Missile Dismissal, Logged Out, & On Track
Good morning! ☀️
Today’s headlines are packing a punch:
The EU just slammed Iran with tougher sanctions, targeting military support for Russia. Let’s just say, some shipping lanes are about to feel the squeeze.
The FMCSA is doing some spring cleaning—three ELDs got the boot for not meeting standards. Time to check your tech before you get sidelined.
Meanwhile, U.S. Class I railroads are finally finding their groove, rebounding from years of hiccups and eyeing growth like it’s 2014.
Stay tuned for the details—you won’t want to miss this freight-fueled ride!
“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
EU Targets Iran’s Military Support with Expanded Sanctions
The EU just rolled out tougher sanctions on Iran, targeting its military support for Russia. These new rules ban the export of components used in drones and missiles and blacklist key shipping players like Iran’s national shipping line (IRISL) and certain Russian companies. Ports like Amirabad and Anzali are now under scrutiny to disrupt known supply routes.
This isn’t just about geopolitics—it’s about logistics. Sanctions like these ripple through the supply chain, creating bottlenecks, reroutes, and higher costs. If you’re in the game—especially working with defense contracts, oil, or international shipping—this could mean new challenges on your plate.
💡 Why It Matters: From blacklisted shipping companies to restricted ports, these sanctions are a reminder that global logistics never stops evolving.
🔥 Hot Take: The EU’s sanctions are like a roadblock in the Caspian Sea—expect some serious rerouting headaches ahead!
FMCSA Revokes Three ELDs: What You Need to Know
The FMCSA has pulled three ELDs off its approved list for failing to meet federal standards:
Keep Tracking
Rollingtrans ELD – ACCURATE ONE
RT ELD Plus – ACCURATE PLUS
If you’re using one of these devices, you’ve got until January 17, 2025, to switch to a compliant ELD. In the meantime, paper logs or logging software will keep you compliant with Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
✅ Good news: No citations (yet). Safety officials won’t fine drivers using these ELDs before the deadline.
🚫 After January 17: Fines and out-of-service orders kick in for non-compliance.
💡 Why It Matters: Avoid the scramble—check your fleet’s ELDs now. A revoked device isn’t just a hiccup; it could throw your whole operation off track.
🔥 Hot Take: Running a revoked ELD is like driving with a busted GPS—you’ll end up lost, fined, or worse.
U.S. Railroads Bounce Back, Eye Growth in 2024
U.S. Class I railroads are shaking off years of challenges and showing serious signs of improvement. Analysts at the RailTrends conference say major players like BNSF, Union Pacific, CSX, and Norfolk Southern are stepping up their game. Whether it’s record intermodal volumes, hurricanes, or port disruptions, these railroads have bounced back and proven their resilience.
BNSF’s improved yard operations and Norfolk Southern’s quick recovery from Hurricane Helene were standout wins. Intermodal volumes are up 10% this year, with international traffic surging 20%. The focus on resiliency, customer service, and partnerships might finally position railroads for the growth they’ve been chasing for years.
💡 Why It Matters: Better rail performance means fewer delays, more competitive shipping options, and a freight market shakeup.
🔥 Hot Take: With railroads gaining momentum, trucking better watch out—it’s full steam ahead!
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for December 23, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.