Transportation is one of the world’s largest industries. It is made up of companies that supply the systems and software, run the warehouses, operate the airplanes, boats, trucks and trains that move raw materials, finished goods, packages, documents and people throughout the world. These companies act as the arteries of commerce. Transportation continues to evolve globally, no matter what type of transport is involved. The most intriguing changes in this vital industry are to be found in a new report by Plunkett Research, Ltd., which has just been released. A few exciting examples include:

1) High Speed Passenger Trains, including Maglev, Gain New Acceptance.

After decades of research and testing, maglev (magnetic levitation) trains have entered the realm of popular use, albeit on a limited scale. Thanks to powerful magnetic fields, these trains float 3/8” above their tracks. Unhindered by rail friction, they can zip along at speeds up to 300 miles per hour.

2) Transportation Industry Hard-Hit by Rising Fuel Prices.

Rising gasoline, diesel and jet fuel prices have triggered worries in all industry sectors, but none so much as in transportation businesses which rely on fuel to perform their services. Surges in fuel prices directly cut into profits, and many companies are concerned that they will lose customers because of fuel surcharges or that profits will be negated entirely.

3) Panama Canal Expansion Approved.

The Panama Canal, now more than 90 years old, is set to undergo an eight-year, $5.3 billion expansion in order to be able to handle the astounding Post Panamax dimensions of many of today’s container ships, tankers and cruise ships. Post Panamax ships that previously were forced to go around Cape Horn at the tip of South America will be able to shave thousands of miles off their voyages by using the enlarged Panama Canal.

To find out more about these exciting trends and others, check out Plunkett’s Transportation, Supply Chain & Logistics Industry Almanac 2008, or go to www.plunkettresearch.com and sign up for a subscription to Plunkett’s completely up-to-date online database!

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.
Plunkett Research, Ltd. is a leading publisher of complete business research and analysis resources designed to enable professionals in marketing, research and finance to access complete trends analysis, statistics, technology analysis and financial analysis of the world’s most exciting industries. For more information, visit www.plunkettresearch.com, or call 713.932.0000.