The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) will soon implement some significant changes to LTL freight classifications, shifting to a more streamlined, density-focused model. These changes, coming in Docket 2025-1, aim to simplify processes and reduce disputes between shippers and carriers.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike is officially underway, causing significant disruptions across the U.S. supply chain. With no resolution reached between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), shippers are already feeling the effects of this strike at East and Gulf Coast ports. The strike threatens to create backlogs, delays, and significant supply chain disruptions as shippers scramble to find alternative routes and solutions.

Cargo theft has been a persistent issue in the logistics industry, but the first quarter of 2024 saw a significant uptick in cargo theft incidents. Driven by ongoing supply chain disruptions and shortages, data reveals a near-record level of thefts expected this year, with 925 reported incidents in just the first three months of 2024. This represents a 46% increase compared to the same period last year, and the total value of stolen cargo is nearing $76 million.

Over the past four years, the North American supply chain has begun a transformation driven by numerous large-scale events. Whether it's revaluating the viability of overseas manufacturing hubs in once-trade-friendly territories or circumventing the Suez Canal, supply chain managers are constantly on red alert these days.

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, promises to be a captivating astronomical event, but it could also affect supply chains and transportation, especially without proper planning. Here's a short guide on what you need to know about this rare occurrence, along with crucial transportation tips. 

Recently, the global supply chain has faced disruptions with the Panama and Suez Canals at the forefront. Let’s look at the intricacies of these challenges, their impact on international trade, and what the global supply chain is projected to look like for the rest of the year.

In late 2023, we carried out the ninth annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. With this survey, we aim to gauge the difficulties encountered by shippers over the course of the year and to develop a clearer perspective on their expectations for the upcoming year. Ultimately, over 1,400 shippers from diverse sectors participated and shared their insights.

As we step into 2024, the landscape of supply chain and logistics continues to evolve, driven by dynamic market trends and technological advancements. In the sections below, we explore four critical trends of transportation and supply chain management that will be increasingly important areas to understand and strategize around in the months and years ahead.

The e-commerce landscape has witnessed a significant transformation over the past few years. In 2022 alone, e-commerce sales in the U.S. exceeded a staggering $1 trillion. This shift has prompted businesses of all types to reevaluate their distribution strategies to meet the ever-growing consumer demand for faster deliveries.