LONG BEACH, Calif. — Throughout 2022, the intermodal industry has responded to shifting consumer demand, supply chain disruptions, shipper demands and more.

While products for the most part are no longer sitting on ships waiting to be offloaded, the supply chain kink has just moved farther down the line — to warehouses, where much of the freight that was on those ships missed its window to be in the retail store.

Nuclear verdicts can be detrimental to motor carriers and their insurance rates, but carriers can mitigate risk by utilizing technology, documenting and sharing safety efforts, and taking advantage of the first 24 hours if a claim occurs.

The freight market volatility of the past few years has created an even greater need for carriers and brokers to strengthen their business relationships, especially as uncertainty and supply chain disruptions persist.

With a laundry list of hurdles facing many trucking companies, the focus on preventive maintenance becomes clearer as fleets are adding alternative suppliers and providers, and stockpiling inventory to help control costs and reduce downtime.

Demand for trailers remains red-hot, but shortages of labor, components and supplies are restricting production, making it difficult for trailer makers to meet demand and set prices — with no end in sight for the long term.

Truck parking, which affects everything from driver satisfaction to cargo security, is a top concern for the trucking industry.

As the logistics industry moves into the new year, supply chain challenges still remain. Although yard operations serve a critical link, the yard can become a black hole if not managed properly.

In a time when supply chain issues have reached critical mass, trucking and warehouse companies, as well as dock equipment managers, have been searching for solutions for better efficiency.

Trucking companies are using social media to connect with drivers, build their brands and recruit and retain workers. And they’re having success.