FleetOwner reported that according to Transport Capital Partners’ (TCP) 4th Quarter 2011 Survey, carriers are optimistic for the 2012. According to the report, the 4th quarter survey showed 61% of carriers responding expect freight volumes to increase in 2012 and only 7% expecting volumes to decrease. Both larger and smaller carriers responded similarly.  

The report quotes Richard Mikes, TCP Partner and survey leader who said, “Most economists are seeing growth in the economy, albeit still slow. This is pushing more freight on to a very limited truck base, with shippers and brokers scrambling for trucks as carriers phones ‘ring off the wall.’ Carriers shared a higher level of confidence despite the roller-coaster ride reflected in the stock market over the last quarter.”   

FleetOwner reports however, that carriers remain cautious about adding trucks per the survey. Lana Batts, TCP Partner was quoted saying, “The industry cut 15 to 20% of their capacity by not buying new trucks and most carriers and dealers are telling us that the new surge in orders is primarily to replace the aging national fleet, not to add more capacity.”