According to research firm FTR Associates, truck industry capacity is expected to remain tight through 2006 and 2007. Continued strength in manufacturing and freight-producing sectors of the economy has led to strong truck use.
United States Class 8 capacity in use has exceeded 90% over the past nine quarters while historically averaging 88%. FTR forecasts total ton-miles to grow 2.1% in 2006 with the modal share for trucks expected to increase to 44.8% in 2006 and 45.3% in 2007.
More details about truck capacity utilization, the labor situation, and other trends are available through a new publication jointly offered by FTR and Informa Economics Inc. A sample issue of the Transportation, Logistics and Fuel Report and the Weekly Fuel Monitor Service can be obtained by accessing www.informaecon.com/transportation, or for more information, phone Doug Starks at 888-988-1699, ext 45.