As manufacturers consider shifting production from China back to the West, the U.S. could become an economically viable alternative faster than you think.

Purolator International has introduced a new business-to-consumer (B2C) shipping service between the U.S. and Canada.

The International Air Transport Association released figures for airfreight markets in April which showed modest growth of 1.4 percent compared to April 2012. This small increase helped to offset the 2.6-percent decline recorded in March compared to the year-ago period. And it continues an 18-month trend of basically no growth in the cargo markets.

Average global freight rates have fallen to a 15-month low, according to Drewry's new online Container Freight Rate Insight.

Spot market freight volumes declined 16 percent in April compared to April 2012, according to the DAT North American Freight Index. Year-over-year declines in volume were seen across all equipment types: van load volume declined 20 percent, refrigerated ("reefer") loads slipped 10 percent, and flatbed freight dropped 15 percent.

Whatever logistics services you need, our list of 50 providers based in North America can provide Class-A operations for you - anywhere in the world.