Despite dire predictions of long package delivery delays and commercial carrier distribution system breakdowns, it was a relatively happy and problem-free holiday season for most package delivery services. That comes in stark contrast to the previous holiday season, when missed deliveries and package delays caused many gifts to be delivered long after Christmas. Problems with … Read more
UPS announced earlier this month that it expanded four distribution centers by a total of 1.2 million square feet this year. The centers are located in Mira Loma, California; Hebron, Kentucky; Louisville, Kentucky; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Alan Amling, the package carrier’s VP of global logistics, said the expansion projects are in anticipation of an … Read more
An Australian materials handling manufacturer has developed a new tool that makes it easier to unload boxes, crates and other heavy items from the back of vans, the trunks of cars, or even on top of desks. The Foldalift lift trolley — from King Materials, of Bayswater, Victoria, Australia — resembles a two-wheeler hand truck … Read more
As gasoline prices hover around $2 per gallon in many areas of the US, the idea of raising the federal gas tax to fund transportation infrastructure projects is once again being run up the flag pole. And Thomas Donahue, president of the US Chamber of Commerce, is saluting. “Isn’t it reasonable to invest a dime … Read more
The BNSF Railway announced earlier this month a $6 billion capital spending plan that includes about $1.5 billion in engineering maintenance and line expansion products along its routes eight northern US states. The railroad — which is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, the Nebraska-based holding company of billionaire investor Warren Buffett — is targeting its … Read more
For the sixth year in a row, Toyota remains the top provider of forklift in Australia. The Japanese manufacturer of heavy machinery also retained its title as the number one provider or internal combustion counter balance forklifts, a record it has held for 28 years. Toyota forklifts accounted for 32.4% of the market share in … Read more
President Barack Obama’s surprise announcement last month that he was reestablishing diplomatic relations with Cuba could mean a boost for many industries, especially tourism. But the materials handling industry may also benefit from apparent thaw between the US and its island neighbor to the south. Benefits to Material Handling Firms One materials handling firm — … Read more
Here is a special sneak preview at some of the stories you will find this week on the Bahrns blog: The US is reconsidering its relationship with Cuba. So what kind of changes could this mean for the materials handling industry? We’ll take a look … Gas prices are at their lowest point in years. … Read more
As negotiations between the owners of West Coast ports and the longshoreman’s union enter into their second calendar year, port operations are experiencing from delays from San Diego to Seattle. And now that mega-cargo container ships are beginning to appear for the first time along some US docks, wait times are lengthening and tensions are … Read more
Despite the steepest decline in fuel prices in nearly six years, FedEx announced last week that it would be increasing the diesel and jet fuel surcharges for its customers effective Feb. 2. Most shippers who use FedEx’s air and ground services will be facing fuel charges that are between 3.5% and 5% higher next month, … Read more
