Although forecasts say the first quarter of 2023 will be particularly tough for the industry, trucking remains the most relied-upon freight transport mode in the U.S. and increased infrastructure spending could be a potential boon.
Our annual gathering of freight transportation industry analysts reveals some common themes, largely around the notion that rates are not likely to increase much—if at all—in some modes and will continue declining in others. Does this mean things are stabilizing?
From new consumer buying patterns to dramatically higher costs for fuel and labor, truckload freight professionals faced fresh challenges in 2022 that have led to a more measured, data-driven approach to 2023, according to a new annual report published by DAT Freight & Analytics.
U.S. import trade is heading into 2023 on a clear downward track. A new report by Descartes Datamyne shows inbound container volumes fell in December to close to pre-pandemic levels, as forecasts point to deeper declines in the coming months.
Economic forces, consumer demand, seasonality, natural disasters and myriad other factors contribute to transport’s cyclical market.
Contract rates have spent the second half of 2022 on a slide, following a downward trendline that spot rates have seen for almost the entire calendar year.
As we close out the year, a brief recovery in truckload spot rates on DAT’s Top 50 Lanes. But overall, a lump of coal for trucking companies in 2022 as markets have shifted toward shippers.
Shippers of grain, food and other products expect to face better prospects for logistics in 2023, hoping much of the COVID-induced issues are in the past, as well as a nationwide strike by railroad workers that was averted by legislative action.
Shippers are in the driver’s seat as spot and contract rates continue to soften, but industry analysts said rates likely will stabilize throughout 2023.
Shippers of grain, food and other products expect to face better prospects for logistics in 2023, hoping much of the COVID-induced issues are in the past as well as a nationwide strike by railroad workers that was averted by legislative action.