Tag Archives: transportation

Grim outlook for intermodal as an alternative to ‘maxed-out’ US truck market

Posted on September 5, 2021 by | Leave a comment

This article outlines why intermodal is not such a good option for US distribution. Though the trucking market is ‘maxed-out’, meaning it is hard to get a trucking firm to move a container, rail is having its own congestion and shortage difficulties.

And chassis remain a problem area. Most leasing companies, who own the chassis, prefer large long-term deals with ocean carreirs rather than shorter term deals for local movements in the US. The article refers to the trucker-owned chassis pool in the Midwest, which seems to be shunned by the leasing companies, creating a shortage of chassis for containers.

Today, we can’t find any area of logistics that isn’t suffering over something. A far cry from a year or two ago.

By Ian Putzger, Americas correspondent 02/09/2021

Grim outlook for intermodal as an alternative to ‘maxed-out’ US truck market – The Loadstar

Leave a comment

Posted in Logistics, Rail, Supply Chains, Trucking

Tagged , , , , ,

Maersk firm strikes deal for 16 electric trucks

Posted on September 2, 2021 by | 1 comment

Maersk is one of the largest, and possibly the most advanced, ocean carriers. The LA/LongBeach ports have been a problem area for air pollution and sustainabiolity for many years. There’s no rail connection directly to the ports, and even so, rail is powered by diesel.

Presently containers are trucked to outlying areas like Riverside or San Bernardino where there are many distribution centers. Ocean containers are 40-feet long. They are often ‘transloaded’ to 53-foot trailers which are the standard size in the US, for long distance travel to the destination. That transloading is done at the distribution centers. Or cargo is delivered direct to customers within the LA basin.

Electric trucks have zero emissions when measured by today’s standards. They also should require substantially less maintenance, without an internal combustion engine (ICE). Using the trucks for these short hauls will reduce pollution near the ports, and also on the LA freeways. And with a fixed route they can be kept charged easily at charging stations near the port. It’s a good thing to try out.

Maersk has made a big point of their commitment to get to zero emissions by 2050. This is one more experiment in the process.

Volvo makes the trucks in Virginia, and they are supposed to be rolling off the assembly line by now.

1 September 2021 Port Technology International Team

Maersk firm strikes deal for 16 electric trucks across Southern California – Port Technology International

1 Comment

Posted in Logistics, Ports, Shipping, Supply Chains, Trucking

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Report: Amazon Air puts 70% of US population within next-day reach

Posted on September 1, 2021 by | 1 comment

Amazon is doubling down on next-day delivery. By using their own air freight in conjunction with other airlines, they are abot to reach 70% of the population.

I loved two-day service and never thought I needed something faster. But I have to admit, getting it the very next day is a rush. And sometimes, that’s exactly what I need— especially with Covid lurking, it’s an alternative to going to the store and being exposed.

One of the interesting features of the article is the map of Amazon’s air service network. It’s as prodigious as any major airline. Of course, it’s only for packages.

I wonder what business they could do with this network should they decide to start offering air package transport for other companies. For instance for pharmaceuticals.

Report: Amazon Air puts 70% of US population within next-day reach More airport hubs, destinations and flights put airline in position to handle big Christmas package volume

Eric Kulisch, Air Cargo Editor Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Report: Amazon Air puts 70% of US population within next-day reach – FreightWaves

1 Comment

Posted in Air, Logistics, Strategy, Supply Chains

Tagged , , , ,