Freight-hauling firms slowed their roll in ordering new trucks last month, as backlogs at equipment factories spiked following record demand for new vehicles in the first quarter.

The big Japanese akita dog is stopped in his tracks by the box on wheels, unsure whether it is an equal to be greeted or another south London surface to be marked. His owner, hot on his heels, is just as surprised when he rounds the corner.

Amazon.com Inc’s 20-percent hike in the cost of Prime membership should deliver more than $1bn in extra revenue this year and cover any “rational” hike in United States Postal Service delivery fees, Wall Street analysts said on Friday.

Supply chains are under tremendous pressure to perform better. The average consumer now spends considerable time researching the best prices for the products they want, they’re comfortable ordering online, and they expect swift delivery at a time that suits them.