November 15, 2018 / By Erika / Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking / 0 Comments
See statistics on the state of transportation and what to prepare for in 2019.
We took a look at the highlights of 2018 that we think impacted the logistics industry. Reviewing the hot topics in our industry can help us all be better prepared for what is to come in 2019 and get ahead of freight trends.
CAPACITY AND DRIVER SHORTAGE
2018 Recap: The economic growth in 2018 has added to the capacity issues our industry is already facing. Coupled with the driver shortage, capacity issues are on everyone’s mind. However, innovative brokers who have experience are able to navigate this landscape and deliver. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the gross domestic product rate increased at an annual rate of 4.2% in the second quarter of 2018, and at a rate of 2.2% in the first quarter.[1]The driver shortage has caused driver pay and packages to increase in response to the demand. According to the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) latest Driver Compensation study, the median salary for a truckload driver working a national, irregular route was more than $53,000—a $7,000 increase (15 percent) from ATA’s last survey in 2013. Private fleet drivers saw an 18% pay rise to more than $86,000 from $73,000. [2]
2019 Forecast: The 2019 forecast is for us to see slower growth. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the 2019 pace of GDP growth will slow to 2.4 percent in as growth in business investment and government purchases slows. The CBO also warns that trade tensions could make a bigger dent on GDP growth than anticipated.[3] For 2019 and beyond, the driver shortage will continue to increase (especially considering that the unemployment rate is at a 49-year low of 3.7%.)
THE ELD COMPLIANCE AND HEADACHES
2018 Recap: The ELD deadline caused some carriers to scramble while others were well prepared. At the end of the day, the improved technology can give us all better visibility and data. However, a survey by Cortex revealed 33% of respondents indicated it is more difficult to retain drivers because of the strict Hours of Service compliance. With the American Trucking Association stating there are 50,000 fewer drivers than available jobs, the ELD ‘solution’ could be fueling the flames of the driver shortage.[4]
2019 Forecast: The next step will be how can we turn this data into business efficiencies. In particular, efficiency on the shippers’ part will be key to allowing drivers to use the majority of their allotted time on the road with the wheels turning. The more time spent driving will allow more loads to be completed on time and allow carriers to better plan their schedules (leading to less cancellations, delays and headaches for shippers.) Continuing to increase driver pay will be integral to attracting younger folks to the profession. While an increased driver pay may lead to a short-term increase in trucking rates, it will combat the extreme pricing fluctuations and uncertainty we are experiencing with the exponential growth of the driver shortage. Much of 2018 was spent dealing with supply and demand issues and could continue to get worse. Westgate will continue to monitor this as well as the hours of service issue in Congress.
TECHNOLOGY TAKES FLIGHT
2018 Recap: Logistics companies are now expected to utilize the latest technology in order to keep customers informed on their load status. While many companies tout that they offer the latest technology, not all of them have the attentive team to monitor the data and get the full use out of it. See our article on The Major Roadblock to Technology.
2019 Forecast: Offering technology will not be a distinguishing factor among brokers. How that technology is utilized and access to a support team will be what separates companies. Aggregating data and translating it into business efficiencies will be the next step. While technology continues to take over a large part of our every day lives, communication continues to be as important as it ever was in the freight industry. There are too many variables beyond anyone’s control (Traffic, weather, mechanical issues, etc) to allow technology to replace the service provider entirely. Where technology benefits us is by providing additional means to source trucks, communicate with carriers and track shipments to be ahead of issues. In addition, it offers efficiencies in back office procedures that allow customer service folks to concentrate solely on servicing clients to the fullest.
At Westgate, we provide monthly ‘On-Time’ reports to several of our customers to highlight our performance levels. We also are very flexible and have developed custom reports to meet the particular needs of clients in providing them data that is valuable to them.
Reach out to us to experience our boutique approach to streamlining logistics through an extensive network of resources, trained brokerage experts and unique personal service.
GET A QUOTE
[1] https://www.bea.gov/news/2018/gross-domestic-product-2nd-quarter-2018-third-estimate-corporate-profits-2nd-quarter-2018
[2] http://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/driver-pay-and-benefits-rise/
[3] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy-growth/u-s-economy-seen-strong-in-2018-to-slow-in-2019-cbo-idUSKBN1KY23R
[4] http://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/fleet-operators-get-no-eld-satisfaction/