The February Logistics Managers Index (LMI) came in at 54.7 in February, down (-2.9) from January’s reading of 57.6. While the overall diffusion index remains in expansion territory (values above 50 indicate expansion and below indicate contraction), February’s numbers broke the streak of two consecutive readings of increased growth. Notable movers in February were Transportation…
For the week ending on March 11, 2023, domestic steel mills made 1,677,000 net tons representing a decrease of 2% y/y or 60,000 tons or the equivalent of 2,400 fewer flatbed truckload equivalents. The capability utilization rate was 75%, down from 78.7% the previous year. The current week’s production represents a 1.9% decrease from the…
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…
There’s a chance your produce has traveled more than you have. Consider that 2.6 million registered truck tractors are on our roads daily, and 70% of all U.S. agricultural products are shipped by truck. The average food item travels approximately 5,120 miles through the supply chain to reach your store. National Geographic reporters followed a…
By Michael Schneider, Tax Manager, ATBS. Every year there are changes to tax laws that may go under the radar for some self-employed truck drivers. Ignorance of these changes may cause carriers to miss out on significant savings when it comes time to file their taxes. That’s why we asked ATBS to provide a few…
By Michael Schneider, Tax Manager, ATBS. Every year there are changes to tax laws that may go under the radar for some self-employed truck drivers. Ignorance of these changes may cause carriers to miss out on significant savings when it comes time to file their taxes. That’s why we asked ATBS to provide a few…
It’s been a tough few years for shippers. With little to no leverage, shippers were forced to pay the rates demanded of them by carriers. They had their hands tied, and they didn’t have much choice except to pay the piper if they wanted to get products to market. But now things are changing. You’ve…
While overall truckload freight volume is holding steady for now, according to the latest ATA Truckload Tonnage Index, recent less-than-truckload (LTL) earning calls point to market softness following two years of volume increases. According to the Kearney 2022 Logistics Report, LTL freight transactions account for around 10% ($83 billion) of the $830 billion motor-carrier freight…
The flatbed sector is off to a bustling start in 2023, boosted by significant projects resulting from the Infrastructure Bill and warmer weather, particularly in the Northeast. While the housing construction sector remains the wild card for flatbed carriers assessing the 2023 demand outlook, recent earnings calls from home improvement companies Lowes and Home Depot…
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.…