The outlook for flatbeds assumes no substantive improvement in current freight market conditions, confirmed on the recent second-quarter earnings call with Daseke, Inc. (NASDAQ: DSKE), North America’s most extensive flatbed and specialized transportation and logistics company. Daseke’s fleet consists of approximately 4,839 total tractors (up 4.1% year-over-year, or y/y) and 10,886 flatbed and specialized trailers…
New manufacturing orders contracted for the 11th consecutive month in July, according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). The July New Order Index reading came in at 47.3%, up 1.7% m/m. New order level contraction slowed compared to June as ISM survey panelists’ companies continued to deal with uncertain customer…
On a recent DAT Freight & Analytics show, we interviewed supply chain expert Professor Jason Miller from Michigan State University to discuss the outlook for the truckload sector in the coming year. Question of the week: What’s your outlook for the next 18 months in trucking? Jason Miller (JM): My best-case scenario for recovery would…
Hurricane Hilary, the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, flooded roads and toppled trees, prompting flood watches and warnings in half a dozen states. The storm hit parts of California’s San Joaquin Valley, bringing rare August downpours that could significantly affect the region’s crops. California’s Central Valley supplies 8% of the…
The recent U.S. Census Bureau release of residential construction for July surprised most of us who watch this data as an indicator of future flatbed demand. Climbing mortgage rates to near-two-decade highs continue to slow the overall housing market improvement. Meanwhile, new home construction continues to grow amid an acute shortage of existing homes. Single-family…
Three of four truckers believe their job is mentally and physically stressful A new survey of truck drivers by DAT Freight & Analytics is the latest that highlights the pros and cons of being a truck driver – particularly a long-haul – or “over-the-road” trucker. According to Indeed, the worldwide employment website, “The trucking industry…
Recent news of vessel and draft restrictions on the Panama Canal due to drought conditions has not affected most shippers — at least not yet — but the resulting queue of container ships waiting to transit the canal does bear watching for importers moving goods into the U.S. for the coming fall and winter seasons,…
Traveling throughout Europe (EU), it’s hard to miss the continent’s largest semi-trailer manufacturer on major highways. Schmitz Cargobull is that manufacturer, with approximately 26% of the market. Krone is next on the list and the most innovative. Together, these two companies account for more than 40% of trailer production in the EU, making technological advancement…
Although the flatbed and specialized carriers market is past peak season, imports of tractors, agricultural machinery, and garden equipment are down 17% y/y and trending close to 2021 levels according to the latest data from IHS Markit. Baltimore is still ranked number one, handling 18.3% of the total tonnage with July volume up 19% y/y…
At $1.68/mile excluding fuel, refrigerated outbound spot rates in Washington state are almost identical to this time in 2019 – but as usual, they are expected to increase at least another 20% by the end of the year. Over the next few months, during late summer and fall, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) produce season ramps…