Market Update October 2024
Industry Market Trends
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
Fuel Index:
Diesel National Averages:
This Week: $3.539/gallon
Last Week: $3.526/gallon
Weekly Change: $0.013
Year-over-Year Change: $1.047
Summary: Diesel prices have seen a slight increase this week but remain below year-over-year…
Market Update September 2024
Industry Market Trends
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
Current Market:
Agricultural and Seasonal Trends: As we move into September, the Midwest is expected to continue experiencing high demand for freight services, driven by ongoing agricultural shipments. The harvest season…
Market Update August 2024
Industry Market Trends
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
Current Market:
Agricultural and Seasonal Trends: The Midwest is seeing a surge in freight demand due to ongoing agricultural shipments of corn, soybeans, and other seasonal produce, leading to tighter capacity and higher…
Market Update July 2024
Industry Market Trends
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
Current Market Surge: The Midwest is beginning to experience its seasonal surge in freight demand due to agricultural shipments and holiday trends, this is causing relatively tighter capacity and higher spot rates for Reefer…
Market Update June 2024
Industry Market Trends
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
CVSA Roadcheck Impact: The CVSA International Roadcheck, which occurred in mid-May, resulted in temporary capacity tightness and an uptick in spot rates, particularly affecting already constrained regions. Carriers faced…
Market Update 4/15/2024
Logistics industry market trends you need to know.
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
PORT IMPACTS:
Panama Canal Optimism: With recent rains alleviating drought conditions, the Panama Canal Authority is expanding transit slots for Panamax vessels. As water levels in Gatun Lake…
Market Update 3/29/2024
Logistics industry market trends you need to know.
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
PORT IMPACTS:
Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse: The catastrophic cargo ship crash causing the collapse of Baltimore's key bridge has led to immediate suspension of vessel traffic in and out…
Market Update 3/13/2024
Logistics industry market trends you need to know.
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
PORT IMPACTS:
Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach experienced significant year-over-year increases in cargo volumes in January 2024, driven by Lunar New Year demand spikes and concerns…
Market Update 2/29/2024
Logistics industry market trends you need to know.
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
PORT IMPACTS:
U.S. East Coast Ports Volume Downturn:
As of early 2024, U.S. East Coast ports have been experiencing a downturn in volume. This change is attributed to various global logistics…
Market Update 2/15/2024
Logistics industry market trends you need to know.
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
PORT IMPACTS:
Ongoing Challenges in the Red Sea:
The Red Sea region continues to face significant disruptions due to military strikes against Houthi positions, affecting global supply chains.…
Market Update 1/30/2024
Logistics industry market trends you need to know.
General Market Trends
Potential Market Disruptors
Port Impacts:
Red Sea Shipping Crisis: The Red Sea is experiencing a dramatic impact on global shipping and trade due to attacks against commercial vessels. These disruptions, caused by Houthi…
Market Update 1/11/2024
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
PORT IMPACTS:
Red Sea Crisis Impact: The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea, including Houthi rebel attacks, is prompting shifts in shipping routes, leading to longer transit times and increased costs. This has resulted in a surge in ocean-shipping…
State of the Economy & Supply Chain in 2024
The global economic outlook for 2024 is marked by a complex interplay of factors that shape the state of economies and supply chains worldwide.
From the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical tensions and technological advancements, understanding the current state of affairs is crucial…
Market Update 12/29/2023
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
PORT IMPACTS:
Port Recovery not expected until 2025.
Previously, the west coast was yielding more tonnage to the east, we are now seeing it return to the west.
SEASONAL TRENDS:
We're seeing a notable reduction in market capacity, driven…
Market Update 12/15/2023
Logistics industry market trends you need to know.
GENERAL MARKET TRENDS
POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS
PORT IMPACTS:
Port Recovery not expected until 2025
US ports are trending to have a 12.8% year-on-year drop in TEU
US ports are estimated to 1.99 million TEUs in Oct and will see a decline…
Market Update 11/30/2023
Logistics industry market trends you need to know.
General Market Trends
Potential Market Disruptors
Port Impacts:
‘Dire’ scenario for shipping lines more likely as spot rates fall back (freightwaves.com).
Recovery not expected until 2025.
US ports are trending to have a 12.8%…
Freight Fraud Prevention For the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time of joy and giving, but it's also a season when the freight industry experiences an upsurge in business.
As we enter the holiday season in 2023, it's important to remain vigilant against the ever-present threat of fraud in the freight industry. Whether you're a shipper, carrier,…
Unlocking the Role of a Freight Broker in Third-Party Logistics
In the world of logistics, where the smooth flow of goods is paramount, the role of a freight broker within a third-party logistics (3PL) firm is pivotal.
These unsung heroes play a crucial role in ensuring that products get from point A to point B efficiently and cost-effectively. But what exactly…
Freight Brokerage Jobs for College Grads
In the ever-evolving world of logistics and transportation, freight brokerage offers a dynamic and lucrative career path.
Congratulations, recent college graduate! You've just earned your degree and are eager to embark on a promising career journey. If you have a knack for negotiation, strong communication…
What is Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipping?
In the world of logistics and transportation, efficiency is paramount.
This is where Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping comes into play.
When it comes to moving goods, companies are always seeking cost-effective ways to transport products from point A to point B. LTL shipping is a crucial component…
The Indispensable Role of Freight Brokers in the Transportation Industry
In the vast and complex world of transportation, the smooth movement of goods from one point to another is essential for the global economy to function efficiently.
Among the key players in this intricate network are freight brokers, unsung heroes who play a pivotal role in connecting shippers and carriers,…
BM2 FREIGHT Ranks No. 2959 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 List
For the 4th Time, BM2 Freight Makes the Inc. 5000, at No. 2959 in 2023
NEW YORK, August 15, 2023 – Inc. revealed today that BM2 Freight ranks No. 2959 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look…
What Retailers Should Look for When Partnering with Brokerages
Brokerages seem to be a dime a dozen, but that’s not always the case. We’re breaking down five things all retail shipping and supply chain associates should be looking for when choosing the right brokerage to ship with.
As the American Trucking Associations' website states, trucking still remains…
BM2 Freight to Offer LTL Shipping Services
Less-than-truckload, or LTL freight, is any shipment between 150 and 15,000 pounds. Typically, these shipments are palletized and shipped with trucks, but don’t take up the entirety of the whole truck bed.
The BM2 Advantage
We’re adding our very own dedicated Less-Than-Truckload Specialist…
Keep Food Fresh from Truck to Table
BM2 FREIGHT SERVICES SPECIALIZES IN COLD FOOD AND BEVERAGE TRANSPORT TO KEEP FOOD FRESH FROM TRUCK TO TABLE
Fifteen years; that’s how long we’ve been reliable food and beverage freight brokers in the shipping and logistics industry. We’ve developed this expertise by committing ourselves to food…
What to Expect Ahead of DOT Week 2023
The Department of Transportation has just announced its focus for International Roadcheck Week 2023.
ABS systems and cargo securement will be the primary targets for the event taking place May 16-18.
Drivers across the US, Canada, and Mexico can expect to be inspected at weigh stations and other…
BM2 Freight Announced as One of Cincy’s Best in Business
Voters decided the fate for different businesses in 76 different categories – and BM2 Freight made the cut.
In a highly competitive market that’s taking us through all the twists and turns, BM2 Freight is pleased to receive Cincy Magazine’s 2023 Best in Cincy Business for Third Party Logistics…
BM2’s President Lands Spot on WIT’s Top Women to Watch List
COVINGTON, Ky – One of BM2 Freight’s very own landed on the Women in Trucking’s 2023 Top Women to Watch list this past week.
President and logistics-industry extraordinaire, Sarah Newman, was announced as one of the industry leaders featured on the list.
“Knowing that I have an opportunity…
BM2 Freight Services Inc. to Create 56 Full-Time Jobs, Invest $2.3 Million to Expand Covington Operation
Company currently employs 98 Kentuckians at Covington location
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced further momentum of the state’s distribution and logistics sector as BM2 Freight Services Inc. will expand in Covington with a $2.3 million investment creating 56…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. expands Chicago branch
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. adds on to its Chicago branch in hopes of adding over 30 full-time employees in the years to come.
COVINGTON, KY – BM2 Freight Services, Inc. has expanded its Rosemont location, bringing more opportunity to the Chicago area.
“We have identified a larger facility for…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Recognized In The Cincinnati Business Courier’s Top 100 Private Companies For 2022
COVINGTON, KY, August 3, 2022 – The Cincinnati Business Courier has named BM2 Freight Services, Inc. one of the largest private companies in the Greater Cincinnati region. BM2 ranked #79 on the list based on 2022 total revenue.
Overall, manufacturing and distribution was the highest grossing…
Sarah Newman Of BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Named President
COVINGTON, KY, July 1, 2022 – BM2 Freight Services, Inc., a provider of logistics and transportation solutions, is proud to announce Sarah Newman, former Executive Vice President of Operations, as the new President of BM2 Freight Services, Inc.
Sarah has been in the freight brokerage field for 21…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Named A Top Workplace
COVINGTON, KY, June 8, 2022 – BM2 Freight Services has been honored as a Top Workplace by The Enquirer Media in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. Top Workplace finalists are determined solely by employee feedback gathered through an online survey conducted by an independent third…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Named A Top Freight Brokerage In North America
COVINGTON, KY, April 11, 2022 – BM2 Freight Services, Inc., a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) company headquartered in Covington, KY, has been named a top 100 freight brokerage firm in North America by leading trucking and freight transportation publication, Transport Topics. The brokerages that made the…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Named Best In Cincy Business
COVINGTON, KY, April 6, 2022 – Cincy Magazine has named BM2 Freight Services, Inc. 2022 Best in Cincy Business in the Logistics category. The award lists 100 of the most influential businesses and leaders in the tri-state area. This is a first-time win for BM2 Freight, and as Cincinnati continues…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc., Has Been Named A Fast 55 Finalist For The 4th Year In A Row
COVINGTON, KY, March 25, 2022 – The Cincinnati Business Courier has announced BM2 Freight Services as a finalist for the 2022 Fast 55 awards. Fast 55 identifies the fastest-growing privately held companies within the 15-county region of Greater Cincinnati that have seen the highest percentage of…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. As Finalist In Business Impact Awards
COVINGTON, KY, March 25, 2022 – BM2 Freight has been selected as a finalist in the Cool Place to Work category as a part of the Northern Kentucky’s Chamber 2022 Business Impact Awards, presented by Huntington Bank. The winner of the award will be named on Tuesday, May 3rd. The Business Impact…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Named Best Places To Work In Kentucky
COVINGTON, KY, March 4, 2022 – BM2 Freight Services, Inc., a third-party logistics company headquartered in Covington, KY, has been named to the 2022 Best Places to work in Kentucky by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Society for Human Resources Management (KYSHRM), and ClearPath Mutual…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Delivers Record Year
COVINGTON, KY, December 7, 2021 – BM2 Freight Services, Inc. is proud to announce 85% growth in 2021 and multiple expansions.
While most of the world had to reduce personnel and close offices due to the pandemic, BM2 Freight added a new office in the heart of Music City, Nashville, TN. “BM2…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Expands Chicago Office
COVINGTON, KY, December 1, 2021 – BM2 Freight Services, Inc. will be relocating its Rosemont area office to a new office in the neighborhood to accommodate its rapid growth.
BM2 Freight’s Chicago office was the company’s first satellite location and opened in May 2018. BM2 Chicago has grown…
The Death of Backhaul Trucking
When we look back to the industry in previous years, it’s easy to say that a lot has changed.
I recall in 2019 when I was advising clients to push freight to the spot market as a strategy to help find savings with their transportation budgets. This goes without saying; times have changed. Currently,…
Navigating Tight Truckload Markets
There is no secret sauce to get the most from a tight truckload market, but there are best in class practices to make the best of this truckload market.
As we hypothesize, when the market will balance out, we, unfortunately, can’t avoid the present. By sharing my point of view, I hope that you can…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Doubles Its Footprint
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. doubles its office in Covington, KY, to accommodate its continued growth in the third-party logistics industry.
The company currently occupies 7,186 square feet on the 5th floor. The expansion will allow the company to occupy the whole 5th floor and add 9,059 square footage.…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Named As Finalist In Inc. Magazine’s List Of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—The Inc. 5000
For the 3rd Year In A Row, BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Appears on the Inc. 5000, Ranking No. 2,562 With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 173% Percent
COVINGTON, KY, September 21, 2021 – Inc. magazine revealed that BM2 Freight Services, Inc. is No. 2,429 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Named A Finalist In The Cincinnati Business Courier’s 2021 Best Places To Work
COVINGTON, KY – BM2 Freight Services, Inc., a provider of logistics and transportations solutions, is proud to be recognized by The Business Courier as a finalist in the 2021 Best Places to Work awards. This program recognizes organizations in Greater Cincinnati that rank the highest at keeping…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Announced As Cincinnati Business Courier 2021 Fast 55 Finalist
COVINGTON, KY – BM2 Freight Services, Inc. is proud to be named a Cincinnati Business Courier 2021 Fast 55 Finalist.
“This award reflects the amazing team that we have at BM2. We are growing fast and are truly honored to be among the finalist mentioned, said Principal Kevin Ball.”
The…
BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Named To Food Logistics’ 2021 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers List
COVINGTON, KY, August 24, 2021— Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global cold food supply chain, has named BM2 Freight Services, Inc. to its 2021 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers list.
The Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers…
BM2 Freight Named Finalist For Inc. 5000
For the 2nd Time, BM2 Freight Services, Inc. Appears on the Inc. 5000, Ranking No. 2,562 With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 106.47 Percent
COVINGTON, KY, August 12, 2020 – Inc. magazine revealed yesterday that BM2 Freight Services, Inc. is No. 2,562 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious…
BM2 Freight Still Connecting Great Shippers With Great Carriers Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Common sense decisions to benefit safety and supply chain management for all
Covington, KY: BM2 Freight Services, Inc. is continuing to provide strategic transportation solutions for customers, carriers, and drivers during and after the COVID-19 outbreak.
“No matter what, the supply chain…
Import Volume Spike Ahead Of Holiday Season
Why/When will import volume spike?
Retailers are predicting up to a 9% jump in US containerized import volume before new tariffs hit on December 15. The spike in imports is due to retailers front-loading their inventories. This is to account for depleted inventory levels in the coming holiday season. …
Reefer Shipping Under Pressure In Turbulent Trade Environment
Reefer Freight Shipping Navigating New Trade Policies
Fluctuations in trade policy over the past 18 months have caused increasing adversity for shippers of perishable commodities. Reefer shippers are feeling the impact the most, specifically at congested cargo terminals, due to the time and temperature…
Freight Market Predictions For Q4 2019 And Early 2020
Hurricane Dorian’s Effect on Freight Market
Last weekend many east coast ports were closed due to hurricane Dorian. Ports affected by Dorian include the ports of Wilmington, Morehead City and the port of Virginia. Freight market volume is typically affected by weather, and in hurricane Dorian’s…
BM2 Freight Named As One Of The Finalists In The Cincinnati Business Courier’s 2019 Best Places To Work Competition
Covington, KY, September 4, 2019
The Cincinnati Business Courier today announced BM2 Freight Services, Inc. as one of the finalists for their 2019 Best Places To Work Competition. The program recognizes companies and organizations in Greater Cincinnati that are changing the business landscape in terms…
Diesel Fuel Price Ahead of IMO 2020 Regulations
Diesel Fuel Price Spike Ahead?
A recent report from Fitch Solutions forecasts a price spike in diesel fuel prices at the beginning of next year. The report says that new fuel regulations from IMO 2020 regulations will cause a sizeable shift in demand for diesel fuel.
The IMO 2020 regulation…
FMCSA Rolls Out Proposed Changes to HOS Regulations
FMCSA HOS Changes Aim to Increase Driver Safety and Schedule Flexibility
This past Wednesday the FMCSA made public their proposed changes to the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. The announcement comes just 1 month after the agency proposed new CDL regulations. The FMCSA highlighted 5 changes…
Inc. 5000 2019 Ranks BM2 Freight Services, Inc. As No. 4524 With Three-Year Revenue Growth Of 65 Percent
Inc. Magazine Unveils Its Annual List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—the Inc. 5000
NEW YORK, August 16, 2019 –
Inc. magazine today revealed that BM2 Freight Services, Inc. is No. 4524 on its annual Inc 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing…
Is The Freight Market Starting To Recover?
Uptick in Freight Market Volume
Freightwaves market data indicates that the freight market may be at the beginning of a recovery. For the first time in a year, load volumes are up over 2018 numbers. With many carriers cutting capacity and rising freight volumes, trucking rates are starting to come…
New CDL Regulations From The FMCSA
Easier Access to CDL Knowledge Tests
Federal regulators are discussing easier access to knowledge tests for prospective trucks drivers to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL). The American Trucking Association published a report on July 24 stating that the industry is short nearly 61,000…
Freight Recession Hits Trucking Industry
ACT Research Indicates Freight Industry Recession
Recent data from ACT Research indicates a freight recession. According to ACT President Kenny Vieth, the metrics that ACT tracks show two back-to-back quarters of negative growth, meeting the technical definition of a recession.
Some of the metrics…
Truck Speed Limiter Bill On Increasing Highway Safety
Trucking Groups Voice Support for Speed Limiters
U.S. senators Johnny Isakson and Chris Coons proposed a bill to limit all heavy truck speeds. The Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act of 2019 will require trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds to have speed limiters set to max out at 65…
Trade War Negotiations With China Restart
US and China Trade War Negotiation Updates
Recent China trade war tensions are raising risks of a freight recession despite market indicators of a late 2019 recovery. However, the recent 2019 G20 Summit held in Osaka, Japan gave way to good news. President Trump and Chinese President, Xi Jingping,…
Port Automation Vote Goes To Los Angeles City Council
Port Automation Vote
Friday, June 28 the Los Angeles City Council voted on the issue of automation in the Port of Los Angeles. The topic is a controversial one which is why the city council is holding the vote. The implementation of automation will lower labor requirements for the port by up to…
List 4 Tariffs Force Companies To Consider Alternatives
USTR Hearing on List 4 Tariffs
On June 17, a 7-day-long hearing on the proposed list 4 tariffs opened.
Over 300 witnesses, most notably representing large technology companies, voiced opinions on the fourth list of proposed tariffs. Notable organizations represented at the hearing include Apple,…
Canada ELD Mandate Officially Announced
Two Year ELD Mandate Rollout Plan
Thursday, June 13, the Canadian government officially unveiled plans to implement the Canada ELD Mandate. Canadian officials plan to set this mandate into full effect on June 12, 2021. The Canadian government hopes to reduce fatigue related crashes in the country…
Mexico Import Tariffs Off The Table After Agreement Reached
Mexico Import Tariffs
April 4, 2019, the White House announced a “one-year” warning for Mexico to fix the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States, or there will be new penal tariffs introduced as a result. However, this past week President Trump announced a series of escalating Mexico…
ILWU Canada Port Workers Threaten Strike
ILWU Canada Core Issues
February 2018, negotiations began between International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada and the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA). The purpose of these negotiations is to renew a labor contract between the two parties with agreements on how…
Freight Rates Searching For Market Bottom
Spot Market Freight Rates and Contracted Freight
While contracted freight is enjoying a relatively stable market recently, the spot market has taken some serious hits with rates down 36% since June 2018. Contract freight has found a mutual stability in the early months of 2019. Shippers are afraid…
Freight Market Insights In Southwestern U.S.
Freight Market Sees Uptick in Southwest
Over the past week, freight going out of Texas has increased dramatically. This is indicative of the spring produce rush, specifically watermelons and cabbage, for this time of year. Southern Texas border cities have also started to see an uptick in volume and…
Tariffs On $200 Billion In China Imports Rise To 25%
Updated Timeline of Trade War
Tariffs on over $200 billion in imported goods from China went from 10% to 25% Friday, May 10. According to U.S. Treasury Secretary, Steve Mnuchin, the talks with representatives from China were “constructive”, but offered little more detail than that. However,…
HOS Changes Announced By FMCSA
HOS Revisions Timeline
According to a recent report from the Department of Transportation, the general public is set to get their first look at the proposed HOS (hours-of-service) changes on June 7. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is planning to move quickly on the HOS revisions…
China Trade War Approaching Resolution
U.S. Industry Concerned with Trade War Outcome
Monday, April 22 – Americans for Free Trade (AFT), a group of 150 businesses and associations within the U.S., sent a letter to the White House expressing concerns regarding the details of a possible resolve to the U.S. and China trade war. The first…
New EU Tariffs & Strategies On Mitigating Cost
EU Import Tariffs
In a statement made on Monday, April 8, 2019, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced a preliminary list of EU commodities eligible for additional import tariffs. This statement comes in response to a recent ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) that found EU…
Southern Border Shutdown Unlikely Amidst New Tariff Threats
U.S. Industry Expresses Concern to White House
April 4, 2019 – A group 18 conglomerates representing the agricultural, auto, chemical, freight rail, and trucking industries sent a letter addressed to Larry Kudlow, Director of National Economic Council, and Mick Mulvaney, White House Chief of Staff. …
Mexico/U.S. Border Under Threat Of Being Closed
Mexico/U.S. Border Situation
Last week, President Trump upped the ante at the U.S./Mexico border by threatening to close it indefinitely this week should Mexico not fix the “illegal immigration coming into the U.S.” However, the threats were dialed back on Tuesday, April 2nd as reports from the…
Flooding In The Midwest Causes Major Disruptions
Railroads Flooded
Snow melt and consistent rain has led to record breaking flooding all along the Missouri river. The flooding has crippled the midwestern U.S. supply chain, more specifically railroads. Both BNSF and Union Pacific are facing numerous interruptions in the region with limited rerouting…
Brexit Causing Uncertainty For Global Supply Chain
Brexit Duties Deadline
On March 13, British Parliament voted down the idea of leaving the E.U. on a “no-deal” scenario in which the primary concerns of avoiding a hard border with Ireland and deciding what tariffs to implement would not be addressed. The vote was no landslide however, with a 312…
Trade Tariff Hike Delayed Again By Trump
“Substantial Progress” in Trade Talks
On the evening of Sunday, February 24th President Trump tweeted that the scheduled tariff increase to 25% would be delayed yet again. In his tweet he cites “substantial progress” in trade talks and cited the negotiations as overall “very productive”. …
Market Stability And Contracted Freight On The Rise
Market Stability Amid Trade War
Recent data from the Outbound Tender Volume Index (OTVI) shows that national trucking volumes are almost exactly where they were last March in 2018. However, spot rates are down 10-15% and tender rejection rates have also dropped significantly since last year. This recent…
Cargo Theft Experiences Decline
Cargo Theft Data
A recent report from Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) stated that cargo theft reports in the United States dropped 19% from 2017 to 2018. In 2018 alone, there were 592 cargo thefts in the U.S. with an average cargo value of $142,342. According to the CCJ, the fourth quarter was the…
Possible Extension Of Tariff War Deadline
Tariff Updates from the White House
Following the recent State of the Union address, President Trump told White House reporters last Thursday that there are no plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jingping before the March 1 tariff deadline. However, according to a new Bloomberg report, the Commander-in-chief…
State Of The Union Sheds Little Light On Trade War
Trump’s Comments on Trade
Tuesday night President Trump gave his second State of the Union address. His comments on trade policies were brief and direct, calling for the passing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Reciprocal Trade Act. However, there was no solid news from…
Trade Talks Heat Up As March Deadline Approaches
Top U.S. & China Representatives Meet
U.S. trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, and Chinese Vice Premier, Liu He, met January 30th to kick off more trade talks amid the rapidly approaching March 2nd deadline. The talks addressed the impending 15% increase on tariffs to over $200 billion in Chinese…
Tight Carrier Market Amid Recent Government Shutdown
Carrier Margins Dwindle… Compromising Safety Protocol
Carriers typically base their pass-through costs (fuel surcharges) on the Department of Energy (DOE) weekly price per gallon report. However, since carriers typically purchase “rack price” (or wholesale) fuel, it is hard to predict an accurate…
Supply Chain Slow-Down On The Horizon
PMI & Cass Freight Index Trend Downward
The relationship between the economy and supply chain is commonly misunderstood. In order to gain a full understanding of this complicated correlation, it is important to pay attention to valid macroeconomic studies. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)—which…
U.S. Government Shutdown Effects On The Supply Chain
Air Cargo At Risk
The U.S. government shutdown has caused some minor effects to the supply chain. However, the longer the government shutdown persists… the road could get exponentially bumpier. Furthermore, the shutdown is affecting 9 government departments, including the department of Homeland Security,…
2019 Logistics Forecast
2018 Tax Cuts, Regulations, & Innovations
In the freight industry, 2018 was a year for the record books. New corporate tax cuts led to new business investments and the ELD mandate heavily impacted supply chains everywhere. Industry changes included more strategic supply chain planning, tighter capacity…
ELD Mandate Causes Shift Across The Supply Chain
Navigating the ELD Mandate
Implemented just over a year ago, the ELD mandate has obviously had the most effect on the trucking industry. However… there are less obvious effects from the new regulation. The ELD mandate is indirectly affecting ocean, air, and intermodal freight. To navigate ELD, shippers…
CARB And EPA Crack Down On Heavy Truck Air Quality Standards
CARB Rule Violations
Recent news from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) reports that a number of transportation companies were found in violation of CARB’s Truck and Bus Rules. These violations resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlements, with funds being directed towards clean…
How Frequent Price Changes Effect Your Supply Chain
The Ebb & Flow of Consumer Behavior
With the rise of e-commerce giant, Amazon, and the shift of consumer behavior to online retail, it’s no wonder brick-and-mortar stores are having to adjust to the competition. Not to mention, e-commerce entities of all shapes and sizes are putting pressure on…
Global Supply Chain Updates Following The G20 Summit
The Trade War
In lieu of the 2018 G20 Summit held in Argentina last weekend, Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jingping have begun to reach an agreement on the ongoing tariff war. According to the White House press, one highlight of the agreement is that China has “agreed to start purchasing agricultural…
3 Ways To Keep Your Supply Chain Efficient This Winter
Winter Is Coming
The shipping industry has many changing factors and moving parts, weather being one of the more influential… but you already know that. So, let’s talk about three ways your supply chain might be affected by the colder months ahead. They are:
Lanes
Spot market
Regional…
Supply Chain Forecasting & The Ongoing Tariff Crisis
Final Discussions Before Impending January Tariff Hike
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to have one last meeting before 2019 at the G20 summit in Argentina to discuss the current tariff crisis. The content of these talks will be focusing on solutions to U.S. tariffs…
UPS Strike To Drastically Increase Spot Market Prices
UPS vs. Teamsters
UPS and the Teamsters UPS Freight National Bargaining Committee (TNUPSFNC) recently concluded a series of labor contract meetings on October 25, 2018, resulting in a ratified master agreement between the two parties. According to an update from UPS.com, the offer seeks to reward UPS…
Trade War With China Affects U.S. Supply Chain
Due to new tariffs implemented earlier this year, a majority of U.S. businesses are feeling repercussions of the current trade war with China, according to a report from AsiaInspection. The report further deduces that most U.S. businesses are aiming for more cost-effective solutions—rather than completely…
Increasing Supply Chain Value & The Correlation To CSA Safety Measurement Changes
In light of impending changes to the federal Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, insurance companies are searching for better ways to identify unsafe motor carriers. Duke Tomei, Executive VP and Transportation Practice leader at USI Insurance Services, noted that there’s industry-wide…
3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Partnering with A 3pl
Is partnering with a third-party logistics broker the right move for your company’s needs?
Have your company’s shipping needs outgrown what you can handle on your own? Are you in search of more efficient ways to ship your product, while maintaining customer satisfaction? Have you even considered…
Bonded Carriers: How In-Bond Shipments Benefit Your Supply Chain
A bonded carrier is a licensed transporter that can move freight through U.S. ports of entry without paying duty on those goods or obtaining a customs release during border crossing.
What does partnering with a bonded carrier mean for your supply chain?
Bonded carriers provide a clear advantage in…
National Association Of Chemical Distributors Affiliation
We are thrilled to announce our acceptance as an affiliate member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors! We greatly look forward to working with NACD. Learn more at nacd.com.
White Paper: Coping With The Tight Carrier Market – Surviving & Thriving In The Post-ELD World
Coping with The Tight Carrier Market
When a shipper contacts a 3PL to arrange for transportation of goods, he or she expects to hear, “No problem! The truck will be there just when you need it!” And that is certainly what we all want to say. The truth is, though, that the carrier market is tight,…
Hazmat Carrier Crunch: Finding Capacity & Sanity In A Tight Market
Kevin Ball Shares Educational Webinar
BM2 Freight moves hundreds of hazmat loads every month and Kevin Ball has personally led the development of the hazmat transportation specialization. He has spearheaded hazmat carrier development for BM2 Freight and on December 6, 2017, he offered an educational…
5 Keys To Successful Food Transportation
5 Keys to Successful Food Transportation
Matt Mason Shares Educational Webinar
BM2 Freight’s Matt Mason has been involved in food transportation for years, and he recently offered his expertise in a food transportation webinar presented on July 12 and July 20, 2017 (available below). BM2 Freight…
The Value Of Corporate Assessment
Part 1
By: Stephen Reynolds
Everyone has been tested, assessed, quizzed, whatever in their lives that has ever had a single class in a school or homeschool setting. It is almost always categorized as a stressful situation that requires rote memorization and recalling information, which at times is…
Tips to Start Your New Life Post-Graduation
How to Find Jobs for Recent College Grads
Every spring, professionals around the world gear up for the next wave of fresh talent coming to town: recent college graduates. Most graduates have limited experience in their selected industry, very little (if any) quantifiable experience, and have only…
Is Post-Graduation Planning Essential?
Get Your Post-Graduation Plans in Order... Now!
“I’m really busy with mid-terms.” “I’ll do that after spring break.” “I’m sure XYZ Company will reach out to me any day.”
If you’re a graduating senior and you’ve uttered any of these statements, you need to pull yourself back…
Cincinnati Business Courier 2015 Fast 55 Finalist
BM2 Freight Services is proud to announce that we have been named a Cincinnati Business Courier 2015 Fast 55 Finalist! Every year the Cincinnati Business Courier recognizes the fastest growing private companies in the 17-county region with its Fast 55 awards. BM2 is honored to be among the finalists…
Market Update December 2024
/in Market UpdatesIndustry Market Trends GENERAL MARKET TRENDS Fuel Index: Diesel National Averages: This Week: $3.539/gallon Last Week: $3.491/gallon Weekly Change: $0.048 Year-over-Year Change: $0.607 Summary: Diesel prices have experienced a modest increase week-over-week, influenced by seasonal demand, refinery capacity issues, and geopolitical developments. Despite lower prices compared to last year, the upcoming administration’s tariff proposals on […]