Apple iPhone 5, iTV launches to bolster transportation networks?

Summary: The transportation system seems to be pointing to more tonnage courtesy of tech product launches. One analyst connects the Apple dots.

Instead of following Apple rumor mill, tips from contract manufacturer workers and a bevy of unknown sources, perhaps all we need to do is watch the tonnage coursing through the transportation network to figure out what’s coming down the pike.

Jefferies analyst Peter Misek connected the dots between what the likes of shippers such as FedEx and UPS are saying and Apple’s future product launches.

To wit:

• FedEx has said that it expects several tech launches in the fall to keep demand for its services high. As a result, FedEx will have some pricing power.
• UPS sees accelerating growth in the second half.
• And Hong Kong air freight tonnage was up 0.8 percent in April compared to a year ago. That reading was the best in 13 months.
• Toss in solid outlooks from display companies like AU Optronics and something new is coming through the TV supply and transportation system.

Misek’s bet is that its Apple’s TV entry. Barclays analyst Ben Reitzes is also expecting a 7-inch iPad to hit the line-up in the fall.

These transportation system tea leaves are worth noting, but could be a bit of a stretch. These comments could point to an Apple iPhone 5 and iTV launch, but the transportation network could also be clogged with ultrabooks and Windows 8 tablets too. In any case, the transportation network will be prepped for new second half tech gear.

<http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/apple-iphone-5-itv-launches-to-bolster-transportation-networks/77158?tag=must-read>