Although orders were slower in December, 2015 was the trailer industry's best shipment year in history, just edging out the previous record set in 1999, according to the most recent State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co.

The manufacturing world is being shaped by technological, demographic, and market megatrends and how companies respond will define their future performance.

After spiking to start the year, load-to-truck ratios and truckload rates on the spot market slid downward during the week ending Jan. 16, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards.

Sixty-six percent of shoppers are more likely to purchase at retailers that offer in-store mobile technology, an increase of 52 percent year over year, according to a SOTI poll of consumers. As many as 73 percent of respondents view the availability of in-store mobile technology as a signal of better customer service and loyalty, up 26 percent from the previous year.