I heard our GDP was projected to be over 3%, and the numbers came in below that. Not a whole lot of optimism, as we are basically in a stalled recovery.
Lots of conflicting info out there, and I think some of that is according to where you live. Some areas of the country, (like where I live) the unemployment is about twice the national average. These areas are the first to be effected, and the last to recover. The recession stifled consumer demand, but new jobs are necessary due to demand picking up again, as well as the need to fill in the loss of drivers from retirement, or drivers leaving because of the new regulations, or the usual turn over rate.
There is a genuine increase in demand, but I don't think trucking companies will be rushing to build up their fleet, with so much uncertainty, and after the last few years of rate scalping. With an increase in demand, I'm sure the rates will increase, allowing companies to hire new drivers. The prices of most stuff has increased about 30% in the last year, and it looks like that's going to continue. There has to be a point where companies worry if they can meet the demand, and I think that's where we are at.
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