, up 27% y/y, helped drive all-time high volume of 2,854,904 million TEUs in the third quarter, according to data released today by the Port of Los Angeles. Imports totaled 497,803 TEUs in September, ahead 26% as shippers got an earlier-than-usual start bringing in end-of-year holiday merchandise. A front-loaded peak season came as retailers sought to avoid a host of issues threatening to snarl the global supply chain, from congestion in Asia ports to attacks on shipping in the Red Sea to a brief strike by union longshore workers at East and Gulf Coast ports.

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