Did you know that, for the first time since year 2000, expenditures linked to logistics surpassed by 10% the GDP of the U.S. in 2008?  This data is provided by the ‘State of Logistics Report’ published by the ‘Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals’ at “ http://cscmp.org.  An average of 60% of these expenses is borne by the transportation industry.  The hike in fuel prices has had a strong impact on consumer goods thus generating an increase in costs.  Our grocery basket does cost us more!  We also learn through the media that since the end of 2008, government service charges have increased and the number of people having problems with balancing their budgets will be even more at risk.