BLESSINGS BY THE TRUCK LOAD

This article observes that deregulation is nothing over inefficient truckers, and rolling back costs for American business. The big winners will be shippers and a handful of trucking giants. The question of deregulation is discussed from the point of view of shippers and truckers. It is noted that a dozen or so big carries will dominate trucking with many small operators fading away. The success of the biggest companies have been their ability to get more of the LTL (less than truck load) business. Those companies have set up hub-and-spoke systems for freight that operate like the airline networks, and also are using technology to press their advantage. They are buying more fuel-efficient trucks and are employing a range of devices that gives them greater control over the drivres on the road such as on-board computers and transponders. New software systems are also being used. Small carriers that serve specialized markets are also discussed. Shippers truck trial in the future, prices to move freight will closely parallel actual costs. Since competition will force trucking companies to keep trimming those costs, prices will track along with or just below the inflation rate. inflation rate.