While the recently-signed U.S.-Mexico cross-border trucking agreement has divided the industry’s lobbying groups, one international trade expert is urging the positives of the deal. Troy Ryley, the managing director of Transplace Mexico, says the new agreement could be a boon for Texas as a distribution center for loads brought in by Mexican trucks, as well as it could help alleviate capacity issues in the Continue Reading

Despite the positive numbers from FTR Associates about Class 8 truck sales, uncertainty in the industry still lingers, causing some fleets to weigh new engine technologies and even the early signs of a driver shortage affect their buying decisions, according to the most recent Fleet Sentiment Report from CK Commercial Vehicle Research. Orders are being driven by increases in freight volume, replacement of aging equipment, ordering units for evaluation of new engine technology. Some fleets are considering adding used equipment, even as a rising percentage, 50 percent up from 27.5 percent in the first Continue Reading

Despite showing the most unfavorable news for shippers in the current recovery, the latest Shippers Condition Index (SCI) numbers from research firm FTR Associates may be the calm before the storm. Brutal winter storms combined with already slack seasonal activity are expected to give way to brighter numbers when the weather improves and freight gets a boost in March. However, there are factors at work that could lead to a capacity shortage on drivers, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s new Compliance safety Accountability (CSA) program and Continue Reading

According to the FTR Trucking Conditions Index, the trucking industry has experienced stabilization over the last several months and should expect to remain in positive territory for the rest of the year. The Trucking Conditions Index is a compilation of factors affecting trucking companies. According to FTR, the current index is showing a solid improvement from 2009 and is expected to continue on an upward trend through 2011. In spite of Continue Reading

If the economy is in fact improving, then the trucking industry seems slow to realize it. Freight volumes are slowing, banks are hesitant to lend and carriers aren’t replacing equipment. Despite the dip in orders and a sluggishly improving economy, analysts say the general upward trend will continue. For now, business seems Continue Reading