Recent data shows that world economic activity and trade are recovering. Transportation industry decision-makers need to formulate and implement a business investment strategy. Among the questions to ask in order to develop that strategy are these, according to Walter Kemmsies, chief economist of Moffatt & Nichol, a marine infrastructure engineering firm.
What sectors of the economy will drive the next business cycle and which will struggle to survive? How will aging baby boomers affect economic activity? How will outsourcing continue to evolve? How will the operating models of companies evolve? How will North America compete in an increasingly globalized economy? Which countries will be winners and losers? Which ocean carriers will thrive or struggle to survive? Which ports have the capacity to attract more and higher-valued cargo? Will highway congestion increase the cost and time of trucking service? Will changes to the railway industry make it more or less competitive with trucking?
