what do you think the outlook is for 2012

I'm very optimistic. We are seeing more jobs being created and that will help consumer confidence and demand. Savings rates are going down (positive in terms of this discussion on transportation) so people are spending more money.

Money is still cheap and businesses are starting to spend a little more. Any business that is planning 3-5 years out is worried about inflation and will want to get ahead of this.

CSA has been shown to be working and we are going to be seeing more companies using this as criteria for carriers. This will create a two tiered system in the industry (only good if you and your carrier have a solid rating). If you are leased onto a carrier that has a any issues with CSA you will want to look to make a change. Carriers are already saying they are losing/gaining accounts because of CSA scores. Biggest factor here for shippers is that they will now be pulled into legal action because of trucking accidents.

Mega carriers have put themselves into a situation over the past decades of selling "average age of tractor". But with current replacement prices they are seeing returns less than 5% at current rates. They and shippers are already talking about rate increases. This may not be a huge increase but will have some impact.

So, biggest impact will in spot market and regions like Chicago that have a lot of poor quality carriers. IL DOT reported that almost 50% carriers north of the 80 are deficient in one or more areas.

 

OH' great! THANKS for the "OPTIMISTIC" view. just being sarcastic, to have some fun here.

 

Last years guesstimate........

http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=72735

 

Step deck freight should be good, if not better. Unless this last shot across the bow from China causes a "political" reaction from Washington.

China is buying the crap out of US built heavy equipment and parts, and the orders are only going to increase. Current demand can not be met by any one country. But it can be slowed, if this current "tariff" out of China on American autos escalates into an export tax on heavy equipment.

Overall, I expect it to be as good as this past year, or better.

 

123456 - besides the very original screen name, I like your avatar. Is that an RF-4C?

 

Yeah, try coming up with the capitol investment to get into that game! And people thought buying a truck is bad. You can't move a 53' trailer load of freight with a F150 pickup, and you sure can't "make it" in farming on 100 acres.

 

I always enjoy reading your posts Triple B. Thanks for being such a positive contribution here.

 

Contracts up for renewal, truck capacity is tight and rates are only going up. Spot market more so than contractual.

Just read an article in "The Trucker".

We who survived '08/'09 are here to benefit.

 

I believe it will be shaky also but saying that if you want to work you can continue to do so. We need the media to chill out they seem to make it worst for sure.