The turbulence in the stock market during the last month of the year has led many to forget that the overall state of the economy was positive in 2018, as it performed well by most measures, including year-over-year growth and a strong labor market.
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NRF says ‘state of the economy is sound’ and forecasts retail sales will grow between 3.8 and 4.4 percent
The National Retail Federation today forecast that retail sales during 2019 will increase between 3.8 percent and 4.4 percent to more than $3.8 trillion despite threats from an ongoing trade war, the volatile stock market and the effects of the government shutdown.
How is the Growth of E-Commerce Affecting Trucking?
Some of the issues of most concern to the industry, such as the driver shortage, hours of service, and truck parking, are affected by the growth of e-commerce and omni-channel marketing. The American Transportation Research Institute released an analysis of these impacts, including the challenges and opportunities posed by more regionalized retail supply chains and […]
State of Global Logistics: Time for a reality check
A combination of rising global interest rates and ongoing trade protectionism will continue to create unexpected turbulence for logistics managers over the course of 2019, say analysts. Meanwhile emerging markets will provide opportunities for faster growth-yet each faces its own set of operational challenges.
Rail Traffic for the Week Ending February 2, 2019
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending February 2, 2019, as well as volumes for January 2019. U.S. railroads originated 1,238,487 carloads in January 2019, up 1.7 percent, or 21,054 carloads, from January 2018. U.S. railroads also originated 1,316,168 containers and trailers in January 2019, up 0.5 […]
Trump calls for “great rebuilding” of infrastructure
Among myriad goals and accomplishments outlined in his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Trump asked Capitol Hill lawmakers to “unite for a great rebuilding of America’s crumbling infrastructure.”
NY/NJ Port Reaches 7 Mn TEU Milestone
The Port of New York and New Jersey witnessed a record-breaking year as it handled over 7 million TEU in 2018 for the first time in its history.
US truckers, shippers: ‘How slow can we grow?’
Last year, the big question about the US economy was, “How fast will it grow?” Now, everyone’s asking, “How fast will it slow?” Euphoria has given way to worry and concern amid trade disputes, stock market volatility, and a partial government shutdown. Economists who spoke at the SMC3 Jump Start 2019 conference this week don’t […]
January non-manufacturing output sees mild dip but remains on right side of growth, says ISM
The Institute for Supply Management (ISM)reported today its Non-Manufacturing Report on Business that non-manufacturing activity grew to start 2019, albeit at a slightly slower level than it did to close 2018.
Consumer spending on track for worst year in decade, says National Bank
A slowing Canadian economy will result in consumer spending falling to its lowest level in a decade this year, according to a new report from the National Bank of Canada. Economists at the bank expect real consumption growth – which is calculated once the impact of inflation is stripped out – to hit 1.3 per cent in 2019, which would be the lowest since 2009 […]