Cold Chain Logistics The Key to Meeting Time-sensitive Demands
Cold chain logistics ensures that perishable goods are handled, stored, and transported under suitable conditions, with applications in various fields such as food and pharmaceuticals.
Cold chain logistics ensures that perishable goods are handled, stored, and transported under suitable conditions, with applications in various fields such as food and pharmaceuticals.
The Bluegrace Logistics Confidence Index for the second quarter of 2025 indicates that 74% of participants anticipate revenue growth, reflecting a significant increase in optimism. Additionally, inventory levels show a stable yet cautious trend, with businesses adopting a prudent approach to adjust their inventory strategies, expecting to maintain status quo in the short term.
The Prologis IBI Index indicates a turning point for logistics real estate demand in Q3, with improvements in net absorption, new lease signings, and project pipeline. Large enterprises and e-commerce companies are leading the recovery, driving up utilization rates and stabilizing vacancy rates. Businesses should seize market opportunities and optimize their supply chain strategies.
UPS is actively pursuing a labor agreement with the Teamsters, aiming to improve working conditions for its employees. The plan includes installing air conditioning in 5,000 existing vehicles in the hottest regions and testing cargo compartment air conditioning. This initiative demonstrates UPS's commitment to employee well-being and highlights the importance of employee care amidst network restructuring and strategic adjustments. The move is expected to significantly improve comfort and safety for drivers during extreme heat conditions.
DAT reports a weak overall US truckload freight market in October. Spot rates saw a slight increase, but couldn't offset low freight volumes. Multiple factors influence the market, including economic conditions, consumer spending, inventory levels, fuel prices, and regulations. The report predicts further challenges in 2025, advising trucking companies and brokers to improve efficiency, diversify services, strengthen customer relationships, and monitor market dynamics closely. Focus on operational excellence and adapting to evolving market conditions are crucial for success.
The truck driver shortage in the US is a long-standing problem with a significant and growing gap. Factors such as aging workforce, demanding work conditions, industry competition, and career choices of the younger generation contribute to this predicament. Addressing the issue requires a multi-pronged approach, including improving driver compensation and benefits, optimizing training programs, enhancing working conditions, and adopting a rational perspective on autonomous driving technology. Only through these combined efforts can the 'highway crisis' be alleviated.
In June, the Logistics Manager Index (LMI) significantly rose to 60.7, marking a strong recovery in the logistics sector. The report highlights improvements in inventory levels and changes in transportation and warehousing capacities. However, it also warns of uncertainties in market demand for the second half of the year, which could impact future economic and logistics trends.
The Global Trade Health Index reveals a significant drop in order volumes in the European market, impacted by the energy crisis and inflation. While the US market is less affected, retail orders are also decreasing, leading to substantial inventory pressure. The potential for recovery during the holiday season remains uncertain, requiring close monitoring of market dynamics.
The US Non-Manufacturing Index edged down to 55.5 in July, but remained in expansion territory, indicating a solid economic foundation. New orders and business activity continued to grow, while employment slowed slightly. Sector performance was mixed. Going forward, attention should be paid to the impact of global economic uncertainties and policy factors on the non-manufacturing sector.
US personal income grew more than expected in September, but PCE inflation pressure remained, with the overall PCE price index hitting a one-year high. The data reflects the complexity of the US economy: income growth supports consumption, but inflation pressures persist. The future economic direction depends on multiple factors, including the labor market, inflation trends, and geopolitical risks.