US Inflation Persists As Consumer Spending Stays Strong

US Inflation Persists As Consumer Spending Stays Strong

Jared Bernstein, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, analyzed the US economic situation during a media call at the Port of Los Angeles. He emphasized the importance of intermediate goods trade, highlighting consumer spending as a key economic driver. Bernstein acknowledged that inflationary pressures persist. He argued for balancing growth with stability, addressing structural challenges to ensure steady economic progress. The administration is focused on navigating these complexities to foster a resilient and sustainable economy, while closely monitoring global economic trends and their potential impact on the US.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
UPS to Add Air Conditioning in Delivery Trucks After Labor Deal

UPS to Add Air Conditioning in Delivery Trucks After Labor Deal

UPS plans to install air conditioning in 5,000 delivery vehicles to improve working conditions for its drivers. This initiative is part of a labor agreement reached with the Teamsters union, aimed at providing better heat protection for drivers. While UPS's relationship with the union hasn't always been smooth, with disputes over network restructuring and employee separation plans, the company is working to enhance operational efficiency and provide better service to its customers. This investment in driver comfort is a step towards improving employee relations and overall service quality.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
Ottos Selfdriving Trucks Transform Logistics Industry

Ottos Selfdriving Trucks Transform Logistics Industry

Otto's self-driving truck successfully delivered Budweiser beer, marking a new era for the logistics industry. Autonomous driving technology offers significant advantages, including increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved safety, and alleviation of driver shortages. Despite potential volatility and challenges facing the logistics sector in 2025, the application prospects for self-driving trucks are broad. They hold the promise of reshaping transportation models, optimizing supply chains, and creating new business opportunities within the logistics and transportation landscape. The successful delivery demonstrates the potential for autonomous vehicles to revolutionize the movement of goods.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
UPS Adds Realtime Tracking for LTL Freight

UPS Adds Realtime Tracking for LTL Freight

UPS Freight has launched a real-time tracking service for LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) pickups, significantly improving transparency in LTL transportation. This service includes pickup schedule confirmation, en-route driver notifications, and pickup completion confirmation. It benefits multi-location shippers, 3PL companies, and others by enhancing operational efficiency and reducing communication costs. This initiative propels the LTL industry towards greater transparency and efficiency, providing customers with more visibility and control over their shipments. Ultimately, it aims to streamline the LTL pickup process and improve the overall customer experience.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
Bank of America Index Shows High Costs Low Volumes in US Logistics

Bank of America Index Shows High Costs Low Volumes in US Logistics

The Bank of America Freight Payment Index indicates a decrease in freight volumes during the fourth quarter, while freight spending reached a record high. Driver shortages, rising fuel prices, and ongoing supply chain challenges are key contributing factors. Regional performance varied, with the Western region experiencing the largest increase in spending. To navigate these challenges, businesses need to optimize their supply chains, strengthen collaboration, diversify transportation options, and embrace digital transformation. These strategies are crucial for mitigating the impact of rising costs and ensuring efficient freight operations in the current economic climate.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Amazon Tests Selfdriving Trucks with Embark to Boost Logistics

Amazon Tests Selfdriving Trucks with Embark to Boost Logistics

Amazon is partnering with Embark to pilot autonomous trucking, aiming to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and revolutionize the logistics industry. While challenges remain, the potential benefits are significant. This collaboration explores the viability of self-driving technology in long-haul freight, potentially addressing driver shortages and optimizing delivery schedules. The partnership represents a growing interest in autonomous solutions within the logistics sector and could pave the way for wider adoption of driverless trucks in the future. The pilot program will likely focus on specific routes and cargo types to assess the technology's performance and safety.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Washington Potato Industry Struggles with Truck Shortage Delays

Washington Potato Industry Struggles with Truck Shortage Delays

Washington State potato growers are facing a truck shortage crisis due to a combination of factors including the ELD mandate, natural disasters, and long-standing industry issues, hindering product transportation. Farmers are actively seeking alternative solutions. Addressing the shortage requires improving driver compensation and working conditions, promoting technological innovation, and strengthening industry regulations. The potato industry needs to enhance collaboration, plan ahead, diversify market risks, and improve product quality to overcome these challenges. The situation highlights the fragility of the agricultural supply chain and the need for proactive measures to ensure efficient distribution.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Logistics Shows Steady Recovery in August Cass Index

US Logistics Shows Steady Recovery in August Cass Index

The Cass Freight Index's August report reveals signs of a steady recovery in the US logistics industry. While shipments and expenditures are down year-over-year, they have significantly increased month-over-month, indicating a rebound in economic activity. Increased imports at West Coast ports are a key driver, and tight capacity is leading to higher freight rates. The index is an important indicator for assessing the US freight market and forecasting economic trends, but it's crucial to consider the influence of seasonality, economic cycles, and specific events when interpreting the data.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Trucking Industry Hits Record High Amid Economic Growth

US Trucking Industry Hits Record High Amid Economic Growth

Data from the American Trucking Associations shows record high trucking freight volume in August, potentially signaling a positive economic outlook. The article analyzes the drivers behind this growth, including consumer spending and manufacturing activity. It also explores the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, such as driver shortages and fluctuating fuel prices. Overall, the outlook for the trucking industry is cautiously optimistic. The high freight volume suggests strong demand and economic activity, but the industry must navigate ongoing challenges to maintain its positive trajectory and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Truck Tonnage Declines in May Signaling Freight Slowdown

US Truck Tonnage Declines in May Signaling Freight Slowdown

The American Trucking Associations reported a slight decrease of 0.7% in the For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index for May, but an increase of 3.7% year-over-year. Despite short-term fluctuations, the overall tonnage remains higher than the same period last year. Gasoline demand and retail inventory rebuilding are supporting factors, but driver shortages remain a challenge. Close attention should be paid to macroeconomic conditions, industry data, and policy changes to strengthen risk management and explore new business models. This highlights the ongoing complexities and potential opportunities within the trucking sector.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More