John’s Blog

1-19-09

Dear Friends,

I have been saying that Consumer fear is driving much of the current recession as everyone is concerned with the mounting job loss numbers and other negative news.  Finally there is some good news to report.

The Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index was released Tuesday and it shows that U.S. consumer confidence improved.  The preliminary index for January rose to 61.9, from 60.1 in December.  Economists had expected the reading to fall to a 59 reading.

The government reported that U.S. consumer prices rose by their slowest pace in 50 years mostly driven by the drop in oil prices (75% decline from last July).  In December the consumer price index declined 0.7% while economists had predicted a 0.8% decline.

For the full year of 2008 the CPI rose just 0.1% which was the lowest increase since 1954.

The inauguration of new leadership will provide a mental boost for those wanting dramatic change and signals the starting gun for massive federal stimulus.

At Wagner we are involved in the start up of a Memphis fulfillment project where we will be picking inner case quantities and shipping 2,000 orders per month.  In Grand Prairie TX a client has asked us to perform a bulk transload of product converting packaged goods to bulk for tanker delivery to their client.

As a reminder, the Wagner network of distribution centers include over 4,000,000 sq ft in:

              ·   Jacksonville FL

              ·   Morrow GA (Atlanta)

              ·   Memphis TN

              ·   Little Rock AR

              ·   Grand Prairie TX (Dallas-Ft Worth)

           ·   Denver CO

              ·   Kansas City MO

Whether it is transportation, distribution or contract packaging we ask for the opportunity to compete for your business. 

Have a great week!