The manufacturing industry, a vital driver of the U.S. economy, and flatbed demand dropped at a faster-than-expected rate in February, making it the 16th consecutive month of declines. The Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) came in at 47.8 for February, down from 49.1 in January. The PMI is a diffusion index; readings…
It takes a heavy dose of courage to go out on your own and make a life for yourself. For many, the volume of “what if”s and “what about”s is enough to keep them in their comfort zone, never venturing out, never exploring what all is possible. But that’s not Wanda Billups. She wanted a…
The Logistics Manager’s Index (LMI), produced by Zac Rogers at Colorado State University, came in at 56.5 in February 2024, up (+0.9) from January’s reading of 55.6 and is tied with October 2023 for the highest reading for the overall index in the last year. This growth is bolstered by expansion in all eight sub-metrics…
The United States imports hundreds of millions of lithium-ion batteries each year, and according to IHS Markit/PIERS, refrigerated import volumes through the Port of Mobile, AL, have increased 62% year-over-year (y/y). Lithium batteries account for 20% of import volume, with over 70% imported in the last 12 months, arriving on the Gulf Coast in the…
by Chris Eudy In certain parts of the country, the grass is starting to turn green and buds are beginning to appear on the trees. Spring will soon be upon us, and with it, the produce season. Tomatoes, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables are set to make their way from the Southeast and California…
Welcome to DAT Freight & Analytics’s six-part series on napping, sleep physiology, scheduling, and trip planning. While aimed at truckers in high-risk operating environments, the information will benefit anyone in the logistics industry equally. This week, we’ll take a deep dive into how to avoid falling asleep behind the wheel. Who’s at risk of falling…