Freight Numbers Not Holding Up To 2018's Highs

The $800 billion U. S. trucking industry, considered by many insiders to be the canary in the coal mine in regard to the health of the nation's economy, is getting some worried glances by some of those insiders. According to recent figures, freight rates and loads on the spot market, were down by 62.6 percent in May compared to previous years' May numbers.

Freight numbers not holding up to 2018's highs

"It's not that 2019 has been so bad," one analyst told Business Insider. "2018 was just really, really good."

Rick

"It's not that 2019 has been so bad," one analyst told Business Insider. "2018 was just really, really good."

Rick

There is always a story within a story if you read deeply and thoroughly enough. Thanks Rick

This is one reason I have enjoyed some of the topics on this site. I know many people have leaned on the "there is a driver shortage" line.

But the fact remains that there are plenty of licensed truckers out there. The real shortage is in the qualified driver segment.

As freight continues to slow, you may see a slow down of the large CDL classes with the company sponsored programs. May have more of a premium placed on quality experienced drivers as well.

I don't get worried by such things.

1) Everything is trucked at some point: Food, cars, building materials. There is nothing on your person or in your home including the walls and foundation that did not get trucked.

2) We will all keep eating, so the freight will keep moving.

3) The sky is falling mentality upsets only yourself.

The real lesson is to set yourself apart from the mediocre driver. Excel and be noticed. Freight increases and drops throughout the year and over years. Amazingly, the producers still have the miles and respect of dispatch.

I hear people complain about sitting over holidays and "freight is slow". I never sat over a holiday unless i was on winter shutdown. I was even loaded on Christmas with a great 2000 mile load. The biggest freight complaint i have is getting stuck in the Northeast for 7 weeks. THAT annoyed me and cost me money, both in food and less miles. But dispatch made it up to me later.