BLACK FRIDAY SHIFTS ONLINE AS SHOPPERS GROW MORE SELECTIVE, ADOBE/SALESFORCE DATA SHOW
Thanksgiving online sales hit $6.4B and traffic surged, but buyers are cautious, prioritizing value and buying fewer, higher-priced items. Analysts say inflation and job-market jitters are nudging spend to e-commerce and targeted deals.
THANKSGIVING E-COMMERCE EXPECTED TO CLIMB 6% TO $8.6B, SETTING TONE FOR PEAK PARCEL SEASON
Salesforce estimates U.S. Thanksgiving online spend up 6% YoY to $8.6B, with $2.6B logged by 2 p.m. ET. The holiday kickoff underscores strong parcel flows even as overall season growth moderates.
UPS SAYS MD‑11 FLEET GROUNDING COULD LAST MONTHS, PRESSURING PEAK AIR CARGO CAPACITY
After a deadly Louisville crash, UPS warned MD‑11s may remain grounded for months as Boeing and FAA refine inspections and repairs. The move affects roughly 9% of UPS and 4% of FedEx fleets during the busiest delivery stretch.
MAJOR WINTER STORM FROM MONTANA TO NEW YORK THREATENS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND TRAVEL
Snow totals of 6–12 inches and lake-effect bands are creating dangerous driving conditions across the northern U.S., with Iowa/Illinois hardest hit. Truckers face snow squalls and whiteouts that could disrupt linehaul schedules and deliveries.
ITS LOGISTICS: SOFTER DEMAND, TIGHTER DRIVER COMPLIANCE PUSH COSTS UP AHEAD OF PEAK
The 3PL’s November report flags lower spot-rate volatility but rising transportation pricing amid heightened scrutiny of non‑domiciled CDLs, despite a court stay on FMCSA’s emergency rule. October imports stalled, pointing to a cautious consumer backdrop.
U.S. LOGISTICS MARKET SEEN HITTING $3.15T BY 2033 ON E‑COMMERCE, AUTOMATION AND 3PL GROWTH
Research and Markets projects a 5.11% CAGR through 2033, citing same‑day delivery demand and infrastructure investments, while warning fuel costs and regulatory pressure remain headwinds for carriers and shippers alike.
RECORD BLACK FRIDAY CROWDS, TIGHTER WALLETS: RETAILERS FACE ‘MORE SHOPPERS, FEWER DOLLARS’
NRF expects a record 186.9M weekend shoppers, but economists say spending is concentrated among affluent households and overall baskets are leaner. Expect continued deal‑seeking that can whipsaw parcel and truckload demand mix.
WHAT SHOPPERS WANT: ELECTRONICS, BEAUTY AND BIG DISCOUNTS LEAD BLACK FRIDAY BASKETS
Retailers rolled out early promos; Adobe pegs top discounts up to 28%. Product mix shifts will influence reverse logistics and final‑mile density through Cyber Week and beyond.
BLACK FRIDAY FOOT TRAFFIC HOLDS UP AS ONLINE SPEND CLIMBS, RETAILERS SWEETEN DEALS
AP reports strong mall turnout despite economic strain, with U.S. online sales Nov. 1–23 up 7.5% YoY. Holiday demand should support parcel networks even as consumers stay price‑sensitive.
NEW YORK STATE POLICE LAUNCH HOLIDAY CRACKDOWN; TRUCKERS SHOULD EXPECT ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT
Through Sunday, NYSP is boosting patrols, sobriety checkpoints and CITE operations targeting unsafe driving. Fleets running the I‑90/I‑81 corridors should plan for slower transit and added compliance checks.
WEATHER‑DRIVEN FLIGHT DELAYS WHIPSAW NORTHEAST/MIDWEST HUBS, RIPPLING INTO AIR CARGO NETWORKS
Gusty winds and Midwest snow are triggering nationwide delays led by ORD and New York area airports. Expect knock‑on effects for priority freight and express parcel uplift heading into Cyber Weekend.
BNSF WARNS EXTREME COLD AND SNOW DISRUPTING NORTHERN CORRIDOR; CUSTOMERS SHOULD EXPECT DELAYS
Sub‑zero temps and heavy snow across Montana and North Dakota are hindering normal train operations on the Northern Transcon. Rail slowdowns may shift some urgent volumes to truckload/intermodal through the weekend.
This daily digest was prepared exclusively for TruckStopInsider.com. Republishing is permitted only with proper credit and a link back to the original source.
