As February draws to a close, we look back on a month filled with both challenges and success. State officials celebrated the Port of Baltimore’s remarkable cargo handling in 2023, indicating a robust recovery from global supply chain disruptions. $180 million in federal funding will create 920 truck parking spaces along Interstate 4, addressing long-distance trucker’s rest stop shortages, with construction set to begin in mid-2026 in Seminole County. Continuing on with shortages, CDL schools are essential for addressing industry concerns by providing comprehensive education, effective candidate assessment, and preparation for diverse career paths.

Additionally, Commerce Department reported 3.2% GDP growth from Oct–Dec, slightly down from initial estimate. Despite this, US economy maintains growth above 2% for six consecutive quarters, showing resilience. Top shipping container manufacturer sees revenue surge in hydrogen sector, with projections for further growth by 2025, unveiling crucial technology for green hydrogen production. Discussions underway for new $1 billion container terminal at Tradepoint Atlantic, aiming to create 1,100 jobs by 2028, contingent upon addressing environmental concerns. As winter wraps up, we anticipate the industry’s upcoming events and developments.

 With a seasoned team and specialized equipment, we excel in transporting steel commodities on flatbed trailers, ensuring secure, efficient, and reliable delivery for your steel-related needs. 

As January concludes, we reflect on a month filled with both challenges and triumphs. The transportation industry faced a tumultuous start with severe weather conditions across the country. Houthi attacks on Red Sea ships disrupted global trade, leading the temporary closure of Tesla’s German factory. Amidst these events, the Port of Baltimore achieved the top U.S. Coast Guard assessment, implementing enhanced security measures.

In response to extreme cold weather, several state governors waived truckers’ hours-of-service requirements to address fuel transportation challenges. Simultaneously, the autonomous trucking industry progressed for efficiency and safety, although deployment timelines remain uncertain. Trucking firms are expanding their market reach by utilizing branded trailers for increased brand recognition.

Furthermore, Norfolk Southern experienced a 33% drop in Q4 profits due to derailment cleanup costs, impacting strategic plans for managerial reductions, efficiency improvements, and a 3% revenue growth target in 2024 post the Cincinnati Southern Railroad acquisition. As winter continues, we anticipate the industry’s upcoming events and developments.

Although PGT Services specializes in flatbed transportation primarily focusing on steel, building products, pipe, heavy machinery, and drayage – we have the capabilities to move almost all commodities requiring flatbed.

Managing Project Logistics may seem daunting to some, but at PGT Services, it’s a challenge weembrace with confidence. With a rich history of successfully tackling intricate, large-scale projects, 

we have consistently delivered solutions that exceed expectations. Our unwavering commitment toprioritizing safety, maintaining pristine service, and handling every aspect of project logistics with carehas been the cornerstone of PGT Services. 

As the year concludes and we look into the New Year, we reflect on the final month of the year—December and everything that occurred in the transportation and logistics world. To start we address the Pennsylvania Parking shortage with a report titled “expanding truck parking in Pennsylvania,” emphasizing public-private collaboration and designating PennDOT as an executive sponsor. Additionally, this year the progress for battery-electric trucks was slower than expected. Issues arose in both the Red Sea and the Panama Canal where there were attacks on commercial vessels in the lower Red Sea, and a drought in the Panama Canal forcing shippers to pick between extended wait times or high fees.

Amid Red Sea turmoil, LNG tanker rental rates have dropped below $100,000 a day in the Pacific basin due to reduced demand from mild weather and market segmentation. Finally, on a more positive note, Canada has allocated $3.9 million for safety improvements on the Alaska highway for safer roadways. As the heart of winter continues, and we reflect on December, we are excited for what’s to come in the industry.

As winter continues to approach, we saw many events take place to prepare the industry for long-term success. Winter driving demands caution due to challenging conditions and potential vehicle issues, necessitating comprehensive safety plans and effective communication between fleets and drivers. Meanwhile, DP World faces a 30,000-container backlog at Australian ports after a cyberattack, disrupting nearly 40% of the country’s goods flow. Ongoing investigations and security measures by DP World suggest potential trade disruptions lasting for days.

Despite economic uncertainties, 73% of merchants anticipate increased holiday sales, aligning with the National Retail Federation’s 3-4% YoY growth prediction in holiday spending. The trucking sector adopts smart camera technology, integrating AI and computer vision for enhanced safety. Gasoline prices in the U.S. have fallen for 60 consecutive days, potentially boosting retail sales during the holiday season. The USDOT mandates states to establish emission-reduction goals by Feb. 1, aligning with President Biden’s climate change efforts and offering federal funding for targeted emissions reductions in the transportation sector.

Flatbed Shipping requires specialized knowledge and should be managed with detailed execution. PGT Services’ experts match your freight with qualified and experienced carriers meeting all of your securement needs.

October saw many events take place to prepare the industry for long-term success as colder weather and winter approaches. Indiana adds 200 truck parking spaces at Kankakee Welcome Center to address shortages and create a safer environment. At the ports, port authorities are exploring real-time cargo tracking, with privacy concerns raised. American electric vehicle manufacturer, Rivian, plans to open Atlanta space to showcase its brand and confirms a $5 billion Georgia factory for R2 crossover production. These many advancements are encouraging for the transportation industry!

Additionally, Trucking fleets face complexities due to evolving emissions regulations in California and the need for zero-emission technology. UPS highlights renewable natural gas as a solution. CARB’s ACT rule may limit diesel truck availability, and congestion added significant costs in 2021. This congestion problem, cost the industry an enormous $94.6 billion. On a much more positive note, The Women in Motion group is expanding its memberships and resources to support female independent contractors. As the darkness roles in earlier, and we reflect on October, we are excited for what’s to come in the industry.

We bring reliable flatbed capacity to help our customers manage their transportation process. Learn more about the commodities our employees are trained in executing safely and efficiently for our customers.