Supply Chain
Ocean shipping transports about 80% of global trade — from coal and corn to bananas and cement. The revisions tackle major concerns from the global maritime industry that feared virtually every cargo carrier could face steep, stacking fees.
Reuters reports that the union representing 45,000 dock workers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts and their employers reached a tentative deal on a new six-year contract.
A coalition of over 270 local, state and federal trade associations signed a letter urging President Biden and the administration to use all of its authorities to get the ports open and get the parties back to the negotiating table.
In celebration of National Ag Day and National Ag Week, the 2023 Feeding the Economy report shows just how vital the industry is to U.S. families, communities and the world.
In early 2022, a possible trucker shortage grabbed headlines, but John Phipps says even today, there isn’t much hard data to substantiate that alarm.
From the docks of Southern California and Europe to the parcel hubs in the Midwest and the store shelves in New York, signs are growing that the global supply chain crisis is over.
Shippers urged the U.S. railroad regulator to create more competition in the industry during hearings in which Union Pacific was called to explain a spike in service restrictions.
According to Biden’s economic advisors, as many as 765,000 Americans — many union workers themselves — would have been put out of work in the first two weeks of shutdowns.
Pelosi said the House this week will “take up a bill adopting the tentative agreement—with no poison pills or changes to the negotiated terms—and send it to the Senate.” Some industry leaders feel it will pass.
Unions are arguing railroads haven’t done enough to address worker concerns, largely surrounding working conditions and paid time off.
Friday brought mixed news for the economy. So, is the U.S. officially in a recession? K-State economists say it’s more important to watch changes in behaviors versus debating the definition of recession.
A labor strike along U.S. railroads is still a possibility after the third-largest railroad union rejected a tentative labor agreement this week. The agreement had the support of the White House.
As backlogs at U.S. ports and climbing shipping rates plague the supply chain, new data shows container shipping rates between the U.S and China are dropping by more than 50% in just a month.
From a train derailment outside Hereford, Texas, to growing concerns about a possible labor strike in mid-September, rail delays have been a severe pain point for the grain users and shippers all year.
A potential stoppage on the nation’s railways this fall is spurring concern, even after President Biden signed an executive order Sunday to keep U.S. rail traffic on track and the collective bargaining process going.
Livestock Producers Report Being Just Days Away From Running Out of Feed Due to Shipping Rail Issues
Bottlenecks along U.S. railways are growing more severe. Not only are feed users on the West Coast on the brink of running out of grain, but there are also concerns the rail issues could grow worse during harvest.
Strong basis bids are sparking questions about the reality of corn supplies and issues in getting grain to areas of the country that need it. Analysts are watching USDA’s Grain Stocks report this week for answers.
Diesel prices are causing sticker shock, as fears of a possible diesel shortage are growing. It’s not just retail diesel prices that are rapidly rising. Some farmers report booking off-road diesel for above $5.
Transforming the U.S. food system by improving supply chains and addressing issues exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic was detailed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack during a speech at Georgetown University.
U.S. diesel prices are the highest ever, with warnings of shortages, especially in the eastern U.S., and the most intensive part of the farming season is still ahead.
Diesel prices hit historic highs this week. Due to increased demand and a drop in production, a diesel shortage may be looming as the largest diesel distribution hub in the U.S. is sitting on supplies at a 30-year low.
Increased regulation and the search for better work-life balance are two factors leading to a shortage of truck drivers in the U.S. Walmart is now increasing the starting salary for drivers to try to attract new people.
USDA now expects food price inflation in 2022 to be from 4.5% to 5.5%, compared with 2021, based on the all-food Consumer Price Index. No category shows a potential decline.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance is partnering the USDA to bring the Port of Seattle a 49-acre pop-up site that will accept both dry and refrigerated agricultural products for temporary storage.
Even with Russia removed from the global fertilizer market, it still doesn’t create worst-case scenario. StoneX Group says China could make the situation worse, as China and Russia account for 40% of global phosphate.
Rep. Garamendi says the USDA partnership with the Port of Oakland “isn’t going to solve the problem” because shippers deliver product to the U.S. and leave ports with empty containers.
On Dec. 10, 2021, a tornado tore across Kentucky demolishing areas in its path. Farmers and state leaders say it will be a long road to recovery with trouble sourcing even enough fencing supplies to rebuild.