According to FTR Associates, a leading transportation research firm, truck industry capacity is expected to remain tight through 2006 and 2007.

The continued strength in manufacturing and freight-producing sectors of the economy has led to strong truck use. U.S. Class 8 capacity in use has exceeded 90 percent over the last nine quarters while historically averaging 88 percent. FTR forecasts total ton-miles to grow 2.1 percent in 2006 with the modal share for trucks expected to increase to 44.8 percent in 2006 and 45.3 percent in 2007.
Eric Starks, president of FTR Associates sees “truck capacity as tight as we’ve seen in recent memory. In this environment, freight carriers have been able to aggressively raise rates. While this is good for the trucking industry, it is countered in large measure by the escalating costs to operate. In addition to rising fuel, interest and equipment costs, driver wages will continue to rise as a substantial shortage persists. We are currently estimating that there is a driver shortage of 87,000 drivers.”
Additional details about truck capacity utilization, the labor situation and other trends affecting the transportation industry are available through a new publication jointly offered by FTR Associates and Informa Economics Inc. A sample issue of the Transportation, Logistics and Fuel Report and the Weekly Fuel Monitor Service can be accessed at www.informaecon.com/transportation.htm, or for more information, contact Doug Starks at (888) 988-1699, ext. 45.