According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending November 8th, U.S. rail carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.1%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 8.7% year-over-year. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up 1.8%, and intermodal traffic is up 2.5%. These figures reflect the ongoing structural adjustments within the U.S. economy, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the global supply chain.
The US Hours of Service (HOS) reform for truck drivers, designed to improve operational efficiency and flexibility, faces potential delays due to a Democrat-led push for a 'full review.' The reform encompasses four key adjustments: break rules, sleeper berth provisions, adverse driving conditions exceptions, and expanded short-haul exemptions. The industry generally agrees that flexibility is crucial. However, political maneuvering has introduced uncertainty into the reform's implementation.
Bank of America strategists believe small-cap stocks present compelling investment opportunities amid policy shifts and market structure adjustments. Policies aimed at reducing the cost of living benefit small businesses. Increasing investor concerns regarding tech stocks and the market's transition from asset-light to asset-heavy models further support small-cap performance. These factors collectively create a favorable environment for small-cap investments, suggesting potential outperformance in the current market landscape.
US commercial trailer orders declined for the third consecutive month, but backlogs remain high. Analysts suggest the decline may be due to seasonal adjustments and front-loaded demand, influenced by economic uncertainty and a weak freight market. Long-term, economic growth, infrastructure investment, and technological innovation will support market development. Companies should strengthen market monitoring, optimize product structures, improve service quality, and actively expand markets to seize long-term growth opportunities.
The North American intermodal market saw a strong rebound in Q4, with total volume increasing by 3.1%, the first growth in nine quarters. While full-year volume declined by 5.9%, inventory adjustments and shifts in consumer spending patterns suggest growth potential in 2024. Changes in the global shipping landscape and competition from trucking pose challenges. Companies need to seize opportunities, optimize strategies, and collectively create a new era of intermodal success.
Global trade in 2025 faces multiple challenges, including policy changes, route adjustments, and demand uncertainty. However, ports have maintained efficient operations through continuous investment, data-driven approaches, and strengthened inland transportation. This highlights the need for the logistics industry to actively embrace technology and build intelligent, efficient supply chain systems to address future challenges. Proactive adaptation and leveraging data are crucial for building resilience and navigating the evolving global trade landscape.
The Panama Canal is adjusting its tolls in response to evolving trade patterns, impacting various vessel types. This move is likely to increase shipping costs, potentially prompting innovation within the shipping industry. The toll adjustments aim to ensure the canal's competitiveness and sustainability in the face of global economic shifts and evolving shipping demands. The changes could affect trade routes and supply chains worldwide, requiring shipping companies to adapt their strategies.
The US Manufacturing PMI indicates continued growth in the manufacturing sector, albeit at a slower pace, with significant internal differentiation. Key indicators like new orders and production present a mixed picture, reflecting both weak demand and supply chain adjustments. Businesses face the risk of economic recession and need to strengthen innovation and optimize operations to meet these challenges. Government support is also crucial to promote sustainable industry development.
JiaPlus ERP for Walmart platform launches new features to help sellers efficiently manage stores, optimize listings, monitor hijackers, and improve customer experience, thereby converting traffic into sales during Black Friday. The platform offers unified product/order management, listing quality optimization, 24-hour hijacker monitoring, and automatic price adjustments. These features comprehensively enhance operational efficiency and sales performance for Walmart sellers, allowing them to maximize their potential during the peak shopping season.
Amazon's tightened policies and increased demands on FBA shipment timeliness pose threats to account security. Sellers need to standardize operations, optimize logistics, diversify their business, and seek legal aid to mitigate risks and enhance competitiveness. Facing future policy adjustments, sellers should be mentally prepared and proactively respond to changes. Focusing on compliance and efficiency is crucial for navigating the evolving Amazon landscape and maintaining a secure and profitable business.
