One of the more challenging questions industry economists are grappling with is the degree to which consumer spending shifts away from physical goods (that trucks transport) to services in coming months.
The 2021 produce season is shaping up like no other for California brokers, carriers and shippers, given how tight capacity already is and how much higher reefer spot rates are compared to this time last year.
For carriers, brokers and shippers looking down the road to gauge consumer demand, the latest consumer confidence data from the Conference Board indicates consumers are feeling more optimistic about the economic recovery.
Typically, the split between contract and spot freight is somewhere in the 85/15 range. Starting in June of last year, spot volumes began to accelerate as a percentage of total volume.
For a new owner-operator setting out on their own in the trucking business, there can be unexpected pitfalls. One of the best ways to avoid them is getting advice from those who've already done it.
Recently we addressed the most frequent question asked on our weekly DAT iQ Live series: Is now a good time to buy a truck? This week, we asked a leading industry expert will weigh in with insights.
Often we look at building permit applications and new home starts as indicators of flatbed demand. Sales of new homes are another measure of demand for products, including building material and lumber.
Dry van load posts on the DAT One load board network increased by just over 2% last week in the top 10 markets, which typically represent around 25% of weekly load posts.
