Friday, October 29, 2010

As in past weeks, railroad volumes for the week ending October 16 showed continued year-over-year improvement, according to data released by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Carload volume at 302,855 was up 9.6 percent year-over-year but behind the week ending October 16 at 303,664. The week ending October 9 hit 297,029 carloads.

If you import or export via U.S. West Coast ports, then researchers of the Port Performance Research Network, chaired at Dalhousie University, want to hear from you. The Network is seeking feedback from ports’ customers and stakeholders about their experiences with five U.S. west coast ports.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Yet another partnership with a U.S. port has been initiated by the Panama Canal Authority

As has been the case during third quarter earnings, Class I railroad earnings continued to deliver strong results, with Norfolk Southern’s strong earnings results bearing that out. Earnings for the Norfolk, Virginia-based carrier at $445 million were up 47 percent year-over-year. And earnings per share of $1.19 were also up 47 percent, beating Wall Street estimates of $1.09.

The United States Postal Service announced this week that Postmaster General and CEO John E. Potter will retire on December 3. Potter, a 32-year USPS veteran will be replaced by Patrick R. Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Operating Officer. Donahoe was voted as Potter’s successor by The Governors of the Postal Service and will become the 73rd Postmaster General.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Data from ACT Research, a provider of data and analysis for trucks and other commercial vehicles, indicates that the average retail sales price of Class 8 used vehicles sold in September was up 3 percent from August at $42,100.

Even though the economy and the freight transportation market are still on a bumpy road, truck tonnage took a step forward, with September volumes up compared to August, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The International Air Transport Association announced International traffic recorded a 14.8 percent year-on-year increase, which is significantly weaker than the 19.0 percent rise recorded in August.

Menlo Worldwide Logistics LLC, a third-party logistics (3PL) subsidiary of freight transportation services provider Con-way Inc. announced this week it has expanded its relationship with Dana Holding Corporation, a provider of driveline products, power technologies, and genuine service parts for light and heavy manufacturers.

Following a July announcement stating that ATC Corporation, a provider of logistics and remanufacturing services for the high-tech and automotive services had entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by third-party logistics (3PL) services provider Genco Distribution System for $512.6 million, the deal has now been made official.