In the early 90’s, the Clinton administration provided trade benefits to China. There was strong criticism against these moves based on China’s human rights violations. However, President Clinton argued that expanding trade would lead to better relations with the Chinese and eventually better conditions for the Chinese people. As trade with China increased, the Clinton… Read More »
Imagine you are in a crowd of people cheering on a runner in a long-distance race. Your contestant is running at a hearty pace and is winning. But then you notice their speed has slowed some. The athlete is still running at a steady pace, and is still winning, but just not by as much.… Read More »
Brick and mortar are dead … In 2016, demolition of Rolling Acres Mall began. The mall opened in 1975 on 260 acres on the southwest side of Akron, Ohio. In its heyday, it featured 140 stores on two levels,1.3 million square feet of retail space, and 7,500 parking spots. However, the mall’s demise began long… Read More »
The question I get asked the most by people inside, and outside, the industry is: When will there be driverless trucks on the highways? This, of course, is a difficult question because it not only involves adaptation to technology, but a host of other complicated factors as well. But my answer is this: You will… Read More »
Why the last mile is such a big deal… Think about a common, small-ticket item which you hate to purchase. A good example for me are windshield wipers, and, on a recent rainy drive to Pennsylvania, I realized it was time to change my blades. The usual buying process for the product is as follows:… Read More »
The conventional economic wisdom (as defined by the forecasts of the most respected economists) last year, was that GDP would not be able to hit 4% for any quarter in 2018. When the economy achieved 4.1% in 2018Q2, the conventional wisdom was that it was a blip and that growth rate could not be sustained.… Read More »
Trevor Needs Some Water Once there was a man named Trevor living in a rural area who bought his drinking water for his water cooler from a local supplier. His requirements averaged four jugs (5/gal each) a month. In the summer he would use a little more, and in the winter a little less, but… Read More »
The Institute for Supply Management’s PMI for Manufacturing (Purchasing Managers Index) jumped to 60.2 in June, up from 58.7 in May and rising for the second straight month. Considering that anything over 50 represents growth, the 60.2 is a robust reading which means everything must be wonderful in the manufacturing sector, right? Well not so… Read More »
Trucking conditions are in wonderful shape. Fleets can’t keep up with demand, and freight rates are high. Sales of new trucks and trailers are expected to approach record levels this year. The need for additional truck drivers is huge, and fleets and many owner-operators are making lots of money. What’s going on? – Total Manufacturing… Read More »
GDP is high, and unemployment is low. Manufacturing is booming, and wages are rising. So, everyone is joyous, correct? Of course not, you are starting to see articles claiming that, if things are this good, a recession must be coming soon. So, it is time to again consider what the truck equipment markets indicate about… Read More »