Transportation TIP List: Week of October 23rd, 2016

Halloween is a great time for more than just kids collecting candy — it’s also a treat for the supply chain and retail industries, as spending on the holiday is estimated to reach an all-time high this year. And we promise that there are no tricks in this week’s TIP List, which includes stories about Pack Expo’s record-breaking projections and FMCSA funding for military veterans to become truck drivers. You’re in for a transportation treat below!

• The Halloween Supply Chain: According to the NRF’s annual survey, total spending for Halloween is expected to reach $8.4 billion this year — which marks an all-time high in the survey’s 11-year history.

• Industry Growth Powers Largest Ever Pack Expo and Pharma Expo: Pack Expo International and co-located Pharma Expo are projecting a record-breaking year in 2016, with 50,000 attendees seeking new technologies and insights from more than 2,500 exhibitors.

• FMCSA Gives $1M to Train Military Vets to Become Truckers: Seven technical and community colleges across the U.S. were awarded a combined total of nearly $1 million in grants from the FMCSA to help train military veterans for jobs as truck drivers.

• Factory Production Rises for Third Time in Four Months: Output on production of consumer goods and construction materials rose for the third time in four months, which is a sign that the industry is recovering.

• Big Retailers Are Acting Like Startups: Many big retail companies are being taught to think differently, get outside the box, empower young employees and break some rules in order to stay current.

• What is New in Fleet Safety?: From the ELD mandate and Hours of Service to the FMSCA’s safety scores — it’s clear that owning a truck fleet comes with many compliance challenges. How are new capabilities in IT being leveraged to meet them?

• Texas A&M Unveils Truck-less Electric Freight System: Last month, Texas A&M University unveiled the Freight Shuttle System, an electric, elevated railway network that transports loaded trailers without the tractors from one distribution point to another.

 What are some sweet industry trends you are keeping an eye on?