15 Arrested For $9.2M Theft, Shipping Costs Increase, Smuggler Sentenced After Fatal Crash, and More...
Big Rig Theft Ring Bust
Fifteen individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with a large-scale organized crime operation focused on stealing semi-trucks and commercial freight in the Toronto area. The investigation, known as Project Big Rig, was initiated by Peel Regional Police in March 2023 to combat a series of tractor trailer and cargo thefts in the Peel and Greater Toronto Area.
As a result of the investigation, the law enforcement team apprehended 15 suspects, who collectively face 73 charges. The operation led to the recovery of stolen cargo valued at $6,990,000 and stolen tractor trailers worth $2,250,000, bringing the total value of recovered property to $9,240,000.
Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich emphasized that cargo and auto theft is not a victimless crime, as it causes financial harm and often funds other criminal activities. Project Big Rig serves as an example of the police's commitment to holding criminals accountable and disrupting criminal networks.
Freight Market Update
Freight and shipping costs and delays have been contributing to inflation during the pandemic. However, since spring 2022, ocean freight prices have decreased, with China-US West Coast rates reaching pre-pandemic levels. The drop in consumer spending has led to falling logistics costs, benefiting importers.
Key insights for June and July indicate that the Canada port worker strike has ended, but it will take time to recover fully from the shutdown. Tensions remain high in Teamster negotiations with UPS and Yellow, potentially leading to late-month strikes. Despite cooling inflation in the US, signs of consumer resilience, like record Prime Day sales, suggest a decreased likelihood of a recession in the second half of the year.
US ocean import volumes were above 2019 levels in June, indicating a normalizing market with stable ocean rates. Air cargo rates have fluctuated, with some lanes experiencing decreases compared to a year ago. The freight market is pointing to a potentially strong remainder of the year for retailers due to excess inventories and an optimistic outlook.
Ex-Asia ocean rates remained stable, but transpacific prices were lower than 2019 levels, possibly due to increased capacity from new vessels. Carriers have implemented blanked sailings and contingent port calls to manage low demand and excess capacity.
In conclusion, despite challenges, the freight market is showing signs of normalization, with potential opportunities for retailers as consumer strength remains notable.
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Smuggling Organizer Sentenced?To 15 Years
In March 2021, Jose Cruz Noguez orchestrated the smuggling of 25 migrants in a Ford Expedition and 19 in a GMC Yukon from Mexico to California. He modified the vehicles to accommodate more people by removing seats and scouted the route to avoid law enforcement. After breaching the border fence, the Yukon caught fire, and the driver abandoned it, leaving the Expedition to continue. Tragically, the Expedition collided with a tractor-trailer, resulting in the deaths of 13 people, while the truck driver sustained moderate injuries.
Cruz Noguez was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to the crime. U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman described the smuggling attempt as callous and inhumane, treating the migrants as a worthless commodity. Shockingly, even after the deadly accident, Cruz Noguez was still attempting to collect money from the survivors of the crash.
Averitt Express Expansion in South Carolina Progresses
Averitt Express, a freight transportation and supply chain service provider, has expanded its operations in Charleston County, South Carolina, with a $4.58 million investment. The expansion includes adding 35,000 square feet of warehousing space, on-site parking, and fuel tanks to its facility near Interstate 26. This move will enable the company to meet increased freight demands from the Port of Charleston and support its distribution network.
State officials, including Governor Henry McMaster and State Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey III, have praised the expansion for its positive impact on the state's supply chain framework and employment opportunities. The new capabilities will create 12 jobs and facilitate the handling of growing cargo volumes passing through the Port of Charleston.
Barry Blakely, the company's executive vice president and COO, expressed excitement about growing their presence in one of the nation's strategic logistics hubs. Averitt Express aims to support both local shipping needs in Charleston County and global supply chain requirements.
The Port of Charleston, operated by South Carolina Ports, has seen a slight decline in container volumes due to a constricting economy. However, the port remains competitive in the Southeast market, with a strong infrastructure network and cargo capacity to keep freight moving efficiently.
Overall, Averitt Express' expansion is expected to stimulate economic development, strengthen the local supply chain, and contribute to the prosperity of the region. The company ranks 29th on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America.