Ascent Global Logistics Blog

Now that 2019 is underway and our clients are actively planning for the rest of the year, industry experts predict that demand for industrial technology and manufacturing will continue to grow. Therefore, now is the time for manufacturers of industrial goods to make sure they have complete visibility and control over all aspects of their supply chains. Companies will need a partner to provide them with the right mixture of technology and personalized service through all aspects of their logistics needs.

Impending US Government Shutdown Averted

On the afternoon of February 15, 2019, US President Donald Trump signed an emergency spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown. The legislation provides $333 Billion worth of funding to several key Cabinet agencies through September 2019. 

Cargo insurance is one of the most proactive steps companies can take to protect their supply chain. Insurance safeguards shippers' financial investments during domestic and international transit, when product is the most vulnerable. While in transit, cargo is susceptible to natural disasters, severe weather, theft, pilferage, damage, fire and other challenges.

Attention Drivers along the East Coast! Our Ascent Power team is searching for safety-first drivers to help us continue delivering exceptionally reliable asset-backed refrigerated transportation solutions East of the Rockies.

Believe it or not, it is still possible to ship items ahead of Chinese New Year. Starting on February 5, 2019, all manufacturing in and shipping to and from Asian ports will be affected by the celebration of Chinese New Year. Ports in Asia could continue to see delays up to one month after Chinese New Year.

Earlier this month, a fire broke out on the Hapag-Lloyd vessel Yantian Express as it departed from the Canadian port of Halifax. Attempts to extinguish the fire were immediate, but weather hampered the efforts. Now, Hapag-Lloyd has formally declared General Average on its fire-stricken vessel and has diverted the vessel to the Bahamas for salvage purposes.  

As the longest United States government shutdown in history continues, importers, exporters and trade agencies are beginning to feel the impacts. Typically, organizations such as the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would be in high gear. However, many of these agencies are operating at reduced capacity due to the discontinuation of non-essential services.

In a time where domestic shippers face capacity issues and driver shortages, it is important that you re-evaluate your promotional product shipment strategy. Fortunately, the shipping experts at Ascent Global Logistics have the tools and knowledge to help you beat the odds and overcome your promotional product shipping challenges.

United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued a Federal Register notice today to delay collection of 25 percent S301 duty rate on List 3 goods until March 2, 2019. Click here to see the official statement from the USTR.

The anticipated 25 percent tariff increase scheduled for January 1, 2019 is in current delay by the Trump administration, however, shippers have been actively moving billions of dollars of goods into US ports for several weeks to arrive before January 1, 2019.