More than seven in 10 fleets surveyed for the Q2 2011 Fleet Sentiment Report indicate that the shortage of drivers is either impacting their fleet now or may in the future.
Also: 42% see a problem today with current seats empty, limits on the number of new units that can be added for new capacity or by the necessity to re-deploy their fleet to more short haul/regional routes. Another 32% that are unaffected now believe the shortage of this resource could impact their fleet in the future.
The Fleet Sentiment Report Buying Index fell in Q2 2011 to a reading of 90.5. However, the reading simply measures the number of survey respondents who plan to place orders in the next three months; supplemental information collected regarding the size of orders and fleets planning them point to continued strong demand for medium/heavy-duty power units and trailers.