Trucking groups react positively to Chao confirmation

Major trucking organizations are applauding the confirmation of Elaine Chao as the 18th secretary of the Department of Transportation. She was confirmed easily by the Senate Tuesday, Jan. 31, and sworn in later in the day. Reaction of major trucking organizations has been swift and positive.

U.S. Auto Sales Cooled in January

The Big Three auto makers posted declines in January auto sales amid what is expected to be a broader cooling in demand following brisk sales in the prior month that is creating a glut on dealer lots. (This article requires a subscription to the Wall Street Journal. To access, please click on the above link.)

US shippers to shift to rail from rising truck rates

Modal lines that hardened as US economic growth slowed dramatically in 2015 and 2016 and truckload rates plummeted appear to be softening. As the economy improves, businesses expect truckload rates to rise, and those companies are looking for alternative routes to savings. (This article requires registration at the Journal of Commerce. To access, please click […]

US shippers paying more for truckload freight

Some of the largest US truckload carriers saw contract rates with shippers begin to rise in the fourth quarter, following the path marked by spot market rates starting in late spring. They expect rates to move higher in 2017, but in measured steps, not leaps and bounds. (This article requires registration at the Journal of […]

Transports Put Up Strong Week Led By LTL And Container Shipping Line Companies

• Transports are now up 3.1 percent; whereas the SPY is up 2.4 percent. • President Trump and U.S.-Mexico issues continue to garner headlines. • Mexico indices and select individual companies performed strongly during the week. • Slower GDP growth for the fourth quarter isn’t such a bad thing; but getting the federal budget passed […]

IATA, UNCTAD Collaborate to Boost Global Adoption of Cargo Messaging Standards

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) announced that IATA’s Cargo-XML messaging standard has now been fully integrated into ASYCUDA World, the UNCTAD automated customs management system used by 90 countries worldwide for their customs procedures.

US truckers expect Trump-fueled rate bump

Trucking and logistics executives are optimistic, if not quite bullish, about the outlook for freight demand and pricing in 2017 and 2018. Encouraged by President Donald Trump’s plans for infrastructure spending and regulatory reform, as well as signs of an improving industrial economy, they are preparing for increases in shipments and tonnage later this year. […]