Forecasting, Overcapacity Lead Transportation Industry Concerns for 2011; 195 Top Executives Reflect in The Journal of Commerce's Annual Review and Outlook

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Jan 10, 2011, 03:17 ET

NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Forecasting concerns and overall economic uncertainty are tempering the recovery optimism of transportation executives across the supply chain, reports The Journal of Commerce today in its Annual Review and Outlook, a comprehensive examination of 2010 and the year ahead. The cautious approach will prompt transportation carriers to keep capacity growth to a minimum, leaving retailers and manufacturers facing higher shipping costs as they seek space to move their goods.

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"We think all providers of transportation will again be closely managing capacity in 2011," said George Macko, United States Gypsum.

The attention to space is most prominent in the ocean container shipping world but stretches across the distribution chain, The Journal of Commerce reported.

"Capacity management will figure prominently in shipping operations in 2011 as container ship operators, trucking companies and others try to get the right capacity to the right place at the right time – at the right rate," said Paul Page, JOC Editorial Director.

The annual JOC special -- including commentary from nearly 200 executives from major maritime, rail, trucking and air carriers as well as retailers and manufacturers that buy shipping services – suggests that while difficult lessons learned in the downturn have radically reshaped operating strategies in positive ways, uncertainty about economic stability has not abated. As the industry becomes more volatile, it is creating a more urgent need for accurate forecasts while increasing the elusiveness of precise predictions.

"Living with uncertainty is becoming a reality the industry is gradually adjusting to, and this will be central to business strategies in 2011," said Peter Tirschwell, senior vice president for strategy, UBM Global Trade.

The Annual Review and Outlook Webcast Series will provide opportunity for dialogue on these topics beginning Jan. 13. To register for any/all of these webcasts, visit: http://www.joc.com/webcasts.

To view daily news visit www.joc.com. For all media enquires, including article reprints, please contact Editorial Director Paul Page.

Since 1827, The Journal of Commerce has been the most trusted source of intelligence for international logistics executives to help them plan global supply chains and better manage day-to-day transportation of goods and commodities in the United States and internationally.

To become a member of The Journal of Commerce click here. JOC members have access to our weekly print and digital magazine and Web site, as well as a 10% discount on all JOC events and trade shows, UBM Global Trade Directories and select PIERS products. Authoritative editorial content in the form of daily news, weekly analysis and regular features ensure our members have the information and data necessary to understand the issues facing trucking, rail and maritime transportation. Members enjoy access to "By the Numbers," an exclusive weekly compilation of key industry statistics that provides detailed views of current market trends across all modes. Regular market intelligence reports -- utilizing PIERS trade data -- include Top 100 Imports and Exporters, quarterly Top 40 Container lines, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic Maritime Forecasts and Top Container Ports and Terminals. Market-sector supplements, including Breakbulk, Cool Cargoes, 3PL, JOC Guide to Trucking and others, ensure all modes are comprehensively covered.

About UBM Global Trade - UBM Global Trade is the leading provider of proprietary data, news, business intelligence and analytical content supporting commercial maritime, rail, trucking, warehousing and logistics industries worldwide. The company's portfolio of more than 100 online, print and interactive workflow business solutions includes The Journal of Commerce, Breakbulk, RailResource, PIERS Global Intelligence Solutions and an array of international trade and transportation databases and directories. UBM Global Trade, a subsidiary of United Business Media Limited, is headquartered in Newark, NJ, with offices throughout the United States. For more information, explore www.ubmglobaltrade.com or call 800-952-3839 (+1-973-776-8660 outside the U.S. or Canada).

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Peter Tirschwell

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=55889

Paul Page

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=67532

CONTACT: Paul Page, The Journal of Commerce, Editorial Director, +1-202-355-1170, [email protected].

SOURCE The Journal of Commerce