Logistics industry market trends you need to know.

GENERAL MARKET TRENDS

POTENTIAL MARKET DISRUPTORS

PORT IMPACTS:

• Panama Canal Optimism: With recent rains alleviating drought conditions, the Panama Canal Authority is expanding transit slots for Panamax vessels. As water levels in Gatun Lake rise, the outlook for canal operations and shipping efficiencies brightens, suggesting a smoother transit flow by 2025.
• Election Anticipations: Upcoming presidential elections in Panama could pivot canal policies significantly, especially concerning the $2 billion Indio River project that aims to increase transits and provide potable water, highlighting the strategic interplay between infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

SEASONAL TRENDS:

TRANSPORTATION EVENTS:

• International Roadcheck Week (May 14th-16th)
  • Alcohol and drug substances and tractor protection systems will be the focus.
• Broker Carrier Summit (April 22-24)

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS:

• Tax Day was yesterday
• Memorial Day (Monday, May 27)

WEATHER IMPACT

Plains and Mississippi Valley: Severe Weather and Flash Flooding Risk

• Timing: Intensifying storm system affecting the Plains on Monday, and the Mississippi Valley on Tuesday.
• Impact: Severe thunderstorms with a chance of very large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. An Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) of severe thunderstorms is forecast from western Nebraska/South Dakota southward through the central Plains. A Slight Risk (level 2/5) extends into the southern Plains. Isolated flash flooding is possible, particularly where storms are more widespread.

Upper Ohio Valley through the Mid-Atlantic: Scattered Severe Thunderstorms

• Timing: Monday.
• Impact: A slight risk of severe weather centered around the Tidewater region of Virginia. Potential hazards include large hail and damaging winds.

Northern Cascades, Northern/Central Rockies, and Eastern Great Basin: Moderate to Heavy Snowfall

• Timing: Next couple of days.
• Impact: Winter weather advisories/warnings in effect. Expected snow accumulations of 6-12 inches or more at higher elevations.

Central/Eastern U.S.: Well Above Average Temperatures

• Timing: Monday.
• Impact: Temperatures in the 80s across the central/southern Plains, Mississippi Valley, and into the Mid-Atlantic/Southeast, with some areas possibly reaching the 90s. Critical Risk of Fire Weather on Monday due to hot temperatures and dry conditions.
  WPC’s Short Range Public Discussion (noaa.gov)

INDUSTRY NEWS TO KNOW

• State of Freight: Reasons to be bullish on second half of 2024 – FreightWaves
• State of Freight takeaways: Is a weak February the bottom of the cycle? – FreightWaves
• All quiet on the diesel front, for now: Benchmark price up slightly – FreightWaves
• Port Houston shows import strength in February – FreightWaves
• Baltimore port closure puts truck drivers who haul autos in a bind – FreightWaves
• Automakers reroute shipments after Baltimore bridge collapse | Supply Chain Dive
• Port of Baltimore stops accepting export containers | Supply Chain Dive
• Port of Baltimore halts vessel traffic after bridge collapse | Supply Chain Dive
• workers missing in Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse presumed dead – FreightWaves
• Baltimore bridge collapse disrupts traffic, port operations after ship collision – FreightWaves
• Some states urge truck drivers to avoid working during upcoming eclipse – FreightWaves

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