Economic recovery begins; truck freight growth lags
Dec 1, 2009 12:00 PM
The recovery has begun, according to the latest issue of The North American Commercial Truck and Trailer Outlook published by FTR Associates, but the transportation industry forecast company warns that any significant freight growth is not expected until 2010 with increased orders for equipment to follow later in the year.
Eric Starks, president of FTR, said, “After a spurt in August due to government stimulus, the economy has settled into the slow, uneven movement typical of recession bottoms. We are cautious about forecasting any near-term major improvements for freight companies and their suppliers. Unprecedented excess capacity created by a record freight drop from 2006 to 2009 will put a drag on equipment sales well into 2010 and possibly into 2011. In fact, we have slightly reduced our Class 8 equipment forecast for 2010.”
The full North American Commercial Truck and Trailer Outlook Report is available to subscribers. In addition to FTR's regular freight, equipment, trucking environment, and economic forecasts, the current issue contains commentary covering its annual freight tonnage update and calibration.
For more information, call Eric Starks at 888-988-1699 ext 45 or e-mail hlile@ftrassociates.com.
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