Logistics Management Magazine Archives

Logistics Management

LM Exclusive

15th Annual Rail/Intermodal Roundtable: Seeking growth drivers amid big M&A questions
Three of the nation’s top freight rail and intermodal analysts explore the market’s current state, covering service performance, regulatory developments, and pricing dynamics.

Supply Chain & Logistics Technology 

Eyeing vision inventory improvements
Computer vision technology is being applied to inventory management challenges to free up labor otherwise needed for manual cycle counts. Suppliers stress that vision and sensing can do more than track location by reading bar codes—the technologies enable deeper visibility into space utilization trends and other forms of inventory intelligence.  

Transportation Best Practices/Trends 

3PLs in the Fast Lane: Meeting the e-commerce surge with tech, scale, and smarts
As e-commerce sales soar toward $8 trillion, logistics managers face relentless order volumes, rising returns, and tighter delivery windows. Leading third-party logistics providers are stepping in, using automation, AI, and integrated systems to streamline fulfillment, manage the reverse supply chain, and become essential partners for shippers of all sizes.

Supply Chain Leadership 

How supply chain leadership drives business growth, competitive advantage
No longer considered just a cost center, the supply chain now plays a pivotal role in generating new revenue opportunities and ensuring companies meet the rising demands of today and tomorrow. Procter & Gamble is proving how.

Global Logistics 

U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones in 2025: How new tariffs and proclamations are changing the playbook
From duty deferral to export exemptions, FTZs remain a powerful tool for importers and exporters—but recent tariff changes and the end of de minimis treatment are reshaping the strategy. Our insider explains how companies can still leverage FTZs to manage costs, streamline compliance, and enhance global competitiveness. 

December 1, 2025 · Persistent volatility, policy whiplash, and uneven demand left logistics managers feeling trapped in a loop - where every solution seemed temporary, and every forecast came with an asterisk. From tariffs and trucking to rail and ocean freight, the year's defining force was disruption itself
December 1, 2025 · A handpicked roundup of the top 10 logistics and supply chain stories from 2025, highlighting the most significant trends and themes identified by LM Group News Editor Jeff Berman—this curated list goes beyond simple popularity metrics, offering deeper insights into the key developments shaping the industry.
December 1, 2025 · As the logistics and freight transportation landscape continues to evolve, the Logistics Management editorial staff has selected the “Must-Read” features from 2025.
December 1, 2025 · The logistics industry enters 2026 feeling a strong sense of deja vu, as shifting tariffs, uneven freight markets, and persistent uncertainty left many managers reliving the same disruptions throughout 2025.
December 1, 2025 · With the world effectively shrinking and deliveries now just a click away, businesses are turning to specialized point solutions that promise not only logistics cost reduction but also enhance service levels. This strategic investment in logistics technology is driving continuous value creation, making it an integral part of the supply chain narrative.
November 1, 2025 · The $387 billion U.S. truckload sector remains mired in a three-year freight recession. Carriers face soft demand, rising bankruptcies, and potential disruption from a proposed transcontinental rail merger, while savvy operators pursue new strategies to rebuild volume and protect profitability.
November 1, 2025 · As rail and intermodal rebound from years of underinvestment, new technology and AI-driven analytics are helping to modernize networks, improve service levels, and restore shipper confidence.
November 1, 2025 · The first year of relaxed trucking regulations under the Trump administration is reshaping the $1 trillion industry. From language enforcement and speed limiter rollbacks to autonomous truck trials and emissions reversals, shifting policies are redefining safety, technology, and environmental standards across the nation.
November 1, 2025 · AI-driven digital freight matching tools are giving brokers and shippers the agility to thrive in a volatile market—automating workflows, tightening utilization, and reshaping the economics of freight. Our esteemed panel shares how this now critical market is evolving
November 1, 2025 · Technology and data are helping shippers, carriers, and brokers cut costs, manage risk, and stay ahead in an increasingly complex freight market. From AI-driven routing to smarter load boards and real-time visibility, digital tools are reshaping how motor freight moves and how decisions are made.
November 1, 2025 · It’s been a year of starts, stops, and uncertainty in trade compliance. Here’s how logistics and supply chain professionals can prepare for 2026 while staying compliant, efficient, and resilient.
October 1, 2025 · As e-commerce sales soar toward $8 trillion, logistics managers face relentless order volumes, rising returns, and tighter delivery windows. Leading third-party logistics providers are stepping in, using automation, AI, and integrated systems to streamline fulfillment, manage the reverse supply chain, and become essential partners for shippers of all sizes.
October 1, 2025 · A modern transportation management system (TMS) streamlines freight operations, enhances visibility, and supports scalable, data-driven decision-making across your supply chain.
October 1, 2025 · Three of the nation's top freight rail and intermodal analysts explore the market’s current state, covering service performance, regulatory developments, and pricing dynamics.
October 1, 2025 · Ocean carriers face turbulence from shifting tariffs, port congestion, and fleet overcapacity, forcing shippers to adjust strategies. With fluctuating rates and front-loaded cargo, logistics managers must navigate a volatile market and rethink peak season planning
October 1, 2025 · From duty deferral to export exemptions, FTZs remain a powerful tool for importers and exporters—but recent tariff changes and the end of de minimis treatment are reshaping the strategy. Our insider explains how companies can still leverage FTZs to manage costs, streamline compliance, and enhance global competitiveness.
September 4, 2025 · With its real-time visibility, intelligent automation and flexible architecture, modern SCM software is helping shippers plan, adapt and deliver with confidence. We explore how these technologies are empowering companies to stay agile—and respond to disruptions faster than ever before.
September 4, 2025 · As supply chains evolve, so too must the yards that support them. Companies are modernizing their yard operations with modular systems that improve visibility, speed up trailer flow and increase efficiency.
September 4, 2025 · The 34th Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends reveals a growing disconnect in the industry, as logistics professionals recognize challenges from AI adoption, workforce shortages, and tariff disruptions but struggle to take effective action.
September 4, 2025 · Our 34th Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends survey team discovers a persistent gap between knowing what’s possible in logistics and actually putting it into practice. From AI adoption to talent development and technology integration, leaders understand the path forward, but action still lags behind insight.
September 4, 2025 · In a world where cost-efficiency alone no longer guarantees success, global supply chains must evolve. AI-driven autonomy offers the solution, enabling faster, more agile, and sustainable operations. Recent Accenture research reveals how autonomy is not just an operational improvement—it's the key to long-term value and the next phase of industrial evolution.
August 11, 2025 · Celebrate excellence in logistics with the 42nd Annual Quest for Quality Awards, Logistics Management's trusted measure of customer satisfaction and service performance.
August 11, 2025 · Service soars amid uncertainty for air carriers and forwarders
August 11, 2025 · 3PL innovators set the standard for top service
August 11, 2025 · Navigating cross currents with innovation
August 11, 2025 · World-class service amid continued transformation
August 11, 2025 · Delivering top-tier service despite market volatility
August 11, 2025 · Stellar service amid complex challenges for LTL carriers
August 11, 2025 · Truckers leading with strategic adaptably
August 11, 2025 · Which carriers, third-party logistics providers, and U.S. ports have truly risen to the top in service excellence over the past year? Our readers have cast their votes, and it’s time to reveal this year’s winners of the prestigious Quest for Quality Awards.
August 4, 2025 · We spoke to 18 executives to understand how they’re adapting to the evolving tariff landscape.
August 4, 2025 · Our insider explores the evolving tariff landscape and discover essential strategies for U.S. importers to stay competitive, compliant, and resilient in 2025. With a structured, informed approach, businesses can successfully navigate tariff complexities and uncertainties
August 4, 2025 · The innovative apparel brand known for its comfortable stretch denim faced a logistical challenge that threatened its operations. With inventory inaccuracies and delivery delays, the company shifted to a new 3PL partner that not only improved operational accuracy, but helped the brand expand its product range and better manage parcel shipping costs. Here’s how it was done.
August 4, 2025 · Enterprise resource planning platforms are leveraging AI, edge computing and smart integrations to unify supply chain data and solidify their spot on the SCM map.
July 1, 2025 · Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are grappling with geopolitical instability, fluctuating tariffs, rising costs, and labor shortages, while also facing pressure to accelerate e-commerce order fulfillment. Smaller 3PLs struggle to keep pace with larger peers due to high costs of automation, AI, and robotics. Despite these challenges, the U.S. 3PL market saw growth in 2024, with net revenues increasing by 1.6%.
July 1, 2025 · The global airfreight market, valued at $319.4 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $492.7 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. While air cargo volumes have shown upward trends, market stability remains uncertain due to fluctuating tariff policies and geopolitical events.
July 1, 2025 · The freight rail and intermodal sectors are facing continued market fluctuations in 2025, with U.S. rail carloads showing a slight decline and intermodal volumes reaching a three-year high.
July 1, 2025 · The $66 billion less-than-truckload (LTL) market is facing a turbulent year, with tariffs and economic uncertainty significantly impacting profitability.
July 1, 2025 · The 36th Annual State of Logistics Report highlights the challenges facing the truckload sector, the largest segment of the $387 billion trucking market. With tariffs on foreign goods affecting freight volumes, major carriers like J.B. Hunt, Knight-Swift, and Werner Enterprises are experiencing declines, particularly in intermodal and TL pricing.
July 1, 2025 · As the global logistics market nears $6 trillion by 2030, U.S. shippers are navigating a turbulent environment marked by economic, geopolitical, and environmental challenges. The 36th Annual State of Logistics (SoL) Report reveals a supply chain in flux, with fragile optimism for the future. While e-commerce shows promise, persistent tariff tensions, rising costs, and global disruptions continue to impact the logistics industry.
July 1, 2025 ·
July 1, 2025 · With weak demand, overcapacity, and economic uncertainty clouding the outlook, our esteemed panel says recovery in this sector may not come until 2026—and shippers must act strategically now.
July 1, 2025 · Ocean shipping on trans-Pacific trade lanes is grappling with extreme volatility as fluctuating U.S. tariffs disrupt import volumes, leading to shipping freezes, capacity reductions, and soaring freight rates. With tariffs shifting unexpectedly, shippers are rushing to move goods before deadlines, causing port congestion to spike and freight rates to climb as carriers impose surcharges.
July 1, 2025 · Artificial intelligence is gaining traction in SCM platforms, offering predictive insights and autonomous operations in some cases. Yet, concerns over data quality, cost, and complexity are keeping many companies from realizing its full potential.
July 1, 2025 · Your inbound transportation costs are too high. What should you do?
June 1, 2025 · Amid soft for-hire rates, shippers double down on private fleets to gain control, ensure service, and boost safety—making the case for in-house trucking as a long-term, strategic asset.
June 1, 2025 · Geopolitical conflict, rerouting, rising costs, and tariff pressure are rewriting the rules for global container shipping—well into 2025 and beyond.
June 1, 2025 · Still emerging, humanoid robots could soon address challenges in today’s supply chains, from labor shortages to operational efficiency.
June 1, 2025 · As tariffs rise, labor tightens, and supply chain costs climb, 3PLs are reworking operations across warehousing, transport, and value-added services to stay competitive.
June 1, 2025 · As logistics operations race to adopt automation, AI, and analytics, true transformation depends on people—not just technology.
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Latest in Logistics

Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger application is filed with the Surface Transportation Board
When the merger agreement was initially announced, the rail carriers said it would create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad—which will connect more than 50,000 route miles across 43 states from the East Coast to the West Coast and connect around 100 ports as well.

FedEx posts fiscal first quarter earnings growth
Quarterly revenue, at $23.5 billion, increased 7% annually, and operating income, at $1.38 billion, was up 31%. Earnings per share, at $4.82, beat Wall Street expectations, at $4.02.

U.S. rail carload and intermodal volumes are down, for week ending December 15, reports AAR
Rail carloads, at 224,620, fell 1.7% annually, and intermodal containers and trailer volume, at 294,284 units, decreased 1.2% annually.

DAT’s November Truckload Volume Index sees more mixed results
November’s TVI dry van freight reading—at 197—fell 18% compared to October, while falling 12% annually. The November refrigerated (reefer) TVI—at 172—was down 11% sequentially and off 6.0% annually. And the flatbed TVI—at 243—was down 22% sequentially and posted a 3% annual gain.   

November intermodal volumes see annual decline, reports IANA
Total November volume, at 1,456,259 units, fell 4.1% annually, following a 2.0% annual decline in October and respective 2.4% and 1.6% annual gains seen in September and August, respectively. Which was preceded by July’s 4.4% annual gain, which saw higher volumes due to the pulling-forward of goods being imported during the previous pause on the White House’s reciprocal tariffs.

Teamsters Rail Conference makes its case for the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern proposed merger to not be approved by the STB
With a merger application for the proposed $85 billion historic merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern expected to be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) this week, more than half of union employees at the railroads indicated they are not in favor of the merger. That is the word from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET) and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, whom collectively account for 53% of UP and NS union employees, with the two unions...

USPS bets on last-mile expansion to drive revenue and enable faster delivery for retailers and logistics providers
With a focus on expanding access to its last mile delivery network, the United States Postal Service (USPS) said this week that shippers of all sizes will now be able to access more than 18,000 USPS delivery destination units (DDU) across the country.

Cass Freight Index sees annual declines in November
The November shipments reading, at 1.004, fell 7.6% annually, in line with October’s 7.8% annual decline, and November expenditures, at 3.163, decreased 1.2% annually and were down 0.2% compared to October.

Zebra Technologies is looking at strategic options for its robotics automation business
Acquired in 2021 and enhanced since, Zebra's mobile robot collaborative order picking solution may be sold off.

ISM forecast sees a manufacturing rebound in 2026 as services maintain steady expansion
While economic conditions for the manufacturing and services sectors are mixed, both are expected to see growth in 2026, at different paces, according to the new edition of the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) Supply Chain Planning Forecast.

PwC report indicates transportation and logistics dealmaking activity is focused on strategy, not scale
The report observed that T&L dealmaking activity gained renewed traction over the second half of this year, with buyers prioritizing strategic alignment over scale. And it added that acquirers focused on subsectors offering defensible growth, operating efficiency, and exposure to high-barrier markets, with activity across what the firm called the full value chain, ranging from infrastructure to asset-light platforms, coupled with capital allocated for things like technology modernization, resilient supply chains, and specialized logistics services.

ShipMatrix reports strong Cyber Week delivery performance results
For Cyber Week, which ShipMatrix defines as the week of December 1-7‑and a period in which more than 100 million parcels per day are handled, with more than 80% of these parcels being holiday gifts and delivered to residences—the firm reported very strong performance results for FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service (USPS).

National diesel average falls for the fourth straight week, reports EIA
With a 5.8-cent decline, the national average, for the week of December 15, came in at $3.607, following a 9.3-cent decline, to $3.758, for the week of December 1.

FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index shows modest growth
For October, the most recent month for which data is available, the SCI reading rose to 0.3, after September’s -0.5.

Trucking executives are set to anxiously welcome in New Year amid uncertainty regarding freight demand
Top trucking industry executives are hoping 2026 will—finally—be the year when pent-up demand translates into higher freight rates and a return to profitability in both the truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) sectors.


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