Supply Chain and Distribution
The Strategic Intelligence System (ASIS) is based on advanced analytical models that forecast manufacturing activity in the durable manufacturing sector. We recognized that supply chain costs can account for a significant percentage of production costs, and helping manufacturers or suppliers understand trends that affect supply chain and distribution are important.
The Supply Chain and Distribution section covers all primary modes of transportation including rail, trucking, maritime, and air cargo.
The outlook includes a proprietary demand index that works much like a leading economic index, it gives members an idea of how strong freight demand is in each sector. Stronger demand typically tightens available capacity and increases price – from the manufacturer’s perspective.
Carriers in the transportation sector will benefit from the ASIS because industrial production in manufacturing has proven to help explain 85-90% of freight shipment movement. Looking at the industrial production outlook gives carriers insights into future freight demand and helps in understanding cycles that will change supply/demand dynamics.
Our economists and intelligence analysts look at external factors that will also tighten capacity, create supply chain bottlenecks and backlogs, and other factors that might influence the flow of goods on a global basis.
