Report Indicates Commodity Prices Still Dropping in Q2

Report Indicates Commodity Prices Still Dropping in Q2

According to Supply Chain Digest, prices of commodities are continuing a two-year decline through 2013 Q2. Prices of metals are the most significant, down overall by 15 percent since the beginning of 2013. The major commodities index now sits 24 percent under its peak in April 2011. Natural gas prices fell 6 percent in Q2,…

Shipping Companies Believe Current Rate Hikes Are Temporary

Shipping Companies Believe Current Rate Hikes Are Temporary

Every day the Baltic Exchange in London releases the Baltic Dry Index, which tracks the prices of shipping bulk freight. This week, prices are up 14 percent over last week, and have reached the highest level of the current year. Though most company representatives only agreed to speak with reporters anonymously, most are in agreement…

Obama’s Plans to Reduce CO2 Emissions Strikes Fear in Manufacturing and Transportation Industries

Obama’s Plans to Reduce CO2 Emissions Strikes Fear in Manufacturing and Transportation Industries

Before Republicans gained a majority in the House in 2008, Obama’s “cap and trade” legislation failed to pass. Since then, no new legislation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. has been seriously considered. Environmentalists have complained that the President is doing nothing to reduce emissions. Instead of trying to push new legislation through…

As the United States Achieves Energy Independence, Some Other Concerns Arise
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As the United States Achieves Energy Independence, Some Other Concerns Arise

At long last, the longstanding goal of America (according to both major political parties) seems within reach. The U.S. is set to overtake Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest oil producer by the year 2017. By the year 2025, the U.S. will be exporting more than its importing, and should be fully energy independent by…

How McDonald’s Overcame Supply Chain Obstacles in the Furtherest Corners of the Globe
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How McDonald’s Overcame Supply Chain Obstacles in the Furtherest Corners of the Globe

In 1993, Martha Cooper and Lisa Ellram co-wrote and published the Characteristics of Supply Chain Management and the Implications for Purchasing and Logistics Strategy. After more than twenty years of debate, trials, and errors, many supply chain professionals believed the practices described in the paper simply weren’t able to be put into effective practice.

Trouble in Egypt Could Raise Shipping Costs Through Suez Canal

Trouble in Egypt Could Raise Shipping Costs Through Suez Canal

Supply chains dependent on shipping between Europe and Asia could see even higher costs in the coming months. The government in Cairo is seeking ways to increase revenues. Revenues have fallen recently due to a slump in Egypt’s tourist industry and other factors. As President Mohamed Mursi and officials seek a loan from the International…

Court Fails to Rule on New Hours of Service Rules: What Will the Cost Be?

Court Fails to Rule on New Hours of Service Rules: What Will the Cost Be?

On Monday, July 1, the hotly contested new hours of service regulations imposed on the trucking industry by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) went into effect. Carriers and drivers hoped the Federal Appeals Court would rule in their favor before the new rules took effect, and even requested that the FMCSA hold off…

May Sales Numbers Look Good for U.S. Manufacturers of Durable Goods

May Sales Numbers Look Good for U.S. Manufacturers of Durable Goods

Durable goods manufacturing, seen as a key indicator of market strength and business confidence in the economy, rose in May for the third consecutive month. This is the third time this sector has seen a three  month straight increase in orders since the fall quarter of 2011. According to the report by the U.S. Commerce…

Want a Solid Career Choice? Supply Chain Offers Earning Potential, Job Security, and Much More

Want a Solid Career Choice? Supply Chain Offers Earning Potential, Job Security, and Much More

Not long ago, people became supply chain employees through another outlet such as an MBA. Now, more schools are responding to job opportunities in the industry and are offering degree programs to fill the needs within the industry. Businessweek suggests that careers within the supply chain are “the next big thing.” Here’s everything you need…