Does Another Kind of “Fiscal Cliff” Loom in the Distance?
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Does Another Kind of “Fiscal Cliff” Loom in the Distance?

Last week, President Obama delivered his State of the Union address. In it, he mentioned a number of things, including his intentions to move forward to fix the deteriorating condition of the nation’s infrastructure, particularly when it comes to the roadways, bridges, and passageways that the nation’s truckers depend on to make a living. Some…

Proposed P3 Alliance Likely to Receive Approval in 2014

Proposed P3 Alliance Likely to Receive Approval in 2014

The world’s three largest shipping companies are planning to move ahead with their proposed alliance. They also expect approval by the three governing bodies assessing the situation by late into the second quarter of this year. Denmark’s Maersk Line, France’s CMA CGM, and Switzerland’s Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MCS) are organizing a separate company, which will act as…

Study Concludes More Training Needed for Next Generation of Air Cargo Managers

Study Concludes More Training Needed for Next Generation of Air Cargo Managers

A joint two-year study conducted by four of the world’s largest air cargo and freight organizations has concluded the industry most needs more focused courses emphasizing high level skills currently lacking in the industry. These skills are crucial for ensuring that the next generation of air cargo managers have the skills necessary to take the…

Competition Heats Up Among Online Retailers
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Competition Heats Up Among Online Retailers

As the economy plods on at a sluggish pace, online retailers are seeking to prompt people to part with their money more readily by dangling incentives such as cheap same day delivery services. Most of the major online giants are in on the action, each seeking to outdo the others with their services, convenience, and…

How Big Data Will Shape the Supply Chain of Tomorrow

How Big Data Will Shape the Supply Chain of Tomorrow

Information management is at the top of the supply chain. Big data, and the innovative algorithms that drive it represent the future of supply chain management and the way companies will interpret bottom-line figures. As new technologies abound, companies are becoming even more creative with the way they analyze and store their data. If you’re…

Slight Lull in January Manufacturing Numbers No Cause for Concern
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Slight Lull in January Manufacturing Numbers No Cause for Concern

The U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index released by Markit, a financial data and analysis firm, indicates a slight dip in the manufacturing sector for January. However, analysts and economists do not fear it is cause for concern. According to reports, the manufacturing sector remains strong and growing, and the latest numbers indicated some temporary blips in the areas…

Truck Freight Indices Up to Record Highs
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Truck Freight Indices Up to Record Highs

The American Trucking Associations’ seasonally adjusted Truck Tonnage Index in the for-hire sector increased by 0.6 percent following a 4.7 percent gain in November. This last bump pushed the year 6.2 percent higher for the best performance since 1998. December’s index was 131.7, compared to its level of 130.9 in November. Without the seasonal adjustments, the index…

Manufacturing Finishes 2013 on Strong Note, May Indicate Economic Recovery
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Manufacturing Finishes 2013 on Strong Note, May Indicate Economic Recovery

The Federal Reserve Board announced the year-end growth numbers for the manufacturing sector this week. They reported positive gains for the industry overall, as well as many specific sectors within the industry. Manufacturing production rose .4 percent in December, following .6 percent gains for the months of October and November, marking the fifth straight month with positive…

Amazon Taking Another Bold Plunge Toward the Future

Amazon Taking Another Bold Plunge Toward the Future

In a growing list of almost inconceivable forward-thinking marketing concepts, the online merchant giant Amazon has applied for a patent for a technology dubbed “anticipatory shipping.” As the name suggests, this patent involves a method of shipping that would allow Amazon to ship products to areas or customers before the customer actually clicks to buy…