We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • ::COVID-19 COVERAGE::
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • BLOGS & MORE
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • SCQ Forum
      • Reflections
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • BLOGS & MORE
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • SCQ Forum
      • Reflections
    • Mobile Apps
Home » A wild ride
PERSPECTIVE

A wild ride

This year’s Annual State of Logistics Report looks at how the industry has fared during these turbulent, unpredictable times.

August 19, 2020
David Maloney
No Comments

What a year it has been. The industry was on cruise control until it hit the huge speed bump known as the COVID-19 pandemic. That left everyone veering off course onto side roads no one could have even foreseen 12 months ago. Some logistics companies, trucking firms in particular, will never ride again, as the swift economic downturn has caused their demise. Others will continue to struggle as they find new ways to replace lost revenue, ensure safety for their workers, and look toward brighter days ahead.

No single area of the logistics sector escaped the clutches of the pandemic. The one bright spot is what we always knew—that logistics is essential to our lives. That assured that even while many of us spent a good part of this year hunkered down (or at least limiting our movements and engagements), supplies continued to flow, wheels kept turning, and deliveries brought the essential goods we rely on every day.

Our annual State of Logistics issue reflects the trends happening in the major sectors of the supply chain industry. We start off by sharing highlights of the “31st Annual CSCMP State of Logistics Report.” This exclusive research study is authored by the global management consulting firm Kearney and presented by Penske Logistics. It provides an in-depth view of all the sectors of the logistics industry within the United States and the industry’s overall impact on the U.S. economy. The report also discusses new technologies that have the potential to alter the landscape before us. The full report is free for all CSCMP members.

This year the study showed that logistics expenditures rose to $1.652 trillion in 2019 or 7.6% of the U.S.’s gross domestic product (GDP) of $21.4 trillion. This is somewhat of a return to normal, as it represents less of an increase than was seen in 2018, when costs were at 7.9% of GDP. When the 2020 numbers come out next spring, the outlook might not be quite as rosy, as overall GDP is expected to fall due to the COVID-induced recession.

Beyond the synopsis of the CSCMP report, you will find in this issue expanded coverage from industry experts from each area of the supply chain who provide their insights into specific sectors. We deliver this analysis in easily digestible slices of trucking, rail/intermodal, ocean, air freight, inventory management, warehousing, third-party logistics, and technology.

Regardless of whether you are a shipper who needs to move goods or a carrier providing those moves, we hope that the knowledge you gain may help you endure the rest of a bumpy year and help you to plan for a better 2021.

  • Related Articles

    Thriving in the long haul

    Thriving in the long haul: interview with Colin Yankee

    The price of loyalty

David Maloney is editorial director of CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly.

Recent Articles by David Maloney

The price of loyalty

Logistics of the COVID-19 vaccine: a lot left to work out

It’s time to prepare for health care’s biggest logistics challenge ever

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • The 3PL industry: time to reset

  • Resiliency starts with supplier mapping

  • Freight market growth expected to slow in 2021

  • Retailers designing stores to support inventory and logistics work, not just shopping

  • Seizing the helm

Featured Video

6cabd6ef 64df 4460 bb11 e90c2bdea0a5

Identifying Intralogistics Solutions to Fit Your Operation: LinkedIn Live Ep. 4

Viewer Contributed
As technology evolves, the advantages of using semi- and fully automated solutions to increase productivity and address labor shortages are clear. However, before an organization jumps fully into automation, optimization is a key step that must happen first. Intralogistics solutions, such as Raymond’s iWAREHOUSE and...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Warehouse Management System Project Toolkit

  • Solving Talent Management Challenges Now and In the Future

  • Shaping Up Last Mile Delivery to Surpass Customer Expectations

  • Finding the Right Transportation Management Partner

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2021. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing