📨🍻 Cheers to Post Booze
Good morning! Today, we gather around the table of knowledge to honor the vibrant symbol that unites us—the American flag. On this special Flag Day, we embark on a journey to explore its significance, history, and the unwavering spirit it represents. 🇺🇸
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Legislation known as the USPS Shipping Equity Act is gaining support from the wine and brewing industries, as it would allow alcohol to be shipped via the U.S. Postal Service. The act, if passed, would require a registration process and adherence to state laws regarding alcohol shipments. Private companies like UPS and FedEx have been offering alcohol shipping for years, and the USPS could tap into this potential revenue stream.
The Brewers Association and the National Association of Wine Retailers are among the organizations supporting the legislation, citing increased access for consumers and additional shipping options. The USPS could benefit economically, especially small breweries and boutique wineries with limited distribution reach. While concerns about alcohol reaching minors exist, private companies require age verification upon delivery. The legislation is sponsored by Reps. Dan Newhouse and Jennifer Wexton, with support from several co-sponsors.
Check out today’s featured article from Transportation Topics to read more about this new bill that may allow the United States Postal Service to ship alcohol and put a new foot in the shipping game. Will this help USPS create a new revenue stream and have an upper hand over FedEx and UPS? Will the bill survive going through legislative channels?
Featured Article:
Ship and Sip? Bill Would Let USPS Mail Alcohol | TT News
“Wine- and brewing-industry officials are supporting the USPS Shipping Equity Act, legislation that would allow alcohol to be shipped via the US Postal Service.”
Politics & Supply Chain 🇺🇸
The Chamber of Commerce urges President Biden to designate a mediator in contract negotiations between the PMA and ILWU
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has written a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to appoint an independent mediator to assist in resolving labor negotiations at West Coast ports. Concerned about recent disruptions and the potential impact on the economy during the peak shipping season, the Chamber of Commerce emphasized the need for intervention. They highlighted the previous use of a federal mediator during the 2002 port labor negotiations, which resulted in an 11-day shutdown costing the economy approximately $10 billion. Other business groups have also expressed worries about port disruptions and their potential consequences, with the National Association of Manufacturers warning that a 15-day disruption could cost half a billion dollars per day.
The contract talks between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) began in May 2022, and disruptions have escalated in recent weeks, affecting major West Coast ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, and Tacoma. In response to the uncertain situation, many shippers have diverted cargo to East and Gulf Coast ports, leading to a decline in container imports at West Coast ports. The Chamber of Commerce emphasized the potential long-term damage to local economies if these diversions persist due to stalled labor talks.
Manufacturing & Business Strategy 🛻
General Motors plans to allocate $632 million to produce next-generation pickup trucks in Indiana
General Motors (GM) has revealed its plan to invest $632 million in an Indiana plant for the production of the next generation of full-size pickup trucks. This investment is part of a series of announcements by GM related to their upcoming large trucks and SUVs, totaling over $2.1 billion. The funding will be utilized to upgrade the Fort Wayne plant, supporting the production of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 models by implementing new conveyors, tooling, and equipment. This investment showcases GM's commitment to maintaining its traditional operations while also funding its emerging electric vehicle business.
GM has previously stated its goal of offering exclusively consumer electric vehicles by 2035, including the introduction of all-electric versions of the Silverado and Sierra Denali in the coming years. These investment announcements coincide with contract negotiations between Detroit automakers, including GM, and the United Auto Workers union, which are anticipated to be significant given the current labor movement, pro-union government policies, and the industry's shift towards electric vehicles.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
Checking out the scoop outside of the United States…
🇩🇪 GXO Logistics has announced the launch of a multiyear expansion plan in Germany. GXO Logistics has unveiled a multiyear expansion plan in Germany, starting with the construction of a 387,000-square-foot warehouse in Dormagen, a key logistics market. The facility will serve as a launchpad for GXO's market expansion and showcase its advanced warehousing solutions. The company sees significant growth opportunities in the German market, particularly in the e-commerce, fashion, and consumer technology sectors.
🇨🇦 Canadian Dockworker Strike Threatens Supply Chain, Raising Concerns for US Ports and Consumers. Over 7,000 unionized dockworkers in Canada may go on strike soon, causing potential disruptions in the supply chain that could impact the US and consumer prices. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada has authorized a strike vote, with potential walkouts expected by June 24. This labor dispute adds to ongoing tensions affecting ports along the West Coast, potentially leading to further disruptions if no deal is reached in the negotiations between the unions and the Pacific Maritime Association.
🇨🇳 China International Supply Chain Expo: Forging Global Connections for Resilient Industries. China International Supply Chain Expo, themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," is set to commence in Beijing, aiming to bolster China's participation in the global industrial division of labor and promote resilient global supply chains. With a focus on smart cars, green agriculture, clean energy, digital technology, and healthy living, the event is expected to attract over 300 exhibitors, including a significant representation of US companies amid ongoing US-China trade tensions and de-risking efforts.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
🔋 The truth about long-distance EV road trips. When Gia Mora made a commitment in 2021 to fly only once every three years for environmental reasons, she faced challenges in long-distance travel. However, she found a solution by trading her and her partner’s hybrid SUV for the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5. With its fast-charging battery and long range, the Ioniq 5 enabled Gia and her partner to embark on road trips with significantly reduced emissions. The Electrify America charging network provided convenient charging locations, and the couple only had to charge at non-network stations on a few occasions. Gia also highlighted the importance of planning charging stops, the impact of temperature on range and charging times, and the unexpected benefits of charging at Walmart locations.
🛞 Tire dealers are compelled to adapt due to price fluctuations. The fluctuating prices in the tire market have led tire dealers to make strategic adjustments. Fox's Point S, a Montana-based tire dealership, has taken the unprecedented step of placing its first container order of 700 Blackhawk tires from Sailun Tire Americas. This decision was driven by the unusual pricing dynamics across different tiers of tires, with higher-tier brands increasing prices while lower-tier brands stabilize or decrease prices. To adapt, the dealership has closely monitored selling prices of lower-tiered tires, streamlined purchasing multiple brands, and emphasized the Blackhawk line due to its cost-effectiveness.
💻 Suppliers' Emissions Pose Hurdles for Microsoft's Climate Goals, Threatening Carbon Negativity Ambitions. Microsoft faces challenges in achieving its climate targets due to the increasing emissions of its suppliers, as revealed in a review of emissions inventories from its top 100 suppliers. While some suppliers made progress in reducing their carbon footprint, many reported increased emissions, hindering Microsoft's goal of carbon negativity. The company's supply chain emissions grew by 15% between 2020 and 2021, and the majority of its suppliers did not use renewable energy, highlighting the difficulties faced by big tech companies in decarbonizing their supply chains.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
🗳️ Shaping the Future of Transportation: Justin Olsen Joins TIA Board of Directors. Justin Olsen, VP of Legal & Risk at England Logistics, has been elected to the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Board of Directors, joining a distinguished group dedicated to advancing the transportation and logistics industry. With over 30 years of experience as a transportation law attorney, Olsen's expertise in ethical practices, compliance, and risk management will contribute to shaping the future of transportation alongside TIA's mission.
👖 Duluth Trading relies on a newly established fulfillment center for peak-season operations. Duluth Trading Company plans to utilize its new Southeast fulfillment center to handle over half of its direct-to-consumer orders during the peak holiday season, according to President and CEO Sam Sato. The automated facility, located in Adairsville, Georgia, is scheduled to go live in the third quarter and will serve as Duluth Trading's first automated fulfillment center. It will enable direct distribution for online orders and meet inventory needs for their stores. The fulfillment center aims to enhance order accuracy and speed, aligning with customer expectations in the e-commerce space.
✈️ Ameriflight set to introduce drone deliveries for healthcare and e-commerce sectors. Dallas-based cargo airline Ameriflight has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate Matternet M2 drones, paving the way for large-scale drone operations in the United States. Ameriflight plans to utilize drones for commercial deliveries in the healthcare and e-commerce sectors, focusing on densely populated urban and suburban areas. While the specific destinations for the drone operations have not been disclosed, the carrier intends to commence operations within 90 days. Ameriflight has been expanding its drone fleet to enhance its expedited delivery services and has signed purchase agreements with drone developers Natilus and Sabrewing.
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.