Tag Archives: shortage

Technology

5 Of The Best Apple Watch Bands In 2023

If you’re looking to customize your Apple products, you have plenty of options from Casetify. This brand offers a wide range of designs for different Apple devices, including geometric patterns and themes inspired by popular brands and media, such as “The Mandalorian” and “Spider-Man.”

One of the solid options from Casetify is their Flexi band. The Flexi band is compatible with almost all Apple Watch models and features a buckle to keep it securely fastened on your wrist. As the name suggests, these bands are flexible and comfortable to wear. They are also water and sweat resistant. An added bonus for those who are environmentally conscious is that Casetify’s Flexi bands are partially made from recycled material sourced from old iPhone cases.

If you prefer a more luxurious style, Casetify’s selection may be too casual for your taste. Additionally, the recycled Flexi material may not offer the same level of comfort as a leather or nylon band. However, with their wide variety of styles, chances are you can find something that suits your preferences on Casetify’s website. Many of their watch bands are also available on Amazon for around $50 each. Some popular choices include checked daisies, cheetah dots, and a stylish petit floral on black.

Motorsport

What’s Causing the Delay in New Car Deliveries? It’s a Railway Shortage, Not Semiconductor Delays

The auto industry is facing a new obstacle as a scarcity of railroad cars is resulting in delays in delivering new vehicles. Due to this shortage, approximately 70,000 new vehicles are stranded across the country, unable to reach dealerships. Concerned about this issue, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the auto industry’s lobbying group, has requested the intervention of the US Surface Transportation Board.

This scarcity of rail cars is particularly troubling because freight rail typically transports nearly 75 percent of new vehicles and handles 1.8 million carloads of auto parts annually. The backlog of finished vehicles is disrupting the automotive supply chain, which is still recovering from the shortage of semiconductor chips. The delays in delivering vehicles are significantly impacting suppliers, employees, and the overall US economy.

The problem revolves around the shortage of autoracks, specialized rail cars that carry vehicles. Rail transport is preferred over carrier trucks due to lower costs and faster delivery times. An autorack rail car can transport 12 to 18 vehicles, compared to a truck hauler that can only carry a maximum of seven to eight vehicles.

The scarcity of rail cars is a complex issue due to the extensive rail network in North America and the complexities of rail shipping. Rail shipping involves multiple destinations and routes, making it a challenging puzzle to coordinate. Autoracks are part of a shared pool administered by a company called TTX. Manufacturing new autoracks takes two to three years, making it a non-quick fix.

The problem originates from a combination of factors. One notable factor is that the rebound in new-vehicle production after the semiconductor chip shortage has exceeded most railroads’ forecasts. Additional issues have arisen due to changes in supply chain patterns, such as redirecting vehicles through west coast ports instead of the east coast, resulting in longer rail car journeys than anticipated.

Meanwhile, several automakers are still dealing with the aftermath of the microchip shortage. Volkswagen stated earlier this year that the chip scarcity will continue to affect car sales in 2023. Automakers like Cadillac, Ford, and Genesis have also mentioned that the shortage has forced them to limit or exclude popular features on certain vehicles.