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John’s Blog
4-5-10
Dear Friends,
The Institute
for Supply Management showed U.S. factories had their best month of
activity in nearly six years during March. The index of
manufacturing activity moved to a reading of 59.6, the highest since
July 2004, and above the 57 level expected.
Last Thursday's
job data showed initial claims for jobless benefits declined by 6,000
in the week ended March 27, more than the decline of 2,000 economists
expected. This is the lowest level for the four week average since
September 13th 2008. Private employers added 123,000 jobs,
the most since May of 2007.
Freight demand
and volume continue moving in positive trends. There are concerns
that this may not be sustainable as stimulus money, inventory
restocking, and low interest rates may have provided a boost that
cannot last for the duration of the year.
The bottom line
is that while the trends look good there are enough people who are
concerned about sustaining this growth that I have one foot in the
band wagon for growth while the other is waiting to make certain this
is for real.
Intermodal rail
traffic rose 12% last week from the same week a year ago, the
Association of American Railroads said last Thursday. Total
intermodal volume grew to 210,914 units, from 188,351 last year and
containers jumped 14.4% to 178,424 units, while trailers gained 0.3%
to 32,490 units for the week ended Saturday.
Intermodal
movements are good to watch as they indicate the movement of higher
margin materials and are a good indicator of the economy. These are
the best numbers since November of 2008.
At Wagner we are
fully staffed in Aurora OH at our new distribution center adding 15
positions doing our small part to increase jobs.
Wagner continues
to see companies needing help in moving loads that are being turned
down by their existing carriers due to capacity tightening.
Should you need
help with distribution warehousing, e-commerce fulfillment,
transportation, or customized packaging I hope you will give Wagner a
try. Wagner has capacity in Jacksonville FL, Atlanta GA, Aurora OH,
Grand Prairie TX, Denver CO, and our home in Kansas City.
Have a great
week!
John
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