Most carriers expect volume increases within the next 12 months, survey finds

The recent Second Quarter Business Expectations Survey completed by Transport Capital Partners LLC (TCP) found more than 80% of the carriers responding were expecting volume increases within the next 12 months.

“The prior survey was at a 90% level, but the weakness reported in several areas of the economy had its impact,” said Richard Mikes, TCP partner and survey founder.

“TCP expects the second half of 2011 to likely show potentially more positive signs,” said Lana Batts, TCP partner.

Larger carriers (more than $25 million in revenue) are more optimistic, with 88% expecting business volume increases compared with 71% reported by smaller carriers.

For the second consecutive quarter, 90% of carriers expect rate increases in the year ahead. Mikes said, “Even if the economy slows from previous predictions, rate increases will likely continue given the conservative hesitancy of carriers to add little equipment beyond replacement levels.”

Larger carriers are somewhat more optimistic: 93% to 81% for smaller carriers.

Batts and Mikes note that truck supply conditions forecast in an earlier TCP white paper are generally still on target favoring carriers.