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1. FreightWaves announces 2025 FreightTech 100 companies
FreightWaves has revealed its seventh annual FreightTech 100 list, recognizing the most innovative companies in freight technology. The list precedes the FreightTech 25 announcement, which will occur in November at the F3: Future of Freight Festival. This year, the freight tech sector has faced challenges from labor disputes and restrictive monetary policies, with mergers and acquisitions becoming a key trend. IntelligentAudit is honored to be one of the companies recognized.
2. Hurricane Helene: FedEx, UPS and US Postal Service report disruptions
FedEx, the U.S. PostalService, and UPS have reported potential delivery delays due to HurricaneHelene, which hit Florida's northwestern coast on Thursday. FedEx has suspended or limited services across over 350 ZIP codes in Florida and more than 1,300 ZIP codes in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The Postal Service has halted operations in multiple areas, including Tampa and Sarasota, with plans to resume soon. UPS noted possible delays but continues operating where possible. Both FedEx and UPS stated that delays due to the storm aren't eligible for their service guarantees.
3. A looming port strike could fuel inflation and cause layoffs, experts say
A potential strike by tens of thousands of dockworkers, set for October 1, threatens to disrupt U.S. ports along the East and Gulf coasts, impacting more than half of the nation's container imports. Experts estimate the strike could cost the U.S. economy up to $4.5 billion daily, leading to increased prices and potential layoffs, especially in manufacturing. Food products and auto parts are particularly vulnerable, with inflationary pressure potentially delaying interest rate cuts.While the Biden administration encourages continued negotiations, it does not currently plan to intervene under the Taft-Hartley Act.
4. USMX tries to force ILA back to contract talks with NLRB complaint
The United States Maritime Alliance(USMX) has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to compel the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) back to contract negotiations. These talks, which involve East and Gulf Coast ports, have stalled since June. USMX alleges that the ILA's refusal to negotiate violatesU.S. labor laws. This move reflects heightened tensions, with significant economic implications if a resolution is not reached. The ILA represents around50,000 dockworkers, and prolonged disruptions could impact the broader supply chain.
5. FedEx program holds packages if there’s a next-day match
FedEx is expanding its Hold-to-Match program to increase delivery efficiency by combining multiple packages destined for the same address into a single stop, reducing operating costs. This initiative is part of FedEx's broader cost-cutting efforts, including the DRIVE program and Network 2.0, which merges its Express and Ground services. CEO Subramaniam highlighted that this strategy has reduced pickup and delivery costs by about 10% in fully rolled-out markets. Competitor UPS has also adopted similar tactics, partnering with CommerceHub to temporarily hold packages for consolidated delivery.
6. Longshoremen port strike unlikely to hinder holiday retail season, expert says
A potential strike by East and GulfCoast dockworkers is not expected to severely disrupt the holiday retail season, as many retailers have been stocking up on goods in advance. However, industries such as manufacturing and food exports may be impacted, particularly those that cannot stock inventory months ahead. Ports like Savannah and Houston could face significant disruptions, with ripple effects across the supply chain if a strike occurs. Businesses are advised to plan for longer lead times to mitigate the impact.
7. Bottlenecks begin to form in Asia as air peak season approaches
As the peak airfreight season approaches, bottlenecks are beginning to form at key Asian gateways, especially in Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Despite lower shipping volumes, exporters are facing congestion due to blank sailings and tight airfreight capacity. The situation is expected to worsen with China's upcoming Golden Week holiday. Key airports like Singapore and Manila are experiencing delays, and long-haul routes are being prioritized. Shippers are advised to plan ahead, especially for urgent shipments, as capacity constraints continue to grow across the region.
8. Exclusive: Cargado launches first-ever load board for Mexico freight
Cargado has launched the first-ever invite-only load board for freight moving into and out of Mexico. This platform allows brokers, 3PLs, and freight forwarders to post spot freight and consistent opportunities, streamlining cross-border logistics. Currently, more than 300 trucking companies are using the platform to bid on freight from over50 logistics customers. The board enhances transparency and efficiency by facilitating all negotiations directly within the platform. The launch comes as trade between Mexico and the U.S. continues to grow rapidly.
9. Harris Puts Government Intervention at Heart of Economic Policy
Vice President Kamala Harris has placed government intervention at the core of her economic strategy, advocating for a stronger federal role in key areas such as affordable housing, healthcare, and job creation. This approach contrasts with free-market policies, as she emphasizes addressing income inequality and improving worker conditions.Harris' policy focus aligns with broader Democratic goals of increasing government support to tackle systemic challenges, a stance she continues to champion as part of the Biden administration’s economic agenda.
10. What to know about privacy laws when collecting personal data on shoppers
At a recent industry event, Albertsons' Privacy Counsel, Andrew Tobel, emphasized the importance of privacy laws for grocers as they expand their retail media efforts. The focus has shifted from collecting personally identifiable information (PII) to personal data, including pseudonymized identifiers like mobile IDs. Privacy laws now regulate the use of this broader data, requiring explicit terms in contracts with service providers. Tobel also discussed the origins of personal data, including direct, supplied, and derived data, and its use in targeted advertising campaigns..
11. Typhoons causing billions in agricultural losses, disrupt global supply chains
Typhoons are causing billions in agricultural losses and disrupting global supply chains, particularly in Asia. These storms are damaging key crops like rice and disrupting exports, which could lead to food shortages and price increases. The global supply chain, already fragile from previous disruptions, faces further strain as these weather events impact transportation, production, and availability of goods worldwide. The frequency and intensity of typhoons are worsening the situation, adding to concerns about climate change's role in supply chain vulnerabilities.
12. White House backs $1B EV supplier fund
Monroe Capital, backed by the Biden-Harris administration, is launching a $1 billion fund to boost electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in the U.S. The initiative aims to support small and mid-sized manufacturers, driving the transition to clean energy and increasing EV production. This aligns with the administration's goals of bolstering domestic manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions. The fund will target EV battery production, charging infrastructure, and other key components of the EV supply chain.
13. Most holiday shoppers will buy a gift for themselves this year
According to a recent survey, more holiday shoppers are purchasing gifts for themselves, with 62%planning to buy self-gifts this season. The trend, called"self-gifting," is driven by consumers rewarding themselves and taking advantage of holiday discounts. Popular self-gift categories include clothing, electronics, and home goods. This behavior is influencing retailers' holiday marketing strategies, as they look to capitalize on this growing trend by offering deals that appeal to personal shoppers.
14. Helene Tears Through Southeast and Leaves at Least 40 Dead
Hurricane Helene struck Florida with winds reaching 140 mph, causing widespread flash flooding and significant damage. The storm affected the northwestern coast and Tampa Bay area, leading to infrastructure damage, power outages, and disruptions in transportation.Emergency services were stretched as they worked to rescue stranded residents and restore power. The National Hurricane Center issued warnings about continued life-threatening conditions due to the high winds and flooding.
15. Survey: Tighter returns policies shrink consumer spending
A survey revealed that stricter return policies are reducing consumer spending. Retailers tightening their return rules, such as shorter return windows and restocking fees, are causing shoppers to rethink purchases, especially in apparel and electronics. These changes, intended to reduce return costs and logistics burdens, have prompted consumers to shop more cautiously, potentially leading to a drop in overall sales. Retailers are balancing the need to control returns while maintaining customer satisfaction.
16. Forrester Forecast: Online’s Share of U.S. Sales to Top 29% by 2029
A Forrester forecast predicts that online sales in the U.S. will surpass 29% of total retail sales by 2029, driven by shifts in consumer behavior and continued growth in e-commerce. The report highlights that digital sales are expected to grow at a steady pace, with sectors like apparel, electronics, and beauty products leading the charge.Retailers are advised to enhance their online presence and invest in digital tools to meet increasing consumer demand.
17. Court denies motion to let Teamsters leader out of Yellow deposition
A federal court has denied a motion byTeamsters leader Sean O’Brien to be excused from a deposition in the bankruptcy case of Yellow Corp. The deposition relates to allegations about the union's role in the company's collapse. Yellow, a major U.S. trucking company, ceased operations in July, with the company blaming the union for blocking restructuring efforts. The court's decision means O’Brien will be required to testify as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
