Carriers Predict Increases in Volumes, Rates, TCP Says

Most trucking officials are optimistic that freight volumes will grow and companies will be able to increase their rates, consulting firm Transport Capital Partners said.

Citing a survey conducted with trucking executives in the third quarter of each year, TCP said executives of 61% of companies expect volumes to increase over the next year. That compared with 50% positive expectations in 2012.

Carriers also were optimistic about rates, with 66% predicting increases in the next year.

Leaders of larger carriers were more likely to be optimistic than smaller carriers, TCP said. Among large carriers, 68% were optimistic about volume increases, versus 45% of small carriers. Similarly, 74% of large carriers predicted higher rates, compared with 48% of smaller ones.