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News

Many Carriers Are Considering Leaving the Industry

In a recent article by TruckingInfo.com, Batts and Mikes are quoted regarding the recent findings from the Third Quarter TCP Business Expectations Survey. Given uncertainty about volumes, rates, drivers, and the economy, many carriers are considering leaving the industry. For more information, read the full article.

Tendency for Carriers to Use Contractors to Expand Fleets is Down

While the use of independent contractors has remained steady over the last five quarters, the tendency for carriers to use contractors to expand their fleets is trending down. TruckingInfo.com quotes Batts and Mikes on the findings from TCP’s recent Business Expectations Survey. To read the full article, click here.

Truck Order Higher Than Expected in September But Capacity Increases Still Uncertain

FleetOwner.com speculates the upcoming future of the trucking industry and cites the Third Quarter TCP Business Expectations Survey. According to ACT Research Co., truck orders for September exceeded expectations, and another report shows that the non-manufacturing sector continues to grow. Capacity increases are still uncertain however, and many carriers report not planning on adding significant capacity. For more information, read the full article.

Carriers Backing Away from New Truck Buying Plans

TruckingInfo.com reports how carriers are backing away from new truck buying plans and are unsure of how to add capacity. The article cites the Third Quarter TCP Business Expectations survey as well as quoting both Batts and Mikes. To read more about carriers’ feelings on adding capacity, read the full article.

Parham Brings 40 Years of Experience to TCP

TruckingInfo.com reports the recent addition of Jim Parham to the Transport Capital Partners team. Parham brings more than 40 years of experience in the transportation industry. For more information about Parham and Transport Capital Partners, read the full article.

Carriers Are Taking Accessorial Charges to Shippers

The Journal of Commerce reports online that truckload carriers are taking accessorial charges (one-time fees for special services) to shippers. The article cites findings from TCP’s recent survey which asked carriers about a variety of industry issues, including renegotiation of accesorials. The article mentions that companies like UPS and FedEx Express have long used these charges and 68% of the carriers surveyed plan on renegotiating these fees as well. Click here to read more.

Tonnage “In Check” and In Line With Historical Trends

Despite a decline in tonnage, FleetOwner.com reports some interesting news for the trucking industry. According to chief ATA economist Bob Costello, the number of trucks operating is down and carriers are having trouble recruiting drivers, which is keeping “tonnage in check.” The decrease in tonnage, however, is in line with historical trends and over half of carriers from TCP’s Third Quarter Business Expectations survey said that their rates did increase over the last three months. Read the full article here.

Uncertainty in the Economy Affecting Carriers Outlook

TheTrucker.com cites the TCP Third Quarter Business Expectations Survey which suggests that the uncertainty in the economy is affecting carriers’ outlook in business volumes. Read the full article here.

TCP Announces the Addition of Jim Parham as Managing Partner

FleetOwner.com reports on TCP’s recent announcement of the addition of Jim Parham as a managing partner of the firm. Parham has over 40 years of experience in the industry, including 25 years as President of Jim Parham & Associates. Read the full article here.

Recent Increase in Driver Turnover for Large Fleets

Transport Topics reports that in the first quarter of this year, driver turnover “reached the highest level in nearly three years” for larger fleets ($30 million in revenue or more). Mikes points out that smaller fleets are more inclined to have less turnover as they “tend to have shorter lengths of haul, which gives drivers more time at home.” To read more about the recent increase in driver turnover, click here.