Scottsdale, Ariz.-based GlobalTranz, a full-service 3PL focused on freight brokerage and technology, said this week it has acquired Minneapolis-based Cerasis, a provider of third party multimodal and managed transportation services. jberman@peerlessmedia.com

Insurance rates for trucking fleets are soaring, sending trucking executives scrambling for coverage even for some of the safest fleets in the land. The reason, according to top trucking executives and transportation attorneys, is the rise in so-called “nuclear settlements” either awarded by a jury or negotiated by attorneys in a wrongful death lawsuit involving a heavy truck. jberman@peerlessmedia.com

Rail carloads—at 239,119—were down 10.1% annually, and intermodal trailers and containers—at 262,505 units—slipped 9.1%. jberman@peerlessmedia.com

In a move geared towards expanding its United States Southeast intermodal drayage logistics operations and overall North American network, Randolph, Mass.-based RoadOne IntermodaLogistics, a provider of intermodal, distribution, and logistics services, said earlier this week it has acquired Savannah, Ga.-based Crown Transportation, a provider of transportation and warehouse services. jberman@peerlessmedia.com

When Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka delivered the fifth annual “State of the Port” address this week, he highlighted the port’s recent work, investments and plans for 2020 and the new decade. But he also issued a cautionary note on the impact trade frictions had on container throughput this past year. jberman@peerlessmedia.com

The United States Senate signed off on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) by an 86-10 margin. This followed a House of Representatives vote to approve the deal by a 385-41 margin in December. jberman@peerlessmedia.com

Commerce reported that December retail sales, at $529.6 billion, were up 0.3% over November and up 5.8% annually. NRF reported that December retail sales were up 0.5% from November to December on a seasonally adjusted basis and up 2.1% on an unadjusted basis rose 6.7% annually. jberman@peerlessmedia.com

December shipments—at 969,53—were off 8.5% annually and fell for the fourth consecutive month, and were down more than November’s 4.2% annual decline. For calendar year 2019, total shipments—at 12,243,739—slipped 1.0% compared to 2018, marking its worst annual output going back to 2009. jberman@peerlessmedia.com