A survey of hiring managers and human resources professionals about recruiting and employment trends in manufacturing and distribution found that 77 percent of manufacturers and distributors are facing challenges finding skilled workers for new positions and to replace workers who have left.

In adding 13,500 jobs in November, the retail industry in the United States is said to be slowly but surely shaking off the recession.

While President Obama and Congress keep talking about the plight and economic cost of Americans' declining incomes, a growing number of states and municipalities frustrated by federal inaction are moving to do something about it. Legislators and voters in five states "” California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island "” and in four local governments this year approved measures raising the minimum wage above the current national rate of $7.25 an hour, in one case as high as $15 an hour.

Getting the funds and approval from executives to implement and/or expand transportation services and systems sometimes takes the assistance of 3PLs who can provide detailed explanations of the long-term benefits of specific supply chain strategies.

There was a small improvement in airfreight growth in October, according to the International Air Transport Association. Compared to October 2012, global freight tonne kilometers rose four percent, with growth in all regions except Africa.