China Holiday Shutdown, Mercedes Self-Driving Truck, Port Fire

Mercedes Debuts Self-Driving Truck – Mercedes-Benz debuted a self-driving big-rig concept at the International Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover, Germany.  The concept, dubbed Future Truck 2025, is equipped with radar sensors and cameras to guide it at speeds up to 50 mph.  A camouflaged version of the truck was tested on Autobahn roads in July.

Next Week Marks China’s Week-Long National Day Holiday – October 1^st marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).  In 1999, the country started the “Golden Week” system of extending National Day as well as Chinese (Lunar) New Year to spur domestic tourism.  Shippers prepare for the holidays each year as cargo shipments peak before the factory shutdowns in mainland China and Hong Kong.

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Port of LA Fire Leads to Terminal Closures – A fire broke out at the Port of Los Angeles prompting the closure of several nearby terminals this week.  The fire was caused by a welding torch and burned chemically treated wood from a pier structure.  Although the fire was quickly contained, air quality concerns also led to school closures in the immediate area.

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