Economy

In a healthy but fiercely competitive landscape, technology continues to play a pivotal role in the ongoing digital transformation of supply chains big and small.

November’s 1,005,001 shipments represented a 1.8% annual gain, with 2018 shipments through November, at 11,288,944, are up 6.1% annually. Panjiva said this tally also includes containerized shipments, which saw a 3.7% annual increase.

Automotive (52%) and non-automotive (48%) segments are closer than ever in the history of RIA’s reports dating back to 1984.

With 1,144,033 shipments, October was up 11.9% annually, which Panjiva said marks the fastest rate of growth for monthly shipments going back to March 2014.

The PMI fell 2.1% to 57.7, showing growth for the 26th consecutive month and the overall economy now having grown for 114 consecutive months.

A focus on product design, recovery processes, renewable and recycled materials to drive innovations that enhance performance and efficiency.

Global sales value up 21% year over year. United States robot installations increased to 33,192 units in 2017, 6% more than in 2016.

The good economic times may not last forever

August shipments were down 1.4% compared to July and up 1.4% annually. All months in 2018 have seen growth, with the exception of a 0.2% decline in March. Through August, shipments are up 5.2% year-to-date.

Orders of unit handling equipment up 159.7% since May.

With global shippers looking to get in front of the beginning phase of recently implemented tariffs, United States-bound waterborne shipments saw gains in June.

Given the strong economic outlook at the moment, it stands to reason that there have been various subsequent takeaways. One key one was highlighted in a report recently issued by commercial real estate firm CBRE, whose main thesis was that for the year ending March 31, global prime logistics rents saw gains, due, in large part, to the improving global economy, as well as increased demand for goods bought both at physical store locations and online.

Secretary of Commerce cites flexible international sales model and record of exports to more than 25 countries.

Tariff frictions with trading partners in North America, the EU and China remain a wild card.

In the debate around automation, two forces work in an employee’s favor: technology is evolving quickly but doesn't pose an immediate threat, and e-commerce growth requires more workers within distribution centers.