Nuts & Bolts Archives - Material Handling Wholesaler

Raymond celebrates future leaders graduating from youth apprenticeship program

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:54:25 +0000

Three-decadelong collaboration educates and inspires next generation The Raymond Corporation, in coordination with the Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), is celebrating the graduation of its Youth Apprenticeship Program scholars. Raymond’s apprenticeship program offers junior and senior students an immersive, hands-on learning experience that connects classroom instruction with real-world career opportunities. Continuing a long-standing collaboration, Raymond apprentices spend two years at its headquarters in Greene, New York. Throughout the program, students build practical skills in their areas of interest while gaining exposure to a range of business functions, including engineering, finance, marketing, manufacturing and other key departments across the organization. This program is a part of Raymond’s commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. This 2025-26 school year, a total of six high school seniors were able to gain real-world skills while working within Raymond’s headquarters. Now, Raymond celebrates as those six graduate from its Youth Apprenticeship Program from the Greene Central School District: Kendrick Baucas John Bergholtz Steven Bergholtz Alexander Kehl Aiden Messina Andrew Roberts “Raymond’s Youth Apprenticeship Program is built to aid in addressing current industry challenges and foster exceptional talent to address the widening skills gap,” said Brian Warner, apprenticeship mentor and manager for product regulatory compliance, The Raymond Corporation. “Having mentored apprentices for the past 10 years, I’ve seen how hands-on experience and exposure to different disciplines can help students discover their interests and future career paths.” The impact of these opportunities extends beyond individual students, reflecting a shared commitment between Raymond and Broome-Tioga BOCES to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals for successful careers in advanced manufacturing and technology. “The Broome-Tioga BOCES Youth Apprenticeship Program gives young people in our community an invaluable leg up in pursuing meaningful careers, but we can’t create these opportunities without participation from companies like Raymond,” said Melinda Russell, executive director, Schools-to-Careers, Broome-Tioga BOCES. “We appreciate Raymond’s continuing support of the program and its investment in the next generation of technology professionals.”

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Port of Long Beach Approves $58 Million for Clean Technology

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:38:40 +0000

New funding moves Long Beach closer to becoming world’s first zero emissions port A commitment by the Port of Long Beach to become the world’s first zero-emissions port advanced Monday with the authorization of $58.2 million to purchase and deploy additional zero-emissions, human-operated cargo handling equipment, cleaner harbor craft and a zero-emission locomotive. The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the expenditure, part of a larger grant from California’s State Transportation Agency for System-Wide Investment in Freight Transport (SWIFT). This initiative is designed to lead the deployment of the cleanest technologies, support goods movement efficiency and reduce environmental impacts on neighboring communities. The investment will allow tenants and operators to: Acquire 61 units of zero-emission, human-operated cargo-handling equipment, along with 21 chargers to power them; Deploy six zero-emission and five cleaner harbor craft that displace older diesel engines; And advance one zero-emission locomotive. “Expanding our clean technology portfolio is critical to the future of goods movement and to the health of the communities around us,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We are not waiting for the future to arrive, we are shaping it and leading the way by deploying the latest zero-emission equipment to make a difference today.” “The Port of Long Beach continues to invest in zero-emission infrastructure and deploy a suite of incentives for early adopters of these technologies,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “This latest round of funding builds on the Port’s broader SWIFT program, which is accelerating the transition to zero-emission operations while improving the reliability and efficiency of cargo movement.”

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More than $1 Billion Approved to Power Port of the Future

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:08:35 +0000

Pier B project anchors Port of Long Beach capital expenditures The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a $1.05 billion annual budget for the Port of Long Beach, which is at the center of one of the busiest logistics hubs in the world. Approximately 55% of the Port’s spending is tied to capital investments in rail, zero emissions, technology and other improvements designed to efficiently handle growing cargo volumes while minimizing environmental impacts. Budgeted spending for the 2027 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, is 28.6% more than estimated spending in the 2026 fiscal year. The variance reflects a 53.7% increase in capital expenditures compared to the prior year, to $571.8 million, as work accelerates on delivering the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, the Port’s largest project. The boost in spending is also aligned with delivering the infrastructure necessary to realize Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba’s 2050 vision to double cargo to 20 million containers annually by midcentury while becoming the first zero-emissions port in the world. The 10-year, $3.3 billion capital improvement program is the largest of any port in the nation. Next year’s budget also includes $54 million in Clean Trucks Program subsidies to support truck drivers and trucking companies as they transition to zero-emissions, heavy-duty drayage trucks. “This budget sends a strong signal to our supply chain partners that we are bullish on the future and committed to doubling our cargo capacity by 2050,” Hacegaba said. “Our industry-leading $3.3 billion capital improvement plan will help us get there as we transform our operations and build the Port of the Future.” “Our success has always depended on staying ahead of the demands of a rapidly changing global supply chain and investing for the future,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “This budget strengthens our competitive position to move more goods, faster and more sustainably.” Pier B broke ground in July 2024. The project will triple the Port’s on-dock rail capacity and trim the time it takes to move cargo from ship to rail from four days to 24 hours, enhancing the efficiency of moving goods in Southern California and the entire U.S. supply chain. Individual construction projects are underway, adding benefits upon completion, with the facility expected to be finished in 2032. In late summer, the Long Beach City Council will consider approval of the budget. It includes a $28.7 million estimated transfer to the City’s Tidelands Operating Fund, supporting quality-of-life projects along Long Beach’s 7-mile coastline that have improved shoreline safety, cleanliness, water quality, facilities and other amenities. Operating revenue is estimated to be relatively flat at $577.9 million, 0.6% higher than last year. Recognized for its strong market position and financial resiliency, the Port of Long Beach holds exceptional credit ratings of AA+ from S&P Global Ratings and AA from Fitch and Moody’s Ratings.

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Port of Long Beach Cargo Shows Double-Digit Growth

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:48:29 +0000

May imports and exports reflect supply chain resiliency The Port of Long Beach handled the most cargo in North America with double-digit growth in May, demonstrating resiliency in the face of tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, Port CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba announced Tuesday during his monthly Supply Chain Insight media briefing. Last month, dockworkers and terminal operators handled 842,030 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 31.7% from May 2025, making it the Port’s third-busiest May on record. Imports soared 40% to 418,851 TEUs, exports rose 32.9% to 109,168 TEUs and empty containers were up 21.8% to 314,012 TEUs. The Port of Long Beach has processed 4,050,247 TEUs through the first five months of 2026, up 0.2% compared to the same period last year, putting the Port on pace with its record year in 2025. “These numbers reflect the strength and adaptability of the supply chain,” Hacegaba said. “Shippers are responding to the higher cost of doing business by moving cargo earlier and shippers continue to choose the Port of Long Beach for our reliability, efficiency and ability to move their cargo during complex times.” According to Hacegaba, rising fuel costs, tariff uncertainty and geopolitical concerns are all contributing to expectations for an earlier peak shipping season – a busy summer with higher-than-normal cargo volumes anticipated in July and August. Companies are trying to stay ahead of potential cost increases and avoid delays later in the year. “The Port of Long Beach continues to be the Port of Choice for our customers,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “Our vision for the future and the proactive investments we have made in infrastructure, technology and workforce have allowed us to perform in a very competitive market.” The media briefing also included an in-depth conversation between Hacegaba and Harbor Trucking Association CEO Robert Loya about the effects of rising fuel prices on local truck drivers, workforce challenges and the ongoing transition to zero-emissions trucks. Nearly 73% of U.S. freight by weight is moved by truck. Hacegaba also opined on the potential long-term effects of tariffs, energy availability and a peace agreement that led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. “While these issues may seem very different – security, energy markets and trade policy – they all point to the same challenge: uncertainty,” Hacegaba said. “Supply chains perform best when businesses can plan with confidence. Whether we’re talking about fuel costs, geopolitical risks, or tariff policy, predictability remains one of the most important drivers of supply chain efficiency and economic growth. As we look ahead, we’ll continue doing what the Port of Long Beach has always done – adapting to change, strengthening our resilience and keeping commerce moving for the nation we serve.”

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AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending June 20, 2026

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:13:50 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 20, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 521,998 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.1 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending June 20 were 233,259 carloads, up 1.6 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 288,739 containers and trailers, up 12.1 percent compared to 2025. Seven of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included metallic ores and metals, up 2,294 carloads to 24,579; grain, up 1,752 carloads to 22,993; and nonmetallic minerals, up 1,333 carloads to 32,793. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 were coal, down 3,541 carloads to 55,786; miscellaneous carloads, down 1,346 carloads to 9,376; and motor vehicles and parts, down 195 carloads to 16,074. For the first 24 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 5,449,203 carloads, up 3.2 percent from the same point last year, and 6,691,916 intermodal units, up 3.0 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 24 weeks of 2026 was 12,141,119 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 3.1 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending June 20, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 337,841 carloads, up 0.9 percent compared with the same week last year, and 376,727 intermodal units, up 9.2 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 714,568 carloads and intermodal units, up 5.1 percent. North American rail volume for the first 24 weeks of 2026 was 16,708,419 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.7 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 90,469 carloads for the week, up 1.0 percent, and 73,174 intermodal units, down 3.1 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 24 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,951,957 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.6 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,113 carloads for the week, down 10.1 percent compared with the same week last year, and 14,814 intermodal units, up 24.0 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 24 weeks of 2026 was 615,343 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 8.0 percent from the same point last year.

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TVH opens advanced “Plant T” Logistics Facility to accelerate global supply chain

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:46:15 +0000

TVH, a global provider of parts for material handling, construction, and industrial equipment, has officially opened “Plant T,” a state-of-the-art logistics facility at its headquarters in Belgium. Representing a $92 million USD investment, the new hub is designed to future-proof global supply chain operations, significantly reducing lead times for international markets, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The massive four-story, 581,000-square-foot facility expands TVH’s total Belgian footprint to over 2.3 million square feet. Equipped with 17 loading docks and a striking 600-ton connector bridge linked to existing warehouses, Plant T acts as the central hub for all incoming goods. “This is clear proof that we are investing in future growth,” said Patrick Lecluyse, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at TVH. “As an international company, this expansion ensures our logistics infrastructure can seamlessly handle fluctuating global volumes and anchor our long-term operations.” Next-Gen Automation and Specialized Processing Plant T completely reimagines TVH’s receiving and quality control pipelines. Instead of standard bulk storage, incoming inventory is immediately sorted by priority. Items ready for immediate-to-stock processing will be fast-tracked, while parts requiring technical inspection or custom packaging will be routed directly to specialized product categories. “The building will help us manage our parts better, so customers get their parts even faster,” says Tom Verbeke, Director Goods In at TVH. “Received goods will be brought to product specialists, which will improve quality checks and data enrichment. Plus, synergies across different departments will strengthen our technical knowledge so we can advise our customers even better.” To manage daily volume swings, which can range from 150,000 to 400,000 incoming parts, the facility utilizes cutting-edge automation, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and smart conveyors, to enable highly flexible and scalable goods movement. “It’s easy to think Plant T is just another warehouse, but it is a vital link in our logistical process to improve throughput times and offer faster lead times to our customers and branches worldwide,” noted Tanja Dysli, COO at TVH. Sustainability and Employee Well-Being In alignment with TVH’s commitment to sustainability, Plant T aims to achieve a BREEAM “Outstanding” certification, one of the highest international standards for sustainable building performance. The facility features a state-of-the-art waste recycling center and a 2,266-panel solar rooftop array capable of generating enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 350 households. Employee ergonomics and well-being were also central to the building’s design. The facility incorporates advanced climate control across all floors, modern dining and locker spaces, and targeted robotic automation specifically deployed to offload heavy, repetitive manual labor from team members. Plant T marks a new chapter in TVH’s successful operations. By advancing its logistics infrastructure, TVH unlocks new levels of global efficiency, ensuring that industrial and material handling operations across the Americas and beyond receive critical parts faster than ever before.

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European Manufacturers Face August 2026 Packaging Compliance Deadline as EPR Regulations Tighten Globally

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:01:45 +0000

Trioworld’s Policy to Practice webinar series highlights the near-term documentation requirements companies need to be preparing for now The August 2026 deadline European manufacturers have until August 2026 to complete a formal compliance assessment and hold documentation of compliance under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Suppliers into those manufacturers are also required to provide supporting information to enable compliance assessments to be completed. About the session This deadline was highlighted as one of the most immediately actionable requirements facing European businesses during Trioworld’s second Policy to Practice webinar, held on 10 June 2026. The session, titled Understanding Packaging EPR Across Markets: Europe and North America, brought together Lena Lundberg, Public Affairs and Regulatory Director at Trioworld; Crystal Bayliss, Interim Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact; and Drew White, Technical Product and Training Specialist at Trioworld. PPWR and the changing European landscape Lena Lundberg outlined how PPWR is reshaping producer responsibility across the EU, including a harmonized definition of producer that will affect how companies participate in national EPR schemes, and the introduction of modulated fees based on recyclability performance and potentially recycled content inclusion. The harmonization of the producer definition is a significant change for companies operating across multiple EU member states. Where previously a company might carry different responsibilities depending on the national system it was operating in, PPWR creates a single shared framework as the baseline. Fee modulation under PPWR links what companies pay into EPR schemes to the recyclability grade of their packaging. In practice, several member states are already ahead of the PPWR framework on this point. Belgium offers a fee discount for plastics containing a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content for non-contact applications, or 20% PCR for contact-sensitive applications. France is introducing a bonus of between 450 and 550 EUR per ton for the use of recycled plastics in wholesale packaging from 2026, rising to 1,000 EUR per ton after 2027. North America: seven states, no single rulebook The webinar also addressed the North American regulatory landscape, where EPR legislation has now passed in seven US states, with a further three states in study or needs-assessment phases. Crystal Bayliss, Interim Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact, highlighted California’s 2032 targets as the most consequential near-term benchmark for companies operating in the US market. California’s legislation requires 100% recyclable or compostable plastic packaging, a 25% source reduction target for plastic packaging, and a 65% recycling rate for single-use plastic packaging, all by 2032. Transport packaging, including stretch film, is within scope. “You cannot just assume that because it got collected and sorted and sent to the recycler, that it is going to get bought and put into a new product. If there is not a demand pull there, you will not hit your recycling rate requirements.” Crystal Bayliss, Interim Executive Director, U.S. Plastics Pact The PCR demand gap Bayliss raised a structural challenge facing the industry on both sides of the Atlantic. EPR legislation is driving investment in collection and sorting infrastructure, but collected material still has to be purchased and turned back into products. Several plastic film reclaimers closed in 2025 amid insufficient demand for recycled content, raising questions about whether current incentive structures are generating enough pull from manufacturers and brand owners to keep the recycling system economically viable. California’s 65% recycling rate target cannot be met through collection alone. It requires active procurement of PCR material by the companies placing packaging on market. “Companies can no longer look at packaging compliance market by market in isolation. What this session confirmed for us is that the companies who will navigate this most effectively are the ones treating packaging as a system, not a series of separate procurement decisions.” Lynne Elliott, Director of Global Marketing and Communication, Trioworld Trioworld’s response Trioworld’s Loop product range contains a minimum of 30% independently verified PCR, offering customers a direct route to reducing virgin plastic content and contributing to the demand side of the recycling system. The company’s Triocircular closed-loop service collects used stretch film from customers, processes it, and returns it as new product with verified recycled content, creating a closed loop for flexible packaging in the supply chain.

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Cascade Corporation completes closing with Eurofork

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:33:23 +0000

Cascade Corporation has finalized the acquisition of a 60% stake in Eurofork S.p.A., with the remaining 40% held by FT Invest Srl, ensuring continuity in Eurofork’s governance and strategic direction. The transaction, already announced in recent months, is now fully effective. Eurofork will continue to operate in collaboration with all system integrators worldwide as a Tier 1 supplier, maintaining full independence and commercial neutrality. The closing of the operation will further strengthen its global presence, enhancing the “Eurofork Point” model and reinforcing its technical and operational support capabilities in key markets. “The fact that a U.S.-based multinational company such as Cascade Corporation has chosen to invest in our region is a source of great pride, not only for us but for the entire Italian industrial ecosystem. Cascade has recognized in Eurofork a company of technological excellence and a partner with strong growth potential,” says Maurizio Traversa, CEO of Eurofork. “This step allows us to concretely accelerate our development path, expanding opportunities at all levels – from our employees through to the wider supply chain – and strengthening our role in a global context, without sacrificing our identity and independence.” Headquartered in Portland, Oregon (USA), and with more than 30 locations worldwide, Cascade Corporation is the global leader in the design, manufacturing, and commercialization of attachments, forks, masts, and related technologies for forklifts and AGVs. “The closing of this investment marks an important milestone for Cascade and Eurofork,” says Davide Roncari, President & CEO of Cascade Corporation. “By bringing our organizations together, we are strengthening our position in advanced logistics and expanding our ability to deliver more comprehensive, end-to-end solutions to customers worldwide. We are committed to supporting Eurofork’s continued growth while preserving the independence, technical strength, and customer focus that have made it a trusted partner to system integrators.” The transaction also underscores the commitment to consolidating and enhancing the expertise developed by Eurofork over time, reinforcing its organizational structure and establishing the foundation for long-term sustainable growth.

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IFOY AWARD starts application phase 2027

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:53:46 +0000

The IFOY AWARD is entering a new round for 2027 earlier than in previous years: The applicant portal for the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) AWARD is now open. Intralogistics and robotics providers worldwide can apply for one of the industry’s most prestigious awards with new products, solutions, and projects until September 25, 2026. Those who make it to the finals go through the three-stage IFOY audit with IFOY test, scientific innovation check, and jury examination by renowned trade journalists from 18 nations. The innovations are not directly compared with each other, but evaluated in the context of their market environment. For the first time since the Corona pandemic, the IFOY Audit will return to its traditional schedule and will take place on January 26 and 27, 2027, as part of the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS at Messe Dortmund. The audit thus marks the start of the intralogistics year once again. The IFOY AWARD ceremony is planned for spring 2027. There are a total of eight award categories to choose from, covering the entire spectrum of modern intralogistics – from forklifts and warehouse trucks to robot-controlled storage systems, software, and components to integrated customer projects. Innovations in crane and lifting technology are also awarded. A special focus is on mobile and stationary robotics, which traditionally represents the largest field of applicants. Technological details such as ergonomic solutions, safety innovations, and efficiency aids for storage and material flow are also awarded. In 2027, a separate award for start-ups will once again be presented: The IFOY Start-up of the Year Award is aimed at young companies with forward-looking products, prototypes, or services for intralogistics. Applications for both awards can only be made online via the applicant portal at www.ifoy.org. Application deadline is September 25, 2026 New IFOY website with a large test database Just in time for the start of the application phase, the IFOY AWARD website has a new design under www.ifoy.org. At the heart of the project is a new test database containing all IFOY tests and innovation checks from previous years, searchable by company, year, and category. The IFOY MGZN Blog is also new. In the future, it will bundle news, background information, and opinions about the IFOY AWARD and report on innovations and trends in the intralogistics industry. The IFOY AWARD is under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The sponsors are the VDMA Conveyor Technology and Intralogistics as well as Robotics + Automation trade associations. Partners include Messe Dortmund, Cascade as an attachment manufacturer, LTG as a logistics partner, and AEB SE as an event partner. IFOY AWARD 2027: Categories at a glance Industrial truck trucks and industrial trucks that lift, move, or stack loads – from predominantly manual pallet trucks to heavy counterbalance trucks. These include: • Counter balanced Truck All types of counterbalance trucks up to 8 tons. • Heavy Load Forklift and Special Vehicle Forklifts/Vehicles for Special Tasks, Special Vehicle Construction, Drones, Cargo Bikes, Truck/Container Forklifts, Heavy Duty Forklifts over 8 Tons. • Warehouse Truck “highlifter” Warehouse technology equipment from the second shelf level, such as high-bay, narrow-aisle, and reach trucks, drawbar-guided stackers, order pickers, etc. • Warehouse Truck “lowlifter” : Predominantly manual warehouse trucks up to approx. 1st shelf level, such as drawbar-guided pallet trucks, tractors, tugger trains, horizontal order pickers, etc. Mobile Robot Mobile autonomous or automated robots, such as AGVs, AMRs, mobile cobots, robots for the automatic loading and unloading of trucks, shuttles (systems), automated industrial trucks, etc. Stationary Robot Warehouse System Automated storage systems, stationary robot-based solutions for intralogistics applications such as palletizing and depalletizing, cobots, and picking robots. Intralogistics software apps and intralogistics systems or software solutions in the context of possible applications, such as warehouse management systems, forklift control systems, driver assistance systems, fleet management systems, etc. Integrated Customer Solution Automation solution successfully implemented at a specific customer in the warehouse, greenfield, and brownfield projects. Special of the Year components or technical equipment that significantly improve the economic efficiency, sustainability or physical or psychological conditions for the user, such as ergonomic innovations, safety assistance solutions, automation solutions, drive technologies, aids in the warehouse, forklift attachments, etc. Crane and Lifting Technologies Cranes for various applications, such as gantry and overhead cranes, bracket and wall-mounted overhead cranes, slewing cranes, overhead conveyor cranes, light cranes, etc. Lifting technology for various areas of application, such as chain and wire rope hoists, winches, magnetic and vacuum lifters, lifting tables, and working platforms, etc. IFOY Start-up of the Year With the IFOY Start-up of the Year spin-off award, the award organization honors innovative technologies and new developments by founders. Start-ups are independent companies that have not been on the market for more than five years, employ fewer than 30 people, and generate no more than three million euros in annual sales. Applications can be submitted at https://www.ifoy.org/en/register-application-en

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AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending June 13, 2026

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:52:51 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 13, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 520,406 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending June 13 were 230,959 carloads, up 2.8 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 289,447 containers and trailers, up 10.9 percent compared to 2025. Six of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included grain, up 4,283 carloads, to 23,988; metallic ores and metals, up 3,964 carloads, to 24,604; and nonmetallic minerals, up 1,313 carloads, to 32,342. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 included coal, down 4,893 carloads, to 53,955; chemicals, down 364 carloads, to 32,534; and forest products, down 130 carloads, to 8,061. For the first 23 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 5,215,944 carloads, up 3.2 percent from the same point last year, and 6,403,177 intermodal units, up 2.7 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 23 weeks of 2026 was 11,619,121 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 2.9 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending June 13, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 337,700 carloads, up 1.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 379,536 intermodal units, up 9.3 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 717,236 carloads and intermodal units, up 5.6 percent. North American rail volume for the first 23 weeks of 2026 was 15,993,851 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.5 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 93,827 carloads for the week, up 2.8 percent, and 75,465 intermodal units, up 1.1 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 23 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,788,314 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.6 percent. Mexican railroads reported 12,914 carloads for the week, down 20.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 14,624 intermodal units, up 27.3 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 23 weeks of 2026 was 586,416 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 8.2 percent from the same point last year.

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Fed Chair Warsh keeps rates steady as the specter of an increase looms

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:48:35 +0000

In his first meeting at the helm, Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh announced today that interest rates would remain steady within the target range of 3.5% to 3.75%, a widely anticipated move. After several members of the committee dissented at the last meeting, favoring language less biased toward the next move being a cut, bond markets began to price in a rate hike at some point this year. The dot plot from this meeting shows that nine members of the committee saw the need for interest rates to increase at least once in the remainder of 2026. The quarterly summary of economic projections shows positive but reserved signals for the economic outlook for the remainder of the year. The outlook for economic output was reduced to 2.2%, down from the last projection released at the March 2026 meeting. The outlook for unemployment improved slightly, but inflation is expected to ramp up with headline PCE and core PCE inflation expected to hit 3.6% and 3.3%, respectively. “While the improved outlook for unemployment is a good sign by itself, declining participation rates and significantly slowing population growth could become a limiting factor for a manufacturing sector in need of nearly a half-million new employees,” said Christopher Chidzik, principal economist of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “Automation may be the only option available to many manufacturers who are trying to grow their business amid increasing output levels in the sectors most reliant on manufacturing technology.” At IMTS 2026, occurring Sept 14-19, 2026, exhibitors in the Automation Sector are removing historical barriers to adoption, such as cost and complexity. Be sure to register for AMT’s Summer Economic Webinar on Thursday, July 16, and save the date for the annual MTForecast Conference held October 14-16 in Schaumburg, IL, to get a better handle on these dynamic market interactions.

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State of Logistics Report® finds volatility is the new normal shaping Global Supply Chains requiring continuous adaptation

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:42:44 +0000

A central theme of the 2026 State of Logistics Report is a new supply chain paradigm of persistent disruption that has emerged for shippers and logistics providers, and only the most successful are adapting to this challenging business environment. The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) released its findings today during a press briefing at the Empire State Building. The publication is authored annually by global consulting firm Kearney and presented by Penske Logistics, a leading supply chain solutions provider. The State of Logistics Report provides a snapshot of the American economy through the prism of the supply chain sector. Notable facts from this year’s report include: U.S. business logistics costs totaled $2.4 trillion, accounting for 7.8% of national GDP. In 2025, those numbers were $2.6 trillion and 8.7% of GDP. There are five structural forces that define the macro environment and show no signs of resolution: Asymmetrical global growth, tightening financial conditions due to persistent inflation and rising public debt, accelerating trade flow and geoeconomic realignment, labor market and productivity constraints, and energy price volatility. Artificial Intelligence has made the crossover from a technology to try to one that delivers measurable commercial returns in specific, well-defined applications. AI use in the supply chain creates value through four capabilities: interpreting, predicting, recommending, and executing. Adoption of AI remains uneven among shippers and logistics providers across the supply chain, with a large gap between companies that have integrated AI into core workflows and those still restricted to isolated point solutions, with many having none at all. Companies are responding to labor constraints by accelerating the use of automation and digital investments in AI. The State of Logistics Report provides some strategic implications that can be applied to the current environment, including: Design for resilience, not just efficiency; prioritizing asset productivity over footprint expansion; intelligence, and the competitive capabilities that accompany end-to-end visibility; accelerating digital and automation ROI; and reassessing capital structure and investment pacing. Korhan Acar, Kearney partner and lead author for the State of Logistics Report, stated: “This year’s report arrives at a moment when the forces reshaping global supply chains are no longer temporary disruptions, but enduring features of the operating environment. Rising costs driven by energy volatility, inflation, and geopolitical instability are placing pressure on margins and forcing leaders to rethink traditional operating models. At the same time, we’ve reached a genuine turning point in the autonomous era. AI, robotics, and autonomous trucking are moving rapidly from pilots to scaled deployment. Against this backdrop, profitable growth has become the defining priority. The companies that will lead are those combining resilience, intelligent logistics, and disciplined execution to protect margins and outperform in an increasingly volatile world.” Stacy Schlachter, senior vice president of sales, Penske Logistics, said: “The report captures the essence of how we are helping our customers meet the realities of rising cost pressures and ongoing supply chain turbulence with the technology and solutions they need to accelerate performance.” Mark Baxa, CSCMP president and CEO, concluded: “The supply chain of right now is incredibly complex and requires a series of constant adjustments. This year’s State of Logistics Report, expertly crafted by Kearney and presented by Penske Logistics, paints an accurate picture of the myriad dynamics of managing a logistics network constructed to navigate the current business and geopolitical landscape. Last year’s supply chain looks different than today’s supply chain. I surmise that next year’s logistics network will be hardly recognizable.” Download the 2026 State of Logistics Report® here.

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Industrial Measures Remain Steady Amid Rising Machinery Investment

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:27:56 +0000

U.S. industrial production increased slightly in May 2026 compared to April 2025 levels according to the latest report from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Capacity utilization was unchanged at a level 3.2 percentage points below the long run average. For manufacturers, both industrial production and capacity utilization were flat. Manufacturers of defense and space equipment increased output more than 1% compared to the previous month. “While overall levels of industrial production and capacity utilization are flat, sectors that most heavily rely on manufacturing technology are continuing to see increasing levels of output and utilization that could foreshadow additional capital expenditures in the remainder of the year,” said Christopher Chidzik, principal economist of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “Since the end of 2024, capacity utilization for machinery manufacturers has steadily trended upward. With order activity already elevated and customer preferences turning toward more sophisticated machinery, the manufacturing technology industry needs to closely monitor capacity constraints to avoid a similar expansion in delivery times to that seen during the order frenzy following the recovery from the COVID-19 recession.”

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ILWU, Port of Long Beach Announce Cargo Gains for May

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:25:38 +0000

ILWU Local 13 President Mario “Moe” Medina joined Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba to announce the impressive cargo numbers for May. Thanks to ILWU members, the Port of Long Beach moved 842,030 twenty-foot equivalent units last month, up 31.7% from May 2025, making it our third-busiest May on record. Imports rose 40% to 418,851 TEUs, exports increased 32.9% to 109,168 TEUs and empty containers were up 21.8% to 314,012 TEUs. Year-to-date, the Port of Long Beach has moved 4,050,247 TEUs, up 0.2% compared to the first five months of 2025, putting us on pace with our busiest year on record. ILWU, Port of Long Beach Announce Cargo Gains for May

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Humanoid robot production surges tenfold in 2025, but commercial deployments remain limited

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:42:13 +0000

Humanoid robot production witnessed significant growth in 2025. However, growth was highly concentrated in China and masks a significant deployment gap. Our latest report, Humanoid Robots – 2026, reveals autonomous and commercially viable real-world deployments remains limited. A 10x leap in production, yet real-world use increases by just 10% Global humanoid robot production exceeded 20,000 units in 2025, a tenfold increase from fewer than 2,000 units in 2024. However, the vast majority were used for research, data collection, and entertainment. Only around 10% of units produced were deployed in real-world applications. While this represents a substantial increase from dozens of units in 2024, growth was driven more by an expanding customer base and increasingly diversified pilots than by scaled commercial deployments. By the end of 2025, most real-world application projects remained small-scale proof-of-concept (POC) deployments, predominantly driven by government subsidies, strategic investments, and supply chain partnerships. The market still lacks large-scale, long-term deployments based purely on commercial rationale. Although cost reduction and efficiency improvements through automation may have been the original intent of many pilot projects, most had not progressed beyond short-term demonstrations and small-scale controlled operations. Autonomous operation, return on investment realization (requiring sufficient efficiency and task success rates), and multi-task-level generalization capabilities still appear to form the “impossible triangle” that humanoid robots struggle to break through. Chinese vendors lead humanoid robots production China was the engine of both supply and the early adoption of humanoid robots during 2025. In terms of overall unit production, Chinese vendors’ share exceeds 90%, with the remainder largely from US manufacturers. In terms of adoptions, about 75% of humanoid robots were delivered in China. The disparity between domestic production and demand in China during 2025 is primarily due to significant overseas sales achieved by several Chinese humanoid robot manufacturers, with demand driven mainly by academic research and entertainment use. To learn more about our report, download a brochure. The vendor landscape is also highly concentrated in China. The top 5 producers in 2025 were all Chinese manufacturers, collectively accounting for approximately 70% of global humanoid robot production. Unitree and Agibot each produced and shipped over 5,000 units, together surpassing 11,000 units and representing more than 50% of the global market. However, today’s market concentration and leadership are driven by early research demand (including data collection for physical AI training), attempts to gain media attention, and curiosity-driven trials, rather than by proven commercial deployments. The robust material support provided by the Chinese government for humanoid robotics is the primary reason behind the aggressive expansion of Chinese vendors and the domestic market in 2025. We believe the competitive landscape is far from settled, given that both the market and the underlying technology remain in a very nascent, immature phase. It could still experience substantial dynamical change, with more established cross-industry players joining the field, such as leading automotive and consumer electronics vendors. More than 5 years to reach large-scale commercial inflection point Looking ahead, we believe the market is likely to continue growing, with annual volumes reaching thousands of units. The share of units deployed for real-world applications will increase gradually over time. However, in the short run, growth won’t be entirely driven by rational commercial considerations. It is primarily driven by numerous small-scale pilots at present, rather than large-scale commercial projects. Customers will be concentrated among well-capitalized companies and enterprises with capital and supply chain ties to humanoid robot companies, and government involvement will play a key role. We believe that near-term deployments will remain predominantly semi-autonomous, with certain specific tasks still requiring rule-based control or human teleoperation. The latter is expected to achieve the first actual commercial deployment of humanoid robots in hazardous work scenarios and regions with significant regional labor cost disparities. In contrast, highly autonomous, AI-driven humanoid robots will initially be adopted in scenarios with greater tolerance for task speed and error rates. Our field observations indicate deploying humanoid robots at scale for tangible workforce value remains constrained by critical usability gaps (including task reliability and efficiency insufficient to achieve ROI, and limited multi-tasking capabilities). Technical bottlenecks span immature embodied AI, severe physical data scarcity, and inadequate hardware endurance. Meanwhile, the absence of established safety standards and regulatory frameworks constitutes a key barrier to expanding humanoid robots into human-machine interactive settings. Consequently, we expect the market will struggle to achieve a large-scale commercial inflection point across multiple domains within the next five years. A commercial inflection point is forecast post-2032, contingent on breakthroughs in autonomous and reliable task execution, acceptable ROI, and clearer regulatory environments. By 2035, global shipments for real-world applications are projected to exceed 700,000 units, with market revenue reaching approximately $15 billion.

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Tariff relief extends to Forklifts, creating new opportunities for dealers

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:12:23 +0000

President Donald J. Trump has signed a proclamation modifying certain metals-related tariffs, a move that could have direct implications for the material handling industry and forklift dealers across the United States. Among the most notable changes, the proclamation expands the category of industrial equipment eligible for a reduced 15% tariff rate to include mobile industrial equipment, such as forklifts and bulldozers, when imported from qualifying trade-deal countries. The revised tariff rate, reduced from 25%, is intended to encourage investment in U.S. manufacturing and support industries that rely on steel and aluminum-intensive equipment. The temporary tariff adjustments will remain in effect through December 31, 2027, providing manufacturers, importers, and equipment dealers with greater certainty as they plan inventory, sourcing strategies, and capital investments. What It Means for Forklift Dealers For forklift dealers, the expanded tariff treatment could improve the affordability and availability of equipment on select imported models while creating new opportunities for fleet growth and customer acquisition. Dealers that represent brands sourcing equipment from qualifying trade partners may benefit from a more competitive cost structure during the program period. The proclamation also introduces an incentive for manufacturers to increase their use of domestically produced steel and aluminum. Equipment containing at least 85% U.S.-melted and poured steel or U.S.-smelted and cast aluminum by weight may qualify for a lower 10% duty rate, encouraging greater integration of American-made materials throughout the supply chain. Continued Focus on Domestic Manufacturing The administration says the tariff adjustments are designed to support domestic steel, aluminum, and copper production while encouraging investment in industries that depend on those materials, including construction equipment, transportation, agriculture, and material handling. According to the White House, the United States has increased steel production capacity in recent years, with more than four million tons of new crude steelmaking capacity expected to come online over the next two years. New investments in aluminum and copper production are also underway, aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign sources. Planning for the Next Two Years For dealership executives, the temporary nature of the tariff program makes the next 18 to 24 months particularly important. Dealers may want to evaluate: Equipment sourcing strategies and supplier relationships Inventory planning for imported and domestically manufactured forklifts Pricing impacts on new equipment sales Rental fleet expansion opportunities Customer demand from the manufacturing, warehousing, and construction sectors As manufacturers respond to the new tariff framework, forklift dealers will be watching closely to see how equipment pricing, availability, and domestic production strategies evolve through 2027. The policy’s inclusion of forklifts marks a significant development for the material-handling industry and could influence purchasing decisions across the dealer channel.

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AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending June 06, 2026

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:05:11 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 6, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 521,804 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.8 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending June 6 were 228,076 carloads, up 1.0 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 293,728 containers and trailers, up 13.6 percent compared to 2025. Six of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included metallic ores and metals, up 1,868 carloads, to 22,295; grain, up 1,847 carloads, to 21,867; and motor vehicles and parts, up 980 carloads, to 16,936. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 included coal, down 2,426 carloads, to 55,727; miscellaneous carloads, down 830 carloads, to 9,173; and chemicals, down 572 carloads, to 32,110. For the first 22 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 4,984,985 carloads, up 3.3 percent from the same point last year, and 6,113,730 intermodal units, up 2.3 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 22 weeks of 2026 was 11,098,715 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 2.7 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending June 6, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 333,030 carloads, up 1.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 380,156 intermodal units, up 11.0 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 713,186 carloads and intermodal units, up 6.4 percent. North American rail volume for the first 22 weeks of 2026 was 15,281,170 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.4 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 92,154 carloads for the week, up 3.0 percent, and 72,906 intermodal units, down 3.2 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 22 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,619,022 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.5 percent. Mexican railroads reported 12,800 carloads for the week, up 4.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 13,522 intermodal units, up 54.0 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 22 weeks of 2026 was 563,433 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 9.5 percent from the same point last year.

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Caldwell participates in Blackhawk Technical College Junkyard Wars

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:22:38 +0000

The Caldwell Group Inc. has taken part in its first Junkyard Wars-inspired welding competition at Blackhawk Technical College in Rock County, Wisconsin. Caldwell provided safety glasses, hats and competition judges as Blackhawk welcomed students from across the area to its Innovative Manufacturing Education Center (IMEC) on the college’s Beloit-Janesville campus. Based on the concept of the popular television show, teams created a sculpture from scrap and reclaimed metal. This year’s theme was ‘Hometown Roots’, challenging entrants to fabricate a sculpture that reflected their hometown and what it is built on, such as identity, history, industry, or something the community is known for. Following a safety briefing, teams of four students from each school were given three hours to plan and fabricate their project. Judges carefully examined each team’s progress, judging work on craftsmanship and weld quality; creativity and interpretation of the theme; and overall presentation. Amy Garris, who oversees education outreach at Caldwell, said: “It was an honor to support Blackhawk on such a fun but important collaboration. The college has been running this competition for a few years now and it has already grown into a fantastic event where students from all over the area compete. It was inspiring to see contestants design and build practical solutions from limited materials, applying their skills in real time. The format does more than test ability; it creates energy, visibility, and a sense of achievement, helping to build both competence and confidence, while making the learning process memorable and rewarding.” Caldwell recognizes that connectivity with the education sector is central to attracting the next generation of welders and other workers in the U.S. Fabrication is fundamental to production of the company’s Rockford-made line of Caldwell-brand below-the-hook lifters, construction lifters, mill duty lifters, and Renfroe-brand clamps. Caldwell’s Garris added: “Manufacturers must increasingly set clear goals to help fuel pipelines of welders and other workers by reaching students who already have an interest in and talent for trades, but who may not yet see a direct or accessible route into industry. By connecting earlier and more meaningfully, it is possible to convert existing interest into structured pathways, sustained development, and ultimately long-term careers in manufacturing.” Following debut participation in Blackhawk Technical College’s Junkyard Wars, Caldwell has also attended the Stateline Manufacturing Alliance (SMA) Signing Day for the first time.

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Automation Fuels Strong Start to 2026 Manufacturing Technology Orders

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:29:29 +0000

New orders of metalworking machinery, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $593.6 million in April 2026. This was a 12.5% decline from a surprisingly strong March 2026, but a 33.2% increase from April 2025. Over the first four months of 2026, manufacturing technology orders totaled $2.19 billion, a 28.9% increase over 2025. While the value of machinery is showing strong growth, the number of units sold continues to grow at a slower pace. Average order values increased faster than inflation since the end of the 2020 pandemic recession. The gap between average order value growth and machine tool inflation has widened in the first few months of 2026, indicating that, although some pricing pressures persist across the industry, a significant portion of the order value growth is due to additional automation being added to orders of increasingly sophisticated machinery. Contract machine shops have generally fallen behind the market in recent years, with orders for manufacturing technology growing more slowly. That trend seems to have reversed in recent months as order growth in 2026 largely matches the market’s pace. Aerospace manufacturers increased orders modestly in April 2026; however, for the second time this year, the value of orders increased more slowly than the number of units. This could indicate that aerospace manufacturers are beginning to buy less sophisticated machinery to quickly boost capacity. The current upswing in demand for manufacturing technology began in September 2024, when interest rates began to decline, heightened political uncertainty began to subside, and IMTS 2024 opened in Chicago. Since then, capacity utilization for machinery manufacturers has steadily trended upward. With order activity already elevated and customer preferences turning toward more sophisticated machinery, the manufacturing technology industry needs to closely monitor capacity constraints to avoid a similar expansion in delivery times to that seen during the order frenzy following the recovery from the COVID-19 recession through IMTS 2022.

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ORBIS® expands AutoStore™ Bin production to Texas

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:45:09 +0000

Greenville facility now approved as a key North American manufacturing site, supporting growing customer demand ORBIS® Corporation, a global manufacturer of reusable packaging solutions, has announced it now manufactures AutoStore-approved Bins at a second strategic North American location in Greenville, Texas. ORBIS currently manufactures Bins in Toronto, Ontario. This milestone strengthens ORBIS’s ability to support the growing demand for high-performance automation solutions across North America. “As an approved AutoStore supplier, having a second designated location to manufacture Bins marks an important step in expanding ORBIS’ role in the automation space of the reusable packaging industry,” said Norm Kukuk, President of ORBIS. “This approval further reinforces ORBIS’ commitment to supporting advanced material handling solutions and helping customers drive efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence.” ORBIS’s expertise in reusable packaging and plastic injection molding ensures that bins meet the stringent specifications required for automated systems, delivering durability, precision, and long-term performance. With AutoStore, ORBIS goes beyond the cube. In addition to AutoStore Bins, we support broader operations with reusable pallets for shipments and totes for work-in-process, covering more applications across facilities.

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