Stifel

Coming off of a year that saw notable gains in volumes and pricing, the parcel market continues to grow at a fast clip. Our panel of parcel experts examines key market drivers and discusses how to navigate the fastest moving segment of logistics.

More than a few moving parts remain intact, when it comes to the interaction between Basel, Switzerland-based global 3PL and airfreight forwarder Panalpina by Hedehusene, Denmark-based global 3PL DSV, in regards to the latter’s pursuit of the former as an acquisition target, now the DSV has upped its offer for Panalpina and a separate party, Agility, is in talks with Panalpina about "partnership opportunities."

While the outcome had been predicted in industry circles, the verdict that Basel, Switzerland-based global 3PL and airfreight forwarder Panalpina will not be acquired by Hedehusene, Denmark-based global 3PL DSV is now official.

As has been the case for a while now, Class 8 truck orders are still very much in demand.

One byproduct of an improving economy is the the current state of United States inventory levels. Remember, it was not all that long ago that the “inventory glut” was a real drag on transportation productivity in more ways than one, whether it was decreased production, slower and longer transit times, and other related inefficiencies, too. And let’s not forget that when higher inventory levels are intact, the less amount of freight there is on the roads, rails, planes, and...

After much anticipation, “a trucker’s market” is due to finally arrive in 2018, says Stifel Nicolaus trucking analyst John Larkin, although he cautions that supply and demand is tight across the industry as the domestic economy continues to grow at a slow, steady pace.

The Stifel Logistics Confidence Index remained below the neutral mark at 49.4, but once again noted a slight improvement against the previous month.