Nuts & Bolts Archives - Material Handling Wholesaler

Fed holds rates steady amid diverging views; Manufacturing outlook remains strong

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 19:50:53 +0000

The Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate steady at a target range of 4.25% to 4.5% for the fifth meeting in a row. For the first time since December 1993, two members of the committee dissented, instead favoring a quarter-point cut to the federal funds rate. In announcing the decision, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said, “The economy is not performing as if overly restrictive monetary policy is holding it back.” “Looking past the oscillations caused by trade, the latest GDP report showed continued spending by consumers on goods and investment in new equipment. Powell acknowledged that the current level of interest rates is not overly restrictive and the outsized demand for manufacturing technology in the first half of 2025 appears to confirm this outlook,” said Christopher Chidzik, principal economist of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “Should the economy continue to operate at or near full employment as Powell has asserted in the past two meetings, further investment in manufacturing technology may be required to meet sustained consumer demand.” Although swings in net exports continue to affect the data, recent indicators suggest that the growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year. The unemployment rate remains low, and labor market conditions remain solid. Inflation remains somewhat elevated. The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. Uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated. The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate. In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 4-1/4 to 4-1/2 percent. In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities, agency debt, and agency mortgage‑backed securities. The Committee is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective. In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee’s goals. The Committee’s assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments. Voting for the monetary policy action were Jerome H. Powell, Chair; John C. Williams, Vice Chair; Michael S. Barr; Susan M. Collins; Lisa D. Cook; Austan D. Goolsbee; Philip N. Jefferson; Alberto G. Musalem; and Jeffrey R. Schmid. Voting against this action were Michelle W. Bowman and Christopher J. Waller, who preferred to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point at this meeting. Absent and not voting was Adriana D. Kugler.

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Seeking Nominations: 25th Salute To Women in Material Handling Cover Story

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:20:20 +0000

Do you know an exceptional woman making an impact in the material handling industry? Material Handling Wholesaler is now accepting nominations for our 25th Annual Salute to Women issue! DEADLINE: Friday, August 8th, 2025 This person must be recognized as a leader in their field by their peers and have made significant contributions to the industry through their efforts. Please submit their name, contact information, and a short paragraph of why you feel this person deserves to be recognized in the October issue of Material Handling Wholesaler. Submit Now

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The PTDA Manufacturer-Distributor Idea Exchange evolves as the largest direct networking event for PT/MC Channel Partners

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:25:14 +0000

In response to demands for more effective tools for accelerating supply chain relationships, the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) will be introducing significant upgrades to its signature program—the Manufacturer-Distributor Idea Exchange (MD-IDEX)—at the PTDA 2025 Industry Summit. Long recognized as the largest, most focused networking opportunity for channel partners in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry, connecting will be even more focused and effective. Taking place October 24–25 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country, MD-IDEX gives manufacturers and distributors exclusive opportunities to build relationships, solve problems and pursue new partnerships—all in one space. The event is regularly praised by attendees as one of the most cost- and time-efficient means to conduct business and maximize the Industry Summit experience. “This is the event everyone talks about—and for good reason,” says Industry Summit Planning Task Force Chair Michael Whitesides, Nachi America Inc., Executive Sales Manager—East. “There’s no better way to engage directly with the people who power our industry forward. Participants can condense weeks’ worth of meetings into just a few high-impact hours.” For 2025, MD-IDEX eliminates appointment scheduling through PTDA (including the required acceptance of appointments)—giving attendees greater flexibility and freedom to connect in meaningful, high-impact ways across two days: Friday: Representatives from PTDA manufacturer member companies that purchased a booth will be present in their assigned “remote office” while representatives from PTDA distributor member companies may visit informally and engage in business development conversations up to 20-minutes in length. Saturday: PTDA distributor member companies that register at least one representative for the Industry Summit will be assigned a booth—free of charge—and will be present in it as representatives from PTDA manufacturer member companies walk the floor prepared to meet additional contacts discussions of up to 20 minutes. Only PTDA manufacturer member companies with a reserved booth and all PTDA distributor member companies will have access to the MD-IDEX hall throughout the two days. Booths are filling quickly, and space is limited. Manufacturer companies that reserve by August 15 will save $100 on their booth fee. More information including Industry Summit registration and MD-IDEX booth reservation forms can be found at ptda.org/IndustrySummit. Interested in participating in MD-IDEX but not a PTDA member? Visit ptda.org/join to download a membership application.

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Queen City Robotics Alliance announced two new FRC Teams

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:35:28 +0000

More opportunities for high school robotics students Queen City Robotics Alliance has announced the creation of two new FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) teams in Charlotte. These two new teams will expand the opportunities for Charlotte-Mecklenburg high school students to become part of a team engaging in friendly competition while also making new friends and preparing for their future studies and careers. QCRA CFO Kaiwen Cheng made the announcement on July 20, and now QCRA is working hard to recruit not only new student team members, but adult mentors and volunteers. “As we prepare for the 2025–2026 robotics season,” Cheng explained, “we’re excited about the possibilities ahead, but we need your help to make it all happen.” What is FIRST Robotics Competition? FIRST founder Dean Kaman began what is now a global non-profit in 1989 to “combine the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology.” FRC teams across the country design, program, and build industrial sized robots (weighing between 80-100 pounds!) to participate in action-packed games and challenges at tournaments. Teams compete on a playing field that has a different theme each year. The theme for the 2025-26 competition season is FIRST Age – Rebuilt presented by Haas with an emphasis on archeology. EVENT: To reach more potential volunteers and student team members, QCRA is hosting two Volunteer and Student Recruitment nights in August at our facility The Zone. The events are Wednesdays, August 13 and August 20, from 6-8 pm. It is an open house-style event so families and potential recruits can visit at a time convenient for them. Guests will be able to meet our current FRC teams, ask questions of team members and mentors, tour our classrooms and facilities, and learn how to volunteer and/or register for a FIRST FRC team. Those who cannot make the in-person events can email QCRA at info@queencityrobotics.com for more information. QCRA is also thrilled to announce one of the new FRC teams will be made entirely of girls. This will be an opportunity for girls who are interested in robotics and engineering – but may be reluctant to join a co-ed team – to participate in what can be male-dominated field. The hope is to instill confidence in young women so they can succeed in STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and perhaps even go on into science and technology fields as a career. Last year both of QCRA’s FRC teams qualified for the World Championships in Houston. Team 3506 YETI Robotics has existed for over 10 years and has qualified for worlds three out of the last four years. Team 2724 Avalanche Robotics is a new team in its first year of competition, however, the team’s lead mentor has been involved with FRC and QCRA for many years. Both of our existing teams will be partnered with one of the new teams to guide them through their first year of competition. Please help! We need more adult mentors for all of our teams. By reaching out to you in the Charlotte media, we hope you’ll find room in your publications, newsletters, and programs to feature us so we can find enough adult volunteers to support our teams for years to come. The requests from students and their families for more teams has been increasing since we moved into our new, larger facility in 2023, but without adults leading the teams, we have had difficulty meeting the demand. While we have had success in creating teams for younger kids, this is the first attempt we have made in several years to increase the number of high school teams. We can’t do it without your help. MEDIA OUTLETS: Any media outlet wanting more information, photographs, or interviews with team mentors and students, please contact Carrie Dow at 303-523-3758, carriedow@queencityrobotics.org.

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Women In Trucking Association announced continued partnership with Ryder System, Inc.

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:10:55 +0000

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced that Ryder System, Inc. has renewed its Gold Level Partnership. This partnership emphasizes Ryder’s commitment to WIT’s mission of advancing women’s employment in the trucking industry, celebrating their achievements, and overcoming the barriers they encounter in the field. For more than a decade, Ryder has actively participated in the association and has supported WIT as a Gold Level Partner. Lesley Kerr, vice president of human resources, serves on the board of directors, offering her deep knowledge and foresight to drive the organization’s progress. “At Ryder, we strive to foster a supportive and innovative workplace with engaged employees. We’ve built a culture where women don’t just work, they lead, grow, and thrive,” says Kerr. “I’m honored to continue working alongside Women in Trucking to advance the representation of women not only within Ryder but also throughout our industry.” “I look forward to the unique perspective and leadership Lesley Kerr will continue to bring to our board,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “Industry leaders like Ryder play a vital role in advancing the WIT mission and affecting real change within the transportation industry.”

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transport logistic Americas and air cargo Americas return to Miami in November 2025

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:11:02 +0000

From Munich to Miami: transport logistic Continues to Build Global Bridges 2,722 exhibitors from 73 countries, over 77,000 visitors from more than 130 countries, and 65% international exhibitor share – these record-breaking figures from the recent transport logistic and air cargo Europe in Munich underline the industry’s need for strong, global platforms for exchange and innovation. Following the successful trade fair in Munich, the international logistics and air cargo industry is looking ahead to the next major event: transport logistic Americas and air cargo Americas, which will take place in Miami from November 11 to 13, 2025. As global trade talks are increasingly characterized by changing customs policies and economic uncertainty, experts emphasize the importance of international platforms where stakeholders can assess and respond to these developments. “Changes in global trade policies directly impact companies’ network design, logistics flows, and total cost of ownership within their supply chains,” said Dr. Monique Murfield, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Supply Chain Excellence, Farmer School of Business, Miami University. “Global supply chains cannot be upended overnight, so in times of uncertainty, conferences are particularly important to provide opportunities for supply chain executives to exchange ideas and strategies.” This need for dialogue is not only about policy, it also extends to the innovation and resilience that modern supply chains demand. “One of the core challenges in global supply chain design today is balancing efficiency with resilience—especially when operating across diverse regulatory and risk environments,” adds Dr. Adegoke Oke, Professor and Chair of Department of Supply Chain Management, W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. “Bringing decision-makers together at events like this allows the industry to translate complex requirements into actionable strategies.” The Miami Beach Convention Center will once again be the meeting place for key players from across the global supply chain. Organized by Messe München, the event is the largest fair for logistics and intermodal freight transportation in the USA and brings together logistics and air cargo professionals, supply chain executives, and shippers from key industries. The format combines high-level networking on the show floor with a diverse educational program in seminars and sessions, attracting participants from North and South America, Europe, and Asia. “The strong momentum from Munich shows that the industry values structured exchange, especially when many markets are in transition,” says Dr. Robert Schönberger, Global Industry Lead transport logistic & air cargo exhibitions at Messe München. “With transport logistic Americas and air cargo Americas, we aim to offer exactly that kind of orientation and focus—tailored to the realities of the Americas.” Held at the intersection of key trade routes between North and South America, Miami offers the ideal location to foster international dialogue. A comprehensive seminar program will accompany the exhibition, covering topics such as regional infrastructure, nearshoring, sustainability, digitalization, and multimodal logistics. “The topics on the agenda are highly relevant to current industry developments.” Dr. Schönberger adds. “We look forward to welcoming the global logistics community to one of the most dynamic trade regions in the world.”

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Hyster recognized as top Green Supply Chain Partner for advancing materials handling electrification

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 10:00:22 +0000

Inbound Logistics magazine honored Hyster for expanding accessibility to lithium-ion power, high-capacity electric equipment with performance comparable to internal combustion engines Hyster announced its selection as one of 2025’s 75 Green Supply Chain Partners by Inbound Logistics magazine, marking the company’s sixth consecutive year on the list. The publication recognized Hyster for its recently launched onboard charging solution, which enables operations to charge lithium-ion trucks using commonly available electrical outlets, and the J230-400XD forklift series, an expanded line of heavy-duty trucks with integrated lithium-ion power and capacities of up to 40,000 pounds. “As businesses continue to seek cost-effective ways to reduce their emissions and boost productivity, our team has been hard at work to design and manufacture solutions that can handle the demands of any operation, whether they’re a small building materials operation or one of the world’s busiest ports,” says Josh Eby, Global Product Manager, Hyster. “This honor from Inbound Logistics recognizes the need for electric equipment in these applications, and we remain committed to delivering it every day.” The onboard charging option is available on several Hyster lift trucks with factory-integrated lithium-ion battery power and lift capacities ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 pounds. To connect with common, standard electric outlets, the solution includes a charging cable with a 240-volt 50-amp connection, adaptors for both 240-volt 30-amp and 120-volt 12-amp plugs, and an out-of-the-way storage bin is located to the left of the seat for all cables and adaptors. This charging flexibility makes lithium-ion-powered forklifts a stronger fit for applications with intermittent charging availability or lower-hour applications that do not require fast charging. It also enables businesses to rent electric forklifts without altering their electric infrastructure and allows for recharging via generator when power is unreliable or unavailable. The J230-400XD series is available with a range of battery sizes to match duty cycle and charging requirements, configurable up to 280kW. The 350-volt architecture offers long run times and minimizes energy loss without the additional cost and complexity of higher-voltage systems. In 2025, this line of integrated lithium-ion big trucks expanded to include load capacities up to 40,000 pounds. Like all Hyster electric big trucks, the J230-400XD trucks incorporate the Combined Charging System (CCS) as standard. This global electric vehicle charging standard enables operations to cost-effectively scale charging for multiple applications and types of equipment through a single, standardized charging connector that has been adopted across numerous industries and geographies. Equipped with the right battery pack and charger, and working in a typical duty cycle, a truck can add approximately an hour of work time from 11 minutes of charging at 90 kW.

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NAW applauds Trump Administration’s AI Plan reflecting key industry priorities

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:24:05 +0000

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) welcomes President Trump’s newly released AI Action Plan, a forward-looking roadmap for federal artificial intelligence (AI) policy that speaks directly to the future of the material handling and distribution sectors. We’re especially encouraged to see several of NAW’s recommendations—submitted earlier this year during the Administration’s Request for Information—reflected in the plan, including: A unified federal framework to drive long-term AI innovation and infrastructure development, keeping close collaboration with supply chain and distribution stakeholders at the forefront. Streamlined regulations, leveraging existing federal laws and funding to minimize the patchwork of state-by-state AI rules that add complexity for material handling operations. Clarification of legal barriers that slow adoption, including revisiting prior Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigations that have created uncertainty. Workforce strategies built for tomorrow, with an emphasis on AI skills development and identifying high-demand roles across warehouses, logistics, and distribution centers. Updated tax guidance confirming that AI training programs qualify as eligible educational assistance under Section 132 of the Internal Revenue Code. NAW has been a champion of AI adoption in distribution and material handling, particularly through our leadership in the AI Applied Consortium (AAIC), which promotes responsible innovation through collaborative research, advisory groups, and cross-industry partnerships. We look forward to collaborating with the Administration to ensure the AI Action Plan drives meaningful outcomes that enhance AI deployment and adoption across the wholesale distribution and material handling industries.

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U.S. rail traffic reports for the Week ending July 19, 2025

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:48:30 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 19, 2025. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 506,882 carloads and intermodal units, up 5.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending July 19 were 229,739 carloads, up 7.3 percent compared with the same week in 2024, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 277,143 containers and trailers, up 4.3 percent compared to 2024. All of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2024. They included coal, up 4,496 carloads, to 62,270; grain, up 4,284 carloads, to 21,541; and metallic ores and metals, up 1,781 carloads, to 21,220. For the first 29 weeks of 2025, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 6,363,575 carloads, up 2.7 percent from the same point last year, and 7,771,228 intermodal units, up 5.0 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 29 weeks of 2025 was 14,134,803 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 3.9 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending July 19, 2025, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 329,842 carloads, up 5.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 361,688 intermodal units, up 5.5 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 691,530 carloads and intermodal units, up 5.4 percent. North American rail volume for the first 29 weeks of 2025 was 19,543,254 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.9 percent compared with 2024. Canadian railroads reported 84,893 carloads for the week, down 2.6 percent, and 73,459 intermodal units, up 7.5 percent compared with the same week in 2024. For the first 29 weeks of 2025, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 4,715,338 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 1.3 percent. Mexican railroads reported 15,210 carloads for the week, up 23.4 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,086 intermodal units, up 28.1 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 29 weeks of 2025 was 693,113 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, down 6.2 percent from the same point last year.

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ASSP and SAIA form alliance to advance worker safety

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:53:32 +0000

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) signed a memorandum of understanding today to advance worker safety and health nationwide. The three-year agreement was finalized by organizational leaders at the Safety 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition at the Orange County Convention Center. “We recognize the benefits of collaboration to improve occupational safety and health practices while elevating the voice of our profession,” said ASSP President Linda Tapp, CSP, ALCM, CPTD. “Together we strive to strengthen advocacy efforts that reduce worker illnesses, injuries, and fatalities across the board.” The two organizations will take advantage of opportunities to jointly advance national consensus standards and explore key regulatory and legislative issues. They will also cross-promote volunteer opportunities while sharing content and amplifying stories of member communities. The purpose is to build a larger and more engaged safety community and encourage the sharing of trusted guidance to drive positive workplace safety outcomes. “Our mutual interests in increasing engagement and advancing worker safety will create many opportunities to work together in areas of professional practice,” said SAIA President Michael Bredl. “It’s important for organizations to share best practices in workplace safety and health for the benefit of the greater community.” The new alliance is among many joint agreements ASSP has in place to improve the well-being of workers in all industries. SAIA has also created several partnerships to promote the safe use of scaffold and access equipment. ASSP is the world’s oldest professional safety organization with 36,000 members advancing worker well-being and the safety and health profession since the Society’s inception in 1911. ASSP provides member communities, serves as a trusted advisor and elevates safety through workforce development. SAIA aims to ensure that those who make, install, depend on or govern the use of scaffold and access equipment pursue the highest standards of safety, craftsmanship and ethics.

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PLASTICS joins industry coalition supporting CIRCLE Act of 2025

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:21:59 +0000

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released the following statement applauding Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) for the introduction of H.R. 4466, the Cultivating Investment in Recycling and Circular Local Economies (CIRCLE) Act of 2025. “The CIRCLE Act is a practical, pro-growth solution that strengthens U.S. recycling infrastructure through private investments,” said Chris Rager, PLASTICS’ Vice President of Government Affairs. “The Plastics Industry Association is proud to join the broad industry coalition supporting the introduction of this groundbreaking legislation.” “By establishing a targeted tax credit, this bill empowers manufacturers and recyclers to modernize their operations, boost material recovery rates, and drive job creation in communities across the country. It reinforces the role of recycling as a critical part of America’s circular economic strategy. We commend lawmakers for advancing smart policy that supports innovation, economic competitiveness, and responsible resource management,” concluded Rager. Click here to read the bill text for H.R. 4466, the CIRCLE Act of 2025.

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Packaging’s new imperative: Innovation meets sustainability

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:07:37 +0000

With over 20 years of experience at brands like Nestlé and the Kellogg Company, Michael Carroll shares how innovation, sustainability, and data-driven decisions are shaping the future of packaging at the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards. The packaging industry is evolving rapidly, driven by a new reality where innovation and sustainability are inextricably linked demands. It’s no longer enough for packaging to simply hold a product – it must deliver on environmental responsibility while meeting high standards of function and design. Brands today face the challenge of balancing these priorities in a market that expects more, pushing the boundaries of what packaging can achieve. Every year, the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards bring together a diverse and expert judging panel to evaluate the latest packaging breakthroughs. This 18-strong group rigorously assesses entries across various sectors, including beauty and spirits, fast-moving consumer goods, and luxury products, spotlighting innovations that blend creativity, sustainability, and practicality. Among these judges was Michael Carroll, a senior packaging specialist who brings over 20 years of experience at global brands including Nestlé and the Kellogg Company. His deep expertise in sustainable packaging informed the review of hundreds of entries. Michael’s insights offer a revealing window into the evolving packaging landscape, where innovation meets real-world challenges and nuanced sustainability is paramount. Sustainability was a clear and unmistakable theme throughout the judging process. Michael highlights, “Certainly, the sustainability side of things stood out, especially in areas like compostability and end-of-life considerations.” However, approaching sustainability effectively requires recognising that packaging needs vary significantly across different sectors. As Michael points out, “There’s no point trying to apply the same sustainability criteria to beauty packaging as you would to high volume food packaging—it’s horses for courses.” This sector-specific perspective allows a more nuanced appreciation of the unique challenges and opportunities within each category. Within this context, there were encouraging examples of innovation, such as the strong use of paper and emerging coating techniques showing real promise. Yet, Michael is quick to acknowledge, “Overall, there’s still work to be done.” Among the entries, one stood out in particular: a cup featuring a mineral coating PE free liner, which Michael describes as “a game changer” with “real potential to shift the industry.” He cautions, however, that “it will require widespread adoption to have true impact.” Reflecting the industry’s growing maturity, the judging panel demonstrated strong alignment, with consensus on scoring and category classification, something Michael finds “always reassuring.” Yet, he stresses that packaging innovation must be considered holistically. “The entire packaging journey needs to be considered, whether it’s fast-moving consumer goods or luxury. Sustainability must be built in, but the product still has to do its job.” He emphasises the need for balance: “You can’t sell a £500 product in a plain brown paper bag, it has to look like it’s worth £500.” Achieving the right equilibrium between form, function, and end-of-life is challenging. “Some brands are doing this well; others, not so much.” An important trend Michael observed was brands telling nuanced stories about their sustainability efforts. “Maybe the packaging isn’t 100% recyclable, but they’ve improved a key part of the process and reduced carbon emissions as a result.” He notes how people can become fixated on recyclability or recycled content, when, “from a CO2 reduction point of view, that’s not always the best solution.” For instance, “sometimes incineration and energy recovery are less carbon intensive, than collection, sorting, cleaning and recycling, the whole process needs thorough and independant LCA’s” This growing maturity is seen across industries. He cites a beauty brand that “might say, ‘We’re not aiming for recyclability, but we’ve created something with the lowest possible carbon footprint that still looks premium.’ That mindset is becoming more common.” Incremental progress Progress is often incremental rather than revolutionary. Michael explains, “We’re not always going to see massive leaps forward. Sometimes it’s just a little bit of renovation.” Small details, such as refining the packaging shape to enhance logistics or modifying secondary packaging, can significantly improve the overall efficiency of the system. “Those small, thoughtful details show that people are considering every aspect of packaging.” And some of the most exciting ideas solve problems that people didn’t even realise existed—until the submission explains, “Ah yes, that is a problem,” and the clever solution becomes clear. It’s about building on what’s come before “step by step.” Sometimes, the solution demands a completely different approach. Michael encourages thinking disruptively, “Look at packaging something that’s always been traditionally in one format and say, right, let’s try a different format that’s disruptive but also gives us carbon benefits, material efficiency, cost savings, and consumer benefits.” He shares an example from the awards: packaging Bombay mix, a solid product, in a drinks can, traditionally used for liquids. “There are challenges. You don’t have the internal pressure of a liquid to maintain strength, but there are ways around that.” The point is, “someone made the decision not to use the standard vertical form-fill bag like everyone else. They chose to disrupt, and that’s always good to see.” On sustainability claims, Michael urges scepticism and demands transparency. “There are so many claims of ‘novel packaging,’ ‘innovative packaging,’ ‘sustainable packaging.’ But how sustainable is it really? What certification backs that up? In which markets is it actually recyclable?” He’s particularly wary of blanket claims like “100% recyclable,” “100% plastic-free,” or “100% paper.” He explains, “Very few things in this world are truly 100%. Take an aluminium drinks can, for example. It’s not entirely aluminium. It has inks, plastic linings, and polymer seals. So, when someone claims ‘100% aluminium,’ it’s technically inaccurate.” This brings him to an essential point: data and detail. Michael praises entries that provide technical evidence. “Hundreds of submissions came through, and for each one, I wanted to know: What grade of board have you used? Why that particular GSM? Could you have picked a more sustainable alternative?” He notes that “most people in this room will have written packaging specs at some point,” and that’s where “the devil is in the detail.”

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Women In Trucking Association announced continued partnership with Hyundai Translead

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:43:16 +0000

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announced today that Hyundai Translead has renewed its Silver Level Partnership. This continued partnership reflects Hyundai Translead’s strong support for WIT’s mission to promote the employment of women in trucking, honor their contributions, and address the challenges they face in the industry. Since 2012, Hyundai Translead has actively participated in the association and has supported WIT as a Silver Level Partner since 2016. “As the transportation industry continues to grow, supporting professional development is more important than ever,” said Theresa Check, Vice President of Sales at Hyundai Translead and Board Member for the Women In Trucking Foundation. “Partnering with WIT reflects our commitment to the women who move this industry forward every day.” “We are deeply appreciative of Hyundai Translead’s unwavering commitment to supporting women in the transportation industry,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “Continued partnerships like this play a key role in advancing our mission and driving meaningful change across the industry.”

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Sluggish inventory growth signals tighter operations

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:55:58 +0000

Business inventories across the U.S. were unchanged in May, according to the Commerce Department’s latest report, marking a second month of flat growth. Economists had anticipated the stagnation, as overall inventory levels remain 1.7% above last year. Retail inventories climbed 0.3%, with motor vehicle inventories up 0.6%. Wholesale inventories declined 0.3%, and manufacturer inventories edged up 0.1%. Business sales fell 0.4%, lifting the inventory-to-sales ratio to 1.39 months—its highest level since April. The first quarter saw heavy pre-tariff stockpiling, adding 2.59 percentage points to GDP. Yet, record import-driven trade deficits more than erased those gains, leading to a 0.5% economic contraction. For material handling professionals, these numbers reflect a market in flux: slower turnover means longer storage times, lower equipment utilization, and pressure on labor efficiency. Operations may need to adapt through leaner inventory strategies and investments in technology to optimize throughput in an uncertain demand environment.

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Port of Long Beach Cargo Slows in June

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:00:03 +0000

Tariff pause may drive trade in July as retailers stock up for peak season Cargo moving through the Port of Long Beach slowed in June, but a pause on tariffs could drive a rebound for trade in July. Dockworkers and terminal operators processed 704,403 twenty-foot equivalent units in June, down 16.4% from the same month last year. Imports declined 16.9% to 348,681 TEUs and exports dropped 10.9% to 87,627 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port decreased 17.4% to 268,095 TEUs. “We’re anticipating a cargo surge in July as retailers stock up on goods ordered during the 90-day pause placed on tariffs and retaliatory tariffs,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “The Port of Long Beach is prepared to handle the influx by tracking trade moving through the harbor with the Supply Chain Information Highway, our digital solution to maximize visibility and efficiency in cargo movement.” “No matter the economic situation, our facilities, dockworkers and marine terminal operators continue to make this the premier gateway for trans-Pacific goods movement,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “Over the long term, we’re investing in infrastructure projects to keep cargo moving efficiently and sustainably to preserve our status as the Port of Choice.” The Port has moved 4,746,631 TEUs through the first half of 2025, up 10.6% from the same period in 2024.

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U.S. Rail Traffic report for the week ending July 12, 2025

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:42:42 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 12, 2025. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 496,188 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending July 12 were 223,968 carloads, up 4.1 percent compared with the same week in 2024, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 272,220 containers and trailers, up 1.4 percent compared to 2024. Eight of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2024. They included coal, up 2,699 carloads, to 58,370; chemicals, up 1,931 carloads, to 32,599; and motor vehicles and parts, up 1,228 carloads, to 12,992. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2024 were forest products, down 150 carloads, to 8,253; and metallic ores and metals, down 133 carloads, to 20,229. For the first 28 weeks of 2025, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 6,133,836 carloads, up 2.6 percent from the same point last year, and 7,494,085 intermodal units, up 5.0 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 28 weeks of 2025 was 13,627,921 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 3.9 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending July 12, 2025, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 328,098 carloads, up 4.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 357,519 intermodal units, up 3.3 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 685,617 carloads and intermodal units, up 4.0 percent. North American rail volume for the first 28 weeks of 2025 was 18,856,199 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.9 percent compared with 2024. Canadian railroads reported 88,255 carloads for the week, up 1.6 percent, and 74,638 intermodal units, up 9.3 percent compared with the same week in 2024. For the first 28 weeks of 2025, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 4,556,986 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 1.3 percent. Mexican railroads reported 15,875 carloads for the week, up 40.4 percent compared with the same week last year, and 10,661 intermodal units, up 12.6 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 28 weeks of 2025 was 671,292 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, down 6.5 percent from the same point last year.

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‘Green Port Progress Report’ marks two decades of achievement

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:40:14 +0000

Port of Long Beach documents advances, sets ambitious new environmental targets As part of a yearlong celebration of “20 Years of Leading Green,” the Port of Long Beach has released a report offering an in-depth look at how it has earned a place as a pioneer in environmentally conscious goods movement since the Green Port Policy was adopted in 2005. Available here, the Green Port Progress Report details the Port of Long Beach’s landmark sustainability programs and initiatives that have made it one of the world’s most environmentally friendly seaports, while outlining a path to zero emissions, including zero-emission projects that are in progress. “Long Beach is proud of its port for building a global brand recognized for sustainability,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “In collaboration with its neighbors and business partners, the Port of Long Beach is driving innovation toward cleaner operations for a cleaner future. This may not be well known outside of the shipping industry and Southern California, but the Green Port Progress Report will bring more recognition to these successes.” “Two decades ago, the Port of Long Beach committed to a Green Port, addressing improvements to both water and air quality,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Today, these efforts have evolved into zero-emission goals. Yet it’s undeniable we have made tremendous progress on our Green Port commitment through our air quality, water and habitat restoration programs, green construction practices, and clean energy and technology development that the public can learn about in this report.” The full spectrum of the Port’s sustainability programs, also detailed at www.polb.com/environment, has acted together to drive down emissions from port-related sources. Since 2005, these measures have cut 92% of diesel particulate matter, 71% of nitrogen oxides and 98% of sulfur oxides, while container traffic has risen 20% during the same period. “These achievements demonstrate that clean air and cargo growth can go hand in hand, reinforcing the Port’s position as a key driver of the U.S. economy during a time of unprecedented change in the shipping industry,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “While we are proud of these accomplishments, the Green Port Progress Report also looks to the future.” In 2017, in partnership with the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach updated the Clean Air Action Plan with goals for zero-emissions operations. The Green Port Progress Report examines what the Port is doing to overcome challenges such as technology readiness, regulatory pressures, funding needs, and energy supplies in pursuit of zero-emission operations. Future work at the Port of Long Beach includes charging stations for electric trucks, shore power expansion, hydrogen fueling facilities, charging stations for zero-emission locomotives, and more. In addition to its efforts to clean cargo operations, the Port has also committed $65 million to the Community Grants Program, funding local projects aimed at improving environmental health for communities around the Port. In 2005, the Harbor Commission enacted the Green Port Policy, which has led to aggressive, industry-leading programs to improve air and water quality, protect marine wildlife and implement sustainable practices while engaging and educating the community.

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Terminal expansion underway at Port of Long Beach

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:34:15 +0000

International Transportation Service will increase efficiency by adding 19 acres International Transportation Service on Friday “broke ground” on a terminal expansion project at the Port of Long Beach, aimed at developing more space to stack cargo containers and maximizing efficiency. By filling an unneeded slip in the middle of the Pier G terminal, the $365 million project will create 19 acres of new land. ITS will also build a single, continuous wharf measuring 3,400 feet, allowing it to host two of the industry’s largest cargo ships simultaneously. “ITS has been a trusted tenant for half a century, so the company’s leaders know the Port of Long Beach is a good bet,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “This investment by ITS will create benefits for decades to come with more cargo moving smoothly without delays and greater opportunities for waterfront labor–union jobs with good, dependable incomes.” “ITS’ commitment to further greening its operations, increasing capacity, and strengthening its ties to the Port of Long Beach is even stronger than it was nearly 20 years ago, when it became our first to sign a green lease,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “By ‘building more America now,’ ITS is also building more land for the Port of Long Beach while expanding capacity and driving efficiency on its terminal.” “ITS has been a powerful force for environmental stewardship in our green port by modernizing terminal operations and moving more cargo containers by rail. They’ve been great partners in our mission to lead green and we look forward to more great things to come,” said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Bonnie Lowenthal. “Congratulations to the ITS team on this momentous occasion as we break ground to make ground.” “This project strengthens America’s supply chain by investing in infrastructure the right way — using local labor and U.S.-made materials,” said ITS Long Beach CEO Kim Holtermand. “We’re not just preparing for the future — we’re building it here, at home. This project positions ITS and the Port of Long Beach to meet global shipping demands while keeping the economic and environmental benefits right here in the U.S.” Located in the outer harbor, the ITS terminal is nearly divided in half by the south slip, which will be filled with about 2.5 million cubic yards of reused sediment from within the Harbor District in addition to sediments dredged from Newport Harbor at Newport Beach. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

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Machinery orders slow in May while preserving year-over-year gains

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:11:54 +0000

New orders of metalworking machinery, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $392.7 million in May 2025. This was an 11.8% decline from April 2025 and a 2.7% increase from May 2024. Machinery orders in 2025 placed through May totaled $2.09 billion, a 15% increase over the first five months of 2024. While orders of manufacturing technology fell in March and April, the market continued to show signs of recovery, as every month in 2025 outperformed the same month in 2024. The value of May 2025 orders was 16% higher than the average May. When looking at the number of units ordered, the data shows far flatter growth. Through May 2025, the number of units ordered was 4.7% above the first five months of 2024, which is still the highest positive growth rate since 2021. Engine, turbine, and power transmission manufacturers made their largest investment in new metalworking machinery since February 2023. This is likely an extension of the outsized order activity trend in electrical equipment manufacturing due to increased grid demands from data centers. May 2025 machinery orders from the aerospace sector, which had the highest monthly order total on record in March 2023, fell to their typical monthly average but remain trending upward. Through May 2025, new factory orders for nondefense aircraft and parts were up 164% from 2024. Integrating these new orders into production schedules could exacerbate the rising capacity utilization rates of aerospace manufacturers without additional investments in manufacturing technology. Manufacturing technology orders remained relatively strong in April and May 2025 despite the economic uncertainty caused by the irregular implementation of tariff policy over those months. The recently passed tax and spending policy package will provide a degree of certainty to all businesses and includes major incentives for manufacturers, which could lead to additional machinery investments in the second half of 2025. AMT’s upcoming Summer Economic Webinar will explore how these developments could affect demand for manufacturing technology through the remainder of the year.

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Women in Trucking Association announced continued partnership with Michelin North America, Inc.

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:38:48 +0000

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced that Michelin North America, Inc. has renewed its Gold Level Partnership. This partnership highlights Michelin’s strong support for WIT’s mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry. Michelin has supported WIT at the Gold Level since 2018. In addition to providing critical financial support and leadership, the company actively participates in the association. Jackie Greenberg, Director of Service Sales CXS for Michelin North America, Inc., contributes valuable insights and expertise as a member of the board of directors. “Michelin is honored to renew our Gold Level Partnership with the Women In Trucking Association,” said Greenberg. “We are committed to empowering women in the trucking industry by supporting WIT’s efforts to provide education, recognition, and opportunities for growth. Together, we can create a brighter future for women in transportation.” “We’re excited for the unique insight and leadership Jackie Greenberg will contribute to our board,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “Partners like Michelin are essential to driving the WIT mission forward and creating meaningful change across the transportation industry.”

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