Companies Lean on Freight Technology to Untangle Scrambled Supply Chains
By Jennifer Smith
Technology designed to streamline supply chains in a prepandemic world is helping businesses cope with coronavirus-driven upheaval, from providing help adjusting to volatile swings in demand to tracking delivery of critical supplies.
Natural Gas Is Losing Its Shine for Ship Operators
By Costas Paris
The pandemic is hitting the market for natural gas hard, undercutting hopes for a rich new vein for profits on the water. It is making the business of transporting liquefied natural gas look more like other sectors that have been sending operators of oceangoing cargo ships through wild peaks and valleys.
Postal Package Deliveries ‘Bogged Down’ With Delays, Backlogs
By Jennifer Smith
The problems have delayed some packages for days and even weeks, shippers and consumers say, holding up orders at a time when many people are shopping more online to avoid infection with the virus.
Making It Work
A Truck Driver’s Long Haul During Coronavirus Crisis: ‘You Realize Just How Alone We Are’
By Jennifer Smith
Robert Greene’s lonely job as a truck driver has gotten even more isolating in recent months. His income has plummeted, and places to eat, shower and sleep during his journeys have become harder to find. His wife’s recent battle with coronavirus only increased his stress. 80
Singapore’s PIL Seeks Temasek Investment for Survival
By Costas Paris
Pacific International Lines is in talks with an arm of Singapore sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings over a potential investment aimed at keeping the debt-ridden container ship operator from shutting down.
Trucking Looks to Bundle Up Technology
By Jennifer Smith
Taking a page from the consumer electronics playbook, Daimler Trucks North America LLC plans to take the technology clutter out of truck cabs by installing a single platform right at the factory floor.
Troubled Shipping Lines Turn to State Support
By Costas Paris
Some of the world’s biggest shipping companies are turning to government support to ride out the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Uber’s Re-Evaluation of Freight Follows Steep Losses
By Jennifer Smith
Uber Technologies’ truck-brokerage business has helped reshape freight brokerage, but it might not be doing enough to shore up the finances at its parent company.
Panasonic Takes 20% Stake in Blue Yonder
By Jennifer Smith
Panasonic is taking a 20% stake in supply-chain software provider Blue Yonder, deepening their relationship as the two companies work together to develop digital technology in managing retail and manufacturing goods.
European Ports Hit Hard by Coronavirus Lockdowns
By Costas Paris
European ports have been the world’s hardest hit trade gateways from the coronavirus pandemic, with up to two-thirds reporting significant declines in ship calls this month.
Latest News
Meat Plants Reopen, but Burgers Stay Pricey
A national meat-supply crunch driven by the coronavirus pandemic is beginning to ease, though meat and grocery suppliers expect the effects to linger for months. Meanwhile, consumers are paying more for ground beef and other staples across the country. 21
Plexiglass Is the New Hot Commodity as Businesses Try to Reopen
Manufacturers are racing to crank out the hand sanitizer, masks and clear plastic dividers that are seen as key to reopening the U.S. economy amid the pandemic. Stepped-up production has sent materials prices soaring. 21
