Economy

Growth will continue in the materials handling industry in 2014 and 2015, announced MHI, the sponsor of Modex, in the group’s annual State of the Industry press conference on Tuesday.

Although there have been recent signs of new hires in the logistcs sector, managers are being advised to remain cautious when it comes to investing in human capital this year.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released figures showing a 1.4% expansion of global freight ton kilometers (FTKs) in 2013 when compared to 2012.

With a new year here, it is always good to look at the big picture when it comes to figuring out the economy, which has become an annual event, not to mention an ostensible exercise in futility, too, at times.

Grant Thornton survey finds U.S. companies will bring production, customer service and IT infrastructure back to the United States.

To kick off 2014, I’m going to reinforce a rather bold suggestion that Group News Editor Jeff Berman made in his first blog post of the new year: Let’s cut out the use of the adjective “cautious” before we use the noun “optimism” when referring to the state of the U.S. economy.

PwC Manufacturing Barometer illustrates the confidence and caution in manufacturers' hiring and investment plans.

A significant majority of middle market executives agree that middle market job growth will have a significant impact on strengthening the U.S. economy (96%). Despite this, 83% believe Congress is doing too little to support the middle market; while 95% disapprove of the job performance of Congress and 70% disapprove of the job performance of President Obama.

It appears that there are some encouraging things happening on the economic front that maybe, just maybe, could be cause for some long-term optimism.

Executives who participated in the 2013 CFO Outlook Mid-Year Update gave the U.S. economy an average score of 58 out of 100, up from 49 in the previous survey conducted in late 2012. CFOs gave the global economy a score of 51, up from 45.

Shipments and orders up by double digits over record set in first half of 2012.

Composite index edges up to 58 from 56—15th straight quarter above 50 and 2nd consecutive advance; Senior financial executives surveyed on healthcare reform.

New state of logistics translates into new opportunities for shrewd managers who can leverage their unique skills and solid transportation relationships into value for their companies.

Two thirds expect to add jobs next year, even as more than half report skilled labor shortage.

Industrial truck sales hold steady, mirror U.S. economic indicators.