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Possible train strike could derail supply chain even more

Sep 12, 2022
A nationwide rail shutdown could cost $2 billion a day, the Association of American Railroads said.
Around half of the goods we import and export touch U.S. railways.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Why “big boats” might be partially responsible for inflation

May 24, 2022
Supply chain journalist Rachel Premack says megaships deserve some of the blame for shipping logjams and increased costs.
“I hate big boats, and so should you,” wrote FreightWaves editorial director Rachel Premack. The Ever Given container ship, above, sails along Egypt's Suez Canal.
Mahmoud Khaled/AFP via Getty Images

Companies reroute cargo away from Russian rail network

Mar 16, 2022
It could put extra pressure on global shipping and force companies to raise prices.
Some goods with high price margins, like computers and car parts, typically travel between China and Europe by rail. Above, a freight train rolls through a forest in Poland.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

The war in Ukraine means more chaos for global shipping

Mar 8, 2022
Companies are rerouting around conflict zones and costs are on the rise, explains Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport.
Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport, said the air cargo business is "dramatically cut short right now in capacity."
John Moore/Getty Images

U.S. ports are consolidating, as shipping lines have

Apr 5, 2017
The container-shipping industry is more consolidated than ever. As of this month, the world’s top ocean carriers are now mostly in three major alliances, set to control 90 percent of seaborne cargo. That changes the game for many of the country’s ports, who are themselves beginning to work together.  Click the audio player above to […]

The dark side of the ocean

Jul 20, 2015
Kai Ryssdal talks to New York Times reporter Ian Urbina about his investigative series.
The high seas are characterized by lawlessness, says New York Times reporter Ian Urbina.
SAM YEH/AFP/Getty Images

Port lockouts and the sea's importance in supply chain

Feb 12, 2015
What happens when your ship comes in, and there’s no one to unload your goods.

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The new growth engine for airports: cargo

Jun 25, 2014
Known as "world's busiest" for passengers, Atlanta's airport now wants more cargo

Port wars heat up as East Coast raises the bar

Sep 16, 2013
East Coast ports are upgrading their infrastructure to accommodate increased freight expected after the 2015 expansion of the Panama Canal. West Coast ports have to ship up in order to compete.

Getting gasoline to the East Coast

Mar 21, 2012
Obama may waive a law so that foreign ships can transport gas from the Gulf of Mexico to the East Coast to ease shortages and lower prices.