As the pandemic shifts and the economy continues to morph, what can truckers expect from freight demand as 2021 ages? What will happen with rates? We pitched these questions and more to the brain trust at DAT Freight & Analytics, which runs the DAT load board network and provides a slew of freight economy data and forecasting metrics.
DAT’s Truckload Volume Index for January also declined from December numbers, by 2.0%, but bested January 2020 numbers by 7.5%.
Optym says its Axele TMS is integrated with DAT to automate truck postings and load searches.
The U.S. economy is poised for a strong recovery in the third quarter, provided the number of people being given the COVID-19 vaccine significantly improves and Congress and the White House reach a COVID relief package.
Smaller truckers faltered as business tailed off in early days of lockdown while larger, well-capitalized operators powered through
While the truckload spot market finished 2020 from a position of strength, in that it hit various highs, DAT Freight and Analytics recently pointed out that spot rates have subsequently fallen 10% since the end of the year and are pegged to head down another 8%-to-10% in the coming weeks.
Jeff Hopper from DAT provides supply chain expert commentary on the COVID-19 vaccine's 'last mile' in the distribution process, in what could be the largest product rollout of the history of the world.
A recurring theme in this pandemic-driven freight market has been tight capacity, which has fueled a seven-month rally in spot truckload rates and pushed contract rates higher at the same time.
Experts say the pandemic prompted changes in consumer behaviors that affected shipping in major and intricate ways. As an example, Adamo points to the changing consumption of nonalcoholic drinks such as soda and iced tea.
According to shipping broker DAT Freight & Analytics, in November, there were 4 1/2 truck loads needing to be shipped for every truck out there. That’s double what it was last year.