Capacity Crunch Has Shippers Expanding In-House Fleets

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TLANTA — Rising costs and a shortage of freight hauling capacity are leading some shippers to expand their in-house trucking operations, according to industry officials and private fleet managers.

Roger Olds, general manager of trucking operations for Idaho-based lumber and building products manufacturer Boise Cascade Corp., said he was approached by several competitors seeking trucks to move their freight.

“Everyone is looking for capacity,” he said.



He said Boise would expand its own fleet of heavy-duty tractors to about 400 units this year in response to increased demand for internal and external freight hauling. Boise was ranked No. 78 on the Transport Topics 100 list of the largest private carriers, with 234 tractors in 2003.

For the full story , see the May 10 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.