Newsletter – January 16, 2019

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

Israel’s Top Cargo Shipping Firm Zim Opens Blockchain Platform to All Clients

cointelegraph.com
Israel’s largest cargo shipping company Zim has opened its blockchain platform for electronic bills of lading (eB/Ls) to all clients in selected trades. Global shipping news outlet TradeWinds reported the news today, Jan. 14. Read more here. 

Maersk to offer street turn services in North America

canadianshipper.com
Antwerp, Belgium, — Avantida, an E2Open company, announced that Maersk has started to offer street turn services on their platform in the United States and Canada. This represents Avantida’s first step into the U.S. and Canadian markets. Read more here. 

GROUND AND RAIL FREIGHT UPDATES

CTA launches investigation into possible rail service issues in the Vancouver area

canadianshipper.com
Gatineau, QC — The Canadian Transportation Agency will investigate possible problems with freight train service issues in the Vancouver area including whether rail companies are fulfilling their obligations.  Read more here. 

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

US online shoppers want more free shipping

aircargonews.net
US consumers increasingly expect free delivery of items ordered online and are also embracing new options, such as picking up their online purchases at a local store. Read more here. 

China’s economy weakens as December exports and imports contract

transportweekly.com
China’s exports unexpectedly fell the most in two years in December, while imports also contracted, pointing to further weakness in the world’s second-largest economy in 2019 and deteriorating global demand. Read more here.