Author Archives: just2bruce

AAR reports February 2013 carload and intermodal volumes

Posted on March 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

It appears that carload rail transport is down slightly, but intermodal (container) traffic is up quite a bit.  It’s more evidence that the economy is getting better.  Carload transport is mostly commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, and agricultural products.  These segments lag the consumer economy, so it’s natural they have not started up yet.  Also they are affected by world commodity prices and exchange rates more than intermodal is.

AAR reports February 2013 carload and intermodal volumes are mixed – Article from Logistics Management.

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Posted in Logistics, Macroeconomics, Supply Chains

BNSF gets good news from Los Angeles Harbor Commission for its proposed intermodal facility

Posted on March 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

Rail is coming to LA Port so we won’t have shutle drayage to and from the railhead. Should be a competitive advantage for BNSF and for the port terminals.  It should also help environmental standards, reduce shipment times, and help preserve traffic that otherwise might divert to the Panama Canal.   It’s competition at its best.

BNSF gets good news from Los Angeles Harbor Commission for its proposed intermodal facility – Article from Logistics Management.

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Posted in Logistics, Supply Chains

Border Agency Warns of Port Slowdowns under Sequestration

Posted on March 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

TruckingInfo.com says the sequester will cause slowdowns at the border. There are similar reports from seaport customs and inspection locations.

There’s a tension here. People don’t like inspections, because they slow traffic down. We hear a lot of complaints. So it seems they are a natural target for a cutback, politically, because don’t we all hate them?  But on the other hand, for transparency in supply chains (including the people supply chain at airports) we want to know that end to end the security and safety are being checked.

My guess is Janet Napolitano (Director of Homeland Security) will get her wish and funds will somehow be found to keep the effects limited.

Border Agency Warns of Port Slowdowns under Sequestration – TopNews – Fleet Management – TopNews – TruckingInfo.com.

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Posted in Logistics, Supply Chains, Uncategorized