Maersk is sending a container ship through the Arctic. Here’s why.

Aug 21, 2018
Next month, Danish shipping company Maersk will launch the first container ship on an Arctic Ocean route. The 3,600-container ice vessel will travel from Vladivostok in eastern Russia all the way to St. Petersburg in the west using the Northern Sea Route. That’s a shipping lane running across Russia’s northern coast. Click the audio player […]
The container ship 'Caroline Maersk' is docked at the specialized container terminal in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan state, Mexico, on April 4, 2017.
CASTRO SANCHEZ/AFP/Getty Images

What its like to ship all the goods slapped with tariffs

Aug 8, 2018
At the intersection of trade and tariffs ... the Mississippi River has seen it all.
A loaded barge is seen near the Mississippi River port of Memphis, Tennessee, on Aug. 15, 2012.
Robert MacPherson/AFP/GettyImages

July sales are pressuring the shipping industry like it’s the holiday season

Jul 16, 2018
Today is Prime Day, Amazon’s annual day of discounts that the retail giant hopes will rack up sales and lure new subscribers to Prime. Walmart, Target, Macy’s and other retailers are also getting in on what’s being dubbed Summer Black Friday. With all those packages on the move, the shipping industry is ramping up to […]

Criticized for ship holdings, Ross owns more than previously known and the deals continue

Nov 8, 2017
Most of the 75 ships transport oil and gas products worldwide, presenting a conflict of interest for the commerce secretary as he negotiates trade deals. Records show 11 purchases since March. Ross has come under fire for not disclosing Russia-tied ship business and a U.S. senator wants an investigation.
Wilbur Ross testifies at his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Commerce Committee in January 2017. 
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Puerto Rico needs food, water and fuel. Can lifting shipping restrictions help?

Sep 27, 2017
Trump's administration said it won't lift the Jones Act restrictions as there are enough U.S. ships to help Puerto Rico. While previous presidents have lifted the restrictions following natural disasters, “the situation in Puerto Rico is much different,” said Gregory Moore, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
A U.S. Coast Guard cutter is seen in port as people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on September 25, 2017 in San Juan Puerto Rico. Maria left widespread damage across Puerto Rico, with virtually the whole island without power or cell service.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Repairs keep Great Lakes shipping industry working through winter

Feb 8, 2017
Changing its business model helped Great Lakes Towing survive and expand.
Workers build the tug Cleveland at Great Lakes Towing. The newer tugboats are named after ports.
Elizabeth Miller/ideastream

Amazon takes to the skies

Feb 2, 2017
Amazon plans to build an air cargo hub for its delivery planes. The company will only deliver its own mail for now. But there’s a chance it could be competition for the big mail carriers like UPS and FedEx. Click the above audio player to hear the full story. 

For public good, not for profit.

The nation’s delivery fleet had challenging holiday

Jan 2, 2017
More online sales means more shipping.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Image

Railroads worry trade policy could reduce freight traffic

Nov 22, 2016
A big infrastructure plan would boost rail shipments of construction materials.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Shipping companies play for time as new fuel rules beckon

Oct 25, 2016
Ships are big polluters, and next week, maritime nations could require them to use fuel that generates less sulfur content. But that kind of fuel is expensive, and the shipping business is in a bit of a slump just now. So shipping companies are begging for more time.
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images