🐟🚛🚢 Salmon Scare, Freight Rate Fate, & Tug of Rules

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Good morning! ☀️

Today’s got a bit of a "surf & turf" vibe:

🐟 Costco has put the brakes on certain Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon (lot #8512801270 bought Oct 9-13) over possible listeria contamination. If you’re a smoked salmon fan, maybe hit pause on that bagel for now.

📉 Container rates from China are on a rollercoaster lately—Asia-Europe and transpacific rates are cooling off, while transatlantic rates are riding a 28% surge. Buckle up, because it’s looking like a mixed-bag season for freight costs.

🚢 AWO and maritime unions are urging the EPA to sink California’s new CHC rule, which would require pricey Tier 4 engines and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) on tugboats and harbor craft. The concern? Safety risks, high costs, and potential port delays.

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“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”

— John Wooden

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Costco's Smoked Salmon Recall Highlights Food Safety Concerns

Costco recently recalled certain Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon due to possible listeria contamination (lot #8512801270 for items purchased Oct 9-13). Affected customers can get a full refund.

This recall’s just one of many recent food safety moves—Boar’s Head and McDonald's also had similar issues this year. But, interestingly, more recalls don’t necessarily mean more contamination. Experts say it’s more about improved testing catching risks early.

💡 Why It Matters: In transportation & logistics, these recalls throw a curveball into demand planning, cold chain logistics, and stock replenishment. From rerouted shipments to tighter schedules, it’s a reminder of how crucial safety protocols are across the supply chain.

🔥 Hot Take: Recalls are a logistical ripple effect! Catch it, recall it, keep it moving.

Read more at CNN >

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Freight Rates Show Mixed Trends Across Major Routes

Container spot rates out of China are seeing mixed movements right now. Asia-Europe and transpacific rates are dipping, but transatlantic rates are defying the trend with a big 28% jump on the Rotterdam-New York leg. This spike’s tied to temporary surcharges from recent U.S. East Coast strike concerns and tight capacity.

What’s up with Asia-North America? Despite strong import numbers, rates keep dropping due to overcapacity (down 10.4% in Sept, 6.4% in Oct). It’s a clear sign that capacity and demand are misaligned on some routes.

💡 Why It Matters: For anyone in transportation & logistics, these rate shifts impact pricing, forecasting, and planning. Volatility like this can hit margins if you’re not tuned in.

🔥 Hot Take: Logistics is a balancing act—when capacity and demand don’t sync up, rates either soar or nosedive!

Read more at The Loadstar >

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Tugboat Rule Sparks Maritime Industry Pushback

The American Waterways Operators (AWO) and maritime unions are calling on the EPA to reject California’s Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) rule, which would require tugboats and harbor craft to use high-cost Tier 4 engines and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). The catch? DPFs for many of these vessels aren’t commercially available yet, and implementing them could run up to $5 million per boat!

AWO President Jennifer Carpenter raises serious concerns: fire risks, high costs, and potential supply chain impacts—especially at California’s key ports. The goal? A balanced approach to emissions that doesn’t put maritime safety or our economy on the line.

💡 Why It Matters: In transportation and logistics, rules like this affect everyone. Fewer tugboats in action could mean delays, higher costs, and ripple effects across our industry.

🔥 Hot Take: Green goals are great, but practical solutions are a must! Emissions standards should balance safety, cost, and feasibility.

Read more at G Captain >

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Daily Riddle:

I move goods and people across the deep blue,
Guided by stars and skies in view.
Ports and harbors are my claim,
Across the seas, I earn my name.

What am I?

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Previous Riddle Answer: Membership

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