Good day,
Across the region, governments are making preparations. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency, activating members of the National Guard. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a voluntary evacuation notice for areas outside of the New Orleans levee system ahead of Tropical Storm Gordon. Cantrell said the city expects to see the storm beginning late Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday. City Hall and government offices will close Tuesday for nonessential employees. In anticipation of heavy rains, the Flood Protection Authority-East (FPA) has closed 21 floodgates on the Lake Borgne Surge Barrier near New Orleans, according to a press release.
These gates are all in Orleans and St. Bernard parishes, primarily along the Industrial Canal and susceptible to high-tide conditions if not closed, the city says. At this time, the FPA does not anticipate that the three pump stations at Lake Pontchartrain will be activated, but it is prepared to do so if the forecast changes and water levels reach key thresholds, according to the press release.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott tweeted that Floridians and visitors should monitor the weather system and remain vigilant. “Right now, according to @NHC_Atlantic, the biggest impact to our state will be heavy rain, but in Florida, we know how quickly weather can change,” he said. “With the peak of hurricane season upon us, now is the time to get prepared. Make sure that you and your family have a plan in place in case of disaster.”
Did you know?
US GDP grew at a revised 4.2% pace during the second quarter as a rebound in consumer spending and continued strength in business investment helped drive activity.
Quotable:
“Everybody is safe, and the entire town of Belton smells like a high school boys locker room.”
–Aaron Geiger on Twitter, referring to the explosion of Axe Body Spray on I-35 in Benton, TX
In other news:
Trump’s fight with Canada over Nafta faces new hurdles
President Donald Trump’s effort to force Canada into signing on to a new Nafta on his terms is facing new hurdles thanks to growing opposition at home. (Bloomberg)
Amazon sets its sights on the $88 billion online ad market
Amazon, which has already reshaped and dominated the online retail landscape, is quickly gathering momentum in a new, highly profitable arena: online advertising. (New York Times)
Why Walmart shoppers are finding more items ‘out of stock’
Retailer has changed e-commerce system so that it doesn’t fulfill orders it deems too expensive to ship. (WSJ)
Air China plans to sell majority share in its cargo business
The flag carrier said the decision had been made – despite improving profitability – because of “intensifying competition.” (The Loadstar)
Kroger grows delivery footprint by 50% with Instacart
Kroger has expanded its same-day grocery delivery services through its partnership with Instacart. (SupplyChainDive)
Final thoughts:
Economic conditions as they relate to freight demand continued to push ahead at a solid pace in the 3rd quarter. Strong growth in consumer and business spending in the economy continue to drive demand for freight, keeping capacity tight in the market and granting carriers with significant pricing power. All is not perfect, however, as construction and housing activity continue to lag behind the rest of the economy. In addition, export growth has stumbled after robust growth in the previous several quarters.
Hammer down, everyone!