All Entries

Friday, October 08, 2010

The nation’s railroads have pulled out of the downturn in solid fiscal shape, proving that they’ve mastered the art of cost management. To offer a comprehensive look at the new state of the rails, we’ve gathered four top analysts to share how volumes, rates, and game-changing regulation could alter how shippers manage the mode.

Successful integration of technology into a supply chain security strategy will expedite border crossing wait times and reduce insurance costs. Fortunately, new technologies continue to be introduced that provide greater transparency at some of the critical junctures where security needs and vulnerability overlap.

New technologies and usage practices can help you maximize your fleet’s productivity and longevity while reducing your carbon footprint.

Now that pricing has been restored and capacity restrained, the leading vessel operators are staging a comeback. What lessons have they learned from the recent recession and dismal earning cycles? Here’s what the top analysts are saying.

After outsourcing its transportation functions to a 3PL in January 2007, the 150-year-old manufacturer brought it back under its own roof to tighten controls, establish carrier measurement, and rack up the savings. And that bold move earned Armstrong the 2010 NASSTRAC Shipper of the Year Award.

Taking steps to keep pace with its global rivals, UPS is aiming to set up domestic service in China, according to a recent Financial Times report. According to the FT, UPS recently submitted an application for a domestic license to the China State Post Bureau, a local regulator, in order to offer shippers in China domestic next-day delivery service and second and third day delivery products.

While no 2010 weekly volume figures were broken, railroad volumes for the week ending October 2 remained consistent with previously solid weeks, according to data released by the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

Thursday, October 07, 2010

The DOT proposal to grant antitrust immunity to two air carrier alliances for services between the United States and Japan was greeted warmly by shippers yesterday

Preliminary data recently released this week by freight transportation forecasting firm and consultancy FTR Associates indicates that September Class 8 truck total net orders for North American OEM’s at 14,872 units are up 21.6 percent over August and 38.8 percent year-over-year.

Class I railroad carrier Canadian Pacific Limited and Teck Resources Limited said they have inked a 10-year deal in which CP will transport Teck’s steelmaking coal from five Teck-owned mines in southeast British Columbia to Vancouver-area ports. This arrangement is expected to begin on April 1, 2011.