The Logistics News that Shaped 2018

Every year at this time, Group News Editor Jeff Berman combs through the mountain of news that were reported, written, posted by the Logistics Management editorial staff over the course of the year to create the following list.

Instead of relying on page view analytics to arrive at a “most popular” list, Berman believes that these are the stories that best summarize the year in logistics and transportation management. “This is the news that’s changing the market environment and will most certainly alter the way shippers approach operations in the coming year,” he says.

1) Amazon rolls out new plans for delivery service partners network

Global e-commerce powerhouse Amazon is upping its plans to increase its package delivery and logistics services capabilities through the introduction of a new offering that it believes will enable entrepreneurs to set up their own businesses to deliver Amazon packages. 

2) Truck orders are up, but it may not be all for capacity expansion.

2018 saw increases in truck orders, but experts say it’s hard to gauge if it’s for fleet replacements or additions.

3) ELD mandate has been a bumpy ride.

Since the federally mandated electronic logging device (ELD) mandate took effect near the end of 2017, the subsequent impact on truckload shippers and carriers has been fairly uneven. 

4) STB cites concern over Class I railroad service issues

Leadership at the Surface Transportation Board asked executives at the seven North American Class I railroads to provide service outlooks for both the near term and the rest of 2018.

5) Carriers gain upper hand in freight transport pricing

Carriers have taken advantage of a seller’s market in transportation, as the confluence of a strong economy, surging demand and labor and capacity shortages are causing multiple pain points for logistics managers. 

6) Global prime logistics rents remain on upswing

According to a CBRE report, global prime logistics rents saw gains due in large part to the improving global economy as well as increased demand for goods bought at bot store locations and online.

7) White House heralds infrastructure plan in 2019 budget

The long-awaited national infrastructure plan was featured in the White House’s fiscal year 2019 budget.

8) Uncertainty surrounds trilateral North American free trade deal

The deal—officially known as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement—is leaving open a common question among transportation professionals: How different is the fine print from the 24-year-old NAFTA?

9) UPS Freight and Teamsters agree on new labor deal

This new, five-year contract covers roughly 11,600 UPS Freight Teamsters members. 

10) FedEx Ground ups deliveries to six days a week

Company said this move was made in response to a combination of increasing e-commerce demand and record influx of volume expected this holiday season.