U.S. freight brokers report 2Q results

U.S. freight brokers report 2Q results
   U.S. truck brokers and freight forwarders billed customers 13 percent more and handled 8 percent more shipments in the second quarter than the first, according to a member survey by the Transportation Intermediaries Association.
   Shipment volumes have increased every quarter on a sequential basis since the TIA began its third-party logistics survey in April 2009.
   The trade association claimed the report is a sign that transportation service providers have successfully weathered the economic downturn despite a decline in average profit margin, which was attributed to the volatile spot market in which many domestic freight brokers participate. A press release did not place a figure on the brokers' profit margin or the amount of decline. The TIA said it expected margins to improve as demand increases and truck capacity tightens.