Demand side indicators have been falling since 2021, but inflation continues to be the primary concern for the economy. The problem is there is little the Federal Reserve can be expected to be able to do, thanks to the cause of inflation shifting to the supply side.
The spread between spot and contract truckload rates is unsustainable. The question is just how far and fast will they fall?
Truckload spot rates have eroded dramatically since the start of the year while the bulk of the contracted market remained unscathed. That may be changing.
Knowing what the customer wants and when was once a relatively easy thing to predict. COVID has changed all that.
The recent AB5 ruling will make it difficult for regional operators to handle the ongoing short-haul and drayage demand in California.
Capacity normally tightens in the week leading up to the Fourth of July. The lack of upward movement from spot and rejection rates this past week suggests the market is either propped up by the holiday or seasonal patterns have not returned.
Contract rates have grown at their fastest pace in history over the pandemic era. The contract to spot rate spread fluctuation is an argument for smarter and more efficient growth strategies for carriers.
Import volumes have not realized the dip in shipping orders yet. What does this mean?
Inventory growth has forced companies to change their ordering strategy to a more flexible model.
The contracted freight market is in great condition at the moment, but the short-term indicators raise questions about its sustainability.
The truckload spot market has fallen apart over the past two months. Larger fleets are in far better shape for weathering the storm.
Shippers book maritime containers well before it turns into trucking and rail freight in the U.S. The relationship between international and domestic freight strengthened during the pandemic and they are both pointing toward a summer slump.
Not all loads are created equal in trucking. Loads moving across the country have a much greater impact on capacity and subsequently spot rates and they are disappearing at an astonishing rate compared to their shorter counterparts.
Many transportation managers and providers are expecting a return to a simpler time, but the data shows simpler times may be a thing of the past.
Heavily contracted carriers are not feeling the full brunt of the truckload market easing just yet, but there is still a lot to be determined about what happens next.
Slower transit times may be what shippers need as inventory levels and costs surge to all-time highs.
Stability lulled transportation managers and providers to sleep in the six years post-recession. The roller-coaster ride of the last four may be more indicative of their future.
Truckload capacity has been extremely difficult to secure over the past 18 months, but the tender data shows things may be changing, rapidly.
Inventory levels grew at an astonishing pace in February. Is the supply chain crisis ending?
The wild fluctuations in crude oil prices have created a strong disconnect between wholesale and retail diesel prices. What are the impacts on transportation costs and subsequently carrier bottom lines?
