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By Alex Lennane
US freight rates across all overland modes, which have come down consistently in the past 50 years, are likely to rise by 50% to 60% by 2020, warns an analyst. The increases could significantly affect shippers, who should plan this expected rise into their supply chain strategy. Fuel prices, a shortage of drivers and the cost of complying with government regulations have put pressure on trucking firms in particular, and analysts are expecting to see a modal shift in favour of rail, which is investing heavily in intermodal terminals and operations. A useful read for anyone distributing cargo within the US.