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The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases, making up 27% of total GHG emissions in the U.S., according to the EPA. As the industry looks toward greener solutions, two directions have emerged.   Many are looking to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to reduce fleet emissions. However, there’s another strong entry in the zero-emissions category: fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), powered by hydrogen.   We previously took a look at the rise of electric semis. In this article, we’ll take a look at hydrogen-powered medium- and heavy-duty trucks—as well as their advantages and drawbacks—as this technology continues to develop.   Advances in...

As a California-based freight forwarder, Approved keeps close tabs on the state’s environmental initiatives. Three new regulations have emerged that will directly impact truck and engine manufacturers as well as fleet owners, with wide-ranging implications for the transportation industry as a whole.   To keep you in the loop, we’ve summarized these initiatives below. We’ll share what they’re about and how they might affect the way you do business. We’ll also discuss the environmental impact of these regulations, which have the potential to significantly improve air quality in California. Finally, even if you’re not operating in California, some of these initiatives have already been adopted...

The celebrations in China around Lunar New Year can throw a wrench into even the most resilient supply chains. Factories shut down, orders increase in anticipation, and transportation companies try to juggle the demand with a reduced workforce.  If you’re relying on goods manufactured in China—or simply shipping through ports in the country—we’ll show you what to expect during the Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year celebrations. We’ll also give you some ideas for mitigating the impact within your operation.   In this article What Is Lunar New Year When Is the Lunar New Year Celebration in China What Happens During the Lunar New Year How...

Air pollution is a significant problem in the state of California. The San Joaquin Valley and South Coast Air Basins experience some of the highest air pollution levels in the United States, according to data from the EPA. Of the ten most ozone-polluted U.S. cities, seven are located in the Golden State. Additionally, a 2021 air-quality report from the Environment America Research & Policy center ranked Southern California air pollution as the worst in the country. That same report quantified the number of days of elevated ozone and/or particulate matter in several population centers in California during the year 2020: Days of Elevated Ozone and/or...

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics has confirmed what many consumers have already recognized at the cash register: Prices continue to rise for goods and services. 7.9% increase in Consumer Price Index Feb. 2021-2022 From February 2021 to February 2022, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose by 7.9%—the largest 12-month change since January 1982. . In other words, consumers are paying 7.9% more for goods and services than they were a year ago. What’s behind these sharp price increases? Basic economics of supply and demand. This balance was disrupted during the pandemic. As companies struggle to get their...

Empty dealership lots. Long waiting lists for new vehicles. Higher prices for both new and used cars. The semiconductor chip shortage hit the auto industry hard, impacting manufacturers, dealers, and consumers alike: Consulting firm Alix Partners has estimated that the shortage will cost the automotive industry $210 billion in lost revenue in 2021, $100 billion more than the firm’s initial estimates. AutoForecast Solutions projects that 11.3 million vehicles will be cut from production plans before the crisis is resolved. Additionally, some experts anticipate that shortages will last at least into 2023, with Cox Automotive estimating that it will take at least until 2025 for the...