Freight costs weighing on earnings at consumer goods makers

© Kathrine Martin

US shippers are complaining about transport costs, which they claim have risen 20% from a year ago.  However, this appears to be domestic US trucking costs, rather than international freight, as they have been hit by poor weather, new rules on trucking and the shortage of drivers. At the same time, volumes are said to be higher than normal and companies including Coca-Cola, Hasbro, Procter & Gamble, Danone and Nestlé have all cited raising freight costs in recent earnings calls. The WSJ reports.