SplyLine is a weekly supply chain intelligence briefing for operators and executives: trade policy, freight markets, manufacturing, and logistics technology — analyzed, not just reported.https://splyline.com/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-09-12-freight-inflation-just-became-the-macro-story/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-09-12-freight-inflation-just-became-the-macro-story/Diesel sets an all-time record near $5.97, truckload spot rates rise across every equipment type, holiday parcel surcharges jump about 25%, and a Fed rate hike looks likely.Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTOcean FreightDieselTruckingTariffsUSMCAhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-08-28-the-constraint-moved-off-the-balance-sheet-and/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-08-28-the-constraint-moved-off-the-balance-sheet-and/Drought throttles the Panama Canal, a typhoon strands 139 ships off Shanghai, a trucking enforcement purge tightens capacity, and a new tariff wall goes up with Canada.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTOcean FreightPanama CanalTariffsTruckingAutomationhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-08-21-the-inversion-flipped-transpacific-rates-surge-as-truckload/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-08-21-the-inversion-flipped-transpacific-rates-surge-as-truckload/Ocean rates climb to $4,526 per box with Shanghai–New York up 9%, while truckload spot rates roll over and flatbed posts its steepest drop since 2008.Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTOcean FreightContainer ShippingTariffsFreight MarketRetailhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-07-31-section-301-replaces-section-122-without-a-gap/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-07-31-section-301-replaces-section-122-without-a-gap/Section 122's 10% surcharge expires and new Section 301 duties take effect the same minute, while diesel jumps on Hormuz and the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger clears another hurdle.Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTTariffsSection301Maritime LogisticsFreight MarketTruckinghttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-06-05-peak-season-kicks-the-door-down/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-06-05-peak-season-kicks-the-door-down/Ocean spot rates jump 20–31% in a week, factory activity hits a four-year high, and truckload spot runs its hottest since 2022 as consumer confidence slips.Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTFreight MarketManufacturingTariffsOcean FreightCybersecurityhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-05-29-a-supreme-court-ruling-upends-freight-brokerage/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-05-29-a-supreme-court-ruling-upends-freight-brokerage/The Supreme Court's 9-0 Montgomery ruling strips brokers of a key liability defense, the STB accepts the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern application, and Beijing's trade deals stay on paper.Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTFreight MarketTruckingRail MergerTariffsManufacturinghttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-05-22-rates-up-carriers-down-a-week-of-opposite/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-05-22-rates-up-carriers-down-a-week-of-opposite/Container rates hit a 2026 high while Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM post losses, the Trump–Xi summit yields a 200-plane Boeing order, and consumer sentiment sets another record low.Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTMaritime LogisticsTariffsFreight MarketManufacturingReshoringhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-05-15-tariff-pass-through-finally-shows-up-in-the/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-05-15-tariff-pass-through-finally-shows-up-in-the/April PPI jumps 1.4%, nearly triple forecasts, as wholesalers pass tariffs through, and the Federal Circuit pauses the ruling that struck down the Section 122 tariff.Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTTariffsMaritime LogisticsFreight MarketManufacturingReshoringhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-05-08-court-strikes-down-section-122-as-consumer-sentiment/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-05-08-court-strikes-down-section-122-as-consumer-sentiment/The Court of International Trade invalidates the 10% Section 122 tariff, surcharges lift container rates 3%, and consumer sentiment falls to 48.2, the lowest since 1952.Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTMaritime LogisticsTariffsFreight MarketManufacturingReshoringhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-05-01-ocean-rates-soften-through-a-war-as-truckload/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-05-01-ocean-rates-soften-through-a-war-as-truckload/Q1 GDP misses at +2.0% with hot inflation, the CAPE refund portal posts its first data, Union Pacific refiles its $85 billion merger, and truckload spot rates hit a 12-year high.Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTMaritime LogisticsTariffsFreight MarketManufacturingReshoringhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-04-24-iran-seizes-msc-francesca-and-turns-hormuz-into/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-04-24-iran-seizes-msc-francesca-and-turns-hormuz-into/Iran captures an 11,660-TEU container ship in the war's first containership seizure, turning what carriers treated as an energy disruption into a shipping-lane closure.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTMaritime LogisticsTariffsFreight MarketManufacturingReshoringhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-04-17-blockade-breaks-the-ocean-rate-rally-as-consumer/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-04-17-blockade-breaks-the-ocean-rate-rally-as-consumer/A U.S. Navy blockade knocks ocean rates off a six-week peak, consumer sentiment falls to a record low, diesel posts its first decline in 12 weeks, and MODEX puts physical AI into production.Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTMaritime LogisticsTariffsFreight MarketManufacturingReshoringhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-04-10-a-fragile-u-s-iran-ceasefire-moved-markets/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-04-10-a-fragile-u-s-iran-ceasefire-moved-markets/Oil drops $20 and stocks surge on the ceasefire, but Hormuz stays largely blocked, Section 232 metals tariffs take effect, and diesel climbs to $5.64.Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTMaritime LogisticsTariffsFreight MarketManufacturingReshoringhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-04-03-hormuz-crisis-enters-fifth-week-as-ship-transits/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-04-03-hormuz-crisis-enters-fifth-week-as-ship-transits/Daily transits through Hormuz fall 95%, Section 232 metals tariffs are restructured, the ISM index hits its best reading since 2022, and Amazon adds a 3.5% fuel surcharge.Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTStrait Of HormuzContainer RatesSection232Manufacturinghttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-04-03-the-tariff-playbook-what-the-rules-actually-say/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-04-03-the-tariff-playbook-what-the-rules-actually-say/A practical guide to how U.S. tariffs work — classification, valuation and country of origin — and the legitimate strategies companies use to reduce what they pay.Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTTariffsTrade PolicyProcurementTrade ComplianceImport Exporthttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-03-27-the-hormuz-blockade-reshapes-every-freight-mode-at/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-03-27-the-hormuz-blockade-reshapes-every-freight-mode-at/Diesel hits $5.38 as the Hormuz crisis enters its fourth week, container rates rise for a third straight week, the Fed raises its inflation outlook, and Amazon overtakes USPS in parcels.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTMaritime LogisticsTariffsFreight MarketManufacturingReshoringhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-02-27-the-scotus-tariff-earthquake-reshapes-trade-policy/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-02-27-the-scotus-tariff-earthquake-reshapes-trade-policy/A 10% Section 122 surcharge replaces the struck-down tariffs, ocean rates slide for a seventh week, and Apple announces its first U.S.-built Mac.Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTTariffsSupreme CourtOcean FreightTruckingReshoringhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-02-20-the-supreme-court-strikes-down-ieepa-tariffs/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-02-20-the-supreme-court-strikes-down-ieepa-tariffs/The Supreme Court strikes down IEEPA tariffs and puts $175 billion in refunds in play, Walmart's e-commerce turns profitable, and new CDL rules tighten trucking.Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTTariffsManufacturingAutomationTruckingPort Volumeshttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-02-13-supply-chains-most-volatile-week-of-2026/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-02-13-supply-chains-most-volatile-week-of-2026/The House votes against Canada tariffs, ocean rates fall as Suez reopens, an AI freight tool knocks logistics stocks, and DP World's leadership collapses.Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTManufacturingAIAutomationTariffsFreight Rateshttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-02-06-ocean-freight-the-great-unraveling/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-02-06-ocean-freight-the-great-unraveling/Ocean rates keep falling, Maersk posts a fourth-quarter loss, a return to the Red Sea threatens more overcapacity, and port volumes drop as front-loading runs out.Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTManufacturingTariffsAutomationOcean FreightCargo Securityhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-01-23-ocean-freight-collapse-exposes-structural-weakness/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-01-23-ocean-freight-collapse-exposes-structural-weakness/Container rates fall 10% in a week as Lunar New Year exposes overcapacity, Micron breaks ground on a $100 billion fab, and semiconductor tariffs advance.Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTSemiconductorsManufacturingOcean FreightTruckingTariffshttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-01-09-maritime-markets-opportunistic-rate-push-tests-weak/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-01-09-maritime-markets-opportunistic-rate-push-tests-weak/Carriers test a rate increase against weak demand, the U.S.–China truce holds ahead of an April reset, and chip capacity limits constrain AI expansion.Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTContainer ShippingTariffsRetail AutomationSemiconductorsAIhttps://splyline.com/issues/2026-01-02-trucking-market-inflects-upward-as-capacity-tightens/https://splyline.com/issues/2026-01-02-trucking-market-inflects-upward-as-capacity-tightens/Truck rates turn up as capacity tightens, a wave of tariff changes takes effect January 1, and retailers brace for record holiday returns.Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTTariffsManufacturingTransportationCargo TheftRetail Holidayhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-12-19-container-rates-surge-despite-weak-volume-fundamentals/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-12-19-container-rates-surge-despite-weak-volume-fundamentals/Carriers push container rates up despite soft volumes, Union Pacific files its $85 billion merger application, and factory activity keeps contracting.Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTContainer ShippingRail MergerHoliday RetailManufacturingAutomationhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-12-12-holiday-peak-validates-automation-investments/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-12-12-holiday-peak-validates-automation-investments/Record holiday volumes prove the case for warehouse automation, ports stabilize as carriers hold rates, and new factory investment keeps coming.Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTManufacturingAutomationRetail TechCyber MondayRail Mergerhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-11-28-manufacturing-reshoring-accelerates-despite-economic-headwinds/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-11-28-manufacturing-reshoring-accelerates-despite-economic-headwinds/GE Appliances commits $640 million to U.S. production, the Canada Post strike ends, and AI-driven workforce cuts accelerate heading into peak season.Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTManufacturingReshoringAIAutomationPeak Seasonhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-11-21-maritime-logistics-rate-momentum-reverses-as-holiday/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-11-21-maritime-logistics-rate-momentum-reverses-as-holiday/Ocean rates turn down as holiday goods land, trade relief extends to Brazil, truck capacity finally rebalances, and cargo theft gets more sophisticated.Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTContainer ShippingRetail Supply ChainCargo SecurityPort OperationsTrade Policyhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-11-14-tariff-relief-gets-surgical-not-sweeping/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-11-14-tariff-relief-gets-surgical-not-sweeping/Tariff relief arrives product by product rather than across the board, ocean rates split by trade lane, and agentic AI moves from buzz to backbone.Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTAIFreight RatesTariffshttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-11-07-trade-war-de-escalation-creates-strategic-planning/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-11-07-trade-war-de-escalation-creates-strategic-planning/Carriers' capacity discipline sends container rates higher, Walmart takes its AI playbook global, and reshoring momentum stalls on policy uncertainty.Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTTrump Xi DealRare EarthsContainer ShippingRetail AutomationManufacturinghttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-10-31-trade-war-de-escalation-creates-one-year/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-10-31-trade-war-de-escalation-creates-one-year/The U.S.–China truce opens a one-year planning window, container rates end a 17-week slide, and reshoring commitments pass $1.5 trillion.Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTTrump Xi DealRare EarthsContainer ShippingBlack FridayManufacturinghttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-10-17-supply-chain-tensions-escalate-as-the-trade-deadline/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-10-17-supply-chain-tensions-escalate-as-the-trade-deadline/China pushes back on the 100% tariff threat ahead of the November 10 truce deadline, container rates end a 17-week slide, and Walmart and Symbotic commit $520 million to automation.Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTTrade WarRare EarthsContainer ShippingCybersecurityhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-10-11-tariff-paradox-week-china-retaliation-meets-record-investment/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-10-11-tariff-paradox-week-china-retaliation-meets-record-investment/China's rare earth controls trigger a threatened 100% U.S. tariff, container rates hit two-year lows, and factory investment keeps setting records despite a contracting PMI.Sat, 11 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTMaritime LogisticsTariffsReshoringSupply Chain Securityhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-10-03-trade-policy-escalation/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-10-03-trade-policy-escalation/Sweeping new product tariffs create procurement urgency, while the Supreme Court's November 5 hearing puts $750 billion in collected duties in question.Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTTariffsFreight RatesRail MergerSupreme CourtProcurementhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-09-26-amazons-4-billion-rural-gambit-redefines-competitive/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-09-26-amazons-4-billion-rural-gambit-redefines-competitive/Amazon spends $4 billion to bring fast delivery to rural America, dark stores reshape urban fulfillment, and ocean rates collapse despite record volumes.Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMTManufacturingAutomationAIMaritimeRail Mergerhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-09-19-walmarts-520-million-automation-bet-reshapes-industry/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-09-19-walmarts-520-million-automation-bet-reshapes-industry/Walmart's $520 million automation bet resets the bar for retail logistics, Target's missteps become clear, and record port volumes push terminals to their limits.Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMTManufacturingAutomationAIPeak SeasonSemiconductorshttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-09-12-trade-war-escalation/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-09-12-trade-war-escalation/The Supreme Court schedules its tariff hearing, a container accident exposes port weak points, and cyberattacks hit critical supply chain software.Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMTTariffsRail MergerCyber SecurityPort Operationshttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-09-05-amazon-accelerates-away-from-walmart-in-growth/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-09-05-amazon-accelerates-away-from-walmart-in-growth/Amazon's growth pulls away from Walmart, early tariff front-loading leaves retailers with inventory whiplash, and ports settle into a post-peak slowdown.Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMTManufacturingAutomationPort OperationsReshoringTechnologyhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-08-29-manufacturing-reality-check-amid-reshoring-rhetoric/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-08-29-manufacturing-reality-check-amid-reshoring-rhetoric/Reshoring talk meets factory reality, Vietnam emerges as the clear winner of trade diversion, and retailers rework inventory and last-mile plans.Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTDe Minimis SuspensionTariff ImpactAISupply Chain Technologyhttps://splyline.com/issues/2025-08-22-walmarts-strategic-diversification-accelerates/https://splyline.com/issues/2025-08-22-walmarts-strategic-diversification-accelerates/Walmart widens its sourcing and operations bets, AI moves into day-to-day operations at global scale, and retailers rethink inventory under tariff pressure.Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTRetailAIInventoryTariffs