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October 16, 2013 - More Carriers Expecting Volume and Rate Growth

TruckingInfo.com cites TCP third quarter survey information in their September 24th article.

Since a low point of 50% in third quarter 2012, positive volume expectations are now at 61%. In the survey, larger carriers are considerably more optimistic than smaller carriers.

A majority of carriers also expect to see rates increase over the coming 12 months. Smaller carriers have often been the more optimistic about rates. But, in this survey, a greater percentage of larger carriers are anticipating rate increases (74% vs. 48%).

“Spot market trends over the summer have been positive for most carriers and this may be the precursor to continuing volume optimism,” stated TCP’s Richard Mikes.

To read the full article click here.

October 15, 2013 - Optimism Builds for Volume and Rate Growth

The freight market is into positive territory thanks to the economy’s slow, but steady growth. TheTrucker.com cites the 3rd quarter TCP survey showing more carriers expecting volume and rate growth over the next 12 months.

Since a low point of 50 percent in third quarter 2012, positive volume expectations have risen to 61 percent. Larger carriers (68%) are much more optimistic than smaller carriers (45%).

Carriers are also more upbeat about future rate growth. Sixty-six percent of carriers expect rates will increase over the next 12 months.

Full article here.

October 14, 2013 - Carriers Upbeat on Volume and Rate Growth

Today’s Trucking shares data from the TCP third quarter industry survey in their recent article. The survey reveals more U.S. carriers expecting to see volumes and rates grow over the coming months.

“The stronger than expected volumes of the last few months are being reported by some carriers as boding well for the fourth quarter,” according to TCP partners.

However, the article also suggests that the “proof will be in the pudding.” The economic recovery and future projections are still modest. Thus, carriers are not yet seeing their optimism on volumes and rates reflected in actual rate growth.

TCP Partner, Richard Mikes, notes, “Underlying cost rate pressure is ongoing – from new truck costs and maintenance inflation to pinched driver efficiency, from HOS changes and inadequate carrier returns.”

Read the article here.

August 20, 2013 - Two-Thirds of Carriers Plan to Boost Capacity

While the growth is moderate, around two-thirds of motor carriers do plan to increase capacity in the next 12 months. A recent Transport Topics article, referencing the most recent TCP trucking industry survey, shares this data.

Additionally, smaller carriers are more optimistic than larger carriers in their buying plans. Thirty-six percent of smaller carriers intend to build capacity by more than 5%. Only 19% of larger carriers plan such additions.

Read the articles from Transport Topics online and in print.

August 19, 2013 - Truck Capacity Growth Expected to be Modest

A recent article from FleetOwner.com sites results from TCP’s Second Quarter Business Expectations Survey.

The survey revealed that, although 65% of carriers are planning to add capacity, those additions will most likely be conservative. More than 75% of carriers plan to add little (1% to 5%) or no capacity in the next 12 months.

“Carriers continue to voice concerns about the ‘headwinds’ impacting operations and returns,” stated TCP Partner, Richard Mikes.

The piece continues by referencing data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and from the Department of Labor’s recent jobs report that mirrors trends in the trucking industry – slow, conservative growth, and cautious optimism.

Read the full article here.

August 16, 2013 - Your opinion on the trucking business matters!

Are you seeing rate increases this summer? What sort of freight business did you have this quarter?

The TCP Third Quarter 2013 Business Expectations Survey is open. Click here to participate. Less than 5 minutes completes this important industry survey.

Voice your opinions on the current state of trucking. Contribute to the industry’s only survey asking carriers about trends and expectations.

August 8, 2013 - Hiring Qualified Employees at Critical Positions Proving Difficult

A recent article from TruckingInfo.com sites data from the second quarter TCP survey showing carriers having trouble finding qualified employees and drivers.

In the survey, sixty-five percent of carriers expressed difficulty finding qualified maintenance technicians. Furthermore, 30% stated they are having problems filling operations staff and fleet manager level positions.

“Good employees, at all levels, have always been the lifeblood of the industry,” says TCP partner Richard Mikes. “Now, as we see growth in demand on the horizon, excellent human resource management is critical.”

Carriers, because of these shortages of drivers, technicians, and fleet managers, remain concerned about adding capacity at this time. Seventy-percent of larger carriers, and 50% of smaller carriers, in the survey indicated they were having trouble finding qualified technicians.

Click here to read the full article from TruckingInfo.com.

August 7, 2013 - New Fleet Investments Unlikely for Many Carriers

Recent articles from TodaysTrucking.com and TruckingInfo.com report that inadequate rates of return are keeping fleets from buying.

They share results from the second quarter TCP industry survey that show only slightly over 50 percent of carriers seeing returns on investments that can justify new equipment purchases. This figure is up just four percentage points from November 2012.

Additionally, one-third of all carriers reported having no current plans to add any new equipment. At this time, replacing aging fleets is the principle driver of most equipment investment.

“Higher equipment costs in recent years, combined with the lower utilization resulting from new HOS rules, will continue to make adequate returns on investment a challenge,” said Steven Dutro, TCP partner.

Read the complete articles here and here.

August 6, 2013 - Larger Carriers More Positive About Renegotiating Accessorials

Forty-three percent of all carriers believe they will be able to renegotiate detention pay, up significantly from the November 2012 TCP survey. This increase is most likely in response to recent changes in hours of service regulations.

However, small carriers are more pessimistic than larger carriers on accessorials. Sixty-four percent of those smaller carriers anticipate no relief in charge negotiations.

“As freight demand grows, shippers who need consistent service will need to assist carriers in gaining operational efficiency and adequate compensation. Larger carriers are more confident they are positioned to achieve this customer cooperation,” stated TCP Partner Richard Mikes.

For the full article from OverdriveOnline.com, click here.

August 5, 2013 - Rates of Return Still a Concern for Trucking Industry

Results from TCP’s second quarter 2013 Business Expectations Survey were highlighted in a recent article from FleetOwner.com.

Truck capacity is tightening, but many carriers are still not earning a rate of return large enough to warrant an expansion of their fleets. Stagnant cargo volumes combined with higher operating and equipment costs will likely force carriers to hold back expansion efforts for the foreseeable future.

Read the full article here.