Transportation TIP List: Week of May 19th, 2019
Posted - May 22, 2019
For many recent graduates, now is a great time to celebrate current accomplishments and prepare for future endeavors. And this week’s TIP List is also looking ahead by examining some of the industry trends on the horizon, including proposed legislation for improving infrastructure and the potential impact of blockchain technology on transportation.
What will we encounter on the industry road ahead? Find out in the stories below!
- New Legislation Focuses on Dedicated Freight Funding Plan: Representative Alan Lowenthal recently introduced legislation in the hope of creating a dedicated revenue source that will direct more than $100 billion over a ten-year period to rebuild crumbling infrastructure and bolster the national economy from a competitive perspective.
- Is Blockchain The Perfect Match for Supply Chain?: There are many impactful blockchain business use cases for industries such as real estate, legal, government and financial services. While all of these are in various stages of maturity, one industry to keep a close eye on is supply chain – especially when it comes to bidding, contracts and process automation.
- China’s Retail Sales Growth Slumps to 16-Year Low as Trade War Risks Rise: To the surprise of many, China recently reported weaker growth in retail sales and industrial output for April, adding pressure on Beijing to roll out more stimulus as the trade war with the U.S. escalates.
- Trucker Bankruptcies Reveal Perils for Carriers, Shippers: Shippers spooked by the sudden collapse of New England Motor Freight in February and Falcon Transport in April should not expect a spate of big trucking bankruptcies. However, smaller trucking firms may be vulnerable as the freight market softens.
- FTR Trucking Conditions Index Turns Negative: For March, the Trucking Condition Index came in at -1.18, which FTR said reflects a softening environment for carriers as freight rates see continued easing, coupled with a sluggish, but positive, demand outlook.
What top industry trends are you following this week?