Temporary Sharp Rise in Natural Gas Prices Not Likely to Curtail Move to Natural Gas Trucks

Temporary Sharp Rise in Natural Gas Prices Not Likely to Curtail Move to Natural Gas Trucks

As prices for natural gas soared in recent weeks by about 30 percent, many in the green energy sector worried that rising rates would curtail the gradual movement of the trucking sector away from diesel fuel and toward natural gas. However, Jim Harger of Clean Energy Fuels, as well as others in the industry, do…

Weather Causes Significant Problems for Logistics Managers
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Weather Causes Significant Problems for Logistics Managers

As much of the country battles extreme cold and snow, trucking companies, port operators, freight train managers, and air cargo transporters struggle with delays and severe operating conditions. Much of the Midwest, particularly the Chicago area, and New England have battled snow and ice, as well as below normal temperatures. This is delaying freight shipped…

Favorable Union Vote Opens Path for Struggling YRC Worldwide to Begin Repaying Debt

Favorable Union Vote Opens Path for Struggling YRC Worldwide to Begin Repaying Debt

Formerly known as Yellow Freight, YRC Worldwide was formed in the 2000s when the less than truckload carrier began gobbling up smaller trucking companies, such as Roadway Express, Holland, USF and others. All of these purchases were made with borrowed funds, and when the economy took a sharp downward turn in 2008, YRC Worldwide was left with…

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…

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…

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…