Deloitte’s 2016 Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index (GMCI) displays the influence manufacturing has on economies in terms of infrastructure initiatives, technological developments, employment rates, and contribution to the GDP.
US manufacturers have contributed $2.17 trillion to the economy. The manufacturing sector continues to grow and is directly linked to the growth of our country’s economy and non-manufacturing industries.
There are over 12 million manufacturing workers in the US; about 9% of the workforce. According to the Economic Policy Institute, each manufacturing job supports nearly 3 additional employment opportunities in the economy.
Manufacturing accounts for 12% of the US economy. According to the GMCI, the US continues to improve its global ranking and is projected to move from its current ranking at second into the number 1 position as the most competitive manufacturing nation by the end of the decade. Now, China is the most competitive manufacturing nation, and Germany is rated third.
A marketplace for ‘Made in the USA’ is influencing companies in the manufacturing sector to continue growth stateside and to invest in technology. Major companies like Caterpillar and GE have brought facilities back to US soil and are taking advantage of leaner, shorter supply chains with more transportation options.
The output of the US manufacturing sector is higher than ever before due to innovative technologies and advanced supply chain processes. US manufacturing is advanced, creating high value products and services. And, as it grows, it will produce and transport more capital goods.
Now is the perfect opportunity for manufacturers to assess their transportation management strategy, which should emphasize cutting costs, refining processes, improving customer service, forming supply chain visibility and managing inventory. Since these tasks are time consuming and often overwhelming, many manufacturers seek out a third-party logistics company to assist in their transportation goals.
A 3PL supports manufacturers looking to create more efficiency in their supply chain. A 3PL will find the optimal route and best carrier for cost containment and service requirements, and they will assist and automate the completion of BOLs and freight scheduling, and consolidate invoicing.
Read: Learn how PLS helped this manufacturer save 20% on its overall transportation spend.
The 2016 GMCI confirms the evolving growth of the manufacturing landscape. A resourceful transportation management strategy increases operational efficiency, and partnering with a 3PL gives manufacturers a substantial chance to reduce transportation spend, improve customer satisfaction, gain shipment visibility, assess processes, and auto-generate cost analyses. These benefits will allow the company to remain focused on remaining competitive while growing the business.
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