by LM Staff on 6 October 2025 at 12:00 pm

FTR reported that preliminary September Class 8 truck net orders, at 20,500 units, rose 60% over August and fell 41% annually. ACT reported that September preliminary North America Class 8 net orders, at 20,800 units, were off 44% annually.

by Jeff Berman on 3 October 2025 at 3:27 pm

The September Services PMI, at 50.0 (a reading of 50.0 or above represents expansion and below indicates contraction) was below a 52.0 August readng, which topped July by 1.9%. This reading is 2.0 below the 12-month high of 52.0 set in August and 0.1% above the May 2025 low of 49.9.

by LM Staff on 3 October 2025 at 1:57 pm

For July, the most recent month for which data is available, the SCI came in at -2.0, an improvement over June’s -2.6 reading.

by LM Staff on 3 October 2025 at 10:44 am

Rail carloads, at 228,903, eked out a 0.9% annual increase, and intermodal containers and trailers, at 283,739 units, headed up 1.1%.

by Jeff Berman on 3 October 2025 at 6:35 am

The firm said that based on its estimates it expects that 2.3 million packages will be delivered over this year’s peak, representing a 5% annual gain, attributing the expected increase to one more shopping day than there was in 2024.

by LM Staff on 2 October 2025 at 4:03 pm

FedEx said this week it has started a direct cargo flight between Dublin, Ireland, and Indianapolis, Indiana. The four-day-a-week service shortens shipping times by a full day by skipping the crowded coastal gateways.

by Jeff Berman on 2 October 2025 at 2:51 pm

As global trade has seen significant shifts in a short time across 2025, coupled with the ongoing need for supply chains to build resilience and speed and become ever more agile, the role of the supply chain has subsequently evolved to being able to respond in short order to various things.

by Bridget McCrea on 2 October 2025 at 12:20 am

As e-commerce sales surge toward $8 trillion, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) are evolving to handle higher order volumes, tighter delivery windows, and complex returns using automation, AI, and integrated warehouse management systems (WMS). By offering scalable fulfillment, reverse logistics, and real-time visibility, 3PLs help shippers of all sizes optimize operations, cut costs, and enhance customer satisfaction in a rapidly changing digital marketplace.

by Jeff Berman on 1 October 2025 at 6:01 pm

The report’s benchmark reading, the PMI, at 49.1 (a reading of 50 or higher indicates growth), was up 0.4% compared to August, contracting, at a slower rate, for the seventh consecutive month, with the overall economy growing, at a faster rate, for the 65th consecutive month.

by LM Staff on 1 October 2025 at 4:01 pm

Amazon Shipping will add peak season surcharges from Oct. 26 through Jan. 17, 2026, the company recently announced.

by Jeff Berman on 1 October 2025 at 3:29 pm

At Prologis’ Groundbreakers event, CEO Hamid Moghadam and Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized the urgent need for abundant, reliable energy to power AI growth, digital infrastructure, and next-gen supply chains

by Brandon Hamilton, Systems Project Manager, St. Onge on 1 October 2025 at 2:24 pm

A Transportation Management System (TMS) empowers logistics managers to optimize freight costs, improve visibility, and standardize processes while enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. By leveraging automation, carrier management, reporting analytics, and sustainability tracking, a TMS helps companies scale, reduce costs, and gain actionable insights for smarter, data-driven transportation decisions.

by Jeff Berman on 1 October 2025 at 12:45 pm

The 15th Annual Rail/Intermodal Roundtable examines the current state of the U.S. rail and intermodal markets, highlighting modest carload growth, improving service levels, and the ongoing impact of tariffs, truck competition, and emerging technology. Experts also weigh in on the potential Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, forecasting that regulatory review and broader economic conditions will shape service, pricing, and growth opportunities over the next several years.

by Karen E. Thuermer on 1 October 2025 at 12:30 pm

The feature examines the volatile ocean shipping landscape, highlighting how tariffs, geopolitical tensions, fleet overcapacity, and port congestion are reshaping trans-Pacific and global container markets. Insights from top carriers, including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC, as well as analysts from Drewry and Freightos, reveal how shippers are navigating rate fluctuations, front-loaded cargo, and evolving peak season timing to optimize ocean freight strategies.

by Michael Levans on 1 October 2025 at 12:15 pm

U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) continue to provide importers and exporters with duty deferral, export exemptions, and operational efficiencies, even as 2025 tariff policies—including reciprocal duties, higher Section 232 rates, and the end of de minimis—reshape the importing landscape. By leveraging FTZs, companies can manage costs, streamline compliance, and maintain global competitiveness while navigating evolving trade regulations.

by Michael Levans on 1 October 2025 at 12:00 pm

The October cover story highlights rail and intermodal transportation, showing how technology and emerging AI are improving network efficiency, service levels, and visibility for long-haul, high-volume shipments. The column also previews the 2025 Supply Chain Outlook Virtual Summit, where MIT’s Matthias Winkenbach will explain how AI is transforming logistics decision-making and creating smarter, more resilient supply chains.

by Jeff Berman on 30 September 2025 at 3:23 pm

A White House executive order issued yesterday announced new tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products (wood products), focused on an effort, to bolster American industry and protect national security.

by Brian Straight on 30 September 2025 at 2:03 pm

The Association for Supply Chain Management has released its Top 10 Trends for 2026, highlighting how artificial intelligence, workforce evolution, trade dynamics, resilience, and sustainability will reshape global supply chains.

by LM Staff on 30 September 2025 at 1:35 pm

The national average price per gallon, for the week of September 29, at $3.754, rose $0.005, following a $0.01-cent increase, to $3.749, for the week of September 22, which was preceded by a 2.7-cent decline, to $3.739, for the week of September 15.

by LM Staff on 30 September 2025 at 1:19 pm

For July, the most recent month for which data is available, the TCI reading came in at -1.03, faring better than June’s -1.83 reading, the lowest in 2025, with the firm noting that the TCI improved despite all freight-related factors coming in lower than in June.