Transportation TIP List: Week of October 28th, 2018

Despite haunted houses, ghosts and witches setting a scary mood for the Halloween celebrations that took place earlier this week, we’re definitely not spooked by the latest trends impacting the supply chain. Unwrap this week’s TIP List to see what’s in store for the new North American trade agreement, as well as what retailers can do to make sure this holiday season is a real treat for shoppers!

• Shoppers Prefer Their Deliveries Free Rather Than Fast This Holiday Season: According to Deloitte’s Annual Holiday Survey, shoppers prefer their gifts shipped for free rather than fast, most will pay more for an item that doesn’t harm the environment, and if a retailer wants their personal details, shoppers want a discount or perk in return.
• The New NAFTA: What’s Changed? What’s the Impact?: Renegotiating the almost 25-year-old NAFTA has been a priority of the current U.S. administration. After much negotiation between the U.S., Mexico and Canada over the past year, a new agreement has been reached, and is set to be signed soon.
• U.S. Truck, Intermodal Rates Hitting Peaks Before Deceleration: U.S. truck and intermodal rail volumes and freight rates are at or near their peak levels of the year; and although growth will continue into 2019, it will be moderate due to economic factors and trade tensions.
• Trucking Companies Boost Prices Amid Capacity Squeeze: Trucking companies are flexing their pricing power, pushing retailers and manufacturers to pay more to buy into a strong U.S. economy and adding to inflation pressures in supply chains.
• Cass Freight Index Report Highlights a Still Strong Freight Market: Even with myriad events like the fluctuating stock market, the new (and possibly permanent) trade war, and general global tension taking center stage in the news, one thing has remained steady and strong: the health of the freight market.

What sweet industry trends are you are keeping an eye on this week?