Better Trucking Productivity + Few New Trucks Added = Improved Profits, But…
July 26, 2010
The second quarter is coming in as some had expected => softening economic activity. With inventories somewhat filled back up and the trucks running today still being able to pick up the marginally increasing freight demand, expect to see trucking profitability to stay relatively good and new truck sales to moderate. Used trucks continue to sell well for several reasons.
Expect Truckers Profit’s To Look Good For 2010 - JB Hunt Offers Insight Why
July 19, 2010
J. B. Hunt's Earnings Jump on Increased Demand | www.truckinginfo.com
JB Hunt Transport Services profit jump for the second quarter 2010 is great news after the now several year trough we have been running in. As written here before, I am a fan of JB Hunt for a variety of reasons, but a quick look at their numbers shows us what is going on in the different segments. History tells us to put it all in perspective - and always be cautious with what we are seeing - AND utilization is where the real $$$ is!
Flying J & Pilot Truck Stops Cleaning Up Loose Ends - Creates Mega-Player
July 12, 2010
Pilot, Flying J complete merger | www.ccjdigital.com
The lining up of business models of Pilot Corporation and Flying J is nearing completion, so we can take a snapshot of the new model moving ahead. It’s smart for Pilot to keep Flying J as a brand for the huge “renegade” smaller fleet / owner-operator market, then try to win them over. There are numerous other positives, but truckers are still wondering about fuel pricing.
Problems Continue With YRCW Profit Model - Especially Compared To Competition
July 7, 2010
Saving Teamster Pensions | www.tdu.org
Excess capacity in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) sector continues to be troublesome - more so than with truckload (TL). The basic profit a model within LTL also presents problems for some, as does utilization and the sales-revenue picture. Our colleague John Schultz has well-outlined the Teamster cost issues at YRC Worldwide, so we’ll summarize those with other issues to keep in mind.
Stevens Transport Orders New Paccar KW Model - Plus A Pick-Up For Cummins SCR
June 25, 2010
Stevens Transport orders 500 Kenworth T700s | www.ccjdigital.com
Paccar, Inc. gets a significant commitment for their new Kenworth T-700 aerodynamic from Stevens Transport of Dallas. Stevens ordered 500 trucks, and stuck to their 15-Liter engine approach replacing Caterpillar, Inc. C-15 with Cummins, Inc. ISX at 400 horsepower. While it’s not a huge order per some peoples’ metrics, it’s a big one in the premium truck and refrigerated sectors - and one to follow.
Arrow Asset Auctions - The Stuff Is Now Gone, So Now It’s About Courts & Numbers
June 17, 2010
Second day of Arrow Trucking auction brings higher bids | www.tulsaworld.com
The Arrow Trucking shutdown and ultimate bankruptcy has been written about before and offers many lessons. The auctions of this past week pretty much closes out the hard asset issues and is a reminder of what balance sheets turn into in liquidation. If nothing else, some people thought they got some deals.
Economic, Freight & Truck Sales Uncertainties
June 14, 2010
Economic Indicators Mixed On Continued Uncertainty | www.truckinginfo.com
We all know consumer spending drives freight demand, which affects new truck sales. Auto sales and home building accelerate the swings in the logistics world. Financing affects each of these issues, but all have something in common still today and as we look into the future - uncertainty!
Transport Outlook: Flat Growth Due To Slowing Freight Levels & More Regulations
June 3, 2010
Top Transport Concerns: Sluggish Economy, Unwise Legislation | www.worldtrademag.com
There have been numerous rosy pictures being painted about the US economy and the trucking rebounding robustly. We are realists - and also somewhat contrarians as compared to others. While things are definitely off the bottom, we fail to see from our ground level vantage point what will power the freight sector growth ahead. The referenced article gets it right when truckers’ planners assess the freight market and the regulatory environment.
Walmart Asking Their Suppliers For Shipping & Backhaul Opportunity - It's Smart!
May 23, 2010
Wal-Mart Asks Suppliers to Cede Control of Deliveries | www.bloomberg.com
The buzz in the logistics circles around Walmart is what the decision to take on inbound freight with their own trucks means. While there are thousands of analyses about every aspect of Walmart business by almost everyone from academia to consultants plus those doing the work, we offer the following from ground level regarding just a couple of the aspects of it.
IdleAire - Is 3rd Time Charm Or 3-Strikes You're Out? Idle Options….
May 18, 2010
IdleAire to Reopen at 23 Locations | www.ttnews.com
The changing issues within trucking plus on-the-road experience with idle reduction systems are leading many users to look at newer, simpler and more integrated offerings. With the increasing number of idle restrictions being implemented, the on-board solutions are coming on fast. We offer the following update from our perspective.
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