Industry News

News from JOC Journal of Commerce

• FMC rule giving contract filing relief to carriers takes effect June 15, 2020
  [caption caption="The FMC final rule concludes a two-year process into an application filed by the World Shipping Council. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]Container lines will no longer be required to file ‘essential terms’ of contracts with cargo owners with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) under a rule formally adopted by the regulatory...
• FMC’s detention-demurrage proposal divides shipping industry October 31, 2019
  [caption caption="Shipping industry stakeholders are debating who should bear the financial cost when certain events inside a terminal prevent the timely pickup of containers. Photo credit: Ari Ashe/JOC.com."][/caption]The container shipping industry remains far apart on whether the Federal Maritime Commission’s (FMC's) proposed rule on detention and demurrage will resolve or...
• Piracy and corruption stalk West Africa supply chains April 7, 2016
  ACCRA, Ghana — Senior maritime and transport officials in Ghana identified piracy and corruption as central challenges in the development of an efficient port and supply chain network in West Africa. Incidents of piracy and armed robbery were singled out by Richard Anamoo, director general of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority,...
• Pirates attack two container ships in Southeast Asia August 24, 2015
  [caption]Maersk Lebu. Credit: Fotoflite[/caption]Underscoring Southeast Asia’s new role as the world’s piracy hot spot, pirates attacked six vessels, including two container ships, in the straits of Malacca and Singapore Friday and Saturday Authorities believe the same group, comprising four to five perpetrators armed with knives, were behind all six incidents, according...
• Balancing costs and threats of piracy June 19, 2015
  When it comes to piracy, carriers must balance the speeds and routes their vessels take with crew safety and delivering maximum efficiency to clients. Typically, ships move at slower than their maximum speeds to reduce fuel usage and increase savings for both carriers and customers alike. While these benefits are tangible,...
• Global piracy declines but hot spots remain June 12, 2015
  Shippers have plenty to worry about — including volatile pricing and cargo delays — but piracy should be less of a concern, as the number of incidents has been falling since 2010. The general decline can be attributed to renewed international efforts to combat piracy. Pirate attacks targeting container vessels fell...
• MSC container ship, bulk carrier attacked off Indonesia March 23, 2015
  [caption align="left"][/caption]A Mediterranean Shipping Co. container ship and a bulk carrier were attacked in separate but possibly related incidents off the coast of Indonesia, according to the intergovernmental anti-piracy office ReCAAP. The two incidents, which are reported to have happened within hours of each other, involved ships sailing eastbound in the Straits...
• ISIS could bring piracy back to Mediterranean, officials say February 26, 2015
  Militants loyal to ISIS could bring Somali-style piracy to the Mediterranean, threatening the world’s largest trade lane, European officials warn. It’s been 200 years since pirates operated in the Mediterranean, but recent developments in North Africa suggest the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria could launch attacks on commercial and passenger...
• Maritime piracy falls to eight-year low January 15, 2015
  Maritime piracy fell to an eight-year low in 2014 as a continuing decline in attacks off Somalia offset a surge in ship hijackings in Asian waters. Attacks against small tankers off South East Asian coasts saw global hijackings rise to 21 in 2014 from 12 in 2013, according to the International...
• Weekly wrap-up: ILWU-PMA talks, 2M’s FMC approval and intermodal issues October 11, 2014
  Events on the U.S. West Coast dominated on JOC.com this past week, as labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association could finally be heating up. Five of the Top 10 stories on JOC.com in the past week focused on the issue. This round of...
• Report: Rise in West African piracy requires new industry approach October 5, 2014
  With piracy in West Africa on the rise, a newly released report highlights how pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea are far more violent than in Somalia and less-focused on ransom, requiring the industry to take a different approach to curb attacks. The set of standards, a 12-page document entitled...
• Weekly wrap-up for July 19: ILWU talks skew import volumes, Horizon faces debt crisis July 19, 2014
  While it is obvious that beneficial cargo owners shipped early this year through the West Coast in anticipation of the July 1 deadline for contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and waterfront employers, reports of cargo surges at Canadian and U.S. East Coast ports in May and...
• European shipowners press lawmakers on security plan June 20, 2014
  European shipowners are asking the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers to endorse a maritime security plan aimed at safeguarding ships around the globe. The European Commission and the European External Action Service joined forces to write the security plan earlier this year. Today, the European Community Shipowners Association asked...
• Container ship crew held by pirates finally freed June 9, 2014
  Eleven sailors from the Malaysia-flag container ship Albedo held hostage for more than three years by Somali pirates have arrived safely in Kenya, according to mediators who helped secure their freedom, Al Jazeera reported. The 1,066-TEU vessel, which had a 23-man crew when it was attacked, was hijacked about 1,500 kilometers off...
• Poseidon Marine Security launches ProtectaDeck February 4, 2014
  Manchester - UK – Poseidon Marine Security has launched a global marketing campaign for its new product ProtectaDeck, an anti-piracy barrier for the shipping industry to protect vessels and oil rig platforms from the increased number of piracy attacks throughout the world . ProtectaDeck prevents intruders from boarding, is inexpensive, as well...
• Japan's New Anti-Piracy Law Set to Take Effect November 27, 2013
  Japan’s new anti-piracy law will take effect on Saturday, 17 days after it was enacted by the Diet, the nation’s parliament, the transport ministry announced this week. The new law will allow private armed guards to board Japanese-registered oil tankers and other cargo ships in waters off Somalia and elsewhere. Under the...
• India Arrests US Anti-Piracy Vessel, Crew October 21, 2013
  Ten crew members and 25 security guards aboard a ship engaged in anti-piracy services were arrested in Chennai Oct. 18 after they failed to produce proper documents allowing them to carry weapons, Indian authorities said. The MV Seaman Guard Ohio is owned by Washington-based AdvanFort International, and flies the Sierra Leone...
• IMB Reports Decline in Global Piracy But Rise Off Nigeria October 18, 2013
  Global piracy has fallen to a seven-year low, but attacks off the coast of Nigeria have surged by a third, the International Maritime Bureau said. There were 188 piracy incidents in the first nine months of 2013, down from 233 in the same period last year, and the number of hostages...
• Japanese Government Adopts New Anti-Piracy Bill October 17, 2013
  The Japanese government adopted a new anti-piracy bill at a cabinet meeting this week that would allow private armed guards to board Japanese-registered oil tankers and other cargo ships in waters off Somalia and elsewhere. The government will seek to have the bill enacted during an extraordinary session of the Diet,...
• Belgium Arrests Alleged Pirate Boss in Movie Sting October 15, 2013
  A suspected Somali pirate chief has been arrested in Belgium after he was lured to the country by police posing as filmmakers who wanted him to star in a documentary about his exploits. Mohamed Abdi Hassan, known as “Afweyne” or “Big Mouth,” allegedly has pocketed millions of dollars in ransom payments...

News from Lloyd’s List – Containers

• HMM chief says newbuildings were key to recovery plan January 27, 2021
  HMM’s chief executive took over a company that lacked credibility with investors and the industry. A fleet of newbuildings and...      Related StoriesWill Biden era herald a wind of change for offshore farms?Biden era may herald a wind of change for offshore farms‘Asbestos-free’ certification does not guarantee safe ships 
• Seafarers: On the radar, but not top of the list in virus battle January 27, 2021
  Frederik Kristensen, a specialist in epidemic preparedness, has set out the scale of the pandemic problem and says seafarers might...      Related StoriesSeafarers: On the radar but not top of the list when it come to coronavirusLNG trade needs greater liquidity to counter volatilityLNG trade needs more liquidity to counter volatility 
• Marine tech companies launch shipping telecoms venture January 27, 2021
  New company MAR360 will offer ‘complete range of innovative and efficient telecommunication services’      Related StoriesShipping accepts ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipping accept ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipowners lay out conditions for Europe’s emissions plan 
• Hapag-Lloyd operating profit exceeds $3bn after strong fourth quarter January 27, 2021
  Hapag-Lloyd’s preliminary results are in line with its December guidance. Higher average freight rates and cost-cutting efforts resulted in strong...      Related StoriesShipping accepts ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipping accept ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipowners lay out conditions for Europe’s emissions plan 
• SM Line preparing IPO to fund expansion January 27, 2021
  SM Line is now looking to expanding its services in Southeast Asia via the K-Alliance, while planning to establish a...      Related StoriesShipping accepts ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipping accept ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipowners lay out conditions for Europe’s emissions plan 
• Hyundai Heavy eyes $900m IPO to build green ships January 26, 2021
  The Korean builder’s fundraising initiative comes as yards are being asked to upgrade their production and the global supply chain...      Related StoriesShipping accepts ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipping accept ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipowners lay out conditions for Europe’s emissions plan 
• Wan Hai orders newbuilds and containers in $700m spree January 26, 2021
  Wan Hai has been increasing efforts to expand its business footprint, especially in the intra-Asia market where it is highly competitive      Related StoriesShipping accepts ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipping accept ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipowners lay out conditions for Europe’s emissions plan 
• Infinity Maritime names shipbrokers for digital platform January 26, 2021
  Announcement of ‘initial group’ of shipbrokers said to indicate progress towards sourcing of Infinity’s first fleet as well as underscoring...      Related StoriesShipping accepts ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipping accept ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipowners lay out conditions for Europe’s emissions plan 
• Weather and incoming boxships add to US west coast disruption January 26, 2021
  High winds forced 17 ships out of anchor to avoid dragging in ‘complex situation’. But port volumes and ship calls...      Related StoriesShipping accepts ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipping accept ‘Mission Possible’ to tackle emissionsShipowners lay out conditions for Europe’s emissions plan 
• Shipping’s digital transformation driving efficiency January 26, 2021
  Digital technology and satellite communications have become the driver of shipping efficiency. Looking to the end of the decade, shipbuilding...      Related StoriesHMM chief says newbuildings were key to recovery planWill Biden era herald a wind of change for offshore farms?Biden era may herald a wind of change for offshore farms 

News from Container Management

• Port of Tanjung Pelepas registers 8% growth in 2020 January 27, 2021
  The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) recorded strong growth of 8% last year, handling 9.8m teu as transhipment demand climbed despite global economic uncertainties and the health pandemic. There was a surge in transhipment call volume due to increased demand in Asia and Europe while some customers also requested to increase their throughput via the […]
• Maritime industry works together to help overcome seafarer crisis January 27, 2021
  Over 300 signatories, including MSC and PSA International, have backed the Neptune Declaration on seafarer wellbeing and crew change, which aims to overcome the seafarer crisis. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers have been impacted by the unprecedented crew change crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many stranded on ships beyond the expiry […]
• Yilport Holding appoints new co-CEO January 26, 2021
  Yilport Holding has appointed a new co-CEO, Nicolas Sartini, who will co-lead the company alongside Chairman and CEO Robert Yuksel Yildirim. The Istanbul-based operator’s previous CEO Christian Blauert stepped down from his position in December 2019 with Yildirim taking the role since then.  Before taking this new role at Yilport Holding, Sartini held the role […]
• DP World signs agreement to operate Angolan multipurpose terminal January 26, 2021
  DP World has signed a 20 year concession agreement with the Angolan government to operate the Multipurpose Terminal (MPT) at the Port of Luanda. Under the agreement, the operator will invest US$190m, with plans to rehabilitate the existing infrastructure and acquire new equipment. The Port of Luanda is Angola’s largest port, located in a natural […]
• MBOX Terminals chooses Octopi TOS for new intermodal terminal in Serbia January 25, 2021
  MBOX Terminals has signed a subscription agreement for Navis’ Octopi for its new intermodal terminal located in Nis, Serbia. The terminal, which has become Octopi’s first customer in Europe, chose the cloud-based terminal operating system (TOS) for its modern, comprehensive solution that would help to optimise operations and increase visibility. Dejan Nikolic, CEO of MBOX […]
• Port of Los Angeles to reward terminals for higher truck productivity January 25, 2021
  As labour shortages continue to lengthen turnaround times for truckers, the Port of Long Angeles has launched an incentive programme to move trucks faster and more efficiently through its container terminals. The port’s Truck Turn-Time and Dual-Transaction Incentive Programmes offer terminal operators two ways to earn financial rewards: one for shortening the time it takes […]
• Ceva Logistics to collaborate with Hope Consortium to support vaccine distribution January 22, 2021
  Ceva Logistics has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Ports to work with the Hope Consortium, an umbrella organisation of a UAE-based public-private partnership to support the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Ceva will be using its range of contract logistics and freight management services to support both the shipment and distribution […]
• Solvo expands upon TOS features for railway terminals January 22, 2021
  Solvo has released a new version of its terminal operating software (TOS) for railway terminals which includes features for efficient railway cargo terminal management. The new features in the Solvo.TOS, which was made available to customers at the end of 2020, include automated addressed railcar allocation and extended terminal rail-track accounting. Commercial director of TOS […]
• Strong container volumes limit losses at Port of Antwerp January 21, 2021
  Buoyant container throughput rates helped to limit the overall decline in volumes at the Port of Antwerp last year, with other cargo segments suffering due to the pandemic and trade tensions. Despite a year dominated by the coronavirus with several difficult months and cancelled sailings, container throughput exceeded the 12m teu for the first time […]
• ICTSI Manila completes berth expansion January 21, 2021
  International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has completed a berth expansion at its flagship, Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), which raises MICT’s annual capacity to over 3.3m teu. The berth expansion adds another 150 m to Berth 7, creating a 600-m contiguous berth together with the adjacent Berth 6 to accommodate over 8,000 teu capacity […]
• CakeBoxx Technologies releases container specifically designed to transport COVID-19 vaccines January 20, 2021
  The ‘Global Vaccine Distribution Container’, created by partners CakeBoxx Technologies and refrigerated container industry leader Qingdao CIMC Special Reefer Co. (QCSC), has hit the market. The 20 ft container is designed for the shipment of vaccines, including those for COVID-19, and can be used for ultra-low internal temperatures, down to -70°C, as is required for […]
• Sinokor adds 1,700 containers refrigerated by PrimeLINE units January 20, 2021
  Sinokor Merchant Marine Company is acquiring 1,700 new containers refrigerated by Carrier Transicold PrimeLINE units, as it aims to raise its capacity to transport perishable cargo around Asia. The new reefers, which are a combination of 1,000 40-ft, high-cube and 700 20-ft boxes, will expand the South Korean company’s container inventory. They will be used […]
• Port of Long Beach marks record year after imports spike January 19, 2021
  The Port of Long Beach handled 8.1m teu in 2020, marking its busiest year on record, as a surge in imports in the latter part of the year offset previous canceled sailings caused by the pandemic. December saw volumes jump by 23%, with imports leaping 26% as retailers stocked their shelves for the holiday shopping […]
• Konecranes secures order from DP World Antwerp Gateway for ASCs January 19, 2021
  DP World Antwerp Gateway has ordered a fleet of 34 automated stacking cranes (ASCs) from Konecranes to expand upon its current fleet of 20 Konecranes ASCs. The first batch of the Konecranes Gottwald automated rail-mounted gantries (ARMGs) are scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2022 with the last batch by 2026. DP […]
• Container volumes rise at Port of Dunkerque despite COVID-19 pandemic January 18, 2021
  The Port of Dunkerque saw its container volumes rise by 2% in 2020, despite the pandemic, however the port’s overall annual traffic dropped 14% compared with 2019. Down from the previous year’s 52.6m tonnes of annual traffic, port traffic dropped to 45.2m tonnes having been seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Containers grew to 463,000 […]
• Late surge pushes Port of Los Angeles to 9.2m teu January 18, 2021
  The Port of Los Angeles handled 9.2m teu last year with a late surge of pandemic-induced consumer spending helping to boost volumes to near 2019 levels. In the third and fourth quarters of 2020, cargo volumes increased 50% over the first half of the year, with the West Coast hub handling 94% more traffic the […]
• Port of Barcelona highlights added cargo value and electrification in new strategy January 15, 2021
  The Port of Barcelona has unveiled its strategic plan for 2021-2025, aiming to increase the value of foreign trade it handles, reduce emissions and expand the size of its workforce. In terms of economic sustainability, the hub wants to increase the value of foreign trade passing through the port from the €65bn (US$79bn) at present […]
• PSA International’s container volumes reach 86.6m teu in 2020 January 15, 2021
  PSA International’s total throughput volumes increased 1.7% year-on-year in 2020, handling a total of 86.6m teu across all its port projects. The company’s flagship PSA Singapore contributed 36.6m teu to this total, down 0.9% compared to 2019, and terminals outside of Singapore were up 3.7% to 50m teu . Tan Chong Meng, Group CEO of […]
• Konecranes delivers its largest reachstacker order to Germany January 14, 2021
  Konecranes is delivering 39 reachstackers to the German Bundeswehr (Federal Armed Forces), with the units specially adapted for harsh conditions, enabling them to handle containers at military locations around the country. The deliveries, which began in September 2020 and will be complete by February 2021, are headed to the BwFuhrparkService, the fleet service company that […]
• Kalmar and Nokia expand upon partnership in terminal automation January 14, 2021
  Kalmar and Nokia are set to expand their ongoing collaboration to provide new solutions for ports and intermodal terminal operators seeking to automate operations and achieve greater productivity. The two companies aim to combine their communications and cargo handling expertise in new joint go-to-market ventures, integrated solutions development and research collaboration. The first of the […]

News from CN – Container News

• Maersk Essen drone footage reveals damage January 27, 2021
  Drone footage from claims consultancy WK Webster of the Maersk Essen as it arrived in APM Terminal’s Port of Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, shows the extent of the damage suffered by the vessel in a storm.       The post Maersk Essen drone footage reveals damage appeared first on Container News.
• Lines are holding world trade hostage say shippers January 27, 2021
  Shipper representatives who met with the European Commission (EC) last week have said that the shipping lines are “holding world trade hostage” as the commission says it is not bothered by inflated rates. The post Lines are holding world trade hostage say shippers appeared first on Container News.
• Guangzhou Wenchong awarded CU and Cosmo feedermax orders January 27, 2021
  Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard has won a total of four feedermax ship orders, from China United Lines (CU Lines) and Greek tonnage provider Cosmoship. The post Guangzhou Wenchong awarded CU and Cosmo feedermax orders appeared first on Container News.
• COSCO seals collaboration with Midea Group January 27, 2021
  COSCO Shipping Lines (COSCON) has signed an agreement with compatriot electronics and technology manufacturer Midea Group, pledging to work together on container transportation, digitalisation, end-to-end logistics and centralised procurement. The post COSCO seals collaboration with Midea Group appeared first on Container News.
• CMA CGM applies new rates and surcharges January 27, 2021
  In addition to the updated prices from the Red Sea, Middle East Gulf and Pakistan to the Mediterranean and North Europe, CMA CGM will implement increased rates to a number of destinations from the beginning of February. The post CMA CGM applies new rates and surcharges appeared first on Container News.
• CSP Spain joins Valencia terminal digital twin project January 27, 2021
  Cosco Shipping Ports (Spain) Valencia Terminal will co-operate with Data and System Planning (DSP) and the Dutch logistic analysis and optimisation specialist TALUMIS to build a digital twin of the terminal. The post CSP Spain joins Valencia terminal digital twin project appeared first on Container News.
• Maersk offers update on Essen cargo January 26, 2021
  Maersk Line, who’s ship the Maersk Essen lost around 750 containers in a Pacific storm on 16 January, has said that the discharge of damaged containers at its terminal in Mexico should take two to three weeks. The post Maersk offers update on Essen cargo appeared first on Container News.
• JAXPORT develops its Blount Island box terminal January 26, 2021
  Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) contractors have completed the latest phase in a US$104 million berth development project at the Stevedoring Services of America (SSA)'s Jacksonville Container Terminal at Blount Island. The post JAXPORT develops its Blount Island box terminal appeared first on Container News.
• SM Merchant Marine eyes IPO this year January 26, 2021
  South Korean mainline operator SM Merchant Marine (SMM) is exploring a public listing on the Korea Exchange through an initial public offering in the second half of 2021. The post SM Merchant Marine eyes IPO this year appeared first on Container News.
• Maritime sector unites behind stranded seafarers January 26, 2021
  Maritime industry companies and organisations have united to produce and sign the Neptune Declaration, a document that seeks to protect seafarers and put pressure on governments around the world to find a solution to the thousands of crew stranded on ships. The post Maritime sector unites behind stranded seafarers appeared first on Container News.

News from Tradewinds

• Evergreen splits $2.3bn boxship order between four yards in three countries January 27, 2021
  Taiwanese liner company will own 10 of the 15,000-teu newbuildings and charter the remaining ships from tonnage provider Shoei Kisen
• John Michael Radziwill can't fathom bulker owners who hurry up to wait January 27, 2021
  Good Bulk boss has strong views on what should be the obvious solution to achieving decarbonisation
• Charter dispute rages as Australian coal import ban drags on January 27, 2021
  Australasia Charterers looks to the courts to secure its arbitration proceedings against Wordlwide Bulk Shipping
• Charterers prevent crew changes despite ongoing seafarer crisis January 27, 2021
  Rotating crews before and during voyages are becoming more difficult with new charter terms
• Capesize bulkers ballast to Atlantic amid falling steel margins January 27, 2021
  Rates continue to decline as a result of seasonality as Chinese New Year approaches
• The Recap: Recycling hope, BW's Golar pullback and Polarcus banks lose patience January 27, 2021
  Five essential shipping stories on 27 January
• Evercore predicting weaking for LNG, but strength for LPG rates January 27, 2021
  Investment bank downgraded Navigator Holdings and GasLog after share prices rise following rate jumps
• Globus offers more shares, lowers price on prior offer January 27, 2021
  The owner's shares have fallen considerably since Wednesday's opening bell on Wall Street
• Sovcomflot reflects on first ‘virtual IPO’ for Russian shipowner January 27, 2021
  Chief financial officer Nikolai Kolesnikov said the experience ‘makes you humble’
• Orlando Ashford appointed Azamara executive chairman January 27, 2021
  The cruise executive was previously president of Carnival Corp's Holland America Line

News from Transport Topics

• Tutorials, Updated Datasets Among Upgrades Planned for FHWA Bridge Portal January 27, 2021
  The Federal Highway Administration will introduce tutorial videos, fix bugs and update datasets as part of a series of enhancements to its web portal that offers a wealth of data on bridges.
• NFI Icon Bernard Brown Dies at 96 January 27, 2021
  Bernard Brown, the visionary behind National Freight Inc., one of the oldest trucking companies in the U.S., died Jan. 21 at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
• Canadian National Reports Strong Q4 Earnings January 27, 2021
  Canadian National Railway reported healthy fourth-quarter income and revenue.
• Biden Signs Ambitious Climate Change Orders January 27, 2021
  WASHINGTON — In the most ambitious U.S. effort to stave off the worst effects of climate change, President Joe Biden issued executive orders Jan. 27 to cut oil, gas and coal emissions and double energy production from offshore wind turbines.
• Freight Stakeholders Push Congress on Infrastructure Package January 27, 2021
  Consideration of a major infrastructure policy package aimed at improving access to commercial corridors would enhance the freight industry’s distribution of goods in the coming years, stakeholders said during a recent forum hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
• Knight-Swift Reports Rise in Profit, Revenue for Q4 January 27, 2021
  Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. reported a surge in net income and higher total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2020, the company reported Jan. 27.
• Pete Buttigieg Nomination for Transportation Secretary Advances January 27, 2021
  WASHINGTON — A Senate panel on Jan. 27 easily advanced President Joe Biden’s nomination of Pete Buttigieg to be transportation secretary, setting up a final confirmation vote for a key role in Biden’s push to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and confront climate change.
• Shortages, Economy Top Concerns in Aftermarket Sector January 27, 2021
  Shortages of technicians and drivers, and general economic growth topped the list of concerns in the aftermarket sector, an industry analyst said Jan. 26.
• Nikola Backer Luxor Invests in European Electric Truck Startup January 27, 2021
  Nikola Corp. backer Luxor Capital Group LP is investing in European electric truck startup Volta Trucks AB to help the company scale its manufacturing and expand into North America and Asia.
• Walmart to Build More Robot-Filled Warehouses at Stores January 27, 2021
  NEW YORK — Walmart is enlisting the help of robots to keep up with a surge in online orders.
• C.H. Robinson Posts Strong Q4 Numbers, Mixed Annual Results January 27, 2021
  C.H. Robinson Worldwide posted large gains in both profit and revenue during the fourth quarter, but its annual results were mixed because of the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Remote Work, AI Impact Transportation Logistics Space January 27, 2021
  Remote work and artificial intelligence are helping to reshape the transportation logistics sector, a technology entrepreneur said Jan. 26.
• FMCSA Announces Proposal to Amend Driver Vision Standard January 27, 2021
  A new regulation would allow truck drivers who cannot meet current federal vision standards of either distant visual acuity or field of vision, or both, in one eye to be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce.
• Navistar, GM Cooperate on Fuel Cell System for Class 8 in 2024 January 27, 2021
  Navistar Inc. announced it intends to produce a zero-emission longhaul truck using fuel cell systems supplied by General Motors and will have an International RH Series FCEV model commercially available in 2024.
• FedEx Announces Leadership Changes for Freight, Ground Divisions January 27, 2021
  FedEx Corp. has announced that Lance Moll will be the next president of FedEx Freight. He replaces John A. Smith, who will take over FedEx Ground upon the July retirement of current president Henry Maier.
• Fleets Need to Have Contingency Plan for Emergencies, TRB Panel Says January 26, 2021
  Taking into account some of the myriad challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, management experts offered a glimpse of future operational issues and shared recommendations for how to address them.
• Climate Change, COVID-19 Aid Priorities for Biden Administration, Gina Raimondo Says January 26, 2021
  An emphasis on climate change will help guide the Biden administration’s infrastructure policy agenda, which aims to provide economic relief to states and industry stakeholders, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo told the Senate Commerce Committee at her confirmation hearing.
• Biden to Require Electric Trucks at USPS, Federal Agencies January 26, 2021
  President Joe Biden is preparing an executive order to marshal the federal government’s purchasing power by requiring that federal agencies — including the U.S. Postal Service — buy clean vehicles and renewable power, according to three people familiar with the matter, though the timing of the announcement isn’t clear.
• U.S. Xpress Latest to Invest in TuSimple January 26, 2021
  U.S. Xpress Enterprises Inc. announced it made a “significant” investment in autonomous trucking company TuSimple and that CEO Eric Fuller was named to TuSimple’s executive advisory board.
• Biden to Pause Oil Drilling on Public Lands January 26, 2021
  WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is set to announce a wide-ranging moratorium on new oil and gas leasing on U.S. lands, as his administration moves quickly to reverse Trump administration policies on energy and the environment and address climate change.