Meijer is hosting a virtual summit on April 1st to seek out local suppliers in the Midwest. The summit will focus on categories including food, baby products, beauty, and health & wellness. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for localized products and establish long-term partnerships with regional businesses. Meijer is committed to supporting local economies and providing customers with unique, locally sourced items.
The global furniture market is large and growing, with Europe and the the US being key markets, driven by demand for living room and bedroom furniture. Online channels are gaining prominence, and ergonomics, customization, and sustainability are emerging trends. China boasts a strong furniture industry cluster. Cross-border sellers should pay close attention to shipping costs and after-sales service to succeed in the market.
US rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in late April. Gains in motor vehicles and farm products were offset by declines in commodities such as coal. Overall North American rail freight volume also decreased. The dip highlights ongoing shifts in commodity demand and transportation patterns across the region. Further analysis is needed to determine the long-term implications for the rail freight industry.
In August 2022, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 2.9%, while intermodal volume decreased by 2.4%. For the full year, carload traffic remained flat, and intermodal volume declined by 5.5%. North American rail freight is facing pressure. This data reflects key economic trends impacting the transportation sector and broader supply chains. The contrasting performance of carload and intermodal shipments suggests shifts in freight demand and transportation strategies.
E-commerce logistics expert Rick Watson analyzes issues such as peak season, express delivery price increases, and Amazon's competition. He emphasizes the industry's intelligent and green development, as well as collaborative cooperation. The analysis points towards a need for smarter, more sustainable, and interconnected logistics solutions to navigate the evolving e-commerce landscape and address the challenges posed by increasing demand and competitive pressures.
The Transportation Management System (TMS) market is booming, and businesses need to understand its trends to optimize logistics and reduce costs. This article delves into eight key trends: omnichannel retail demand, globalization expansion, tactical planning capabilities, freight forecasting, embedded analytics, big data management, backhaul utilization, and planning and execution integration. It provides a reference for businesses to grasp the development direction of TMS and enhance competitiveness.
A Panjiva report indicates a 6.9% year-over-year increase in U.S. container imports for February, but a 5.5% decrease compared to January. Energy imports surged while IT imports declined. Experts note a record high for a single day in February, but the full-year trend remains uncertain. Inflation, geopolitical factors, and changing consumer behavior could influence future demand, requiring flexibility from the shipping industry.
North American Class 8 truck orders remained robust in February, but supply chain bottlenecks are limiting production capacity. This article analyzes the drivers behind the order surge, the root causes of the supply chain challenges, and proposes coping strategies for fleets, manufacturers, and suppliers. It also provides an outlook on the future of the market, considering the ongoing constraints and potential shifts in demand and production.
MSC is adjusting capacity on Asia-North America routes due to decreased demand after the Golden Week holiday, resulting in canceled sailings. This will likely lead to tight space, fluctuating freight rates, and potential delays. Cross-border e-commerce businesses are advised to secure bookings in advance, optimize transportation plans, dynamically manage inventory, and closely monitor policy changes to mitigate these challenges and maintain supply chain stability.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the key factors influencing US-China shipping costs, including cargo type, destination port, mode of transport, market supply and demand, and surcharges. It offers current market reference prices and practical tips to help businesses and individuals effectively control shipping costs and improve profitability. The goal is to provide actionable insights for optimizing expenses related to US-China maritime transport.
