10xLogistics

JUNE 7, 2013

On June 3 the Institute for Supply Management issued their May ISM index and it came in at 49. Unfortunately, this means the manufacturing component of our economy actually contracted in May (despite all the talk of a manufacturing renaissance). This is the lowest since November of 2012 and the lowest level since June of 2009. Both the price index and employment index showed decreases as well.

Production 54

Production Tips Course Capacity 54

10xLogistics

JUNE 4, 2013

A fascinating discovery occurred the other day on my way to Chicago from Michigan. As I was driving down I-94 I saw a delivery truck coming the other direction. It looked a lot like the size / model of a UPS truck except it was somewhat lime green. On the side of the delivery truck was a logo that said " Amazon Fresh ". It had the distinctive Amazon "arrow" logo and I thought to myself - OK, here it comes.

Trucking 54

Trucking Modeling Sourcing 54

10xLogistics

JUNE 5, 2013

The May Cass Freight Index is out and it is clear that rates are staying flat and volumes are a bit behind where they were last year. Despite never missing an opportunity to say "Hours of Service (HOS) in July will cause rates to go up" the industry is starting to see the interesting phenomenon that the economy can have positive GDP rates yet freight volumes do not increase enough to put pressure on rates.

Inventory Reduction 54

Inventory Reduction Freight Capacity Inventory 54

10xLogistics

JUNE 3, 2013

Many have always said crude by rail was just a "stop gap" until new pipelines are built out to support the new finds of oil all over North America. However, as this article in the WSJ points out (subscription required) Kinder Morgan is canceling a $2Bl pipeline project because West Coast refiners want the crude delivered by rail. Pipelines lock contracts for a long time where rail is far more "variable".

Negotiating Skills 54

Negotiating Skills Article Meeting 54

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