Global Economy and Supply Chain Shadows 2022 Peak Season

11/25: Black Friday shoppers spent a record breaking $9.12B in one day despite inflation concerns.

11/29: While COVID-19 cases continue to rise across China, protests against the country’s “zero COVID” lockdown measures persist. Both realities suggest China’s economy will slow, instead of growing as previously expected.

11/30: The U.S. House passed two agreements for vote to the U.S. Senate, both measures seek to avoid a highly anticipated Dec. 9 strike by railroad unions. The first agreement would require railroad unions to tentatively accept a prior negotiation and outlaw a Dec. 9 strike, and the second agreement would provide up to seven days of paid sick leave for railroad employees.

12/5: The European Union’s deadline to ban the purchase of Russian crude oil. Economic analysts expect the result will further disrupt energy markets.

12/13/22-1/2/23: FedEx Express announced suspension of its money-back guarantees for domestic and international air shipments during peak season. The suspension will impact “six overnight delivery services in the U.S. and four international services, including the company’s expedited deliveries supporting freight deliveries.”

FedEx Freight announces pilot program, “Space and Pace”, using dimensional weight pricing for LTL shipments. The program will use shipper-provided information to determine final shipping price, including weight, dimensions, and origin/destination ZIP codes. “After receiving the shipment, FedEx Freight will use dimensioning technology — the company calls it ‘Dimension in Motion’ — to verify the information.