Inflation could affect the trucking industry

Experts in the trucking industry say that trucking companies are expected to increase their rates for delivery in 2011, which could add to their inflation worries, USA Today reports.

R.W. Baird, which is a research firm, estimates that rates will rise 5 percent in 2011, after they had been falling from 2007 to 2009.

Experts said that stricter inspections alone may drive some carriers out of business, or reduce their fleets between 5 and 10 percent in the next few years. Furthermore, higher equipment costs may contribute to the rise. Truck prices have increased by 25 percent in the past five years, according to researchers.

Finally, the restriction of drivers' hours has forced many trucking companies to hire more employees and buy more vehicles. Researchers told the news source that the consumer could eventually see higher procesas delivery costs are a small portion of the retail price for most products.

Compliance training for truck drivers can help safety directors provide the necessary education to their new employees with regards to balancing hours of service, fatigue and driver safety.

By Andie Martin

Inflation could affect the trucking industry

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011