Containerized Exports Drop
U.S. containerized exports dropped 3% year-over-year in October after a strong third quarter, an abrupt brake that included the first decline in motor vehicle exports in more than a year, reported The Journal of Commerce/PIERS
U.S. containerized exports dropped 3% year-over-year in October after a strong third quarter, an abrupt brake that included the first decline in motor vehicle exports in more than a year, reported The Journal of Commerce/PIERS.
Year-to-date export volume was still up 7.1%. JOC/PIERS Economist Mario O. Moreno forecasts a 5.8% growth for 2011, slowing to 3.8% for full year 2012.
Overall U.S. containerized volume, measured in 20-foot-equivalent units, fell to just under 1.01 million TEUs in October 2011, as markets in Europe, the Mediterranean and South America tumbled.
A 7% overall drop marked the first year-over-year decline in motor vehicles in 14 months. For Northern Europe, this accounted for an exports loss of 38%. Brazilian demand for miscellaneous plastic products, wood pulp and chemicals reversed sharply, leading to a 25% decrease to 25,444 TEUs of containerized exports shipped there.
On the upswing are exports to Africa, up 20% due to increased demand for grocery products, poultry and vinyl alcohol, and China, where meat volumes jumped 195% and U.S. logs and lumber rose 64%.
More Fleet Management
Diesel Prices Hijack Trucking’s Worry List
ATRI’s annual survey finds cautious optimism about freight, but diesel costs, litigation, and insurance continue to squeeze fleets. Drivers have different priorities on several issues.
Read More →
Nomination Deadline Extended for HDT Emerging Leaders
Just a few more days to nominate accomplished trucking fleet professionals under 40 who are making an impact and helping lead the industry forward for the HDT Emerging Leaders award. Deadline extended to October 20!
Read More →
What Will ATA’s New Leader Bring to Trucking's Table?
Incoming President and CEO Mark Colson’s record in Alabama offers clues about his priorities and approach following Chris Spear’s abrupt departure as the head of the American Trucking Associations.
Read More →
Volvo, Waabi Start Commercial Autonomous Operations in Texas
Volvo VNL Autonomous trucks, powered by the Waabi Driver, are hauling freight directly to third-party facilities for a customer in Texas.
Read More →
Samsara Launches Custom AI Agent Builder
Agent Studio lets fleets create AI tools for hours-of-service monitoring, reporting and driver support, including agents that communicate by phone.
Read More →
Einride Driverless Electric Trucks Begin Daily Freight Operations in Ohio
Two cabless electric trucks are hauling freight between EASE Logistics facilities in Marysville, Ohio, as part of a multi-state truck automation project.
Read More →
Geotab Links Fleet Card to Vehicle Data
The new card combines fuel discounts with telematics-based purchase controls. Geotab’s analysis also points to potential savings from choosing lower-priced fuel stops.
Read More →
How MFA Helps Protect Trucking Fleets
Multi-factor authentication adds protection when passwords are stolen. Here’s how it works and where fleets should start.
Read More →
How Better Freight Data Helps Trucking Teams Get Ahead of Disruption
Trucking and logistics teams have plenty of data. The problem is getting the right information in front of the right people soon enough to act. Better-connected data can help teams spot trouble earlier and make smarter decisions before small problems become big ones.
Read More →
Trimble: Taking Artificial Intelligence in Trucking Beyond Faster Tasks
At Insight 2026, Trimble executives argued that fleets may need to redesign workflows to get more from AI as it introduced new products and enhancements. AI’s value will depend on how fleets combine automation with their people's knowledge.
Read More →