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A trade war with China and the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have U.S. companies starting to question a decades-old strategy of shifting manufacturing operations to low-cost labor markets in China and other Asian nations.

Initial shipments of the second COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the U.S. left a distribution center Dec. 20, a desperately needed boost as the nation works to bring the coronavirus pandemic under control.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. announced the availability of temperature-controlled transportation services within its Shipper 360 by J.B. Hunt technology platform.

The Coca-Cola Co. said Dec. 17 it’s laying off 2,200 workers, or 17% of its global workforce, as part of a larger restructuring aimed at paring down its business units and brands.

The global surge in e-commerce brought on by the coronavirus pandemic combined with online holiday shopping sent net quarterly sales for FedEx Corp. above $20 billion for the first time in its history, and led to an increase in net income as well, the company reported Dec. 17.

As the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine begin to ship, trucking experts on the ground level of the distribution effort said the logistical elements are in place for a successful rollout of an estimated 50 million doses of the vaccine between now and the end of January.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The first shipments of a COVID-19 vaccine for widespread use in the United States headed Dec. 13 from Michigan to distribution centers across the country, with the first shots expected to be given in the coming week to health care workers and at nursing homes.

Mullen Group is pursuing a business plan for next year that covers several key goals and budgets based on the coronavirus remaining an issue, the company detailed Dec. 9.

Two of the country’s largest freight firms reassured federal lawmakers of their preparedness in helping to deliver COVID-19 vaccines as early as this month.