CLIFF NOTES 
Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

2017 Marked the Largest Annual Freight Increase Since 2013

During 2017, freight volumes increased 3.7 percent, the largest annual increase since 2013, according to the American Trucking Association. While volumes decreased year-over-year during the month of December, annual volumes remained elevated due to strong manufacturing levels, solid retail sales, growth in construction, a weaker dollar and improved inventory levels throughout the supply chain. Click here to read more. 

Strong U.S. Economy Expected to Continue to Power Freight Growth

Industry analysts are pointing to a vigorous U.S. economy as one major driver for continuing increases in freight rates throughout 2018 and possibly well into 2020. Numerous market pressures are expected to provide leverage to carriers during the quickly approaching annual contract season. Some experts project that over-the-road rates could increase more than 10 percent during 2018. Click here to read more. To learn about our Carrier Negotiation solutions, contact our team.  

[NEW] Global Supply Chain Solutions from Ascent 

Our team is extremely proud to announce a new suite of global supply chain solutions empowered by our technology, PEAK. Learn more about our enhanced Order Management, Electronic Track and Trace as well as Business Intelligence tools by clicking here. Read the official press release by clicking here. 

Maersk Joins Five Other Carriers In New York Shipping Exchange

Maersk Line is the sixth ocean carrier to join the New York Shipping Exchange (NYSHEX), an entity dedicated to improving ocean freight contracting through digitization. Maersk joins Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, MOL, COSCO and OOCL in the NYSHEX. Click here to read more. 

Government Shutdown & Global Supply Chains

During the federal government shutdown which occurred from Saturday, January 20 to Monday, January 22, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Other Government Agencies (OGAs) remained operational with limited delays reported. However, please be aware that government agencies involved in the import and export process could be impacted on February 8, 2018 if Congress does not reach an agreement before the short-term funding ends.

Retail Consolidation

Walmart Submits Patent for 3D Technology

Walmart's most recent patent submission would help the big-box retailer further augment its e-commerce and online grocery shopping strategies. The "Fresh Online Experience" system is being designed to use 3D scanning to show online shoppers in-store items. Click here to read more.

Target & the "Super Bowl of Retail"

Target is busy gearing up for the "Super Bowl of Retail" and will have a big home field advantage. The retailer's headquarters, which is located in downtown Minneapolis, and its newly remodeled flagship store will host a number of events throughout the week leading up to the big game. Click here to read more about Target and its competitors in the "Super Bowl of Retail."