Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Press releases are provided by companies as is and have not been edited or checked for accuracy. Any queries should be directed to the company issuing the release.

ITS Logistics January Port/Rail Ramp Index: Lunar New Year to Increase Inbound Volumes

A lack of inland ocean chassis availability to be expected at the West and East Inland rail ramp regions

ITS Logistics January Port/Rail Ramp Index: Lunar New Year to Increase Inbound Volumes

ITS Logistics (https://www.its4logistics.com/), today released the January forecast for the ITS Logistics US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index (https://web.its4logistics.com/freight-index-jan). This month the index reflects a forecast for a muted increase in inbound volumes due to Lunar New Year, with a slight increase in container volumes. There is also cause for concern with inland ocean chassis at the rail ramps, as rail operations could be impacted by a lack of ocean chassis availability.

“The Lunar New Year is once again approaching and as a result, we can expect to see a slight increase in container volumes, but it should not add any significant stress to US Port operations,” said Paul Brashier, Vice President, Drayage and Intermodal for ITS Logistics. “This time of year traditionally has an immense impact on the logistics infrastructure as China and other Southeast Asian countries temporarily shut down production facilities and operate transportation services with significantly limited personnel on hand.”


Also known as the Chinese New Year (CNY) or Spring Festival (https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2022/01/24/chinese-new-year-supply-chain-disruption-is-your-business-ready/?sh=4595e3eb3db7), the Lunar New Year is one of the most significant Chinese celebrations that marks the start of the year within the Chinese calendar. A seven-day public holiday in China (January 21-27, 2023), traditional activities begin as early as three weeks before the eve of the holiday and can last for two weeks past the official end date.

“This is a time when families reunite, but during the holiday almost everything shuts down which in turn creates a big disruptor for the industry,” continued Brashier. “A bottleneck can be caused due to orders flooding in before the Lunar New Year and heavy delays can be experienced with goods exported from, as well as imported into, the countries that acknowledge the holiday. Both the Atlantic and Gulf regions are expected to experience higher than normal volumes as a result.”

Despite shipping ports and airports remaining open during the Lunar New Year, they will operate at a limited capacity. As a result, the overall process of shipments being loaded and discharged may be delayed due to limited personnel and cargo deliveries. The trucking sector of the industry is expected to ramp up the transportation of containers to and from the ports, which is critical to meet deadlines for the shipping line and ports. Local factories tend to shut down production during this time for at least 2-3 weeks (https://www.freightcourse.com/chinese-new-year-effects-on-shipping/) during the holiday period and freight rates can increase.

“Ultimately, it’s vital that companies plan early for these industry disruptions,” continued Brashier. “It’s important to communicate with your suppliers to remain aligned and also take into consideration additional manufacturing locations that can be utilized during this time.”

In addition to the disruptions being caused by the approaching Lunar New Year, there are headwinds and potential issues that could disrupt port/rail ramp operations this month.

“The ILWU and Terminals have still not come to terms on a new contract,” continued Brashier. “Rail operations could be affected by a lack of ocean chassis availability as more volumes move IPI and move via rail further inland since the resolution of rail labor disputes. The ocean chassis availability is expected to potentially impact both the West and East Inland rail ramp regions.”

The ITS Logistics US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index forecasts port container and dray operations for the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf regions. Ocean and domestic container rail ramp operations are also highlighted in the index for both the West Inland and East Inland regions. Visit here (https://web.its4logistics.com/freight-index-jan) for a full comprehensive copy of the index with expected forecasts for the US port and rail ramps.

ITS Logistics provides port and rail drayage services in 22 coastal ports and 30 rail ramps throughout North America.

https://web.its4logistics.com/freight-index-jan

The Latest

More Stories

Warp Announces Preparation for U.S. Government Partnership to Enhance Service and Efficiency

Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Warp, a tech-powered network of cross-docks and carriers offering various vehicle sizes, announced that 2025 it will extend its solutions and services to the U.S. government. Warp aims to modernize government freight logistics with machine-learning-driven planning, optimized network strategies, and flexible solutions to create efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable supply chain transportation.

Focused on optimizing every load, every time, Warp employs machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and groundbreaking consolidation techniques to blur the traditional lines of freight shipping by combining the best elements of LTL, FTL, and parcel delivery. Using its homogenous fleet including cargo vans, sedans, box trucks, and 53-foot trailers, Warp facilitates carrier injections, inbound vendor consolidation, pool point distribution, zone-skipping, store replenishment, and national retail distribution for some of the world’s largest shippers.

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

Toyota Material Handling MidSouth’s Forklift Donation Raises $40,000 for Higher Education

Toyota Material Handling and Toyota Material Handling MidSouth partner to donate 5,000-pound-capacity pneumatic forklift at Concrete Industry Management’s annual charity auction.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Material Handling

Toyota Material Handling MidSouth’s Forklift Donation Raises $40,000 for Higher Education

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 28, 2024 – Toyota Material Handling MidSouth, a full-service dealer for Toyota Material Handling, showcased its dedication to fostering the next generation of industry professionals by donating a 5,000-pound-capacity Toyota Core IC Pneumatic forklift to the Concrete Industry Management’s (CIM) annual charity auction on January 22.

The forklift’s winning bid of $40,000 significantly contributed to the auction’s total proceeds of $2.15 million, supporting CIM’s mission to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the concrete industry. Offered at five universities, CIM equips students with technical, communication and management expertise, preparing them for successful careers in a rapidly evolving industry. Proceeds from the auction are used to assist CIM in funding higher education programs that offer degrees in concrete industry management.

Keep ReadingShow less

Chang Robotics launches 'The Chang Robotics Fund' - A Seed Stage Venture Capital Fund targetting a $50M Raise to Specialize in Disruptive Technology

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 2,750 miles away from Silicon Valley, Matthew Chang, founder of Chang Robotics, today announced his next business venture: The Chang Robotics Fund. The Fund is targeting a $50M raise to address the numerous needs and market opportunities the Chang Robotics engineering team identified in their daily operations by investing in disruptive technologies designed to confront the industry's most urgent challenges—from labor shortages to energy efficiency to environmental remediation. By utilizing innovative intellectual property and the engineering and management expertise of Chang Robotics, the Fund seeks to scale its targeted innovations into impactful, transformative, and profitable businesses.

Global industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, face mounting pressures such as intensifying global competition, workforce constraints, escalating expenses, and the urgent need for environmental restoration. Tackling these issues demands a new paradigm of intelligent automation, energy efficiency, and sustainable innovation.

Keep ReadingShow less

Adelante SCM and Magaya Release Report on the 2025 State of Digitization in Freight Forwarding

Miami, FL – January 28, 2025 – Magaya Corporation, the leading freight management platform for logistics service providers (LSPs), today released a report detailing the state of digitization in freight forwarding and the divide that presently exists between shipper expectations and forwarder capabilities.

In November 2024, independent research firm Adelante SCM and Magaya surveyed executives in the logistics services industry, as well as supply chain and logistics executives from manufacturing, retail, and distribution companies. The research found a substantial gap between what the shippers expect in terms of technological capabilities and what their logistics service providers currently offer.

Keep ReadingShow less

ORTEC Joins Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA)

Atlanta, GA – ORTEC, a leader in advanced analytics and optimization solutions, is excited to announce its membership in the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), the only national membership organization dedicated to wine and spirits distributors.

“Joining WSWA is an important milestone for ORTEC toward our goal to become a trusted technology partner to wine and spirits distributors,” said Mat Witte, CEO of ORTEC Americas. “We envision a future of collaborating with fellow members to drive innovation and optimize operations that benefit their business, their customers, and the industry as a whole.”

As a member of WSWA, ORTEC is committed to leveraging its expertise in advanced analytics and optimization to support the goals of the wine and spirits distribution industry. This collaboration will enable ORTEC to share insights and innovative solutions that can help streamline loading and delivery while improving efficiency across the sector.

About ORTEC
ORTEC is a leading provider of advanced analytics and optimization solutions, dedicated to helping organizations enhance their operational efficiency and decision-making processes. With a strong focus on innovation, ORTEC leverages cutting-edge technologies and data-driven insights to address complex challenges across a number of industries, including logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration with clients enables businesses to optimize their resources, reduce costs, and drive sustainable growth. By integrating advanced analytics into their operations, ORTEC empowers organizations to make informed decisions that lead to transformative outcomes and a competitive edge in the market. Discover more at ORTEC | NEWS.

About WSWA
WSWA plays a vital role in advocating for the interests of distributors on federal, state, regulatory, and legal issues that impact the beverage alcohol industry. The organization focuses on critical policy areas, including taxation of family-owned businesses, state-based alcohol regulation, social responsibility, and impaired driving prevention. Additionally, WSWA offers programs designed to promote the careers of its members and help their businesses thrive in a diverse and dynamic industry. Learn more at wswa.org.