A diverse coalition of more than 120 local, state and national stakeholders, ranging from farmers and manufacturers to retailers and wholesalers sent a letter to the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance Ltd. (USMX) urging both sides to remain at the negotiating table until they "reach a new long-term contract."

FTR's Trucking Conditions Index for November as reported in the January 2013 Trucking Update rose almost two full points to a reading of 9.7. The gain was expected by FTR as conditions impacting trucking will continue to improve in anticipation of a tightened market in 2013.

The global automotive logistics sector is undergoing a massive transformation. Just a few years ago, it could easily be viewed as a mature industry with modest growth prospects. However, according to Transport Intelligence's report, Global Automotive Logistics 2013, that is no longer the case and the market represents a wealth of opportunities for logistics service providers on a global scale.

Sinergy Cargo, the Italian member of the FPS network of independent freight forwarders and consolidators, has opened a multimodal container, bulk cargo handling and storage center near the Port of Genoa.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) has incorporated sustainability into the traditional SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis employed by many businesses.

Suresh Iyer, vice president and global practice head with Genpact, shows how companies can remain competitive in the face of increasing volatility and uncertainty in their supply chains.

A new industry body has been formed to represent the independent freight-forwarding sector, with creation of the Elite Association of Logistics Networks.

When companies encounter a conflict between cost-efficiency and customer responsiveness, something's got to give. Marc J. Heeren, vice president of strategic sales with Damco, lays out the factors involved in striking the right balance.