With a score of 45.4, the December edition of the Stifel Index has recorded its lowest-ever total, amidst a continued pattern of decline.

CaroTrans, a non-vessel operating common carrier and ocean freight consolidator, has launched a direct, biweekly service between Miami, Fla. and Manaus, Brazil, for less-than-containerload exports.

Cargomatic has launched service in the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and beyond.

Capital Business Credit LLC (CBC) is offering a Supplier Early Payment (SEP) program, to ensure the timely shipping of goods prior to Chinese New Year.

The Coca-Cola Co. bottler in Rio de Janeiro used to deliver crates of drinks in the city’s Copacabana area by truck until a parking ban forced the company to rethink its distribution strategy. The big cargo vehicles now arrive early in the morning, park at designated sites and transfer the goods to motorcycles that make the final delivery to customers.

JDA Software Inc. has added capabilities to its JDA Category Management application for retailers.

Toshiba America Business Solutions has introduced the desktop BFV-4 series of thermal barcode printers. The devices can print on-demand labels in any transportation, logistics, healthcare and retail environment, the vendor said.

PLS Logistics Services has opened a new branch office in San Antonio, Tex.