Welcome to the WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Newsletter
Welcome to the WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Newsletter, presented by Tai Software. In this issue, trucking rates hit two-year highs, tariffs spook shippers and consumers, and more!
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Up and to the Right
Momentum is building in trucking markets in the fourth quarter, with top lanes feeling the squeeze. FreightWaves’ Craig Fuller reports that the SONAR National Truckload Index (NTI) is showing rates at $2.53 per mile, a figure not seen since January 2023—a 15% increase since October 2024.
Here’s the interesting twist: despite higher rates, volumes are down due to attrition. With the carrier capacity glut burning off, leverage is shifting back to carriers, with a 4% decrease in carriers compared to last year.
Tariffs Spook Shippers and Consumers
Expect freight flows to intensify, with shippers reacting to potential tariffs. CreditCards.com states that:
- 30% of shoppers will purchase more this holiday season due to fear of rising prices from tariffs.
- 22% of Americans plan large purchases to beat tariff-induced price hikes.
- 34% are 'doom spending,' stockpiling items out of fear or uncertainty.
- 30% might worsen debt to secure purchases.
Potential Port Strikes and E-Commerce Surge
As President-elect Trump tackles the looming port strike situation, e-commerce volumes continue to rise, influenced by consumer shopping behavior amid tariff concerns. E-commerce providers are seeing a significant uptick in sales volumes during the holiday season.
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Dooner
The post was originally published on FreightWaves.