Transportation TIP List: Week of April 15th, 2018

With the observance of Earth Day this upcoming Sunday, it’s only natural that this week’s TIP List is showcasing a number of stories that provide our readers a transportation forecast. Highlights include the BNSF railway joining the Blockchain in Transport Alliance and Walmart relaxing on some delivery deadlines – get the full scoop on the supply chain environment below!

• Technology Disruptor – Blockchain is a Potential Game-Changer in the Rail Realm: BNSF Railway recently became the first Class I to join the Blockchain in Transport Alliance. A handful of other rail companies, including GE Transportation and Bourque Logistics — and rumblings of more to come — also are among BiTA’s more than 230 members.
• Walmart Relaxes Deadlines for Some Deliveries Amid Driver Crunch: Just months after tightening them, Walmart has relaxed deadlines for some supplier deliveries, easing pressure on manufacturers who are already grappling with the ongoing driver shortage.
• Trucking Industry Posts Big Job Gains in March: According to the U.S. Labor Department monthly jobs report, March was a busy hiring month for trucking, as the industry added 6,700 jobs and transportation and logistics companies added 9,800 positions.
• Rising U.S. Truck, Intermodal Rates Confirm Strengthening Economy: U.S. consumer confidence may have slipped slightly in March, but recent data showed truckload rates and volumes continued to rise, pushing up rates throughout that month. Truck pricing then leaped in the first week of April, along with spot market load volumes.
• 3PLs Enjoy Solid 4Q Revenues: According to the Transportation Intermediaries Association, 3PLs saw total shipments rise in the fourth quarter of 2017, sending revenue and invoice amount-per shipment values jumping, but not enough to improve profits.

What trends are you seeing shape the current supply chain climate?