Supply Chain Management

With the economy showing some slight signs of growth, the Ceridian-UCLA Pulse of Commerce Index (PCI) was up for the second straight month in November, with a 0.1 percent gain on the heels of October’s 1.1 percent rise.

November retail sales were up for the sixth straight month, according to data released today by the United States Department of Commerce.

Despite relatively slight gains, retail sales in November were up for the sixth straight month, according to data released today by the United States Department of Commerce.

While the economic recovery is showing some encouraging signs of late, it received another one this week in the form of the Institute of Supply Management’s Semiannual Economic Forecast.

With its primary index—the PMI—showing signs of leveling out in recent months, the Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing Report on Business increased nearly two full percentage points in November to extend the growth streak for economic activity in the manufacturing sector to 28 straight months and the overall economy showed growth for the 30th consecutive month.

With its primary index—the PMI—showing signs of leveling out in recent months, the Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing Report on Business increased nearly two full percentage points in November to extend the growth streak for economic activity in the manufacturing sector to 28 straight months and the overall economy showed growth for the 30th consecutive month.

In what could possibly viewed as a late in the year jump-start for the economy, the National Retail Federation (NRF) said that Thanksgiving and Black Friday holiday spending—in stores and on the Web—hit historic highs.

A top transportation economist is predicted “sustained growth” in trucking freight demand for this decade as the nation recovers from the Great Recession, a credit crisis, two wars and the 9/11 terrorist attacks marring the first decade of this century.

Retail sales turned in decent performances in October, according to data released this week by the United States Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation (NRF).

After things appeared to be looking up—in terms of business conditions—for shippers, data released this week by freight transportation forecasting firm FTR Associates indicates that tougher times are indeed back.

While many companies focus on preventing theft across the supply chain, McAfee's chief supply chain officer says cyber security may be the bigger threat

Although the numbers are showing continued signs of leveling out, the main theme of the October edition of the Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing (ISM) Report on Business indicated that growth is still occurring.

The ongoing economic “volatility” is teaching manufacturers and retailers a great deal about squeezing the margins of inventory and creating a viable and sustainable alternative distribution network.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue said the nation must spend more on infrastructure and mildly endorsed the need to increase the federal fuel tax, which stands at18.4 cents on gasoline, 23.4 cents on diesel and has been unchanged since 1993.

Quarterly revenue for Big Brown—at $13.2 billion—was up 8.0 percent annually, and operating profit—at $1.61 billion—was up 0.2 percent. Earnings per share—at $1.06—saw a 14 percent year-over-year increase, topping Wall Street expectations of $1.05 per share.