Truckload Executives See Boom Days For Those Who Hang on a Bit Longer

NEW YORK — Having endured a year-and-a-half of searing competition that produced a raft of hardscrabble balance sheets, some of the nation’s most prominent truckload executives told a investors gathering here that just a bit more perseverance on the part of carriers will result in lavish rewards for both themselves and their financial backers.

Three carrier chairmen told the clients of Bear, Stearns & Co. that their firms have survived high fuel prices, higher insurance premiums, a low supply of drivers and even lower valuations on their trucks — all with some level of profitability.

While none of them predicted a rapid return to strong growth for the nation’s economy, they all said that when the economy does bounce back, the remaining carriers that can offer high-quality service will be able to demand premium freight rates from needy shippers that will face a sharply diminished menu from which to choose.

For the full story, see the May 21 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.

7312