Weak peak season for shipping on the horizon, warns Seko Logistics

According to freight transportation providers, this year’s peak shipping season may be lackluster and delayed compared to usual. Despite clearing out excess inventory, merchants are hesitant to place new import orders, leading to a subdued outlook.

Seko Logistics executives highlighted that customers in various sectors, such as fashion, technology, defense, and medical devices, are displaying caution in placing purchase orders due to heightened uncertainty surrounding the economy and consumer confidence.

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Maersk Innovation Center opened in New Jersey

In a press release on May 16, Maersk revealed the establishment of a new center dedicated to emerging technologies, aimed at expediting supply chain innovation and resilience. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, the Maersk Innovation Center intends to implement a systematic approach in developing a pipeline of innovative ideas and devising means to accelerate their implementation.

According to a spokesperson’s email response to Supply Chain Dive, the center will focus on testing and expanding the usage of tools that enhance operational processes for customers.

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Truck emissions rule voted to be overturned

On May 23, the United States House of Representatives voted 221 to 203 in favor of reversing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations intended to reduce emissions of soot and smog from heavy-duty trucks.

The EPA finalized these regulations in December 2022, representing the first significant update to nitrogen oxide (NO2) emission standards for heavy-duty trucks in more than two decades. The new standards were reported to be at least 80% more stringent than the previous ones, as stated by the EPA. Additionally, the EPA estimated that implementing the new rules could prevent approximately 2,900 premature deaths and 6,700 hospital admissions between 2027 and 2045.

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Container Port Performance – Top 10 Ranking

Efficient ports are crucial for global trade and economic development. They handle over 80% of global merchandise trade, with containerized cargo playing a significant role. Well-functioning ports attract investment, foster growth in manufacturing and logistics, and create jobs.

Improving port performance reduces trade costs, enhances food security, improves resilience, and reduces emissions. The Container Ports Performance Index (CPPI) tracks port performance globally, highlighting areas for improvement.

Here are the top 10 Performing Ports

1. Yangshan
2. Salalah
3. Khalifa Port
4. Tanger-Mediterranean
5. Cartagena (Colombia)
6. Tanjung Pelepas
7. Ningbo
8. Hamad
9. Guangzhou
10. Port Said

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Brokers, forwarders adjust course as market softens

A decline in freight volumes, geopolitical concerns and cost inflation were top of mind for customs brokers and freight forwarders, according to Descartes’ eighth annual benchmark survey.

Of the 272 participants polled by the supply chain software-as-a-service provider, most noted that while overall freight demand has fallen, shipment sizes have continued to increase, albeit at a slower rate than last year.

Twenty-nine percent said shipments were more than 5% larger than last year while 25% said shipments were as much as 5% larger. The growth rates were up against tough comparisons as nearly 70% of respondents reported bigger shipment sizes in 2022.

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FedEx Express increases robatic arms use at Memphis World Hub

FedEx acquired 12 new parcel-sorting robotic arms from Plus One Robotics and Yaskawa Motoman at its primary Express sorting facility in Memphis, Tennessee, according to a May 10 news release.

The FedEx Express Memphis World Hub now has a total of 16 robotic arms in its Small Package Sort System, as the delivery giant previously installed four arms from the companies in 2020. The arms pick packages from a collection bin and place them on a conveyor belt to be scanned and inducted into the system, per FedEx’s website.

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