Gateway Logistics Group

How Cross-Docking Reduces Storage Costs and Accelerates Distribution

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:43:50 GMT

Cross-docking eliminates long-term storage by moving products quickly from inbound to outbound transport, reducing inventory holding times and speeding up your entire supply chain.
Tailor your cross-docking approach with models like pre-distribution, consolidation, and reverse logistics to fit your specific shipping volume, complexity, and delivery goals.
Gateway Logistics offers strategically located, tech-enabled facilities with private rail access, hazmat zones, etc., to streamline your cross-docking and keep your shipments moving smoothly.

If you're managing time-sensitive distribution, reducing overhead, or working to meet complex shipping timelines, you need a model that gives you a clear operational advantage. Instead of routing products through traditional storage facilities, cross-docking transfers them directly from inbound to outbound transportation, minimizing handling, speeding up delivery, and dramatically cutting costs.

How Does It Differ from Traditional Warehousing?

In a typical cross-docking facility, goods arrive, are sorted in designated staging areas, and are then quickly reloaded onto outbound trucks headed for retail stores, distribution centers, or end customers. This process often occurs within 24 hours or less, significantly reducing inventory holding times and improving overall logistics performance.

Here's how it helps you reduce storage costs and accelerate your overall distribution strategy using smarter, leaner logistics practices.

Time-Driven Movement

This shift supports industries where speed, accuracy, and real-time inventory visibility are non-negotiable. You get tighter control over freight movement and significantly reduce time spent in static storage environments. Key advantages include:

Faster Inventory Turnover

It significantly boosts inventory velocity by minimizing delays between receiving and shipping. This rapid turnover offers goods to reach retailers, distributors, or end customers faster, which is especially valuable in sectors with tight delivery windows or high demand volatility.

As a result, you maintain better stock availability, reduce stockouts, and improve overall customer satisfaction through prompt fulfillment.

Reduced Storage Overhead

Because cross-docking removes the need to store products for days or weeks, your business benefits from major reductions in warehousing costs. You save on physical space, labor, equipment usage, and utilities, which are resources typically allocated to managing static inventory.

This leaner model also reduces shrinkage and waste by limiting the time goods spend idle, especially for perishable or time-sensitive items.

Improved Freight Coordination

You gain greater control over load planning, routing, and scheduling, which makes it easier to adjust to last-minute changes or carrier delays. This enhanced coordination helps optimize freight utilization and supports a more agile supply chain.

Lower Risk of Product Damage or Loss

Traditional storage often involves multiple handling stages, increasing the potential for product damage, misplacement, or inventory errors. Cross-docking minimizes these risks by reducing the number of touchpoints between origin and destination.

With fewer hand-offs and transitions, products move more securely through your network, preserving quality and reducing claims or returns.

Accurate Handling and Real-Time Visibility

Its effectiveness hinges on real-time coordination and integrated technology. With the right digital tools, you gain the visibility and automation needed to manage high-speed logistics reliably.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

This tool directs inbound shipments to the correct outbound loading zones, eliminating guesswork and reducing the need for manual intervention. It enhances dock scheduling, manages capacity in real-time, and provides visibility into every item as it moves through your facility, resulting in fewer errors and improved throughput.

Transportation Management System (TMS)

It is an integrated tool that synchronizes carrier schedules and dock appointments, ensuring inbound and outbound transportation are tightly aligned. This reduces truck idle times and improves the handoff between receiving and shipping, creating a smoother and faster logistics operation with minimal disruption.

RFID and Barcode Scanning

With this technology, every product is tracked with precision as it enters, moves through, and exits the facility. This not only reduces human error but also provides detailed reporting and traceability, ensuring accountability at every stage of the distribution process.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

In high-volume operations, rapid and reliable sortation is supported by automated guided vehicles (AGVs), conveyors, and robotic systems. By reducing dependency on manual labor for repetitive tasks, automation enhances both speed and consistency while freeing up staff to focus on higher-value logistics functions.

Integrates Prep Services

When you're exporting goods internationally, cross-docking supports fast turnaround without skipping important prep steps. These steps happen in line with shipment transfer, reducing downtime between inland and overseas transport while keeping your cargo compliant and protected. Facilities equipped for international logistics can handle:

Metal Integrity During Transit

Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) coating is essential when shipping metal components across long distances and changing climates. This protective layer prevents oxidation and rust without leaving residue or requiring removal upon arrival.

In a fast-paced cross-docking environment, applying VCI during transfer makes sure metal parts remain protected while keeping shipments on schedule.

Crating and Blocking

When you're exporting wood-packaged goods, compliance with ISPM-15 is non-negotiable. Certified heat-treated crating and proper blocking help prevent pest infestation and meet international phytosanitary regulations.

These facilities perform this step quickly and accurately, keeping your shipment export-ready without holding it in storage for days.

Export-Ready Labeling and Documentation

Every country has its own shipping, labeling, and customs rules, and missing a single requirement can result in delayed delivery. Cross-dock facilities with prep capabilities apply compliant labels and attach the right documents during transfer.

This approach eliminates separate handling or warehousing delays, ensuring a seamless and efficient transition from truck to container.

Secure Wrapping and Final Inspection

Shrink-wrapping, strapping, and bundle verification all happen as part of your cross-docking process, not as an extra step. This seamless integration keeps your goods clean, secure, and fully documented before they leave the dock.

With this, you can reduce handling risks, minimize damage claims, and maintain full accountability, without slowing your timeline.

Industries That Benefit Most from Gateway’s Cross-Docking Services

When your logistics plan aligns with industry-specific demands, cross-docking becomes a powerful tool that streamlines your supply chain and reduces unnecessary storage time.

Here’s how cross-docking supports different industries with efficiency and precision:

Oil and Gas

In the oil and gas sector, downtime can mean massive losses. Cross-docking enables critical equipment and replacement parts to be delivered directly to drilling or production sites, avoiding warehousing delays. This approach helps you minimize downtime and keep operations running smoothly, even in remote locations.

Chemical and Industrial Materials

Handling sensitive or hazardous materials requires precision and speed. With this model, your shipments spend less time in transit and face fewer touchpoints, lowering the risk of contamination, mishandling, or compliance issues. It’s a safer, more controlled way to move time-sensitive goods.

Marine and Shipbuilding

Large-scale components like engines, hull sections, or specialized parts often need to arrive at shipyards in tight delivery windows. Using this lets you deconsolidate and redirect these oversized shipments quickly, keeping repair or construction timelines on track without overloading storage facilities.

Retail and Consumer Goods

It ensures that your products move rapidly from supplier to storefront or distribution center. This helps you maintain stock levels, meet promotional deadlines, and react quickly to changing market trends without tying up inventory in storage.

Manufacturing and Fabrication

It supports just-in-time production models by delivering components exactly when you need them. This reduces overhead costs, prevents storage bottlenecks, and keeps your production line operating efficiently without delays or excess inventory.

Common Cross-Docking Strategies You Can Tailor to Your Business

Depending on your supply chain demands, whether speed, complexity, volume, or precision, you can choose from proven cross-docking strategies designed to improve flow and reduce friction. The key is identifying which model supports your delivery goals while staying aligned with your industry requirements.

Here are several core strategies that you can tailor for smarter execution:

Pre-Distribution Cross-Docking

With this model, products arrive at your facility already labeled and sorted for specific end locations. There’s no need for extra handling or decision-making onsite, and your team simply stages and transfers goods from inbound to outbound trucks. It’s ideal when you’re managing consistent SKUs for retailers, field offices, or regional branches with known quantities and delivery windows.

Post-Distribution Cross-Docking

This approach gives you more flexibility. Goods arrive without preset destinations and are temporarily staged until outbound shipping instructions are finalized. It’s especially useful when customer demand is unpredictable or when last-minute order changes are common. Post-distribution helps you stay agile and responsive without sacrificing turnaround speed.

Consolidation Cross-Docking

If you’re dealing with several smaller loads that share a final destination, consolidation helps you reduce freight costs by grouping them into fewer outbound shipments. This strategy is particularly helpful in LTL (less-than-truckload) environments where maximizing truck space and minimizing trips leads to better cost control and scheduling consistency.

Deconsolidation Cross-Docking

At your facility, those are quickly sorted and sent out in smaller, destination-specific shipments. This strategy supports regional distribution networks and last-mile delivery models, making sure that each location gets what it needs, when it needs it, without unnecessary storage stops.

Flow-Through Cross-Docking for High Velocity Items

This is an ideal model for items with short shelf lives or high turnover, like promotional items, perishable goods, or seasonal inventory. Products never stop moving; they’re routed through your cross-dock in hours, not days. You reduce handling costs and avoid stock stagnation, keeping your pipeline lean and responsive.

Supplier-to-Production Cross-Docking

If you're supplying a production line, this model makes sure materials and components arrive at the right time, in the right order. It eliminates the need for on-site storage and helps your operation stay efficient and deadline-driven. With tighter inbound scheduling and synchronized delivery, your assembly line stays stocked without overloading your workspace.

Reverse Logistics Cross-Docking

Reverse cross-docking helps manage goods coming back from customers or field locations. Whether you're handling repairs, recycling, or reconditioning, you can sort and re-ship items without rerouting them to static storage. This strategy supports a more sustainable, responsive return management system.

What You Need to Prepare for Cross-Docking Success

With the right preparation, you can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline your distribution flow. This includes:

Real-Time Inventory Visibility

Your ability to move products quickly depends on knowing exactly what’s arriving, when it’s due, and where it needs to go. Having a system that offers real-time inventory tracking makes sure your team can coordinate shipments efficiently, avoid unnecessary handling, and reduce errors.

When your inbound and outbound logistics are aligned through shared data, your operation stays agile and responsive.

Optimize Your Dock Layout

The physical setup of your dock has a direct impact on how quickly and smoothly products can be transferred. You need designated inbound and outbound lanes, minimal physical barriers, and a layout that supports direct flow from receiving to shipping.

Keeping your dock lean and strategically arranged helps eliminate unnecessary steps and keeps goods moving as they should.

Strengthen Coordination

You’ll need to work closely with suppliers to make sure deliveries are on schedule and product configurations are compatible with direct outbound shipping. Your suppliers need to deliver shipments that are accurate and on time, while carriers must be ready to move goods quickly once they're received.

Maintaining consistent communication and setting clear expectations verifies that everyone in the chain is aligned with your operational goals and timeframes.

Train Your Team

Your staff should be trained not just in general warehouse tasks, but in the specific flow of cross-docking. Roles should be clearly defined, whether it's receiving, scanning, routing, or loading. A well-trained team understands the pace and precision required for cross-docking and can adapt to changes or challenges as they happen.

When everyone knows their responsibility and how it connects to the larger workflow, efficiency becomes second nature.

Ensure Inbound Goods

You’ll want to work with your suppliers to make sure every pallet, case, or unit arrives clearly labeled and already grouped by destination whenever possible. This allows for immediate identification and transfer without needing to break down, re-sort, or repackage goods. A small investment in supplier compliance pays off significantly on your dock.

Use Performance Data

Monitor metrics such as dwell time, order accuracy, misroutes, and labor productivity to identify friction points. With reliable analytics, you can fine-tune your staffing, reconfigure your layout, or adjust your scheduling windows.

Over time, this continuous improvement approach helps you scale your operation and keep up with changing distribution demands.

What We Provide For Your Efficient Cross‑Docking

We’ve designed our facilities to move your freight faster and smarter. With over 312,000 square feet near Port Houston and 70,000 square feet at the airport, we give your cargo the space and access it needs for efficient staging and transition, whether by sea or air. Our private rail spur handles up to 50-car trains daily, streamlining your connection to national rail networks without third-party delays. From dock to rail to final mile, we keep your goods moving.

We also maintain full drayage capabilities and hazmat-ready zones to handle a wide range of freight types. Security is never an afterthought with 84 CCTV cameras and real-time barcoded inventory tracking to make sure your end-to-end visibility and peace of mind.

We’ve engineered our facilities and workflows to eliminate guesswork and deliver flawless execution from dock to destination. With coast-to-coast connections, tech-enabled visibility, and the experience to manage complex, compliance-heavy cargo, your operation is always one step ahead with our Gateway Logistics . Get in touch and minimize your footprint with us today!

Port Houston Records Double-Digit Gains in Standout July

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:19:00 GMT

July was a standout month for Port Houston’s public terminals, with double-digit growth in key sectors that pushed year-to-date totals to new heights.

Container volumes for July were up 21% compared to July 2024, reaching 392,829 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Year-to-date, Port Houston has handled 2,562,506 TEUs, up 6% and making this year the fastest paced in the Port’s history.

The post Port Houston Records Double-Digit Gains in Standout July appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Container rates unmoved by latest tariff deadline

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:18:00 GMT

Freight markets witnessed a relatively subdued response following last week’s dramatic trade announcements, contrasting sharply with earlier reactions to tariff developments. The current situation reveals a lack of urgency ahead of the August 7 tariff imposition deadline set by President Donald Trump.

Previously, shippers hurriedly loaded goods between announcement periods to beat deadlines.

This may be attributed to the weariness of shippers who previously engaged in proactive front-loading, leading to a diminished urgency during this tariff window.

Congestion from a ‘terrible’ situation with shippers waiting out the tariff chaos, holding back loaded containers and treating the docks like a warehouse.

Source: Stuart Chirls, Author at FreightWaves

The post Container rates unmoved by latest tariff deadline appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:09:00 GMT

President Trump signed a Reciprocal Tariff order Thursday night 7/31/2025 imposing new tariffs.

The start date has been pushed back seven days , allowing US Customs time to update the new tariff schedule.

MEXICO : President Trump agreed to a 90-day continuation on the Mexico Tariff Holding at the 25% tariff rate. (Potential increase after 90 days to 35% is not official.)

CHINA : 10% Reciprocal Tariff is currently scheduled to expire 8/12/2025.

CANADA : Non-exempt Canadian goods imported to the United States will face a 35% as of Friday at 12:01 am ET 8/1/2025 – up from a 25% tariff previously.

EU : As of 08/01/2025, The EU is awaiting a written agreement on its 15% tariff deal.

Note: Cargo identified as transshipped in order to evade applicable tariffs from manufacturing country will face Tariffs with high penalty duties.

The post Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

A self-imposed deadline for a new US-Canada trade deal came and went on Friday Aug. 1

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:56:00 GMT

Canada and the US have been locked in a tariff war for six months and, despite talk of “intense” negotiations in recent weeks, a trade agreement remains elusive.

Canada is now facing a 35% tariff rate, though there is a carve out for goods compliant under a current free trade deal. American global tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and auto parts are hurting, as the US is a top market for those sectors.

Canda has responded with C$60bn ($43.3bn; £32.3bn) in counter tariffs on various American goods – the only country along with China to directly retaliate against Trump.

The post A self-imposed deadline for a new US-Canada trade deal came and went on Friday Aug. 1 appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

What Is VCI Coating and Why Does It Matter for Metal Exports

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:43:00 GMT

When shipping metal goods across countries or continents, corrosion is one of the most critical threats to product quality. Even small amounts of rust can render components unusable or unsafe. VCI coating , or vapor corrosion inhibitor coating, is an advanced solution for logistics services that protects metal surfaces during transport and storage.

It’s become a preferred choice for exporters looking for reliable, mess-free protection in modern logistics environments.

How It Works and Why It’s Effective

VCI coating is a chemical formulation that vaporizes in enclosed environments, releasing corrosion-inhibiting molecules into the air. These molecules settle on exposed metal surfaces, forming a microscopic layer that prevents the oxidation process. By interrupting the chemical reaction between metal, moisture, and oxygen, VCI stops rust before it starts.

Unlike traditional methods like grease or oil, it doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. This dry, invisible film can protect everything from steel to copper, aluminum, and cast iron—making it a versatile solution across many industries.

Why Metal Exports Are Especially Vulnerable to Corrosion

Exported metal goods face some of the harshest environmental conditions in the shipping world. They’re often exposed to temperature changes, condensation, and prolonged storage times. These conditions accelerate corrosion and increase the risk of delivering a damaged or defective product.

For international shippers, corrosion prevention should be a top concern rather than a luxury because the risk increases with the length of shipping.

The Role of VCI in Modern Export Packaging Strategies

As global shipping becomes increasingly complex, corrosion prevention must go beyond basic wrapping. Effective export packaging relies on a complete protection system—combining moisture control, desiccants, structural support, and vapor-phase inhibitors to ensure long-term reliability.

These solutions perform best when paired with smart packaging design, such as vacuum sealing, shrink wrapping, or custom-built crates. When implemented correctly, this approach can reduce corrosion-related losses by over 90%, protecting both the product and your bottom line.

Key Benefits of Using VCI Coating in Your Export Preparation

When compared to conventional rust prevention techniques, VCI offers a high-performing, hygienic, and effective solution designed to meet the demands of international shipping. Here’s how it adds measurable value to your logistics strategy:

Long-Term Corrosion Protection Without Maintenance

It forms an invisible molecular layer on metal surfaces, actively inhibiting oxidation and corrosion throughout transit and storage—often for 12 to 24 months or more, depending on environmental factors and packaging design.

Eliminates the Need for Post-shipment Cleaning

Oil-based protectants leave residue behind, but VCI doesn’t. End users can unpack and immediately deploy parts or machinery, reducing delays and facilitating faster integration into operational workflows.

Reduces Labor Costs and Manual Handling Risks

By eliminating time-consuming processes like degreasing, re-oiling, or rust removal, VCI minimizes labor hours both pre-shipment and at the destination. It reduces the need for repackaging or quality checks and allows for quicker product deployment upon arrival.

Adaptable Protection for a Broad Range of Metals and Equipment

It can be safely applied to ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloys, and multi-metal systems. Whether you’re shipping automotive parts, aerospace components, electronics, or heavy machinery, VCI can be integrated into your current packaging design.

Environmentally Responsible Packaging Solutions

Many modern VCI products are free from nitrites and heavy metals, are biodegradable, and are compliant with global environmental standards such as RoHS and REACH. This helps exporters meet regulatory requirements without sacrificing performance.

Enhances Overall Export Reliability

By protecting critical surfaces from corrosion-related failure, VCI adds a layer of quality assurance, making sure that goods arrive in optimal condition regardless of climate, humidity, or time in transit.

If you’re ready to upgrade your export packaging and eliminate corrosion risks, explore advanced VCI coating services with our Gateway Logistics ’s range of logistics services. Get in touch with us today!

The post What Is VCI Coating and Why Does It Matter for Metal Exports appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

How America’s trade war is supercharging the fast fashion industry

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:27:00 GMT

When the US introduced sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports, the goal was to protect American manufacturing.

The initial response from the ultra-fast fashion industry was to relocate production to countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia.

The hidden costs of cheap clothes:

Consumers now benefit from faster delivery of even cheaper goods as Chinese owned textile manufacturers have improved their shipping capabilities to alternate destinations such as Australia.

Will ethical fashion ever compete?

Fixing these problems will require a global rethink of how fashion operates. If we continue to expect clothes to cost less than a cup of coffee, change will be slow.

Call Gateway:

The Gateway Logistics Group works with partners who share their commitment to environmental stewardship–helping clients achieve logistics efficiency without compromising the planet.

The post How America’s trade war is supercharging the fast fashion industry appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

US Trade with Mexico surges to $77B in March

Fri, 16 May 2025 18:01:00 GMT

Mexico was the top U.S. trade partner in March at $77.3B, a 13% year-over-year increase and its highest monthly total in six years.

For the first three months of 2025, trade between the U.S. and Mexico totaled $215B, an 8% year-over-year increase. Canada ranked No. 2 for trade with the U.S. at $67.5B in March, while China was third at $51B.

The post US Trade with Mexico surges to $77B in March appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Navigating Customs: How We Simplify the Import & Export Process

Thu, 15 May 2025 16:52:00 GMT

Mistakes like incorrect paperwork, misclassification, and payment delays cause shipment holds and extra costs.
Proper documentation, accurate HS codes, and real-time tracking keep customs clearance smooth.
Gateway Logistics handles compliance, duty management, and clearance approvals for fast, hassle-free shipping.

International trade drives global business, but moving goods across borders isn’t as simple as shipping a package from one place to another. Every country has customs regulations in place to control imports and exports, and businesses must follow them with customs clearance services to avoid costly delays, penalties, and supply chain disruptions.

Handling this process alone can be overwhelming, especially with changing trade laws and complex paperwork. That’s where customs brokerage services come in—helping companies clear shipments quickly while staying compliant with trade laws.

Let’s explore how the process works, common pitfalls, and how Gateway Logistics simplifies customs clearance for businesses.

Breaking Down Customs Clearance: How It Works

Every time goods cross international borders, they go through a customs clearance process to ensure they meet the importing country’s trade laws. This involves verifying shipments, collecting duties and taxes, and approving the release of goods for delivery.

Here’s what happens during customs clearance services:

Submission of Required Documents

Before a shipment can enter or leave a country, businesses must submit paperwork that details the contents, value, and origin of the goods. The most common documents include:

Commercial Invoice: Lists the buyer, seller, item details, and total value of the shipment.
Packing List: Provides a detailed breakdown of each item in the shipment.
Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill (AWB): Serves as a contract between the shipper and carrier.
Customs Declaration Form: Declares the nature and value of goods to calculate duties and taxes.

Classification and Duty Assessment

Every product is assigned a Harmonized System (HS) code, which determines the applicable tariffs and taxes. Incorrect classification can lead to overpaying duties or customs penalties.

Customs Inspection and Approval

Customs officials may randomly inspect shipments to check for compliance, prohibited goods, or false declarations. If everything is in order, the shipment is released for final delivery. If there are issues, it can be held until further documentation or clarification is provided.

Payment of Duties and Taxes

Import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and other fees must be paid before goods are released. Payment delays can cause shipments to be stuck at customs, leading to storage fees and missed delivery deadlines.

Final Clearance and Delivery

Once customs approves a shipment and all payments are made, the goods are released for transportation to their final destination.

Businesses that handle this process incorrectly can face delays, extra costs, and regulatory penalties. Understanding the most common mistakes can help avoid these issues.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Delays and Extra Costs

Navigating customs clearance requires precision. Even small errors can disrupt supply chains, add unexpected costs, and create frustrating delays.

Here are some of the most common mistakes businesses make when shipping internationally:

Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

Every shipment requires proper paperwork, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Missing or incorrect details—such as inconsistent product descriptions, incorrect values, or missing signatures—can lead to customs holds or rejections. In some cases, businesses may need to resubmit paperwork multiple times, delaying shipments by days or even weeks.

Misclassification of Goods

As you know by now, every product has a unique Harmonized System (HS) code, which determines applicable duties, taxes, and trade restrictions. Using the wrong code, whether due to oversight or an attempt to lower costs, can trigger audits, fines, or even confiscation. Customs authorities have sophisticated systems to detect misclassification, so accuracy is key.

Underestimating Duties, Taxes and Fees

Some businesses assume duties and taxes will be minor, only to be caught off guard when faced with significant charges. Customs duties vary based on product category, country of origin, and trade agreements. Failing to calculate these costs upfront can result in unexpected expenses, strained budgets, and shipment delays if payments are not processed in time.

Ignoring Import Restrictions and Compliance Rules

Certain goods—such as food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics—may require special permits, labeling, or testing certifications. Shipping restricted items without meeting specific regulations can result in delays, rejections, or legal penalties. Some businesses unknowingly import items that violate local trade laws, leading to costly storage fees while awaiting approvals or return arrangements.

Delays in Payment of Duties and Taxes

Customs will not release shipments until all duties and taxes are paid. If businesses overlook this step or fail to process payments promptly, shipments may be held at ports or warehouses, leading to extra storage fees and supply chain disruptions. In some cases, goods may be returned to the sender or even seized.

Failing to Monitor Changes in Trade Regulations

Customs rules and trade agreements change frequently. Businesses that fail to keep up with new tariffs, trade restrictions, or updated documentation requirements risk non-compliance. This can lead to fines, unexpected costs, or shipment refusals. Staying informed about regulation changes is crucial for maintaining smooth operations.

Best Practices for Smooth Customs Clearance

These best practices keep the customs clearance process smooth and predictable.

Double-Check Documentation for Accuracy

Incomplete or inconsistent paperwork causes most customs delays. Customs officials compare documents to ensure details match across forms. Even minor discrepancies—such as a mismatched product description or an incorrect weight—can trigger inspections.

Before submitting, review all paperwork for accuracy. Verify:

Product descriptions and values match across all forms.
The recipient’s name and address are correct.
Permits or certificates for restricted items are included.

A single missing detail can result in delays, storage fees, or even shipment rejection.

Classify Goods with the Correct HS Code

Customs agencies use HS codes to assess taxes, apply trade agreements, and check for restricted goods. Using the wrong HS code can lead to higher duty payments, customs audits and penalties for misclassification, and shipment holds due to missing regulatory requirements. Businesses should classify products correctly before shipping. If unsure, a customs broker can help determine the right code to avoid mistakes.

Plan for Duties, Taxes and Fees in Advance

Unexpected duty charges or tax payments can disrupt supply chains. Customs agencies won’t release goods until all fees are paid. Delayed payments lead to storage fees, missed delivery dates, and potential shipment returns.

To avoid surprises:

Research duty rates and taxes for each destination.
Use duty deferral programs where applicable.
Set up direct deposit or prepayment accounts to speed up customs processing.

Planning in advance prevents financial roadblocks that can stall shipments.

Follow Import Regulations and Compliance Rules

Countries impose specific import restrictions on certain goods. Items like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food products often require permits, special labeling, or testing certifications. Failing to meet these requirements can result in shipment seizures or legal fines.

Before shipping, confirm whether the product requires special permits, if the labeling meets local regulations, and whether any sanctions or trade restrictions apply to the destination country.

Skipping these steps can cause major disruptions, especially for businesses shipping high-value or regulated products.

Use Digital Tools for Real-Time Shipment Tracking

Modern tracking systems provide real-time updates on a shipment’s location and status. If a shipment gets held up, businesses can react immediately instead of waiting for a delay notice.

Using technology helps businesses:

Identify potential customs delays early.
Keep customers informed with accurate delivery timelines.
Adjust logistics plans based on real-time data.

Automated alerts also allow businesses to stay ahead of potential customs issues instead of dealing with them after they occur.

Benefits of Working with a Customs Expert

Even with proper planning, customs clearance involves complex rules that change frequently. From documentation to compliance checks, a customs brokerage service simplifies the process and helps businesses avoid costly mistakes.

Here’s how:

Faster Clearance : Professionals handle documentation, inspections, and payments efficiently, reducing delays.
Cost Savings : Proper classification and duty management prevent overpaying on tariffs.
Regulatory Compliance : Experts stay updated on trade laws, ensuring shipments meet all legal requirements.
Risk Management : Avoid penalties, confiscations, and unnecessary expenses with professional guidance.

Choosing the right customs partner can make all the difference in how smoothly your supply chain operates.

Why Gateway Logistics Is the Customs Partner You Need

Navigating the complexities of customs clearance requires expertise and precision. At Gateway Logistics , we specialize in streamlining this process, making sure your shipments move efficiently across borders.

Here’s how we stand out:

Comprehensive Customs Brokerage Services

Our licensed customs brokers play a crucial role in daily interactions with governmental agencies. Supported by up-to-date systems, we handle the import filing process, ensuring proper compliance and reporting for our customers.

Accurate Documentation and Filing

We manage all necessary documentation, including formal and informal entries, NAFTA considerations, and USA pre-clearance. Our electronic reporting and filing systems, integrated with ACH and ABI, facilitate timely and precise submissions.

Automated Tariff Classification and Duty Management

Our team ensures accurate classification of goods, leveraging automated systems to determine preferential tariff treatments and manage duty drawbacks effectively.

Expedited Clearance Approvals

Through our governmental trade portal, we often secure automated clearance approvals prior to cargo discharge, minimizing delays and optimizing efficiency.

C-TPAT Certification and Security Compliance

As a C-TPAT certified company, we actively collaborate with local government agencies to maintain the security of your U.S. inbound shipments, ensuring compliance with the highest standards.

Client-Centric Approach

Beyond standard services, we also offer customer training programs and customs audit preparation, empowering your team with knowledge and readiness.

Partnering with Gateway Logistics means entrusting your customs processes and customs clearance services to a dedicated team committed to accuracy, efficiency, and compliance, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.

Want to simplify your import and export process? Our team at Gateway Logistics is here to help. With customs clearance services Contact us today to streamline your shipments and avoid unnecessary customs delays!

The post Navigating Customs: How We Simplify the Import & Export Process appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

US, China Reach Deal to Slash Tariffs by 115%

Mon, 12 May 2025 15:05:00 GMT

China, US Slash Trade Tariffs in 90-Day Deal

China and the U.S. have agreed to pause their reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, with both sides bringing their rates down by 115 percent according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

This takes the tariffs imposed on Chinese goods by President Donald Trump down to 30 percent, and those imposed on U.S. goods by Beijing to 10 percent.

It is a major step towards resolving the trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies.

The post US, China Reach Deal to Slash Tariffs by 115% appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

US and UK expected to announce deal to reduce tariffs

Thu, 08 May 2025 14:21:00 GMT

Governments from around the world have been scrambling to strike deals with Washington before the new deadline passes.

The US has left a 10% global tariff in place, which included the UK, though the long-time ally of America was not subject to the administration’s higher “reciprocal” tariffs.

The UK is also subject to a 25% US import tax on steel, aluminium and cars.

Washington is close to agreeing trade deals with India and Israel, according to reports.

The administration is also continuing talks with several other countries including Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.

Trump has said he wants nations to strike new deals with the US as he tries to radically reshape the global trading system.

The post US and UK expected to announce deal to reduce tariffs appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

China orders airlines to suspend Boeing jet deliveries amid trade war

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:10:00 GMT

China has ordered its airlines not to take further deliveries of Boeing jets in response to the U.S. decision to impose 145% tariffs on Chinese goods.

China’s top three airlines – Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines had planned to take delivery of 45, 53 and 81 Boeing planes respectively between 2025 and 2027.

Source: China orders airlines to suspend Boeing jet deliveries amid trade war, Bloomberg News reports | Reuters

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U.S. plans phased approach to port fees for Chinese ships

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 14:35:00 GMT

The United States announced a multi-phase scheme for port fees on Chinese-linked shipping based on the size of ships. The reset comes after a wave of opposition during public hearings in March from shippers, exporters and other maritime stakeholders to millions of dollars in fees proposed by the United States Trade Representative. The long-term plan also accommodates what is expected to be a year-long ramping up of domestic shipyard capacity.

China produces about 1,700 ships per year compared to around five for the U.S. In the details of the USTR action, fees on Chinese vessel owners and operators for the first 180 days as of April 17 will be set at $0. In the first phase, after 180 days, the charge will be $50 per net ton per U.S. voyage, increasing incrementally over the following years up to $140 by April 17, 2028. The fee will be charged up to five times per year, per vessel.

Source: US plans phased approach to port fees for Chinese ships – FreightWaves

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The Importance of Reducing Carbon Footprint in Global Shipping

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:08:00 GMT

As global trade continues to expand, the logistics industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Businesses and consumers alike are prioritizing eco-friendly solutions, and logistics companies play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions for logistics services. Reducing the carbon footprint in global shipping is essential to creating a more sustainable and environmentally responsible supply chain.

Optimizing Transportation Routes for Efficiency

One of the most effective ways to minimize environmental impact in logistics is by optimizing transportation routes. Advanced route planning software is utilized to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions. Through real-time data analysis, businesses can make sure that shipments follow the most efficient routes, cutting down on idle time and needless detours.

Intermodal transport strategies, combining road, rail, air, and sea freight in the most energy-efficient manner possible, also significantly cut down emissions while enhancing delivery speed and reliability.

Fuel-Efficient and Alternative Energy Vehicles

The transition to fuel-efficient and alternative energy vehicles is crucial for lowering carbon footprints in logistics. Many logistics providers are investing in a modern fleet that incorporates fuel-efficient trucks and hybrid vehicles. These vehicles consume less fuel per mile, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining high-performance delivery capabilities.

Moreover, there is a growing interest in electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles for last-mile deliveries. This shift to greener alternatives aligns with global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supports cleaner urban environments.

Green Warehousing Solutions

Warehousing is another significant aspect of the logistics process where sustainability measures can make a difference. Many logistics companies integrate green warehousing practices by implementing energy-efficient lighting, advanced climate control systems, and solar-powered facilities.

Warehouse operations also prioritize waste reduction through improved inventory management and the use of recyclable packaging materials. By reducing energy consumption and waste generation, logistics providers create a more sustainable supply chain and logistics services that benefits both clients and the environment.

Carbon Offsetting and Sustainable Partnerships

While reducing emissions is a priority, many logistics companies also engage in carbon offsetting programs to neutralize their environmental impact. Investments in reforestation projects, renewable energy initiatives, and carbon credits help balance out unavoidable emissions.

A greener logistics ecosystem is also fostered by collaborations with shipping carriers and environmentally conscious suppliers. This is possible as they share a dedication to sustainability, guaranteeing that sustainability initiatives go beyond individual operations.

Embracing Digital Solutions for Paperless Operations

The transition to digital solutions is another crucial step in reducing carbon footprints in logistics. Many companies have adopted electronic documentation, digital invoicing, and automated tracking systems to eliminate paper waste. These digital tools enhance efficiency and accuracy in logistics operations and contribute to environmental conservation by reducing the need for physical paperwork.

How Gateway Logistics Supports Sustainable Shipping with Logistics Services

At Gateway Logistics , sustainability is a core priority. We actively integrate green logistics strategies to minimize its carbon footprint while ensuring efficient and reliable shipping solutions. Through optimized route planning, we reduce fuel consumption and transportation emissions, delivering shipments in the most eco-friendly manner possible.

The company is also investing in fuel-efficient vehicles and exploring the use of alternative energy-powered fleets. Its warehouses incorporate energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable packaging initiatives help reduce waste throughout the supply chain. By partnering with environmentally responsible carriers and suppliers, Gateway Logistics strengthens its commitment to creating a greener global logistics network.

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, businesses must choose partners who prioritize sustainability. Our experts at Gateway Logistics are dedicated to providing efficient, eco-conscious shipping solutions and logistics services that align with global sustainability goals. Contact us today to learn how its innovative logistics strategies can help your business reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring seamless supply chain operations.

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$3.5m: How much this COSCO ship might be charged when calling at a U.S. port

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:39:00 GMT

The trade office has recommended potential fees of up to $1.5m per port call for Chinese-built vessels, $1m per port call for operators of Chinese-built ships, and mandatory US-flag shipping requirements.

Most operators in the world have in their fleet one or more ships of Chinese origin meaning that when calling at a US port, they would be subject to a port fee.

“Ultimately, there would be barriers for entry for goods from various smaller export markets.”

For example, a COSCO ship would be charged $3.5m per port call or $10.5m for each voyage involving three west coast ports. With ten 35-day voyages per year, that would translate into $105m in annual fees just for one COSCO vessel.

That is equivalent to $2,100 for the typical 40′ container moving in that lane.

“Clearly that fee would make that COSCO ship non-competitive and trade involving such a ship would be constrained,” McCown wrote.

Source: AirCargoWeek.com Sam Chambers

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Oil Prices Rise for Second Consecutive Week on Expected Tighter Supply

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:03:00 GMT

Oil prices settled higher on Friday and recorded a second consecutive weekly gain as fresh U.S. sanctions on Iran and the latest output plan from the OPEC+ producer group raised expectations of tighter supply. Brent crude prices rose by 2.1% over the week, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 1.6%.

Source: Oil prices rise for second consecutive week on expected tighter supply | Reuters

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From Ports to Doorsteps: The Importance of Intermodal Transport in Global Trade

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 17:13:00 GMT

Intermodal transport optimizes global trade by combining ocean, air, rail, and trucking, lowering costs and improving delivery efficiency.
Businesses benefit from cost savings, faster deliveries, and a reduced carbon footprint by utilizing multiple transport modes strategically.
Despite its advantages, intermodal transport faces challenges like port congestion and customs complexities, which can be addressed with smart strategies and technology.

When you order a product online, it doesn’t magically appear at your door. It embarks on a journey that involves multiple modes of transportation, switching from ships to trains to trucks before arriving at its final stop. This process—known as intermodal transport—is what keeps global trade moving.

But how does this seamless transition between different transport methods work? And why is it so vital for businesses looking to cut costs and speed up deliveries with logistics services?

Let’s learn!

What Is Intermodal Transport and How Does It Work?

Intermodal transport refers to moving goods using multiple modes of transportation without direct handling of the cargo itself. Standardized shipping containers allow smooth transfers between ships, trains, trucks, and even aircraft, ensuring faster transitions and reduced damage risks.

This process typically follows a structured sequence:

Ocean freight moves goods across long international distances.
Rail transport connects ports to inland distribution hubs.
Trucking completes last-mile deliveries to retailers, warehouses, or customers.
Air freight (if needed) speeds up urgent shipments.

By integrating these transport methods, businesses cut costs, reduce delays, and increase flexibility—all while maintaining supply chain efficiency.

Breaking Down the Core Components of Intermodal Transport

Global trade depends on a mix of ocean, air, rail, and trucking to move goods across borders efficiently. Each mode plays a specific role in keeping supply chains running smoothly.

Let’s take a closer look at how each mode contributes to intermodal transport and why they work best together.

Ocean Freight

Shipping by sea has been the foundation of global commerce for centuries, and today, it still accounts for over 90% of international trade. Massive container ships transport everything from raw materials to consumer goods across oceans, offering a cost-effective way to move bulk cargo over long distances.

However, while ocean freight keeps costs low, it comes with longer transit times and port delays. This is where intermodal transport plays a key role—seamlessly transferring shipments from ships to rail or trucking networks for efficient inland distribution.

Air Freight

Not all shipments can wait weeks to arrive at their destination. Air freight is the go-to option for businesses that need speed, making it ideal for time-sensitive and high-value goods. Though it comes with a higher price tag, it offers reliability and quick turnaround times, especially for industries that rely on just-in-time (JIT) supply chains.

Businesses use air transport for:

Perishable goods like food and pharmaceuticals.
Electronics, luxury products, and other high-value shipments.
Urgent supplies that cannot be delayed by ocean or rail transport.

Rail Freight

Once shipments arrive at ports or air hubs, they travel long distances inland. Rail freight is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to move goods over land. It offers a great balance between cost, speed, and capacity, making it a preferred option for large-volume shipments.

Why businesses use rail transport:

Lower fuel costs compared to trucking.
Higher cargo capacity, reducing the number of shipments needed.
More eco-friendly, cutting carbon emissions compared to trucks.

Trucking

No matter how far a shipment has traveled, it still needs to reach its final destination with logistics services. Trucking is the link between ports, rail hubs, and distribution centers, making it an essential part of intermodal transport. Whether delivering to warehouses, retail stores, or customers’ doorsteps, trucks provide the flexibility needed for last-mile logistics.

Intermodal trucking offers several advantages:

Reduces dependence on long-haul trucking, cutting fuel and labor costs.
Speeds up final-mile deliveries to meet demand faster.
Adapts to supply chain disruptions by offering flexible routing options.

As technology advances, electric and autonomous trucks are expected to improve efficiency even further, making intermodal trucking even more effective.

Why Businesses Rely on Intermodal Transport

In a fast-moving global economy, businesses can’t afford supply chain bottlenecks, high transportation costs, or unexpected disruptions. That’s where intermodal transport comes in.

Cost Savings Through Optimized Shipping Routes

Shipping costs can quickly eat into profits if businesses rely too heavily on a single mode of transport. Intermodal logistics helps companies save money by selecting the most cost-effective option at every stage of the journey.

Ocean freight is the most affordable option for long-haul international shipments.
Rail transport costs significantly less than long-haul trucking for inland distribution.
Trucking is ideal for shorter, time-sensitive deliveries but becomes expensive over longer distances.

Businesses can cut down on wasteful spending by carefully combining these modes. Instead of using long-haul trucking alone, they can first transport goods by ocean and rail, then shift to trucks for final-mile delivery.

This approach lowers fuel costs, minimizes road congestion fees, and optimizes supply chain spending.

Faster and More Reliable Deliveries

Speed is a critical factor in global trade. Customers expect faster delivery times, and businesses need to meet those expectations while keeping costs in check. Intermodal transport increases reliability by offering multiple route options, reducing the risk of delays.

If a port is congested, goods can be moved via air or rail instead of waiting for backlogs to clear.
If a highway is blocked due to weather or accidents, shipments can shift from trucks to rail.
If a rail network faces disruption, businesses can rely on trucking for inland transport.

By using intermodal transport, companies can respond quickly to disruptions, ensuring that goods reach their destinations on time and supply chain schedules remain intact.

Lower Carbon Footprint and Sustainable Logistics

With growing pressure to adopt eco-friendly shipping, businesses are moving away from truck-heavy logistics and embracing intermodal solutions that focus on rail and ocean freight. This shift significantly reduces carbon emissions and fuel consumption.

Rail transport produces up to 75% fewer carbon emissions than long-haul trucking.
Ocean shipping is more fuel-efficient per ton-mile than air or road transport.
Intermodal routing reduces empty miles, lowering unnecessary fuel consumption.

For companies prioritizing sustainability goals, intermodal transport offers a greener way to move goods without sacrificing efficiency. Some businesses are even integrating electric and hybrid trucking fleets for last-mile deliveries, further reducing their environmental impact.

Flexibility in Managing Supply Chain Disruptions

Global supply chains are unpredictable. Natural disasters, fuel shortages, labor strikes, and geopolitical conflicts can disrupt shipping routes overnight. Intermodal transport provides the flexibility needed to adjust quickly and keep operations running. Maintaining a variety of transportation options helps businesses reduce downtime, prevent significant losses, and maintain customer satisfaction even in the face of disruptions.

Improved Inventory and Warehouse Management

Efficient logistics go beyond transportation; they also impact inventory management and warehousing. Intermodal shipping allows businesses to plan better, avoid overstocking or understocking, and reduce storage costs.

Just-in-time (JIT) supply chains rely on intermodal transport for consistent, scheduled deliveries.
Warehouses can operate more efficiently when goods arrive in predictable shipments rather than all at once.
Freight consolidation helps businesses group shipments, reducing costs and storage space requirements.

With a well-structured intermodal strategy, businesses can maintain a leaner supply chain, freeing up capital that would otherwise be tied up in inventory storage.

Key Challenges in Intermodal Transport And How to Overcome Them

While intermodal transport offers efficiency and cost savings, businesses still face challenges that can disrupt operations. However, with the right strategies, companies can overcome these barriers and keep their supply chains running smoothly.

Port Congestion and Delays

Major ports worldwide handle millions of containers daily, and congestion is a recurring issue. Delays in unloading and clearance can stall shipments, leading to missed deadlines and supply chain disruptions.

This is because high container traffic, labor shortages, and customs backlogs contribute to long wait times. Peak seasons, such as holiday periods, often make congestion worse.

How to fix it:

Diversify Entry Points : Instead of relying on major ports, businesses can use alternative ports with lower traffic.
Optimize Scheduling : Scheduling shipments during off-peak hours can reduce wait times.
Leverage Technology : Real-time tracking and predictive analytics can help businesses reroute shipments if a port is experiencing heavy congestion.

Complex Customs and Documentation

International shipping requires strict compliance with customs regulations, and paperwork errors can lead to costly delays. Each country has different import/export requirements, making the process even more complicated.

Incorrect documentation, misclassification of goods, or missing permits often lead to customs holds.

You can fix this by:

Using Automated Documentation Systems: Digital platforms help businesses process and submit customs paperwork efficiently.
Working with Experienced Freight Forwarders : Logistics experts understand local regulations and can prevent compliance issues.
Staying Updated on Trade Agreements: Countries often revise trade rules, so businesses must ensure they meet current requirements.

Cost Fluctuations in Fuel and Freight Rates

Shipping costs constantly change due to fuel prices, carrier surcharges, and freight rate fluctuations. Global oil prices, economic shifts, and peak-season demand all contribute to these variations, making it difficult for businesses to predict expenses.

To manage these costs, companies can secure long-term contracts with carriers or use digital freight marketplaces to compare real-time rates. Optimizing delivery routes, consolidating shipments, and incorporating rail transport can also help reduce fuel expenses and stabilize shipping budgets.

Infrastructure Limitations in Some Regions

Not all regions have the infrastructure to support smooth intermodal transport. Poor road conditions, outdated rail networks, and limited port facilities can lead to delays and higher costs, especially in developing markets.

Businesses can work with local logistics providers to navigate these challenges and use multimodal transport hubs to transfer goods more efficiently. Planning extra lead time for shipments in regions with weaker infrastructure can also help minimize disruptions.

The Future of Intermodal Transport in Global Trade

As trade expands, automated ports, AI-driven logistics, and digital freight networks are reshaping global shipping. Companies are investing in electric and autonomous trucks, making deliveries faster and more sustainable. Meanwhile, blockchain-based logistics tracking is improving security and transparency in intermodal transport.

Businesses that embrace these innovations will gain a competitive edge, reducing delays and improving cost efficiency in their global supply chains.

Want to streamline your global shipping strategy with logistics services? At Gateway Logistics , we offer expert intermodal logistics services tailored to your needs. Contact us today to optimize your supply chain and keep your deliveries on track!

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Counter-counter-tariffs? Trump threatens to hit back against EU’s retaliation

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:54:00 GMT

This Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to hit back against Europe’s own retaliatory move to Washington’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

As the latest tariffs went into effect on Wednesday, the European Union (EU) announced it would impose counter-tariffs on 26 billion euros ($28.33 billion) worth of U.S. goods starting in April.

Source: Memo on EU countermeasures on US tariffs

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DID YOU KNOW THAT WE HAVE OUR OWN RAIL SPUR AT GATEWAY?

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:30:00 GMT

Legislation reintroduced Tuesday in the House of Representatives would establish a 10% tax credit to help upgrade the U.S. freight car fleet.

Get those new cars moving with the Gateway Logistics team!

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DO YOU HAVE ALL RISK INSURANCE?

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:06:00 GMT

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and a merchant vessel collided late Wednesday in the Mediterranean Sea.

The incident involving the Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Besiktas-M occurred around 11:45 p.m. local time, near Port Said, Egypt. No injuries have been reported, but the extensive damages are clearly observable in recently released pictures.

Source: UPDATE: Photo of damage to US aircraft carrier in Mediterranean collision – FreightWaves

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Trump Raises Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to 25%

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:02:00 GMT

President Donald Trump has imposed a blanket 25% tariff on steel and aluminum entering the U.S.

Bloomberg reported that the tariffs are being broadly imposed, applying to imports from allies such as the EU, Canada and Mexico and to finished metal products. The action drew applause from the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), which said that Trump clearly understands that America’s steel industry is the backbone of its economy.

Source: Trump Promises Tariffs on Imported Steel, Aluminum – Association for Iron & Steel Technology

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TRUMP PAUSES DE MINIMIS REPEAL AS PACKAGES PILE UP AT US CUSTOMS

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:33:00 GMT

While the 10 percent tariff has garnered significant attention, the real change in the Executive Order lies in the suspension of the de minimis loophole. This loophole has allowed e-commerce giants to bypass American import taxes and consumer safety standards, creating an uneven playing field for American businesses.

The de minimis exemption, which permits goods valued under US$800 to enter the US without duties, has led to billions of dollars in unregulated imports that harm American retailers and manufacturers. In 2023 alone, over one billion shipments—valued at approximately US$54.5 billion—were processed through de minimis, according to US Customs and Border Protection.

Reinstating de minimis—thus allowing these platforms to continue evading US consumer safety regulations—presents a far greater problem than the 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods.

This situation places a logistical burden on US Customs, and it’s hoped that this is merely a temporary rollback. Ethical businesses that support fair competition and consumer safety would benefit from the closure of this loophole.

Closing this loophole would level the playing field, requiring foreign platforms to adhere to the same rules as US businesses. This would promote fairer competition and enhanced consumer protection.

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The Impact of Ocean Freight on Supply Chains

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 18:20:00 GMT

Imagine trying to run a business without knowing how your products will reach customers across the globe. This is the reality for many companies that rely on ocean freight to keep their supply chains running smoothly. While it offers cost-effective shipping on a massive scale, ocean freight comes with its set of challenges.

Let’s break down how ocean freight shapes global trade, delivery schedules, and cost efficiencies—and what businesses can do to make it work for them with ocean freight forwarders in Houston.

How Ocean Freight Shapes Global Trade

When it comes to international trade, ocean freight remains the most cost-effective and efficient means of transporting goods. According to recent statistics, ocean freight accounts for about 90% of global trade by volume, making it a central player in global commerce.

The sheer capacity of container ships allows for the transport of large quantities of goods across long distances at relatively low cost per unit. This scalability is one of the key reasons why ocean freight is the preferred choice for businesses involved in global trade.

Ocean freight is also essential for industries that require large shipments, such as manufacturing, automotive, and retail.

The Impact of Ocean Freight on Delivery Timelines

Ocean freight offers immense capacity and cost savings but comes with a major tradeoff—longer transit times. Unlike air freight, which can get goods to their destination faster but at a higher cost, ocean freight can take weeks, depending on the distance.

This longer timeline can create challenges for businesses, especially those with tight delivery schedules. Global supply chains thrive on consistency and predictability, so delays—whether due to weather, port congestion, or customs clearance—can throw a wrench in operations.

To manage delivery delays:

Plan Ahead: Adjust inventory management and production schedules to account for typical ocean freight lead times.
Create Contingency Plans : Develop backup strategies, such as early ordering, to mitigate the impact of delays.
Communicate: Ensure clear communication with all stakeholders to set realistic expectations around delivery dates.

Cost Efficiencies in Ocean Freight

While the initial cost per unit is lower than air freight, there are still other factors that can add to the overall cost.

Factors that influence ocean freight costs:

Port fees and fuel surcharges can impact the total cost.
Customs duties may vary depending on the country and type of goods being shipped.
Logistical complexities like securing reliable partners or managing the intricate details of international shipping can add up.

Despite these additional costs, ocean freight remains highly competitive for bulk shipments, especially when you leverage containerization.

Benefits of containerization:

Standardized containers reduce costs by easing the transfer of goods between ships, trucks, and trains.
It streamlines logistics , helping businesses maintain more efficient and predictable supply chains.

Best Practices for Navigating Ocean Freight

Businesses should adopt best practices that help streamline the process and reduce potential disruptions.

Partner with a Reliable Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders are key players in navigating the complexities of international shipping. They help ensure goods are delivered on time and in compliance with regulations, reducing the risk of delays and penalties.

Focus On Inventory Management

With longer transit times, it’s important to maintain safety stock or plan inventory to prevent stockouts. Strategic inventory management helps keep operations smooth.

Stay Informed About Shipping Trends and Market Conditions

Changes in fuel prices, port congestion, or geopolitical issues can impact ocean freight. Staying proactive helps businesses adjust to unexpected conditions and optimize their shipping strategies.

Looking for reliable ocean freight solutions? At Gateway Logistics , we provide the expertise and support you need to optimize your shipping as ocean freight forwarders in Houston. Reach out today to learn how we can help!

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U.S.-China Trade Tensions Continue to Impact Shipping

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:52:00 GMT

What’s Happening : Trade tensions between the U.S. and China remain a key factor affecting logistics. Tariffs on certain goods, export controls, and geopolitical uncertainties are causing shippers to rethink supply chain strategies.

Why It Matters : Companies are diversifying their supply chains to reduce reliance on China, but the China-U.S. trade lane remains critical for many industries, including electronics, machinery, and consumer goods.

Call our experts at 281-443-7447 for current information and updates on your imports!

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The Role of Technology in Enhancing Warehouse Management

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:57:00 GMT

Modern technology like WMS, IoT, robotics, and AI simplify warehouse operations, improve accuracy, and boost efficiency.
Integrating tools such as automation, cloud systems, and wearables reduces costs, ensures real-time inventory tracking, and enhances worker safety.
Emerging trends like 5G, green technology, and AI-driven autonomous warehouses are shaping the future of warehouse management.

The role of a warehouse has evolved from simple storage to a vital component of the global supply chain. For managers in logistics and operations, keeping up with demand means rethinking traditional workflows. Modern technology is bridging the gap between growing complexity and operational efficiency for warehouse management.

From automated systems to AI-driven insights, innovative tools are simplifying complex operations.

Let’s look into this and logistics services in more detail!

The Evolution of Warehouse Management

Warehouse operations have come a long way from manual record-keeping and labor-intensive processes. Initially, warehouses relied on paper logs and human-led inventory checks, often resulting in errors, delays, and inefficiencies. The introduction of warehouse management systems (WMS) in the late 20th century marked a turning point, bringing digital solutions to manage inventory and improve order fulfillment.

Today, cutting-edge technologies like IoT, robotics, and artificial intelligence have taken warehouse management to the next level. These innovations allow businesses to stay competitive while meeting the increasing demands of modern supply chains.

Key Technologies Transforming Warehouse Management

Let’s explore some of the most impactful technologies that are revolutionizing warehouse management today.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Modern WMS software forms the backbone of technologically advanced warehouses. These systems help businesses monitor inventory levels, track orders, and manage warehouse space efficiently. Cloud-based WMS platforms are particularly beneficial, offering real-time data access, scalability, and seamless integration with other supply chain tools.

For example, businesses using WMS can reduce picking errors, optimize space utilization, and improve shipping times. Additionally, advanced features like slotting optimization and order prioritization enable warehouses to stay responsive to dynamic demands.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT is revolutionizing warehouse operations by enabling interconnected devices that share real-time data. IoT in warehouses includes smart shelves, RFID tags, and sensors that track everything from inventory levels to equipment status. These tools reduce the need for manual interventions, improve inventory accuracy, and detect potential issues before they become major problems.

For instance, IoT-enabled sensors can monitor the temperature and humidity of storage areas to make sure sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals remain intact throughout their storage lifecycle.

Robotics and Automation

Automation is rapidly transforming warehouses by minimizing human involvement in repetitive tasks. Robots are being deployed to pick, pack, and transport goods within warehouses, improving speed and precision. Collaborative robots, or cobots, work alongside humans to improve productivity while reducing physical strain on workers.

Amazon’s warehouses, for example, use automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to transport goods, streamlining operations and reducing costs.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI-driven systems analyze vast amounts of data to make predictions and decisions, helping warehouses optimize operations. Machine learning algorithms can predict inventory demand, enabling proactive stock replenishment and avoiding overstocking or stockouts. AI is also used for route optimization in warehouses to make sure goods are picked and packed in the shortest time possible.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain adds transparency to warehouse operations by securely recording every transaction in the supply chain. This technology helps track goods from origin to destination to maintain authenticity and reduce fraud. For warehouses handling high-value or regulated products, blockchain can be a game-changer in maintaining compliance and trust.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Wearable Technology

AR and wearables are creating new opportunities in warehouse efficiency. AR-enabled glasses guide workers through optimal picking routes, while wearables like smartwatches track worker health and task completion. These tools not only improve speed and accuracy but also create safer working conditions for employees.

Cloud Computing

Cloud technology supports real-time data sharing across global warehouses, guaranteeing consistency and efficiency. Cloud-based platforms allow warehouse managers to monitor operations remotely, collaborate with teams, and adapt quickly to changing demands.

The Benefits of Using Technology in Warehouse Management

The benefits of integrating technology into warehouse management go far beyond automation. These innovations are helping businesses streamline workflows, enhance customer satisfaction, and cut costs in ways that weren’t possible before.

Increased Operational Efficiency

Automation technologies like automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and robotic arms streamline processes that once required significant human effort. Tasks such as inventory counting, sorting, and order picking can now be performed at unmatched speed and accuracy, reducing processing times. Automated conveyor systems and sortation technologies can also eliminate bottlenecks in high-volume warehouses.

Furthermore, predictive maintenance tools monitor equipment health, preventing unexpected downtime by scheduling repairs before issues escalate.

Real-Time Inventory Visibility

IoT-enabled sensors and RFID tags provide warehouses with live updates on inventory movements, ensuring every item is accounted for at all times. Real-time inventory management systems can alert staff when stock levels are low, prompting automatic reorders.

This visibility helps businesses respond promptly to fluctuations in demand and eliminates the risks associated with manual inventory tracking, such as overstocking or stockouts.

Cost Reduction

Technology minimizes costs by automating manual labor and optimizing resource allocation. Robots, for example, can handle repetitive tasks like picking and packing, reducing the need for human intervention and lowering labor costs.

Additionally, IoT devices help monitor energy usage, identifying areas where consumption can be reduced. Over time, these technologies not only reduce operational expenses but also maximize the return on investment through more efficient processes.

Enhanced Safety for Workers

Workplace injuries in warehouses often occur due to repetitive strain or handling of heavy goods. The use of technology eliminates the need for workers to perform such physically demanding tasks, significantly reducing injury risks.

Wearable technologies like smart vests and AR glasses enhance situational awareness, alerting workers to hazards in real time. These tools also allow managers to monitor fatigue levels and prevent overexertion, fostering a safer working environment.

Scalability and Adaptability

With cloud-based systems, warehouses can easily adjust to fluctuations in demand without investing in physical infrastructure. During peak seasons like Black Friday, businesses can temporarily expand their operational capacity through software configurations, avoiding costly downtime.

Predictive analytics allow businesses to anticipate future needs, helping them prepare for market shifts. Automation also makes it easier to scale, as robots and AI systems can be programmed for new tasks without additional staff or training.

Key Considerations for Adopting New Technology in Warehouse Management

When it comes to adopting new technology in warehouse management, several key considerations can influence the success of your implementation.

Compatibility

It’s essential to assess the compatibility of new systems with your existing infrastructure. Integrating technology that seamlessly connects with your current processes, equipment, and software is crucial to avoid unnecessary disruptions and ensure a smooth transition.

Cost-effectiveness

While advanced technologies can lead to long-term savings, the initial investment and implementation costs should be carefully evaluated. It’s important to consider whether the ROI justifies the upfront expenses and how quickly you can expect to see returns on your investment.

Staff Training

Even the most advanced systems can fall short if employees lack the knowledge to use them effectively. Providing thorough training and fostering a culture of continuous learning can help your team become confident in using new tools.

Scalability

As your business grows, your technology should be able to scale with it. Implementing solutions that can evolve with increasing demands will help you avoid costly upgrades or replacements down the line.

Future Trends in Warehouse Technology

As warehouse management continues to evolve, staying ahead of technological trends is key to maintaining a competitive edge.

Here are some of the most promising trends that are set to change the landscape of warehouse management.

AI and Autonomous Warehouses

Autonomous warehouses are emerging as the ultimate goal for many businesses. These facilities use AI to handle all operations, from inventory management to order fulfillment. Automated drones may be used for inventory checks, while AI algorithms predict demand trends to optimize stock levels.

Green and Sustainable Technology

Sustainability is gaining prominence in warehousing, driven by both regulatory requirements and consumer preferences for eco-friendly practices. Energy-efficient equipment, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction strategies are becoming standard in modern warehouses.

For example, facilities are adopting solar panels and battery storage systems to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy. Sustainable packaging options and recyclable materials are also making warehousing processes more environmentally responsible.

Advanced Analytics

Data analytics tools provide warehouse managers with insights that go beyond basic operational metrics. Predictive analytics can forecast stock levels based on historical trends, while prescriptive analytics suggests actionable steps to optimize performance.

Real-time dashboards offer a holistic view of the warehouse, allowing managers to monitor KPIs such as order accuracy, throughput, and inventory turnover in one place.

5G Connectivity

The adoption of 5G networks is set to revolutionize how warehouses operate. With near-zero latency, 5G facilitates instantaneous data sharing between IoT devices, robotics, and cloud systems. This connectivity allows for real-time adjustments to workflows, improving agility and responsiveness. For warehouses handling high-volume operations, 5G connectivity provides seamless coordination between various automated systems.

Getting Started

Taking the first step toward upgrading your warehouse operations with technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to start with a clear understanding of your current challenges and goals.

Begin by assessing your warehouse’s pain points—whether it’s inventory management, order fulfillment, or workforce efficiency. From there, research the technologies that best address these needs, considering factors like ease of integration, scalability, and user-friendliness.

Remember, the journey toward a smarter warehouse is a gradual process. Start small by implementing one or two solutions that will have the most immediate impact, and expand from there as your team becomes more comfortable.

Ready to modernize your warehouse? At Gateway Logistics , we specialize in helping businesses integrate the latest technology for smoother, more efficient warehouse operations and warehouse management. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey with logistics services.

The post The Role of Technology in Enhancing Warehouse Management appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Gateway Warehouse Services

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:33:00 GMT

Are you looking for warehousing services?

Gateway Logistics offers +300,000 sq.ft. located in the heavy equipment corridor near the Port of Houston. With live CCTV Security Camera coverage and a 4-acres fenced/stabilized yard we can accommodate your project!

Contact sales@gateway-group.com for more information!

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Air Cargo rates rise to a 2024 High

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:25:00 GMT

Worldwide air cargo rates rose to the highest rates of 2024 in November, despite a slight drop in flown tonnages compared with October.

Demand and pricing both remain significantly above their already elevated levels last November.

Advance planning with Gateway Logistics air freight team can help you during peak season capacity crunch in the final weeks of the year. Call 281-443-7447 today!

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Getting ready for the New Year!

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 19:55:00 GMT

CHINA IMPORTS: There is a strong possibility that Ad Valorem on goods from China will be increasing from 25% to 35% in 2025.

MEXICO AND CANADA: President Trump is considering suspending the USMCA agreement with Mexico and Canada to pressure them to aid in the reduction of illegal immigrants coming to the US.

He is also considering a 25% duty until he sees a reduction on the illegal immigration and flow of fentanyl.

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Coronavirus – Air Transportation update

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:57:00 GMT

As the COVID-19 Coronavirus has now been identified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, we at Gateway want to make you aware that issue is impacting air transportation of goods throughout the world.

As you may know many airlines have significantly reduced flights with little or no notice. Flights are being cancelled on short notice daily. Under these conditions it is possible your important air cargo shipment could experience an unexpected delay in transit.

As the capacity lessens, we are also seeing some rise in air freight prices. Depending on the destination and frequency of flights these increases could be significant. At this time our air freight quotes are subject to change at any time without notice.

Please keep these potential obstacles in mind. Ship as early as possible to provide us the opportunity to make your required date at destination.

Gateway is still operating at full staff. We are having drivers fill out a questionnaire as precaution and to reduce the potential risk of exposure to our employees.

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LA-LB port set for another month of congestion

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:42:00 GMT

LA port congestion continues

“US importers shipping through Los Angeles-Long Beach should expect congested marine terminals, lengthy truck turn times, equipment shortages, and distribution warehouses that are stuffed beyond capacity for at least another month.

Since other major gateways, including New York-New Jersey, are also experiencing various degrees of equipment shortages, and delays in the return of empty containers, it is possible that Asia could soon experience a shortage of empty containers.

The causes of the extreme gridlock in Los Angeles-Long Beach include the 34 extra-loader vessels that called at the largest US port complex since November, an unprecedented year-over-year increase in imports of more than 20 percent in December, the worst container dwell times in two years, and severe equipment shortages. Southern California was the epicenter of front-loading of spring shipments to get ahead of the Trump administration’s now-delayed 25 percent tariffs on Chinese imports, and retailers are holding on to the merchandise at their warehouses in Southern California awaiting decisions on where to ship the freight.

With warehouse space in Southern California maxed out, retailers are storing import loads on chassis in their yards, or anywhere else where they can find space. By tying up chassis for weeks at a time, the beneficial cargo owners (BCOs) have precipitated a chassis shortage in the region, which in turn prevents truckers from returning empty containers to the ports. An executive at an intermodal equipment provider (IEP) said that this could result in a shortage of empty containers in Asia this winter.”

Learn more here .

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Longer US shutdown equates to more cargo pain points

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:35:00 GMT

The shutdown is affecting more things than most would expect.

“While the partial US government shutdown isn’t disrupting the clearance of cargo, customs brokers are increasingly worried that smaller pinches, ranging from the proper coding of commodities to errors in paperwork, will become frequent and larger if federal workers remain furloughed much longer.

There is also a possibility that port authorities would have to shell out additional money to pay US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for overtime and extended weekend inspections since the shutdown coincides with the Chinese New Year surge of volume. Reimbursing CBP is not an issue that only occurs during a shutdown. The Section 559 Program was enacted in 2014, allowing CBP to be reimbursed by port authorities for extra hours on the job.”

Learn more here

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Nippon Express expands rail, air services to Europe

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 16:57:00 GMT

Nippon Express plans “free movement of goods” through Eurasia

“Logistics giant Nippon Express said its newly launched inter-modal services connecting Japanese ports and airports with Europe via the Eurasian rail network will be expanded to new routes in response to demand from beneficial cargo owners (BCOs).
The Tokyo-listed company, one of the world’s largest logistics companies by revenue, is aggressively expanding
its portfolio of regional services with a focus on cross-border land links in China and Southeast Asia .”

Read more here .

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Capacity-strapped shippers support US truck driver apprenticeships

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 16:18:00 GMT

Is younger drivers on the road the answer to the driver shortage?
“ A coalition of trade groups wants Congress to advance a controversial plan that would get younger truck drivers on the road. US shippers and distributors stung by rising truck prices want Congress to pass legislation that would put younger truck drivers behind the wheel. That could eventually increase available truck capacity, though it wouldn’t alleviate immediate pressure shippers of all kinds are feeling on US highways.”
Read more here .

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Brazil’s Crippling Trucker Protests Enter Day 9, Despite Suggestions of a Deal

Thu, 31 May 2018 15:22:00 GMT

For a moment in Brazil, it seemed likely the strike that has interrupted the country’s major thoroughfares for days on end might finally be headed for a resolution. President Michel Temer appeared to blink after a standoff with truck drivers’ unions, announcing late Sunday that his government would comply with their central demand to reduce diesel prices.

But as the sun rose over Brazil’s major highways Tuesday, an observer would be forgiven for thinking no such offer had been tendered. Many areas of the country looked much as they have since the strike began nine days ago, with roadblocks lingering, long lines snaking from gas stations, and store shelves bare from lack of shipments.

The post Brazil’s Crippling Trucker Protests Enter Day 9, Despite Suggestions of a Deal appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Trump Plows Ahead on Threat to Impose Tariffs on $50 Billion in Chinese Imports

Wed, 30 May 2018 19:30:00 GMT

In a wide-ranging statement, the White House said that under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, “the United States will impose a 25% tariff on $50 billion of goods imported from China containing industrially significant technology, including those related to the ‘Made in China 2025’ program.”

It added that the final list of covered imports will be announced by June 15, with tariffs to be imposed on those imports soon after that date.

Along with the 25% tariff on $50 billion of goods imported from China, the White House said the United States remain focused on: protecting domestic property and intellectual property; stopping non-economic transfers of industrially significant technology and intellectual property to China; and enhancing access to the Chinese market.

What’s more, it said the U.S. will request that “China remove all of its many trade barriers, including non-monetary trade barriers, which make it both difficult and unfair to do business there,” as well as request that tariffs and taxes between the U.S. and China “be reciprocal in nature and value.”

The statement also explained that the U.S. will continue to communicate with China regarding these issues, with a key objective to grow U.S. exports by doing away with what it called long-standing structural issues and “China’s severe import restrictions.

The post Trump Plows Ahead on Threat to Impose Tariffs on $50 Billion in Chinese Imports appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Brazilian Truckers are Back to Work after Week-Long Strike Paralyzes Country

Tue, 29 May 2018 15:44:00 GMT

Brazilian President Michel Temer says he will concede to demands a week after 600,000 truckers went on strike, paralyzing the country.

A state of emergency was declared in Brazil and the army was ordered to clear highways over the weekend as the country struggled with food and fuel shortages that shut down much of the nation, including international airports, after drivers went on strike a week ago to protest fuel prices.

Temer said the government will subsidize the cost of diesel fuel for the next 60 days in order to get drivers back to work. Pump prices will be cut to $0.46 reals per liter (about $0.16 CND per liter) from $3.60 reals ($1.26 CND) for two months, followed by increases only once a month. Some taxes on diesel will also be eliminated.

The post Brazilian Truckers are Back to Work after Week-Long Strike Paralyzes Country appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Asia port congestion tests supply chains

Tue, 15 May 2018 15:30:00 GMT

The post Asia port congestion tests supply chains appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Transporters End Strike at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust

Tue, 15 May 2018 15:24:00 GMT

Transporters hauling containers to and from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) have called off their strike after local politicians wrested an assurance from the four new transporters selected by the port authority not to proceed with their work until the Supreme Court decides on a petition brought by the striking truckers’ associations.

After the Bombay High Court, citing government policy, refused to intervene in a case brought by the association last year, it approached the Supreme Court for relief.

Local politicians and transporters will also hold an emergency meeting with the port authorities on Tuesday to finalize an “amicable solution” to the issue, said Pravin Paithankar, President of the Maharashtra Heavy Vehicle and Inter-State Container Operators’ Association.

The strike that lasted four days affected road movement of containers. It would have paralyzed port operations had it continued for long.

The post Transporters End Strike at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Workers at Major Indian Ports Plan Indefinite Strike

Wed, 09 May 2018 15:25:00 GMT

Workers unions plan to go on an indefinite strike at all of the 12 major ports in India on or after May 30 to press their demands.

The national co-ordination committee of six federations of major port workers also decided to call for a nation-wide one-day protest strike on May 28.

Read more here .

The post Workers at Major Indian Ports Plan Indefinite Strike appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Fog at Shanghai, Ningbo and Qingdao Ports Causes Vessel Delays

Mon, 07 May 2018 16:48:00 GMT

A customer advisory has been issued stating that terminals in Shanghai, Ningbo and Qingdao have been affected for some weeks by heavy winds and intense fog, causing disruptions to port operations and vessel services.

The advisory notes the following conditions and delays:

Shanghai: Port operations at Wai Gao Qiao and Yangshan are being delayed by at least 3 days and 1.5 days respectively, with delayed opening hours for container yards.
Ningbo: Current waiting time for vessels is estimated at 3 days.
Qingdao: Port operations are back to normal, but the current cargo backlog is expected to take 2 days to clear.

The post Fog at Shanghai, Ningbo and Qingdao Ports Causes Vessel Delays appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Santos customs officers’ strike intensifies

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 19:24:00 GMT

The post Santos customs officers’ strike intensifies appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Strikes in Germany and France Disrupt Airfreight Operations

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 14:12:00 GMT

Strikes by unions in France and Germany were set to disrupt air cargo operations yesterday, with Air France and Lufthansa cancelling hundreds of flights.

In Germany, the Verdi trade union called for a strike over pay at Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne and Bremen airports.

In France, pilot, cabin and ground crew planned three two-day stoppages over the next two weeks with the first taking place yesterday.

Lufthansa said that it would have to cancel 800 out of the 1,600 scheduled flights, including 58 long-haul flights. Flight operations were scheduled to resume normal services today.

The post Strikes in Germany and France Disrupt Airfreight Operations appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Strikes Set to Hit French Rail Freight for Several Months

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 14:31:00 GMT

Intermittent strikes at French state railway SNCF over the next few months are expected to hit France’s domestic and international rail freight sector hard and significantly impact the logistics operations of key customers, industry sources warn.

Unions are planning 36 days of industrial action between now and mid-June in protest against government public-sector reforms targeting railway workers’ employment rights. The planned stoppages will work out at two consecutive days of strikes on a weekly basis, the first of which started on April 3.

Fret SNCF warned shippers last week to reduce their orders for train capacity and said few international services were operating to or transiting France during the April 3-4 48-hour stoppage in order to offset backlogs building up.

The post Strikes Set to Hit French Rail Freight for Several Months appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Heavy Fog Affecting Shanghai Port Operations

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 14:30:00 GMT

Heavy fog in Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta area between March 27 and April 2 has “severely affected ocean freight carrier services and operations at both WaiGao Qiao & Yangshan terminals in Shanghai.”

According to the member, the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration has advised that more than 1,550 barges and ships are delayed along the Yangtze River channel and that ocean-going sailing schedules are affected. It may take two to three weeks for operations to return to normal in Shanghai.

The post Heavy Fog Affecting Shanghai Port Operations appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Recent Casualties Highlight Importance of Cargo Insurance

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 14:57:00 GMT

The ocean freight industry has seen several major incidents over the past few weeks, including two fires on board two separate Maersk vessels, and a containership collision in Karachi Port that forced the temporary closure of the port.

These incidents underscore the importance of always buying cargo insurance to protect merchandise and cushion damage, says Klaus Lysdal, Vice President of Sales and Operations at iContainers.

The fire that broke out on the Maersk Honam earlier this month in particular serves as a reminder of the importance of cargo insurance. The blaze caused damage to hundreds of containers.

“As a shipper, you can and should always buy extra cargo insurance to further protect your merchandise and cushion your damage. Given the uncertainties of mother nature, it’s a worthy investment as it would cover your cargo while it’s in storage and in transit until it reaches the safe hands of your buyer,” Lysdal said.

It’s been more than two weeks since the Honam fire started, and the Danish shipping line has yet to confirm to which port the vessel will eventually be headed. It will still be awhile before the 2017-built vessel can be allowed to berth. Port authorities will want to make sure that all fire on board have been extinguished and determine the condition of the Honam, which is a process that could still drag on. In such a situation, having cargo insurance not only facilitates the post-shipping processes financially, but also logistically.

“Given that Maersk has now declared general average, which means that the surviving cargo has to pay a share of the cost for the vessel damage, the tow, clean up, legal settlements, etc,” Lysdal said.

“For clients who have insurance, filing the claim with their insurance [company] will help speed up the process of releasing their cargo,” Lysdal explained.

“Plus, claims are generally processed quicker through insurance companies. Without insurance, you may be stuck with the carrier’s liability which is listed on the back of the Bill of Lading: $500 per unit.”

To learn more about obtaining cargo insurance, please contact your Gateway representative.

The post Recent Casualties Highlight Importance of Cargo Insurance appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Steel tariffs threaten global shipping

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 18:00:00 GMT

The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) has warned that while the USA’s metals tariff will have a limited impact on most international bulk trades, it could have a negative impact on global shipping.

The USA will add a 25 percent tariff on imports of steel and a 10 percent tariff on imported aluminium, effective today (March 23, 2018). BIMCO believes that this push towards protectionism could trigger something bigger, having a wider impact on the global shipping industry.

BIMCO’s chief shipping analyst, Peter Sand, said: “Free trade provides prosperity and peace. It’s a fundamental principle to cherish and safeguard. All trade-restrictive measures are in principle bad for shipping.

“Open economies are all better off from trading, as they make use of their resources in the most optimal way. The result of a trade war is more expensive goods of lower quality and little variety. This goes for all products and commodities.”

On March 22, US President Donald Trump made a last-minute decision to exempt the European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea from the tariffs, on a temporary basis, while further discussions take place.

“Overall we are seeing more trade-restrictive measures introduced. Some more high profile than others. This is a worrying trend that limits demand for shipping globally. Even worse for shipping could be short-sighted political positions that may have lasting consequences for everyone involved in global industries like shipping if a large-scale trade war emerges,” added Sand.

The post Steel tariffs threaten global shipping appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Shippers fear huge surge in costs if IMO rules box ships must slow down

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 15:53:00 GMT

While shippers have been warned that low-sulphur regulations to be enforced globally in 2020 will see bunker costs added to their freight bill, they could also face a huge upswing in freight rates if new proposals to cut vessel speeds, due to be discussed at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), turn into regulation.

At this week’s TPM conference in Long Beach, World Shipping Council (WSC) vice president Bryan Wood-Thomas said the IMO would next month meet to discuss curbs on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping – and potentially the enforced reduction of ship speeds.

Shipping consultant Franck Kayser, until recently chief operations officer at CMA CGM, said his “coffee pot” prediction was that if speed limits were enforced – reductions of 10-30% – shippers could be faced with freight rates increasing 25-30% and bunker adjustment factors (BAFs) rising 50%.

“If speed restrictions come in, that will require a huge increase in the number of vessels required to fulfil existing cargo volumes, and demand will outstrip supply.

Read more here .

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US ports criticize Trump’s planned steel, aluminum tariffs

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 15:26:00 GMT

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Severe Weather Plays Havoc with U.K. Transport

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 15:20:00 GMT

Severe weather hit UK supply chains last week, with several ports closing or suspending services because of snow and high winds.

On March 1, Maersk announced that Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Felixstowe, Grangemouth and Tilbury ports were closed, and services into London Gateway suspended.

A spokesperson for Felixstowe said both its container yards and rail terminals were open but problems elsewhere in the rail freight network had resulted in delays.

The London Gateway was forced to suspend landside operations for eight hours, said a spokesperson.

On the roads, as of Friday, Highways England continued to announce closures and delays following a spike in collisions and damage to roads caused by falling trees.

Air freight was also affected, with KLM suspending flights out of Schiphol, while services out of Heathrow were running on a “consolidated” basis. The London hub cancelled more than 350 flights on Thursday, with Dublin seeing some 330 cancelled. More than 1,250 services were cancelled across the UK.

The post Severe Weather Plays Havoc with U.K. Transport appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Trump Will Approve Aluminum, Steel Tariffs Next Week

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:55:00 GMT

President plans to impose 25% duties on steel imports and 10% on aluminum, for a period not yet determined

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump said he would impose steep global tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, intensifying his campaign to pursue a newly aggressive “America First” trade policy.

Mr. Trump announced the plans—tariffs of 25% on imported steel and 10% on imported aluminum—on Thursday at a White House meeting with 15 executives from what he labeled bedrock American industries.

“You’re going to see a lot of good things happen. You’re going to see expansion of the companies,” the president said, adding that the trade curbs would provide protection “for a long period.”

He said the move—which was criticized by some U.S. manufacturers and free-trade advocates—is necessary due to what he described as a trade imbalance benefiting other countries. “When it comes to a time when our country can’t make aluminum and steel, you almost don’t have much of a country,” he added.

Mr. Trump justified the tariffs by invoking a little-used Cold War era law that gives presidents broad discretion to curb imports deemed a threat to “national security.” The announcement was based on studies conducted by the Commerce Department, made public last month, which concluded metals imports had eroded the country’s ability to make its own weapons, tanks, and aircraft. But it came over the objections of Mr. Trump’s own Defense Department, which cautioned against a backlash from close allies like Canada and Japan.

Mr. Trump’s announcement came over the objections of some of his top advisers, and surprised many in the White House who first learned of the plans from news reports Wednesday night.

As a sign of how eager the president was to take big action, he chose the toughest of the three options presented to him by Commerce, which had also outlined a more targeted approach aimed only at certain countries. Officials didn’t provide any further immediate details, and Mr. Trump said he wouldn’t sign the formal order until next week. Officials have said that companies and countries could over the next few weeks petition for exemptions to the new policies.

Shares of steel and aluminum makers swung wildly from their open on Thursday, moving sharply higher in early trading in anticipation of a tariff announcement, Stocks plunged when word reached Wall Street that Thursday’s meeting might not include a tariff announcement. Stocks soared again when the president revealed his plans.

While the executives meeting the president cheered the move, it drew swift criticism from other industries and economists warning of sharp cost increases among users of the metals, and retaliation from trading partners.

“The tariffs announced today will be detrimental to the motor vehicle parts supplier industry and the 871,000 U.S. jobs it directly creates,” said Steve Handschuh, head of the Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association. “Tariffs limit access to necessary specialty products, raise the cost of motor vehicles to consumers, and impair the industry’s ability to compete in the global marketplace.”

Eswar Prasad, a Cornell economist said the moves “herald a declaration of open war on major trading partners and undercut the multilateral trading system.”

The new tariffs underscore Mr. Trump’s pivot in his second year in office to reorient decades of American policies aimed at expanding free trade and globalization. The steel and aluminum protections come a month after the White House unveiled similar tariffs and quotas on solar panels and washing machines, invoking a different little-used 1974 trade law allowing U.S. industries to seek sweeping protection if they can show significant injury from a sudden surge in foreign competition.

Trump aides are also weighing a broad package of trade and investment penalties against China, as they complete a detailed study accusing Beijing of widespread theft and expropriation of American intellectual property. Thursday’s decision on steel and aluminum is aimed in particular at China, whose overcapacity in those industries has fueled a global glut hampering American producers.

The announcement appeared to be a diplomatic jab at President Xi Jinping, coming the same day his top economic adviser was meeting at the White House with the Trump economic team to try to ease trade tensions.

The new tariffs seem to reflect rising power inside the Trump administration of his economic nationalist aides, who have tangled over the past year with his more globalist free-trade oriented advisers. The infighting was evident Wednesday night, with some officials insisting a decision was imminent and others saying it was still being deliberated.

Peter Navarro, an economist who crafted much of Mr. Trump’s protectionist 2016 campaign platform, is slated for a promotion giving him a greater voice in internal debates, after staff secretary Rob Porter, a free-trade Republican aide tasked overseeing coordination of trade policy, was forced out in a spousal abuse scandal.

But confusion lingered surrounding the policy. One of the executives at meeting with Mr. Trump, Nucor Corp. Chief Executive John Ferriola, said he understood that more discussions were needed to finalize aspects of the new policy and that “no decision has been made on how long they will last.” Still, Mr. Ferriola said that he left the White House “very confident that something will happen and it will happen very quickly.”

Many congressional Democrats and labor unions are likely to cheer the steel and aluminum decisions, which they had long advocated.

“This welcome action is long overdue for shuttered steel plants across Ohio,” said Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who has been working closely with Mr. Trump and his trade team to craft such new policies.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly said that his 2016 campaign pledge for greater steel protection won him the presidency, and his U.S. trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, talks of tougher trade policies creating a “new coalition” in support of trade, by winning over Democrats who have grown increasingly hostile to globalization over the past quarter-century. Mr. Trump is hoping to solidify his political base in advance of midterm congressional elections this year, and the announcement comes ahead of a March 13 special House contest in Pennsylvania steel country.

But the decision is likely to open a rift between the White House and traditional free-trade Republicans in Congress, who have become increasingly vocal in recent weeks urging Mr. Trump to avoid taking such action.

“Let’s be clear: the president is proposing a massive tax increase on American families,” Nebraska GOP Sen. Ben Sasse said. “You’d expect a policy this bad from a leftist administration, not a supposedly Republican one.”

The decision also quickly drew complaints from allies and trading partners, who have repeatedly warned that such action could prompt them to retaliate.

Tadaaki Yamaguchi, chairman of the Japan Steel Information center, blasted the policies as “ill-advised and naive,” and warned that “it will inevitably invite retaliation from America’s most reliable allies, ultimately hurting American nonmanufacturing industries as well.”

Representatives from a long list of countries, from Mexico to Brazil to South Korea have traveled to Washington in recent days in anticipation of the decision, seeking to have their industries spared.

The post Trump Will Approve Aluminum, Steel Tariffs Next Week appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Shippers warned ELD mandate will crimp supply chains

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 17:25:00 GMT

The electronic logging device mandate is closing in on supply chains.

The electronic logging device (ELD) mandate is barreling toward the trucking industry, and unless shippers prepare for it, they are likely to feel as much pain as their trucking partners, speakers warned executives at the JOC Inland Distribution Conference in Atlanta last week.

“I think false logs have been an epidemic, from the 1930s until right now, and they’re going to go away,” said John Seidl, a transportation consultant with Integrated Risk Solutions and former Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) trucking investigator and Wisconsin state trooper.

As the initial deadline for electronic logging, Dec. 18, draws near, evidence shows Seidl’s “epidemic” is spreading. The number of false log violations reported by the FMCSA rose 11.5 percent in fiscal year 2017, which ended Sept. 30.

That compares with a 9.6 percent increase in fiscal 2016. The number drivers placed out of service by state law enforcement officers in fiscal 2017 for falsifying their logs jumped 14.8 percent, or by about 3,900, to 30,274, the FMCSA roadside inspection data show.

The result of the ELD mandate will be a reduction in daily driving time for those drivers that habitually stretch their hours by falsifying logs, he said. Carriers and truck drivers that have not installed ELDs yet, he said, “are most likely the biggest offenders in terms of false logs.”

“Why is this law in place? Because people die when some truck drivers work too hard,” Seidl said. “They work too hard because they don’t make a lot of money and shippers hold them up and they have to make up for lost time. In my view, the ELD is a godsend for the drivers.”

Santos customs strike escalates, spreads nationwide

Sun, 05 Nov 2017 20:47:00 GMT

The post Santos customs strike escalates, spreads nationwide appeared first on Gateway Logistics Group .

Heavy-haul companies in EU seek common trucking regs

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 19:51:00 GMT

Trucking companies have renewed their campaign to harmonize the hodgepodge of regulations for highway transport of oversize and overweight loads that raise costs for project shipments across the 28-nation European Union.

Transporters of outsized cargoes now must obtain permits to cross borders and even to move from region to region within countries. Bureaucracies of conflicting rules and procedures raise costs for shippers and carriers of heavy and oversize shipments such as machinery and construction modules.

The situation has barely improved — and in some cases has worsened — since the 1993 launch of the EU single market, which lifted restrictions on cross-border flows of goods, capital, services, and labor. The single market did not extend to the transport over EU roads of “exceptional” cargoes, which remain stuck in a quagmire of national regulations.

“A plethora of different national rules and regulations makes the industry less safe, less competitive, and puts up the cost for our clients — and ultimately the end users, the general public,” the European Association of Abnormal Road Transport (ESTA) said.

“As far as exceptional transport is concerned, the single market at present is largely a figment of the politicians’ imagination,” said Ton Klijn, ESTA’s secretary and director.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive agency, published its Best Practices Guidelines for Abnormal Transport in 2005. These include SERT, the Special European Registration for Trucks and Trailers, which is aimed at reducing paperwork and bureaucracy that weigh down heavy-lift transport companies.

ESTA has sought to persuade EU member states to work together to create something close to a single market for heavyweight cargoes by adopting the commission’s guidelines.

However, 12 years after SERT was proposed, only the Netherlands has signed on to SERT, although Belgium accepts it for permit applications. Industry officials say EU countries and their regional officials resist simplification of permitting in order to support government jobs and avoid loss of revenue from fees.

“The simple truth is that today, despite the campaigns in the past, the difficulties regarding permit granting in the transport industry remain as entrenched as ever,” said Klijn, who has just stepped down as managing director of Wagenborg Nedlift, the Dutch heavy-lift trucker.

EU regulations on oversize and overweight cargoes vary widely from country to country, creating major problems for transporters and their customers. In Germany, trucks with oversize cargoes can drive only at night. In France, they can drive only during the day. In Spain, permit validity ranges from four weeks to six months, depending on the region. Rules vary from country to country for everything from signage to the pilot vehicles that accompany oversize loads.

Read more here .

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Port Houston chassis tight post-Harvey

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 15:36:00 GMT

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US Southeast shippers grapple with post-Irma rail delays

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 15:29:00 GMT

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Hurricane Irma: Airports, Seaports and Rail Mostly Returned to Normalcy

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 19:53:00 GMT

Airports, seaports and rail operations in Florida mostly returned to normalcy Wednesday following a devastating strike by Hurricane Irma earlier this week.

Flights have resumed at most Florida airports, but the prospect of delays and cancellations remained Wednesday as airlines rebooted their schedules there. As of 3 p.m. ET, more than 1,000 flights had been canceled nationwide for Wednesday and another 485 for Thursday, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware. Nearly all of those came on flights to or from one of four airports: Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. Even looking ahead to Friday, more than 230 U.S. flights had already been canceled – mostly in Miami – as of Wednesday afternoon.

Hurricane Irma devastated St. Martin’s world-famous Princess Juliana Airport and caused major damage at the airport on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The airport on Key West has reopened for military aid flights, and Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Central Airport is being used as a staging ground for humanitarian flights.

Florida’s main sea ports began to reopen Tuesday. Port Everglades reopened fully, but PortMiami, JAXPORT and Port of Tampa opened with restrictions. Most gates and terminals are open for truck and cargo operations, but the size of vessels allowed to call may be limited.

PortEverglades: Open

PortMiami: Open

Daytime and nighttime vessel operations may resume under normal port conditions.

All PortMiami’s marine cargo terminals are open for truck and gate operations

Port of Palm Beach: Open

Expects to resume vessel traffic in the afternoon on Wednesday, pending U.S. Coast Guard approval.

JAXPORT (Jacksonville): Open

Currently open to shallow water vessels 500 gross tons or less pending further assessment of harbor conditions by the U.S. Coast Guard.

All other vessel traffic remains prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port.

Port of Savannah: Open with no restrictions

Port of Charleston: Open with no restrictions

CSX and Florida East Coast Railway are also resuming operations at limited capacity, although they warn of delays

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Airports, ports reopening after Hurricane Irma, but expect delays

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 14:33:00 GMT

At Miami International Airport, flights will also resume gradually on Tuesday.

At Tampa International Airport, flights are due to resume on Tuesday morning, though the airport expects only about 30% of its normal schedule. The Orlando airport is expected to resume limited service on Tuesday. Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood is expected to resume commercial flights Tuesday morning.

Jacksonville International Airport is expecting flights to resume Tuesday morning and to ramp up operations throughout the day. Palm Beach International Airport reopened on Monday afternoon and has planned a resumption of limited service on Tuesday.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International, the world’s busiest airport, stayed open Monday but had widespread cancellations because of wind gusts up to 60 mph from Irma.

Port Everglades will reopen for business on Tuesday, officials said. PortMiami is scheduled to open Tuesday.

The Port of Palm Beach will re-open – for cargo business only – at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, officials said. It remains closed to vessel traffic, on the orders of the U.S. Coast Guard, according to its Twitter feed.

The U.S. Coast Guard is currently assessing the condition of the Jacksonville harbor and port facilities following Hurricane Irma. All JAXPORT offices and terminals remain closed today. The Port of Jacksonville remains in condition Zulu.

The Georgia Ports Authority is working to have its Savannah operations open by the end of the day Tuesday or early Wednesday following a pelting by Tropical Storm Irma. Griff Lynch, executive director of the authority, said the Savannah ports fared relatively well, though he said his agency is “still awaiting the final assessment on [the port in] Brunswick.”

Adverse weather conditions associated with tropical storm Irma departed the Charleston area on Monday evening, September 11th. Cargo and facilities at the South Carolina Ports Authority avoided any significant impacts. Gates and container marshalling yards opened at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12th and are fully operational for the receipt and delivery of loads, empties and refrigerated cargo. Other terminals and offices are also observing normal operational hours. The US Coast Guard completed a survey of the navigational channels this morning, and the Port of Charleston is open without restriction.

CSX assessment and recovery efforts from the extensive impact of Hurricane Irma are currently underway. The storm has weakened to become a tropical storm and is forecast to diminish further as it continues through the Southeast. Several areas remain without commercial power and continue to have flooding associated with storm surge and downed trees. CSX engineering crews are assessing the full impact on network infrastructure across impacted regions where and when it is safe to do so.

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US Southeast ports to reopen but cargo delays to last days

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 06:12:00 GMT

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Hurricane Irma Update regarding Florida Seaports

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 16:22:00 GMT

UPDATE 9/11/17, 12 p.m. : The U.S. Coast Guard has set the following port conditions :

Zulu: Port of Key West, Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port of Palm Beach, Port Canaveral, Port Tampa Bay, Port Manatee, Port Tampa Bay, Port St. Pete, Port of Ft. Pierce, JAXPORT, Port of Fernandina, Port of Panama City

Yankee: Port of Pensacola

Ports are assessing damage and will reopen following approval from the U.S. Coast Guard. Some terminals are operational, ports are ready to deliver fuel, have fuel in reserves and fuel ships ready to come to port. We anticipate fuel deliveries to resume quickly and are encouraged additional operations will be back online soon as well.

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Irma Wreaks Havoc in the Caribbean and S.E. U.S.

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 15:09:00 GMT

Cargo in Florida, Georgia and the Caribbean is expected to suffer delays following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma last week and on the weekend.

Ports and airports remain closed, rail services are restricted, and ships are rearranging port calls after many containerships fled west of the Caribbean islands to sit out the storm.

Miami Airport remained closed on Monday after being hit with 100-mph winds. It tweeted it would consider reopening on Tuesday, but would need to assess the damage.

Operations at Freeport, Miami, Everglades, Jaxport and Savannah remain shut.

Ships that left Florida ports before the hurricane hit are sitting out the storm on the west side of the Caribbean islands.

Hurricane Jose, meanwhile, hot on the heels of Irma, spared the Caribbean population from further devastation by changing tack and heading north. It is weakening and there are signs that it might blow itself out in the Atlantic.

Read more in an article from The Loadstar .

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Freight recovery from Irma to last months, spike truck rates

Sat, 09 Sep 2017 19:11:00 GMT

Hurricane Irma’s arrival this weekend threatens to roil US supply chains and double truckload spot rates, with analysts and transport providers warning it could take up to six months to recover.

Transportation providers are still reeling from Hurricane Harvey, the Category 3 storm that hit the US Gulf Coast two weeks ago. Category 4 Irma is threatening to tighten road and rail capacity even further, bottleneck traffic into and out of the Southeast, send spot market rates surging, and damage critical infrastructure.

“To say that this is going to have huge impacts and it’s going to be a puzzle for supply chain managers, when everything from Memphis to Charlotte is going to be impacted from high winds and rains, is an understatement,” Mark Montague, industry pricing analyst for DAT Solutions, told JOC.com on Friday. “This is unprecedented.”

The ports of Miami and Everglades in Florida were closed Friday. The ports of Jacksonville and Savannah were still in operation Friday but scheduled to cease operations by Saturday. While preparations for gale force winds are being made at ports farther north in Charleston and Wilmington, North Carolina, there were no imminent closures as of Friday evening.

The full scope of Irma’s impact on rates won’t be known until next week, but spot rates, largely inbound to areas within the storm’s path, are anticipated to jump as high as, if not higher than, they did during Harvey.

“You probably heard some rates like $5 per mile or that rates were tripling. Certainly some of those could be true. I heard some of those as well,” said Montague. “But overall, rates from say the Dallas-Fort Worth area into the Corpus Christi area were up maybe two times up to $4.55 a mile.”

And those are conservative forecasts. Should the storm not diminish as quickly before it reaches the Southeast’s major inland distribution centers of Atlanta; Greenville, South Carolina; and Charlotte, then Irma will threaten both the region’s primary corridors for commerce but also relief efforts, delaying any type recovery for months.

Read more here .

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Hurricane Irma Update: Port, Terminal & Rail Closures

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 15:32:00 GMT

Hurricane Irma is moving toward the west-northwest near 14 mph (22 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue for the next day or so with a decrease in forward speed. A turn toward the northwest is expected by late Saturday. On the forecast track, the eye of Irma should move near the north coast of Cuba and the central Bahamas today and Saturday and be near the Florida Keys and the southern Florida Peninsula Sunday morning.

Maximum sustained winds are near 150 mph (240 km/h) with higher gusts. Irma is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next day or two, but Irma is forecast to remain a powerful category 4 hurricane as it approaches Florida.

You can view all of the latest details regarding Hurricane Irma on the National Hurricane Center website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Irma

Port Operations:

Freeport: Closed.
Miami: Closed.
Port Everglades: Closed.
Jacksonville: Open but will close today.
Savannah: Open and receiving ships that will call before the storm. Gates will close at normal hours today. All vessel operations will cease by midnight tonight. Reopening is not yet confirmed.
Charleston: Open. Normal gate hours are planned through and including Saturday, September 9th, and vessel operations continue with no closure planned at this time.
Wilmington: Open with normal hours. No closure planned at this time.

Rail Service:

CSX: CSX is taking precautionary measures to protect employees, rail traffic and infrastructure from potential risks of Hurricane Irma landfall. At this time, it is not known the level of impact the hurricane will have on CSX operation, but its path and intensity are being closely monitored.

Effective Friday, September 8th at 1700, Charleston and Savannah will close until further notice.
Effective Friday, September 8th, CSX terminals will accept dry containers in-gate for Charleston, Savannah and Florida destinations, but the containers will be held at origin until train service resumes for those destinations.
Please note the following exceptions to this policy:
- Hazmat and Live Reefers will not be accepted in-gate at origin. All hazmat or live reefer shipments will be rejected at the gate for return to customer’s facility or CY.
- Due to limited space availability, the Louisville terminal will not be able to hold traffic at origin and effective immediately all containers destined for Charleston, Savannah, or Florida will be rejected at the gate until further notice.

Terminal Hours:

The following terminals are no longer accepting in-gate traffic:
- Cocoa Beach
- Jacksonville
- Port Miami
- Miami
Miami will be closed for all out-gating of shipments at 1200 on Friday, September 8th.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your Gateway representative with any questions or concerns regarding freight impacts of Hurricane Irma.

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Southeast US ports shuttering as Irma barrels down

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 14:59:00 GMT

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Caribbean, US Southeast shippers prep for Irma disruption

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 19:30:00 GMT

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Houston truckers struggle with slow, soggy restart

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 19:29:00 GMT

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U.S. Hours-of-Service Rules Relaxed during State of Emergency for 26 States, District of Columbia

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 18:54:00 GMT

Driver hours-of-service rules are being relaxed in 26 states and the District of Columbia under a state of emergency announced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on August 31. The declaration is in response to “fuel shortages due to refinery delays and interruption of delivery through pipelines as a result of damage from Tropical Storm Harvey,” according to a notice from FMCSA.

The states included in the declaration are: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia.

FMCSA’s notice grants exemption from Parts 390-399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which cover parts and accessories needed for safe operation, hours of service and longer combination vehicles.

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Harvey adds a tailwind to US truck price hikes

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 15:22:00 GMT

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Mumbai Supply Chains Still Tangled after Worst Rain for a Decade

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 15:03:00 GMT

Flood waters in Mumbai are reportedly receding, but delays plague the airport and sea terminals as another global supply chain hub succumbs to incremental weather. Reporting its heaviest rainfall in more than a decade, India’s second-largest city joins Hong Kong and Houston, both hit by severe storms in the last week.

Despite Mumbai’s floods receding, a combination of heavy rain and the declaration of a public holiday led GAC India to impose a skeleton staff for port and customs operations. As a result, the company said, there were delays in import and export clearance, further hampered by EDI system servers nationwide going down five days ago (the servers were expected to be up and running as of yesterday).

Cargo operations around the Port Lighterage area remain suspended and the container terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port was affected for more than three hours on Tuesday.

While Mumbai International Airport had reported multiple cancellations and delays, it remains operational but has advised customers to contact their carriers for updates.

Facilities at both the port and airport are in knee-high water. One source said there was no news on when things would return to normal, but expected it to be at least 10 days after the rain stops.

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Port Houston to reopen for business, beginning with truck operations

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 14:58:00 GMT

Port Houston will reopen its terminals for business on Sept. 1, Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria announced at an evening press conference Aug. 31.

The Barbours Cut Terminal, Bayport Container Terminal and Turning Basin Terminal will be open for truck operations from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 1.

“Although vessel movements remain restricted because of swift current in the channel from continued significant inflows, it is important to resume landside receipt and delivery of containers at our terminals in advance of commencement of vessel operations,” Longoria said in a press release. “Opening our terminals also reinforces the messages of Mayor Turner and Judge Emmett that it is important to resume normal operations as soon as practicable.”

Port Houston and its hundreds of employees had remained idled for several days as emergency responders continued to monitor the widespread flooding from Hurricane Harvey. The situation has delayed the delivery of tons of commodities integral to the global economy.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard just began allowing small tankers to use Port Corpus Christi’s inner harbor.

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Tropical Storm Harvey’s impact on supply chain operations

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 18:04:00 GMT

It goes without saying that that tragic events and circumstances related to Tropical Storm Harvey are unprecedented in many ways, based on the extent of current damage and, sadly, a number of lost lives, as well as various forecasts and experts expecting things to worsen before they get better.

And it is no small surprise either that Harvey is wreaking havoc on freight transportation and logistics operations in Texas and beyond as well.

At the Port of Houston , all facilities are closed as it continues its rescue efforts before moving on to recovery efforts, said Roger Guenther , the port’s executive director, in an interview with CNBC.

“While there is not a lot of wind damage, the effect on the Houston ship channel remains to be seen, depending on how quickly we can recover,” he said. “There is a lot of rain coming from all the watersheds, dumping a tremendous amount of current into the ship channel. [The recovery] will be well planned…and we will begin the process of getting the port back open.”

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) , a concern focused on supporting disaster recovery by engaging industry to address the unmet needs of relief organizations, communities, and people, said in an update on its web site that Catastrophic and life threatening flooding is expected to continue across South Texas until Wednesday.

ALAN said it has received many requests for transportation and warehouse space, coupled with updating its needs map ( http://alanaid.org/logistics-map/ ) and is seeking coverage for assistance in the form of pro bono, donated, and volunteer efforts only at this time.

And it also said that information on supply chain disruptions is still requested, saying that this information will not be shared except to assist its emergency management partners with their decision making for critical commodities.

Looking at the direct impact of Harvey on supply chain operations, the Wall Street Journal reported that trucking fleets, railroads and shipping lines are rerouting cargo and setting up alternate supply lines as Harvey is expected to continue to disrupt freight traffic across southeast Texas for days.

The WSJ report added that Houston-area trucking runs fell 80% on Sunday based on data from DAT Solutions, and Union Pacific has ceased all Houston-bound rail traffic headed for Houston and other areas, while UPS suspended freight service in Houston and Beaumont, Texas, while Maersk has two container ships anchored in the Gulf of Mexico.

Data from freight transportation consultancy FTR shows that Harvey will affect more than 7% of U.S. trucking, with some portion of that fraction out of operation for two weeks. And it added that during the first week, nearly 10% of all U.S. trucking will be affected, with that number heading to almost 100% for the Gulf Coast region west of the Mississippi. After a month, the numbers fall but are still significant – impacting nearly 2% (national) and 25% (regional) and due to the already tight nature of the truck environment, this means that loads could be left on the docks. The largest effects will be regionalized, but transportation managers, the firm noted.

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Impact of Harvey flooding ripples through logistics networks

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 23:14:00 GMT

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Freight Companies Scramble to Reroute Goods in Wake of Harvey

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 18:10:00 GMT

Trucking fleets, railroads and shipping lines are rerouting cargo and setting up alternate supply lines as Tropical Storm Harvey promises to disrupt freight traffic across southeast Texas for days.

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Demurrage Fees are Doubled at Chittagong Port to Ease Congestion

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 18:12:00 GMT

The penalty for leaving containers in yards past free time at Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port has been doubled to US$12 per TEU per day and $24 per FEU, in a bid to ease congestion.

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Workers at Jakarta Port End Strike Early, Citing National Interests

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:41:00 GMT

Workers at one of Indonesia’s busiest ports ended their strike on Monday, sooner than planned, out of consideration for “national interests”, the chairman of the labour union said.

More than 600 workers at PT Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) had been on strike since Thursday to demand bonus payments, disrupting operations at the biggest terminal of Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok port.

JICT operates the largest container terminal at Tanjung Priok, handling 70 percent of the port’s exports and imports.

The JICT Labour Union had originally planned to extend the action until Aug. 10.

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Trucker frustration with delays at NY-NJ’s APM Terminal mounts

Thu, 06 Jul 2017 19:21:00 GMT

Trucker frustration is building after hundreds of drivers waited in line — some for six hours or more — at APM Terminals at the Port of New York and New Jersey, as the facility still recovering from a cyber attack on its parent company, Maersk Group, got hit with higher than usual post-holiday traffic

Truckers said there seemed to be no improvement in the speed with which cargo could be delivered to or picked up from the terminal in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers said dramatic improvement did not appear imminent.

The terminal reopened Friday after being closed for three days by a cyber attack that stripped Maersk’s operations globally of the ability to receive electronic bookings or communicate with customers. APM Terminals has extended its regular day by three and a half hours and opened Saturday to help smooth cargo handling, but has been hampered by the continued lack of computers. In Elizabeth, terminal employees at the height of the problem had neither email nor telephone access, and the terminal said Monday morning that it was using “manual processing.”

Read more here .

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Boxes pile up at Santos as dredging woes deepen

Thu, 06 Jul 2017 19:20:00 GMT

Pilots in Brazil’s leading port of Santos reduced the official maximum draft from 13.2 meters (43.3 feet) to 12.3 meters, causing draft restrictions that have led to hundreds of containers being rolled.

The average losses per container ship are $1.6 million based on an average freight rate of $2,300 per container, according to José Roque, executive director of the Shipagents Association for Santos and the State of Sao Paulo (Sindamar).

“Until the dredging is concluded, the shipowners, shipping agents, port terminals, and exporters and importers will face enormous difficulties and inconveniences in their logistical operations,” said Roque. “This will have an adverse commercial impact on the international buyers of Brazilian goods and may result in penalties or fines for contracts not fulfilled, and could lead to our competitors gaining ground.

“This restriction is causing cargo to be rolled over to meet the shipping limit imposed for the safety of shipping, and is racking up storage costs for shippers, plus, it is causing storage problems for terminals.”

Port users have blamed the Santos port authority Codesp and its decision to allow a complicated and controversial dredging procedure for the draft limits, but Codesp said it does not believe the restrictions are warranted because the building up of sedimentation was only in two or three specific areas that ships could easily avoid. Stakeholders have also said that Codesp was slow to respond to the development.

Read more here .

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