Logistics Pulse
LA-Long Beach Port Labor, US Trade Deals & Georgia Rail
This week's top news in trucking and logistics
Trade policy is leaning toward negotiation this week, with robotics and industrial machinery imports headed to talks instead of new tariffs. Ports are in focus too, from labor talks at Los Angeles and Long Beach to a new rail link into Savannah.
Top articles this week
Trump opts for trade talks over tariffs for robotics, industrial machinery
President Trump directed Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate on robotics, industrial machinery and parts imports, rather than impose tariffs after a Section 232 probe. It is the third time in three months he has chosen talks first, with an update due within 180 days. For shippers, the proclamation says tariffs remain possible depending on how talks go.
How could future machinery tariffs shape your equipment sourcing?
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
Strike at busiest US port just days away as talks continue
Employers and ILWU Local 26, which represents about 250 terminal watchmen, extended their contract through 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, Nov. 4, as talks continue with federal mediators. According to PMA, those terminals handle about 85% of Long Beach cargo and 33% at Los Angeles. For shippers with imports moving through both ports, the outcome is worth watching this week.
Where could a short port delay affect your import schedule?
New Georgia hub aims to take 26,000 containers off the road
Georgia Ports opened the Gainesville Inland Port, linking Northeast Georgia to the Port of Savannah with Norfolk Southern rail service five days a week. The agency expects it to shift 26,000 containers to rail in its first year, replacing a roughly 600-mile round trip by truck. For shippers in the Southeast, it adds another rail option into Savannah.
What share of your Southeast imports could move by rail?
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In Other News
Reshoring and foreign direct investment added 247K manufacturing jobs in 2025
Reshoring and foreign investment announced 247,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs in 2025, with tariffs a top reason cited.
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
Kroger accelerates direct sourcing efforts for better cost control, visibility
Kroger aims to source over 10% of products directly, up from under 1%, via new South America and Asia hubs.
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
Walmart adds Symbotic automation to 25 regional distribution centers
Walmart will add Symbotic automation to 25 U.S. regional distribution centers under a multiyear commitment.
Read more on Supply Chain Dive
Ocean line sale expands Europe logistics reach for US shippers
Boluda Shipping agreed to acquire Samskip, building a European short-sea and inland network expected to close Jan. 1, 2027.
Read more on FreightWaves
Boeing secures lessor order for 767 passenger-to-freighter conversion
Boeing will convert a 767-300 passenger jet into a freighter for Icelease, with options for two more.
Read more on FreightWaves
