Automotive sales are on the rebound, as forecasts show that new car sales in the U.S. could exceed 15 million in 2016. Additionally, automakers are launching approximately 500 new car models on the market this year. This situation puts a lot of pressure on the auto parts supply chain industry. Some worry that supply won’t…
Slavery might seem like an issue of the past, but it’s still present in many communities today. If you eat fruits and vegetables, wear cotton clothing, use a cellphone, or eat chocolate, you might be contributing inadvertently to slavery. In recent years, consumers have driven companies to improve environmental practices and transparency in their supply…
Many businesses have come to realize the benefits of lowering their carbon emissions. Not only is this practice good for the environment, but many companies also see increased profits as a result of their efforts. Ocean Spray Cranberries, for instance, cut delivery-related emissions by 20 percent and costs by 40 percent. Take a look at…
Freight truck volume in the U.S. is projected to double over the next decade. This causes significant concern for the environment, road maintenance costs, and highway traffic congestion. Many believe, however, that more trucks are a necessity for economic growth. Take a look at this two-sided dilemma and some possible solutions to the problem.
In 2015, ocean cargo rates for contracts on major East-West routes saw a sharp decline. As a result, carrier profits have been suffering. Contract rates have fallen because of lower fuel costs, more carrier competition, and surplus vessel capacity. Take a look at what this means for the transportation industry now and in the future.
In recent years, farmers have been looking for ways to increase production while using fewer resources and decreasing their environmental impact. For farmers, technology offers myriad solutions. Sensors can measure soil and water composition, drones can spread fertilizer, and GPS systems can direct robotic tractors to harvest crops. Farming technology is rapidly developing, and it…
In 2012, Hostess filed for bankruptcy. At that time, the company announced that it would no longer manufacture Twinkies or many of the brand’s other goodies. This caused an uproar, and the little spongy cakes started flying off the shelves. Hostess has since completed major rebranding and is finally making a comeback. This article is…
More than 7 million Americans make up the domestic trucking industry. However, commercial shipping needs are growing quickly, and the industry continues to have a difficult time finding new drivers to replace the ones that retire. Numerous factors contribute to the shortage of truck drivers, but one of the biggest is the negative image of…
Whenever an outbreak of Listeria occurs or any other food safety issues arise, the U.S. government steps in to investigate and prevent further crisis. The government has always had an interest in food safety, but it has made significant changes to food safety protocol over the past couple of years. Take a look at what…
The Cuban trade embargo has been in effect since 1962, after Cuba nationalized several American-owned assets equaling over $1 billion. Though the two nations have had countless disagreements ever since, in mid-2015 Cuba agreed to allow U.S. embassies to reopen in its major cities. The relationship between the two countries has recently begun improving, which…