Efficiency and reliability can be challenging to improve when it comes to the complexity of inbound supply chains — particularly with operations involving imported cargo. With multiple service providers and touch points, your ability to make meaningful refinements to your strategy can be difficult. Fortunately, there are ways to simplify the process and establish a seamless connection between the various links in this area of your supply chain.

While for many people the name Louisville, KY conjures images of horse racing and mint juleps, the city also boasts a less widely recognized reputation – that of a critical shipping and transportation hub for companies across the country and around the world.

While the global supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic shined a bright light on the need for companies to bring their manufacturing back to North America, interest in nearshoring and reshoring has been growing steadily for several years.

In most people’s minds, Memphis is associated with three main things: delicious barbecue, soulful blues, and of course, Elvis’ beloved Graceland. But what’s less widely known is that the city also represents the single most significant shipping hub in the Western Hemisphere.

Supply chain issues have been a daily struggle since early 2020 when the pandemic altered both manufacturing and shopping patterns around the world.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will begin accepting food facility registration renewals on Oct. 1, 2022, and continue through the end of the calendar year.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted notice of an increase in user fees, effective October 1, 2022. According to the agency, this is an effort to help offset rising inflation in the country. Importers will see an increase in their U.S. Customs user fees—minimum and maximum Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF).

UPDATE (Nov 30, 2022): The United States government has initiated legislation to step in with an intervention aimed at preventing a rail workers' strike as we move into December. Averitt continues to monitor this situation closely and we are working to ensure all freight continues to flow smoothly for our customers.

For all the variables of international commerce – with its endless combinations of commodities, origins, and destinations – there are still some things all shippers have in common: a desire to streamline the supply chain and reduce freight costs.