2024 Trucking & Freight Outlook: Adapting to Market Shifts
Transportation Sector’s Downturn Contrasts with Surging Durable Goods & Changing Shipping Rates
The transportation sector experienced a 15% decline in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, LiVe Logistics—with an extensive carrier network of over 40,000 companies and independent drivers—doubled load volumes.
Spending on durable goods was up, but shipping volumes decreased. This anomaly could be due to an increase in warehouse space and higher inventories, a trend that unexpectedly rose during the pandemic instead of declining. This increase in storage capacity meant that goods could be directly shipped from warehouses to stores, bypassing ports and reducing the need for double-handling by truck drivers.
Average shipping rates dropped 30% per load, influenced by the elimination of port backlogs, more efficient logistics paths, and increased driver availability.
Diverse Rate Trends & Anticipated Growth in 2024
According to FreightWaves, the trucking industry saw a bifurcation in rate trends. Full-truckload (FTL) rates hit a 7-year low in the first half of 2023 due to excess capacity and weak demand but showed signs of recovery later in the year. Less-than-truckload (LTL) rates remained relatively stable with minor regional variations.
The depletion of finished goods inventory suggests a potential uptick in manufacturing activity in 2024. This increase in production is expected to boost shipments of both raw materials and finished goods to warehouses, particularly in the second half of the year.
Competitive pricing continues on popular lanes, while less-frequented lanes have seen rate increases due to limited carrier availability.
Continued Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Political upheaval and supply shortages present significant challenges in global shipping. The recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea continue to disrupt an estimated 15% of global trade, increasing delays and insurance costs in a variety of industries including food, electronics, and automotive manufacturing.
According to a recent NPR article, companies are relying on the adaptability learned during COVID-19 to navigate these challenges, including ready-made backup plans and constant assessment of risk and route adjustments.
Future Projections: Rising Shipping Costs & Shifting Market Dynamics
Shipping costs are likely to rise in 2024, potentially starting as early as the second quarter. This is a result of rates bottoming out towards the end of 2023, with spot rates gradually aligning with contract rates. Once spot rates surpass contract rates (ending a period of nearly 18 months when spot rates were lower than contract rates) all rates are expected to accelerate higher at a fast pace.
FreightWaves predicts a shift in the FTL market in 2024, driven by decreased capacity and increased demand. Likely fueled by economic growth and the ongoing e-commerce boom, this change will lead to higher freight volumes.
Transportation customers may see shorter rate honor periods, reducing from 9-12 months to 3-6 months. While spot rates are projected to remain lower than contract rates through at least the first quarter, securing a contract in the second half of the year could be beneficial to lock in rates before their anticipated acceleration.
The predicted rate increase could attract more drivers to the industry. However, it might take 12-18 months for the supply of drivers to catch up with the increased demand, potentially exacerbating short-term capacity issues.
A Strategic Partner to Help Adaptability in Shifting Freight Landscape
As market conditions remain volatile, businesses should focus on supply chain adaptability, particularly with inventory management and route optimization. The contrast of a declining transportation sector against surging durable goods and changing shipping rates reinforces the importance of agility in logistics.
The trucking industry’s varied rate trends and potential growth in 2024 — coupled with ongoing global supply chain disruptions — underlines the need to prepare for rising shipping costs, shorter rate honor periods, and shifts in market dynamics, including a possible increase in demand for drivers.
As these trends converge, the ability to anticipate and respond to changes will be key to navigating the complexities of the freight and trucking landscape. According to FreightWaves, to stay ahead of the coming challenges, companies should:
- Cultivate strong partnerships with carriers and brokers for flexible, competitive solutions
- Utilize advanced technology like freight procurement platforms and TMSes for efficiency
- Adopt green logistics for cost savings and improved brand image
- Stay informed on market trends, fuel costs and regulations
- Be agile in strategy to optimize costs and stay competitive
LiVe’s team brings decades of experience in trucking and logistics to help you and your team successfully navigate the challenges ahead in 2024. Contact our team and learn how you can lower your total cost of ownership (TCO) and stay ahead of market challenges.