Truckload

More diversified, balanced asset, non-asset services provide a hedge against economic swings for US shippers, truckload carriers

US truck capacity loosened significantly in the first quarter, especially on the spot market, but shippers shouldn't expect a "glut" of excess capacity this year.

Collaboration is still high on the to-do list of US shippers and their transportation and logistics partners in 2019, despite slower economic expansion.

Trucking operator Schneider National is evolving to meet increased shipper expectations by harnessing new technology, adapting to new customer requirements, and focusing on higher productivity.

This stark rates dichotomy within the truckload industry is directly tied to shipping patterns.

Many variables have affected capacity, but heightened economic activity has been the main factor squeezing US capacity since 2017.

Knight-Swift projects higher fourth-quarter, first-quarter earnings, but analysts are not doing the same for 2019 truckload pricing forecasts.

The solution to the US truck driver problem will require a proactive, engaged performance by shippers.

With competition for truck drivers strong, firms are deploying new tactics to recruit talent.

More truck drivers are choosing to work for smaller carriers, and that’s not making it easier for shippers to source capacity. This is the second in a series of articles.

The battle for truck drivers will determine who gets truck capacity in 2019 and at what price.

“The fact that tonnage rose in November after a strong October is impressive,” Bob Costello, ATA chief economist, said.

US shippers took a similar hit when the US electronic logging device (ELD) mandate disrupted truck capacity in inter-city lanes last December.

The Manitoulin Group of Companies acquired the book of business of one company and partnered with its parent company to broaden its coverage in northwest Canada.

Freight growth may slow in 2019, but shippers should be vigilant in seeking new routes owing to constrained capacity.

Shippers plagued by capacity shortages need to eliminate inefficiencies and wasted time to effectively create capacity now out of reach.

For those who think that it’s somehow counterintuitive to have a pricing model designed to create a loss or to reduce operating margins, rest assured, it is.

Innovation and outside-the-box thinking are needed to help shippers and trucking companies kick old, bad habits and bring pricing into the 21st century. This is Part 1 in a 5-part series.

By setting its internal minimum wage at $15 an hour, Amazon increases competitive pressure for blue-collar workers, especially younger workers, across industries, including trucking.

Freight demand remains strong, even in summer, carriers say, and that’s allowing them to pick and choose the most profitable freight, with peak season just ahead.

Many truckload carriers are on their second round of pay hikes this year as freight demand grows faster than driver supply. Can they keep pace with the peak?

A Mexican government crackdown on double tractor trailers sparks shipper fears of trucking capacity reduction, potentially forcing them to pay more for trucking services or use rail.

Acquisitions boost revenue, profit for Iowa-based Heartland Express as US freight demand pushes the limits of ‘transportation infrastructure.’

Shorter (and sometimes longer) contracts, volume commitments, and even higher rates are among the many types of bait shippers are using to capture elusive truckload capacity.

Once cyclical, problems such as the driver shortage are becoming systemic. That threatens to ‘bake’ higher costs into transportation rates.

The Landair Holdings acquisition underscores strong shipper demand for dedicated services to meet delivery demands.

It’s a stronger US truck market than even 2004/2005, drivers are aware that they are in short supply, and there is no end in sight — hence there is an obvious reason why both shippers and trucking companies should keep those market conditions in mind.

“The market has a long way to run and it’s going to last longer than we’ve seen in the past,” said Eric Fuller, CEO and president, U.S. Xpress Enterprises.

As freight demand and the need for capital rises, the fifth-largest US truckload operator plans a route back to Wall Street to fund growth.

So how do you know whether a US dedicated contract carriage solution is right for you? Here are nine questions that will shape your review.

Trucking companies at the NASSTRAC Shippers Conference say they aren’t having an easy time finding capacity either, citing rising labor costs and a shrinking labor pool. And there are other sector issues they are dealing with that shippers never see.

By load volume, J.B. Hunt now hauls more dedicated freight than intermodal containers, as e-commerce is adding to dedicated trucking revenue.

As sure as cherry blossoms are a sign of spring, a widespread bump up in US truck and intermodal pricing indicates stronger economic activity in the second quarter. Those increases also underscore pricing trends that will challenge shippers as the spring retail and produce seasons kick into higher gear.

Full enforcement of the electronic logging device mandate began April 1, but inspectors issued a slew of violations in early 2018, federal data show.

DAT and Truckstop.com report that dry van rates have spiked as the new "spring peak" season picks up pace. Furthermore, truckers expect pricing and volumes to stay on an upward track through autumn.

By partnering with digital marketplace NEXT Trucking, MOL Consolidation Services looks to link Asian vendors with scarce US truck capacity.

Shippers should be aware that there are anecdotal reports that questionable forms of co-brokering or double brokering are on the rise in 2018, as the supply of US trucks tightens and some brokers look to make a quick buck. During these instances, shippers essentially fund a double commission and could be exposed to financial damages, delays or lawsuits when things go wrong.

As the electronic logging device mandate enforcement deadline looms, Trucker Path and Convoy have introduced new features to help truckers and shippers manage driver time in the digital era.

Activity-based pay made possible by electronic logging devices and other technology may lead to trucking firms offering drivers more incentives and shippers a more transparent view of costs.

Shippers are moving so much freight that there are not enough US trucks to move it, causing them to pay rates and surcharges in February not seen in more than 3.5 years for truckload, container drayage, and intermodal rail.