Truckload rates

Shipment declines accelerated in July while total freight spend remained under pressure.

Transportation providers are going to have to maintain an aggressive posture when competing for business during the upcoming bid season.

There are some positive signs that the freight market has cleared most of the post-pandemic rubble, but full recovery is still a ways off.

FreightWaves founder and CEO Craig Fuller analyzes truckload contract rates and where they may be headed.

FreightWaves founder and CEO Craig Fuller analyzes the continuing decrease in truckload rates for dry van loads.

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?

Shippers have been bidding against each other for capacity over the past year with little to show for it, and it appears paying more will not solve the crunch.

December data from Cass Information Systems shows freight shipments and expenditures continued a surge to close 2021.

Prices have increased 17% but carrier compliance shows only marginal improvement

Southern California is the main entry point for imported goods in the U.S. Congestion around rail ramps and deteriorating service pushed shippers to trucking over the summer, but that trend is reversing as truckload costs soar out of the West.

The cost of diesel fuel, a main component in the cost of trucking, is climbing rapidly. This is a hidden factor that is helping keep spot rates elevated.

Intermodal shipping is dominated by the largest shippers in the U.S. and operates on a more static network, which gains higher cost efficiency than trucking over longer-mileage runs.

Shared truckload alleviates LTL pain points

Covenant Transportation Group sees a breakeven April and noted that May trends have “stabilized” as it moves forward with restructuring efforts.

Landstar System calls attention to its variable cost model as first quarter falls short of expectations. No guidance issued for second quarter.

While the truckload carriers are happy to turn the page on 2019, investors in truckload stocks may be hoping for more.

FreightWaves Market Expert Chris Henry provides a look into truckload’s year that was and commentary on a possible path toward consistent profitability.

Covenant released earnings results in-line with its previously lowered expectations as it seeks “predictability” in its operations for the remainder of 2019.

The combination of volume weakness, excess capacity, declining rates and formidable year-over-year earnings comparisons have resulted in the public carriers finally waving the white flag and acknowledging that 2019 will be a struggle.

The Cass Freight Index Report offers two questions. “Has economic contraction already begun? Will GDP be negative in Q2?”

Reefer carriers are weathering the cooling freight market more efficiently than two of the main trailer types. An interesting data point supports this claim.

The FreightWaves Intel Group surveyed over 800 carriers, shippers and brokers about the entry of Amazon into online freight brokerage. Read about the survey’s results and what respondents think Amazon will do to their businesses.

The report showed further deceleration in the freight markets in May and warns an economic contraction could be underway.

FreightWaves adds agricultural truckload prices and numerous warehousing and real estate data points to SONAR.

The truckload business is booming, but how high will rates go? Hyundai Merchant Marine orders 20 new containerships; China keeps the door open on US trade talks; global equities rise on US jobs report; a pension fund is building a $4.9B railroad in Quebec; manufacturing activity expands.

Stifel returns to trucking with an array of notes on individual carriers and a comprehensive industry update. Analysts expect 12% increase in truckload rates y/y, spillover into LTL and intermodal, and no relief in sight for the driver shortage.

Signs are pointing to a new reality: self-driving trucks will help the industry. And the people who keep it running will continue to show us why they’re such an important part of the supply chain.

FreightWaves’ readers made the past year a great one for our young brand. Today, we take a fond look back at your favorite articles from 2017.