Freight boom is not without downsides for carriers

Chart of the Week: Insurance Expense % – Dry Van Company and Leased Fleet, Driver to non-Driver Ratio – Dry Van Company and Leased Fleet SONAR: INSURE.VCFOO, DRRAT.VCFOO. Driver recruiting problems are limiting carrier growth while the cost of operating is growing at a faster rate than ever. A similar scenario played out at the end of the 2017-18 freight boom. Cost inflation from insurance, maintenance, equipment and wages lasted beyond the yearlong freight boom that saw spot rates surge to all-time highs for an unprecedented amount of time. Capacity flooded the space and demand ceased to grow as the overstimulated market took a breath. With a similar scenario playing out in 2020-21, carriers need to be mindful of the lessons of the past.