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Logistics and Transportation

1970

As the backbone of modern global supply chains, the transportation and logistics sector is a key driver of economic activity. And, as a connector of people, places and experiences, it thrives on demand.

According to SelectUSA.gov, spending in the U.S. logistics and transportation industry totaled $1.48 trillion in 2015 and represented 8 percent of annual gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, analysts expect industry investment to correlate with sector-specific growth in the U.S. economy.

This highly integrated supply chain network includes multiple transportation modes, including air and express delivery services, freight rail, maritime transport and truck transport. In fact, the following is just a snapshot of how vital this sector is to keeping businesses moving:

  • The American Trucking Associations reports that trucks move nearly 10.5 billion tons of freight, 70.1 percent of the modal share of all freight tonnage transported domestically.
  • Water transportation moves the predominant share of U.S. international merchandise trade, including 76 percent of U.S. exports by tonnage.
  • Freight rail moves more than 70 percent of the nation’s coal (5.2 million carloads), about 58 percent of its raw metal ores, 1.6 million carloads of wheat, corn, and other agricultural products, and 13.7 million intermodal containers and trailers that transport consumer goods.
  • An $82 billion industry in the United States, air and express delivery services (EDS) firms also provide the export infrastructure for many exporters, particularly small and medium-sized businesses that cannot afford to operate their own supply chain.
  • Many experts agree that advancements in technology and changes in the way goods are bought and sold are creating complexity and opportunity for the industry. Yet, this continues to be another growth year for many transportation and logistics companies.

    In this edition of the Business Magazine, we’ll share how Erie-based Team Hardinger delivers when it comes to moving customer goods safely, on time, and on budget through its trucking, brokerage and warehousing solutions. We’ll also take a look at some of the other resources and key topics related to logistics and transportation, including why long-term transportation funding is imperative for our economy to grow.

    Plus, be sure to check our Spotlight Q&A on Logistics Plus’ partnership with the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) on the MBA Logistics Program and how it could benefit your operation. Visit www.mbausa.org/logistics for more information!

    Read more in the September 2017 edition of the Business Magazine