Big Truck TV
2012 could be best summarized as a year of uncertainty and turbulence. Europe, China, and home grown political fiscal battles weighed in on the collective thoughts of all business leaders worldwide. Despite all of this, the economy grew slowly & trucking has seen modest gains. In this 3 part series year-end annual update of the IEU we take a look at the key metrics that impacted the industry and the swing in MDI. We also interview 3 top industry experts who weigh in on the year and what to look out for in 2013. Part 1 has an exclusive interview with Tom Kretsinger, Jr. - COO, American Central Transport who acknowledges that the driver shortage is very real but another issue that garners much concern is the aging of fleets, equipment rates, and more!
How did MDI fair overall in 2012?
In the beginning of the year, the MDI was preferential to the carriers market. In the latter half of the year however, we saw a marginal shift, particularly in September and October, which favored shippers and brokers. These trends seen in MDI were steered by a strong presence of load availability during Q1 and Q2, particularly during March and June.
What were the top three trends you saw developing in 2012 that had the greatest impact on the trucking industry?
Some of the major trends we saw this past year was that the shortage of drivers has come into full bloom, there was slow down in volume of freight and economic uncertainty loomed over us with the situation in Washington coupled with the recession in Europe and the slowdown in China. Another trend needs to be addressed is the aging fleet dilemma.
What are your views on intermodal?
Trucking will always play a dominant role in the industry as 70% of the freight in America moves by truck. That said, trains are an important part of the economy as well, they have been adding some capacity, they have been adding some new things like double stack containers and that s all good, certain markets lend them self to that more than others. Where intermodal makes sense is with long haul. Some folks are looking at intermodal as a way of dealing with the driver shortage. Intermodal is another offering that adds value to customers.
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