Logistics

Trucking firms are revved up for 2018, with predictions of tight capacity and strong demand for freight hauling setting the stage for an anticipated big year ahead for the industry, and indicators pointing to a potentially sustained period of business expansion in the United States and around the globe.

J.B. Hunt predicted earnings between $85 million and $90 million for the fourth quarter, a decline of 20-30% versus the final three months of 2016. Financial statements will be formally released Jan. 18.

Only two months after being hired, Jim Foote is now the top executive at CSX Corp. after the unexpected death of CEO Hunter Harrison on Dec. 16.

Penske Logistics will officially take over control of a Kroger distribution center in Texas on Dec. 29, the third-party logistics company told Transport Topics.

No matter your place on the political spectrum, it is undeniable passage of the Republican-led tax reform measure was a monumental feat. This week we highlight our favorite news items from Capitol Agenda in 2017.

In November and December, online shoppers surfed their favorite websites and sent holiday gifts to the front doors of homes nationwide. In January, the last-mile supply chain shifts in reverse as Americans return the items they don’t like.

Louisville, Ky., kicked off construction for the New Dixie Highway project Dec. 22 with an event featuring Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao.

A Greek shipowner is predicting new rules for marine fuel will put thousands of the world’s merchant vessels out of business in the next two years, roiling global trade. In fact, he’s wagering $1.1 billion on it.

Another fleet of mining trucks will join the growing ranks of machines operating autonomously using Caterpillar Inc. systems in Australia next year, reflecting the company’s push to cement industry partnerships with proprietary technology.

FedEx Corp.’s delivery truck is heading in the right direction, but the turbo-charge from Uncle Sam won’t hurt. The $65 billion company reported earnings after the close of trading on Dec. 20, besting analysts’ quarterly estimates and raising its full-year outlook.