Colography forecasts good 2004 for U.S. freight carriers

Colography forecasts good 2004 for U.S. freight carriers    Regional less-than-truckload and national truckload carriers are expected to be the primary freight transportation beneficiaries of the U.S. domestic economic recovery in 2004, according to the Colography Group.
   The Atlanta-based cargo market consulting group said the move by shippers towards shorter supply lines and faster, cheaper and more direct long-haul shipments means these trucking sectors will gain more business during the next year.
   By contrast, air freight's growth rate will be tied to the general economy
   Colography forecasts more than 6.6 billion shipments will move in domestic U.S. commerce and air export in 2004, up from 6.5 billion shipments projected for 2003. Shipments moved via ground parcel service will show the strongest growth, rising to 3.78 billion shipments from 3.69 billion shipments.
   Combined revenue for domestic air, ground parcel, LTL and U.S. air export — the four primary traffic categories — will climb to $82.1 billion from $79.8 billion, Colography said.
   The weight of an average shipment will fall to 28.7 pounds from 29.6 pounds, continuing a downward pattern.