The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) isn’t mincing words.
In its new report Unlocking Freight, AASHTO says the US freight transportation system is facing a crisis, and that the nation’s highways, railroads, ports, waterways, and airports require investments well beyond current levels to maintain – much less improve – their performance. (more…)
Following a decrease in market size of some $20.0 billion from 2007 – 2009, researchers from Analytiqa now predict that spending on logistics across North and South America could increase by approximately $106 billion through 2012, including an impressive 32 percent increase in logistics outsourcing expenditures.
Even so, the North and South American Logistics 2010 study, which sized logistics markets and evaluated outsourcing rates across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the United States, found that 3PLs looking to capitalize on this enormous growth will have to overcome a few significant challenges, related mostly to flexibility and speed. (more…)
Back in 2009, the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) sent a letter to air cargo shippers reminding them about the congressionally-mandated August 2010 deadline for 100 percent screening of all cargo on passenger planes.
Now, a new government report says the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is going to have trouble meeting that mandate.
Researchers at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that even though TSA has made progress, it still faces considerable challenges in developing and implementing a system to screen 100 percent of domestic cargo by August.
In its review, the GAO does recognize several areas where TSA has made great strides. For instance, the agency has: (more…)
A larger-than-expected rebound in container traffic has created a shortage of boxes and forced container prices to a 19-year high.
According to The Journal of Commerce, the current price for a 20-foot dry container has risen to $2,750, its highest level since 1991, from less than $2,000 at the end of 2009.
Container manufacturers slowed production when carriers cut capacity during the recession. Now, they’re having trouble ramping up to meet new demand. (more…)
We’ve all dealt with traffic tie-ups in our personal lives –unfortunately, that’s particularly true for those of us who live here, in California! But, have you ever considered how much traffic congestion may be affecting the operational costs, supply chain efficiency and overall productivity of your company?
The Associated General Contractors of America polled nearly 1,200 construction firms in late April and May to take a close look at that question, and the data uncovered may surprise you.
For example, the survey found that: (more…)
