Industry Insights
Three thoughts on the three steamship line alliances
We are moving into 2018 with Chinese New Year’s capacity crunch just about behind us. Time to revisit the carrier alliances and see what’s in store for the rest of the year. To review, here’s a rundown of the Alliance groups: The 2M alliance: MSC Maersk Vessel sharing...
Truck driver supply impacting steamship line demand
The U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent in January, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s great news, right? Maybe not. There are sectors that need employees due to constraints in the labor market—namely truck drivers. The level...
Freight forwarding industry experiencing chassis availability crunch
The freight forwarding industry is experiencing a chassis availability crunch now, result from among other things the peak of the Chinese New Year rush. Chassis pools at most Midwest ramps (Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati etc.) are failing to keep up with demand....
RV Industry: Don’t let logistics be a barrier to tapping uptapped markets
by Jefferson Clay Cargo Services, director of global services This article is based on a presentation at the RVIA November 2017 trade show given by Cargo Services. In August, the RV market report (a survey of some 30 branded RV manufacturing companies) showed the best...
Truck driver feedback says… Please be kind
About once a quarter, we visit with our container trucker drivers around the Midwest for an update on the situations they are facing. Truckers are an important part of our freight forwarding clients’ international supply chain. They can make or break customer...
The potential impact: Trucker e-log rule takes effect Dec. 18
The long awaited electronic logging device (ELD) rule takes effect Dec. 18, 2017. This new federal rule, years in the making, requires truck operators to use electronic logging devices to record hours they are operating. Paper logs will no longer be kept. The new rule...
Free time isn’t always free: Understand and manage steamship line demurrage and detention
Most importers and exporters have heard the term “free time.” At least they know they’ve paid for container free time, also known as demurrage and detention. In freight forwarding its important to not just understand but also manage container free time. Here’s some...
Cargo Services sponsors foster youth grad party
Cargo Services sponsored a special high school graduation event at the Colts Complex in June. “This isn’t your typical high school graduation party,” says Steve Fugate, Cargo Services CFO. “These 12 high school grads have succeeded despite circumstances resulting from...
Indy Rail Ramp: Reducing transit times, creating competitive supply chains
The Indy Rail Ramp, operated by the Indiana Railroad, was announced four years ago, in January 2014. The service appears to be operating as promised with the goal: to reduce transit times while improving transportation consistency to make supply chains competitive for...
Customs brokers: what do they do for your freight?
By Diana Kepler (customs broker) and Amber Cox (certified customs specialist) Defining what customs brokers do each day can be compared to a general contractor. When a contractor is hired to oversee a project, whether commercial or residential, that professional is...
International freight forwarder guide to new steamship line alliances
Read more on this topic in the January 2017 INdiana Connections enewsletter story published by Inside Indiana Business. The story features information and comments from Cargo Services Jefferson Clay. CLICK HERE The steamship line industry will form three major...
Understanding Incoterms
by John Rowe Cargo Services managing director Many importers and exporters don’t have a clear understanding of Incoterms and how they apply to international business transactions. Incoterms were developed by the International Chamber of Commerce to help provide...