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As COVID-19 cases swell, the trucking industry struggles to keep drivers…
Gail Short Transportation Technology & AutomotiveWhile many Americans are sheltering in their homes to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, long-haul truckers are traveling down the highways day and night delivering food, medicines and other essential goods to grocery stores, hospitals and pharmacies. But what happens if a trucker gets coronavirus or feels ill while on the road? While driving heavy or tractor-trailer trucks has always put drivers at a high risk for accidents and injuries, COVID-19 poses an added danger. But, as the pandemic rages on across the country, truckers, their employers, associations and others are working to keep them healthy.
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3 possible economic outcomes for the coronavirus pandemic
Lark Gould Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementSurviving the coronavirus is currently top of mind for the American public. There are many likely scenarios possible within the possible epidemiological trajectories of COVID-19 and the economic response to this crisis will also develop over the next few months, bringing a new set of struggles to consider. The Conference Board, a New York-based think tank on the economy and public policy, has developed three scenarios for the development of the U.S. economy through the remainder of the year.
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How blockchain works in the food industry
Gail Short Distribution & WarehousingWhile blockchain technology is usually associated with bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, today some companies in the food industry are beginning to implement this tool to increase transparency, trust and consumer safety while reducing waste. Every transaction along the supply chain is recorded on the digital ledger, time stamped, given a code or "hash," and linked to the blockchain. All parties on the network — growers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers — can read the data in real time and add their own updates.
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US employers add 273,000 jobs; unemployment drops to 3.5%
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIn February, total U.S. nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 273,000 after January's growth of 225,000, while the unemployment rate dipped to 3.5% from 3.6% the previous month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The jobless rate has been 3.5% or 3.6% since September. In February, nearly all major groups of workers had scant change in the rate of employment versus January's figures. Meanwhile, wage growth remained rather tepid.
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How the e-commerce boom is transforming warehouses
Gail Short Distribution & WarehousingAs e-commerce retail sales continue to grow, the need for warehouses and fulfillment centers that meet the needs of online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores is also rising, says James Breeze, senior director and global head of industrial and logistics research at CBRE Group Inc. "E-commerce has been the largest disruptor for warehouse distribution design on record," says Breeze. "Distribution centers have grown in size, clear height and added amenities based on the larger employee counts that are needed for e-commerce fulfillment centers."
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Infographic: How better supply chain management leads to cost savings for…
Lisa Miller Healthcare AdministrationIn 2019, the cost of healthcare in the U.S. rose to $3.8 trillion, and hospital expenses accounted for one-third of all spending. Yet, 1 in 5 hospitals are at risk of closure due to financial pressure. This infographic outlines why that is and how better supply chain management can help.
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How will coronavirus affect the Chinese economy and international business?
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementChina is a major U.S. trading partner and the world's fastest growing economy. How will the outbreak of the coronavirus that began in Wuhan affect that nation's economy and international business generally? Much is uncertain. That's a problem, because businesses prefer certainty as an underlying condition of future market demand and supply. We turn to Doug Barry, a spokesperson with the U.S.-China Business Council. "The shutdown of supply chains is having a ripple effect around the world, with shortages in some raw materials, parts and finished goods popping up," Barry said by email.
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Infographic: It’s 2020, is your business AI-ready?
Brian Wallace Science & TechnologyOne in three business leaders believe AI will have the greatest impact on their business in the next year, but few are acting on this knowledge. So, how can your enterprise get ahead of the competition with artificial intelligence? Find out more with this infographic.
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Study: Why wood pallets are better for the environment than plastic
Scott E. Rupp Distribution & WarehousingIf you've ever wondered whether wood or plastic shipping pallets are more eco-friendly, the fight is over, and a winner has been declared. Wood is better for the environment. This is according to Penn State researchers, who, after conducting a series of detailed comparisons, say that the shipping pallets made of wood are slightly more environmentally friendly and sustainable than those made of plastic. "Few people realize the significance of this issue — there are about 700 million pallets produced and recycled each year in the United States alone," said Chuck Ray, associate professor of ecosystem science and management.
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US employers add 225,000 jobs; unemployment ticks up to 3.6%
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIn January, U.S. nonfarm payrolls grew by a total of 225,000 after December's gain of 145,000, while the rate of unemployment rose to 3.6% from 3.5% the previous month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2019, the average monthly gain of jobs was 175,000. The total number of unemployed persons rose to 5.9 million in January from 5.8 million in December. January's data showed that unemployment among major worker groups experienced little or no change versus December's numbers.
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