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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.

July 23, 2013 - Three-Quarters of Carriers Expecting Lower Utilization

TheTrucker.com reports that, with new hours of service regulations, in effect on July 1st, approximately 75% of carriers are expecting utilization to lower. The way shippers work to minimize the impact of these changes will also affect this tightening capacity.

“This potential reduction in truck capacity is hitting at the same time as spot rates are climbing, reflecting a stronger demand in June. Rates will likely increase further in the months ahead,” noted Richard Mikes, TCP Partner.

Full article here.

July 8, 2013 - Optimism Growing for Future Rate and Volume Increases

There is an increasingly positive outlook for volume and rate growth in the industry. Both TheTrucker.com and TruckingInfo.com recently shared encouraging data from TCP’s 2nd quarter industry survey.  The survey indicated that eighty percent of all carriers have seen rates hold steady over the past quarter. Furthering optimism, seventy-three percent of carriers are expecting rates to increase over the next year.

“Even with modest improvement in freight demand, carriers are anticipating much-needed higher rates from customers,” says Steven Dutro, TCP partner.

TheTrucker.com full article.

TruckingInfo.com full article.

April 5, 2013 - Mixed Results on 2010 Engines from Truckers

There are mixed results from truckers on the new 2010 engines versus 2007 engines. TheTrucker.com shares findings from Transport Capital Partners’ first-quarter 2013 Business Expectations Survey. Over half of the carriers surveyed say that fuel economy has improved with new engines, but almost 40% report that there has been no change.

“Carriers differ in their measurement systems and tracking procedures, but the real story here is that very few carriers have seen a decline in fuel economy with the 2010 engines. Most of the carriers we talk to have reported overall improvement in miles per gallon in recent years from a combination of technology and training efforts,” states Steven Dutro, TCP Partner.

Read the full article to learn more.

Would you like to share your experiences and expectations with others in the industry? Click here is you are a trucking company executive or owner interested in participating in the next survey.

 

December 13, 2012 - Truckers Wait for Washington

TheTrucker.com reports that 93% of carrier executives are not pleased with the results of the 2012 presidential election. However, 9% of small carriers are pleased, compared to only 1% of large carriers. These numbers are sourced from the latest Business Expectations Survey, conducted quarterly by trucking industry consulting firm Transport Capital Partners.

In addition, a majority of trucking companies are waiting for the “Fiscal Cliff” debate to be resolved before moving forward with any major mergers and acquisitions. TCP partner Steven Dutro notes, “Carrier executives know that if consumers and businesses are uncertain about the economy, in general, and their own personal finances, in particular, they will not be buying goods. It’s not surprising that carriers are unwilling to risk their own capital if their customers are also sitting on theirs.”

TCP partner Richard Mikes reports a similar sentiment among his industry contacts: “There is a general pause evident throughout the industry,” said Mikes. “Most carriers are in a ‘parked’ mode.”

Read the full article at TheTrucker.com.

December 4, 2012 - TheTrucker.com: Mid Seven Acquired by Boyd Brothers

TheTrucker.com reports that Boyd Brothers Transportation has acquired Mid Seven Transportation. The transaction was executed with the help of Miller Welborn and Jim Parham of Transport Capital Partners.

“This acquisition by Boyd Bros allows Boyd to move into a market that has historically been a strong flatbed market and also gives the combined companies a strong base to build on  for the future,” says Welborn about the transaction. “Mid Seven has a great reputation to build upon and can grow rapidly.”

“We are proud to add Mid Seven Transportion to the Boyd family of companies,” said Boyd Bros. President Richard Bailey. “We plan to operate Mid Seven autonomously as a separate subsidiary. Mid Seven has some of the best owner operators and employees in the industry and we are especially proud of their safety and service culture.” Read the full article here.

 

August 22, 2012 - Carriers Hesitant in Selecting Natural Gas

According to an article by TheTrucker.com, truckers are hesitant in selecting natural gas as a potential fuel source, citing fuel station availability, higher vehicle purchase price, product specs/performance, and secondary market value on equipment as potential concerns. Read more about what carriers think about natural gas as a fuel source.

July 10, 2012 - Small Increases in Driver Wages Likely to Exacerbate Driver Turnover

TheTrucker.com highlights how small increases in driver wages will likely exacerbate driver turnover and deter possible new long-term drivers. The full article also discusses that while fuel prices have decreased slightly, carriers are still working on a variety of strategies to improve their full economy. Results from TCP’s recent industry survey are cited. Read the full artlcle here.

June 27, 2012 - Dedicated Services a Win for Both Carriers and Shippers in Long-Term

Carriers are reluctant to add capacity, says TheTrucker.com in a recent article citing TCP’s Second Quarter 2012 Business Expectations Survey. Mikes is cited in the article discussing how, in the long run, dedicated services will be a win for both carriers and shippers. To read the full article and findings from the survey, click here.

April 28, 2012 - Freight Rates Rise, But Fuel Surcharges Not Covering Costs

The Trucker.com, America’s Trucking Newspaper, quoted TCP on the recent survey that found that a majority of carriers are reporting rates increases, but most of these increases are less than five percent. Seventy percent of respondents said the fuel surcharges are not covering costs, however. Read more.