Trucking Industry Forecasts - Are they helpful?

  

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The trucking industry had a better year in 2011 than many expected. Generally the forecasts for 2012 are cautiously optimistic.  We still have concerns with housing, Europe and the banks and what disruptions these may cause, but it seems we can also be reasonably optimistic that our economy is recovering.

Industry forecasts, however, do not necessarily apply to your business.  Are your customers in a growing industry or a declining industry?  Where is your business concentrated?  What is the outlook of your top customers?   How is the supply chain or the distribution model changing for your customers? 

North Carolina need only look at its own history - furniture, textiles and tobacco as examples of wholesale changes in manufacturing and distribution and yes, the trucking industry as well. McLean Trucking, Carolina Freight, Pilot Freight Carriers (my old employer), Thurston Motor Lines, and Johnson Motor lines – huge carriers – all gone.

But in the last few years we have seen a revolution in distribution that is just as powerful, quicker and far reaching – the digital revolution. 

Kindle Fire (books, music, movies) 

Mail, movies, books, music and newspapers can all be delivered electronically.  We knew a company who was very successful in the 90s carrying video tapes, cd’s and dvd’s.  Time Warner was a major account. They are no longer in business.    

How does the digital revolution impact your business?  How can it help?  Have you considered on board computers, customer web portals, business intelligence or document imaging?

Lots to consider these days but we still believe there are some great opportunities.