Last week, U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Johnny Isakson proposed “The Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act of 2019,” a bill that would require new commercial trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds to install speed limiters preventing travel beyond 65 MPH. Trucks without speed limiters will not be required to retroactively install the equipment. However, trucks already equipped with the technology would be required to set a speed limit of 65 MPH as well. Learn more here.

Independence Day: 48.9 Million Americans Plan to Travel

A record 48.9 million Americans plan to travel for Independence Day, with 41.4 million Americans traveling by automobile, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Travel delays are expected nationwide, with an increase of approximately nine percent. Additionally, drivers near major metros could experience delays that are up to four times the length of a normal commute. Read more here.

International

July Compliance Circular: Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)

This month’s Ascent Compliance Circular focuses on CTPAT, a program that helps U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other government entities battle terrorism, security breaches and cargo disruptions by working with trading partners around the world. Visit our July Compliance Circular to learn more.

China Reveals Train Prototype with 373 MPH Maximum Speed

China recently unveiled a train that utilizes magnetic levitation (MagLev) to travel at a maximum speed of 373 MPH. The train will be able to travel from Beijing to Shanghai in approximately 3.5 hours, a journey which takes about 4.5 hours by plane. It is expected that commercial production of the train will commence by 2021 after testing. Read more here.

Port of Virginia Becomes First U.S. Port to Join SEA\LNG

On July 2, it was announced that the Port of Virginia had become the first seaport in the U.S. to join SEA\LNG, a multi-sector industry coalition which aims to further the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a sustainable marine fuel. The Port of Virginia is the fifth port to join the coalition globally. Peter Keller, SEA\LNG Chairman, stated that the Port of Virginia joining the coalition “marks the climbing interest in LNG as a commercially viable, environmentally sustainable fuel for U.S. domestic and international shipping.” Read more here.

Retail Consolidation

Walmart Announces $1.2B Investment to Upgrade Its Logistics in China

Walmart has announced that it will invest $1.2 billion into building or revamping ten or more distribution centers in China over the next 20 years. The retailer has had a presence in China since 1996 and recently built a distribution center for perishable items in the south of China. Walmart’s Head of International Logistics, Ryan McDaniel, stated that China supply chain investments will provide customers with “great fresh products and improve [Walmart’s] service.” Learn more here.

Americans Prefer In-Store Grocery Shopping, Report Says

A report released by Walker Sands found that 82 percent of surveyed individuals made a purchase in a physical grocery store in the past year, while only nine percent of respondents have ordered food items online for in-store pickup. Many individuals prefer the experience of heading to a grocery store, as 64 percent of consumers prefer to see and feel produce before making a purchase. Additionally, 20 percent stated that prices are lower in-store as compared to online. Read more here.

Statistic of the Week

$232 Million

The value of fireworks imported into the United States in 2018, according to the United States Census Bureau. View more stats here.

Links of the Week

U.S. Proposes Tariffs on $4B of European Union Goods

Walmart Begins Offering Next-Day Delivery in 13 More States

National Retail Federation Consumer View: Summer 2019

USDOT Co-Hosts First-Ever Americas Transportation Summit

Upcoming Events

Catch up with the Ascent Global Logistics team at the below upcoming events:  

2019 ACCE ANNUAL CONVENTION
Long Beach, CA – July 14-17, 2019

2019 TRADE SYMPOSIUM
Chicago, IL – July 23-24, 2019

International Holiday Calendar