摘要: |
For the first time in eight months, the 12-month rolling price trend for the trucking industry has hit a positive inflation rate (up 0.3%). Meanwhile, the three-month average inflation is running around 4%. Long-distance LTL freight rates have provided the strongest inflation boost so far. Looking at margins, unlike many struggling manufacturers of equipment and other products, our rough estimate for the trucking service industry's gross operating surplus have improved from a year ago, up $2.80 (for every $100 in sales). Higher diesel costs and labor wages, however, will mean shippers' opportunities to wield any negotiation muscle will be fleeting and ultimately inconsequential. |