Supply Chain Sector Poised for Comeback

Since 1988, the "State of Logistics Report" has tracked and measured all costs associated with moving goods through the U.S. supply chain. As reported here yesterday, the latest research shows the continued impact of the economic slowdown on the U.S. logistics industry.

"Logistics providers were among the first to feel the effects of the economic downturn," said Vince Hartnett, President, Penske Logistics. "Today, we are seeing some positive signs of recovery in the supply chain with increasing truck freight volumes and higher truck fleet utilization rates. If this continues, trucking and logistics firms will likely add capacity to take on additional loads and hire drivers to meet increasing demand."

"Anecdotally, we are also seeing more Fortune 1000 level companies evaluating logistics outsourcing compared with the previous 12-month period," Hartnett continued. "This tells us that business leaders are looking to capture emerging growth opportunities while still staying focused on cash and capital - a good combination for our industry and a steady recovery."

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