US overland market braces for summer slump

© Nadiya Vlashchenko

Now it’s the US hauliers feeling the pinch. As the US market normally gears up about now for the September rush, high inventory levels and “sluggish economic growth” are leading to weak volumes. One company expects earnings to be halved this quarter, citing rising driver pay and pressure on rates, while the CASS freight index for rail and road was down 5.8% on the previous year. Interesting, but slightly depressing article from WSJ.