Truckload freight volumes declined, and national average spot rates for dry van and refrigerated (“reefer”) loads fell for the fourth consecutive month in April. The DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI), a measure of loads moved during a given month, was lower for all three equipment types: Van TVI was 206, down 15.5% from March and…
International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event when CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement, and educational initiatives targeting various motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety elements. It is the most extensive targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles worldwide, inspecting more than 1.8 million vehicles since 1988. The next International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 16-18,…
Last September, we wrote about carrier profitability and operating costs when spot rates fell and diesel came off record highs. At the time, we estimated operating costs for a typical long-haul truck operator to be around $2.01/mile – that includes wages, finance, insurance … basically everything it costs to run a truck and pay a…
At last month’s Mid-America Truck Show (MATS) ProTalk sessions, numerous new carriers in the trucking industry asked what they should focus on. My answer was easy: understanding the demand for what you haul is critical to pricing, lanes, trailer type, freight market strategy, and profitability. In addition, new carriers must also invest in trusted and reliable…
The unofficial start date for the 2023 produce season has been announced for truckload carriers, and it’s April 19th when the much-awaited Vidalia Onion begins shipping. Around the same time, the Florida produce season is almost halfway through, followed by the start of the peach season in Georgia and South Carolina. This creates a chain…
On a recent DAT Freight & Analytics show, we interviewed Zac Rogers, Associate Professor, and discussed the latest results of the Logistics Managers Index. Here’s an excerpt from the interview. Ken Adamo (KA): It’s looking like we might be in for a bit of a slower year than expected. What are you seeing? Zac Rogers…
On a recent DAT Freight & Analytics show, we interviewed Todd Amen, CEO and Founder of ATBS, to talk about owner-operator and small fleet viability. Here’s an excerpt: Dean Croke (DC): Now 2022 is in the books. What’s the outlook for small carriers this year? Todd Amen (TA): As you guys have been talking about, this…
The first significant truck show of the 2023 season is this week. Truckers, fleet owners, media, equipment manufacturers, and industry suppliers will gather in Louisville, KY, for the world’s largest, longest-running, heavy-duty trucking show. Starting this Thursday, truckers and their families will make up the bulk of attendees over the three-day event, but some truckers…
There’s debate as to whether there’s an actual net shortage of truck drivers to drive available trucks or a shortage of drivers wanting to make trucking a career. One thing is for sure, though: the industry has a huge problem retaining drivers and turning a driving job into a career. Why? It’s a tough job…
When you look at where and what comes into the U.S. in loaded import containers and what goes out as exports, there’s a common thread that may surprise you. While the freight mix and volume vary from port to port, trees, the biggest plants on the planet, are the common thread for imports and exports.…