Wednesday, March 09, 2011

When I am asked what the big topic in the industries LM covers is these days, there is no surprise of late. It is a one word answer: fuel. How could it really be anything else at this point? If you need more proof, look at the past two weeks of diesel price increases from the Energy Information Administration. They both check in around the 15-cent mark. Ouch.

Friday, March 04, 2011

Earlier this week, the Federal Reserve released the most recent edition of its “Beige Book,” which tracks economic activity. This edition covers the period from January 3-February 18. A look at the results seems to be in line with many other economic indices, many of which have the same theme. That theme being something like this: “things are moving at a slow and steady pace, with cautious signs of improvement.”

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Something we don't often recognize is how much the Internet has joined steamships, railroads, aircraft, trucks, and pipelines as a primary mode of transport. Indeed, for a steadily expanding range of digitized products and services, the Internet is now the preferred delivery mode

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

With the calendar turning to March 1 today, we are now two-thirds of the way though the first quarter and are seeing some favorable trends so far, which will hopefully serve as a springboard to success for the rest of the year and beyond, when it comes to assessing the marketplace.

Monday, February 28, 2011

A dramatic example of how supply chain transparency and the “known shipper” rule fights terrorism was on public display last week as Con-way Freight helped the FBI foil a jihadist plot.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

As you probably already know, not too long ago the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) floated the idea of reducing available daily driving time for truck drivers by one hour from 11 to ten hours per day. Needless to say, this was not well received, and not surprisingly, it seems to have become even less popular than it was when first introduced.

Friday, February 18, 2011

As I have discussed before, housing and unemployment remain a drag on the economy, but there are other things happening that are positive, including higher U.S. export volumes, the slow process of credit availability becoming more prevalent, sequential increases in GDP growth, and promising manufacturing data showing strong momentum.

The Federal Maritime Commission took several steps yesterday to reduce regulatory burdens and bring cost savings and flexibility to the shipping industry and the customers they serve.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Despite the beating the Obama Administration has taken on its trade policies, one fact is indisputable: Exports of U.S. goods and services grew 16.6 percent in calendar year 2010

Friday, February 11, 2011

By now, you have probably seen the most recent batch of numbers from the Commerce Department regarding the trade deficit. In short, the data pretty much represents an ongoing trend. Commerce said that the international trade deficit increased 5.9 percent in December 2010, to $40.6 billion, up from $38.3 billion in November. And exports grew 1.8 percent, to $163.0 billion, and imports rose 2.6 percent, to $203.5 billion.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Diplomat(s) expressed increasing concern that Saudi Arabia is no longer able to lift oil production at a rate fast enough to prevent oil prices from escalating.

Monday, February 07, 2011

Since Barack Obama became President of the United States, one of the biggest complaints from his critics has been that his policies and measures have been far from “business friendly.” Maybe that is your opinion and maybe it isn’t, but, either way, it is worth taking a look at comments made during his speech at the United States Chamber of Commerce earlier today.

Friday, February 04, 2011

Despite the encouraging news from The International Air Transport Association on improving freight volumes, there are still two key issues that may have a negative impact on a full recovery: the weather and fuel prices.

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Earlier today, I reported on the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) monthly Manufacturing Report on Business. In the interest of not repeating the story verbatim, I will tell you this: it was a very, very good report.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Irrespective of political concerns or positions, the current upheaval in Egypt must not result in the closing of the Suez Canal