Causes of Recent Train Derailments in the US
Good morning! As we wrap up the week and gear up for the new one, we bring you the latest news and insights from the world of logistics and supply chain management. From industry updates and trends to expert analysis and opinion pieces, we've got you covered. So sit back, grab your favorite cup of coffee, and let's dive into today's edition.☕️
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Over 900 Class 1 freight trains derailed in 2022, which is higher than it has been in previous years. Some of the reasons for derailment include uneven tracks, broken rails, and other track-related issues that can cause a train to derail. Trains traveling too fast on curves or bends in the track can also derail due to centrifugal force, while overloaded trains can put too much pressure on the tracks and cause derailments. Train operators and maintenance crew errors, such as failing to maintain the tracks or not following proper procedures, can also lead to derailments. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, can make the tracks slippery or damaged and contribute to derailments. Regular inspection and maintenance of tracks, equipment, and adherence to proper procedures are important in preventing derailments.
Check out today’s featured article from CNBC to learn more about why there have been so many high-profile train derailments. Will there be a record number of derailments this year alone? Or will there be even less this year?
Featured Article:
U.S. trains keep derailing. Why? | CNBC
“A number of high-profile train derailments have drawn regulatory attention to the freight rail industry.”
Labor Laws & Regulations ⚖️
Flaws in Laws Against Forced Labor
Lawmakers have expressed concerns and are seeking more information about the implementation of the Forced Labor Prevention Act. This act, signed into U.S. federal law on January 14, 2021, aims to combat forced labor and human trafficking in global supply chains. It achieves this by prohibiting the importation of goods produced with forced labor, increasing penalties for companies that violate anti-trafficking laws, and strengthening protections for victims of trafficking.
The law grants U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) increased authority to enforce the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. CBP can seize imported goods suspected of being produced with forced labor, issue fines to companies that import such goods, and even block the entry of certain companies into the U.S. market. Additionally, companies are required to disclose information about their efforts to prevent forced labor in their supply chains, as well as conduct due diligence to identify and address risks of forced labor in their operations and supply chains.
Overall, the Forced Labor Prevention Act represents a significant effort by the U.S. government to promote ethical and sustainable practices in global supply chains, and it is an important step in the fight against forced labor and human trafficking.
Regulations & Labor Issues 👗
Revolutionizing the Fashion Industry: The End of Fast Fashion?
As many are aware, the fashion industry is notorious for its lack of sustainability and overproduction. The fast fashion business model, characterized by the high-volume production of low-cost, trend-driven clothing with a quick turnaround time, promotes overconsumption and waste. In the pursuit of profits and growth, brands prioritize their bottom line over sustainability, leading to unsustainable practices. Lack of transparency in supply chain practices makes it difficult to assess the environmental and social impacts of the industry, hindering consumers from making informed choices.
However, a solution has emerged to address these issues - producing only what is necessary to promote sustainability and help the environment. Overproduction results in excess inventory, which proves to be costly for fashion brands in terms of storage, management, and disposal. Overproduction also leads to textile waste, which has harmful effects on the environment. By producing only what is needed, fashion brands can promote a more circular economy and help reduce waste.
Consumers are increasingly demanding more sustainable and responsible practices from fashion brands, and reducing overproduction can help improve their reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Additionally, the complexity of fashion supply chains, with multiple tiers of suppliers, makes it difficult for brands to trace the origin of their materials and ensure responsible sourcing.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 27, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.