North American shipment volume continued on a downward path in November, according to the Cass Freight Index. The dip was not unexpected, as this is the same weak year-end movement observed for the last three years. Stronger than expected manufacturing activity and shipments of seasonal goods offset a general slowing of freight movements to temper the drop in shipment levels.

China is handing out new subsidies for buying ships to help its beleaguered shipbuilders, confounding a government pledge to reduce support for sectors with over-capacity in order to reform the economy.

A survey of hiring managers and human resources professionals about recruiting and employment trends in manufacturing and distribution found that 77 percent of manufacturers and distributors are facing challenges finding skilled workers for new positions and to replace workers who have left.

Driven by rising domestic demand in China and by increased intra-Asian and so-called South-South trade, international seaborne trade performed relatively well in 2012, with volumes increasing by 4.3 percent, reaching 9.2 billion tons for the first time ever, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's Review of Maritime Transport 2013 reports.

In adding 13,500 jobs in November, the retail industry in the United States is said to be slowly but surely shaking off the recession.

Getting the funds and approval from executives to implement and/or expand transportation services and systems sometimes takes the assistance of 3PLs who can provide detailed explanations of the long-term benefits of specific supply chain strategies.

Changes in global trade have left freight forwarders and logistics operators open to additional liability, warns an insurance specialist.

There was a small improvement in airfreight growth in October, according to the International Air Transport Association. Compared to October 2012, global freight tonne kilometers rose four percent, with growth in all regions except Africa.