Truckstop.com and Bloomberg Intelligence Survey Shows Current Environment Sets Up Another Strong Year for Carriers

Carriers are using every resource at their disposal – load boards, rate analysis tools, spot market insights

Supply constraints and abundant freight opportunities, spurred by restocking and backlogs, are keeping carriers optimistic about demand and rates this year, according to the latest Bloomberg | Truckstop.com survey, which polled owner-operators. 

“This environment could drive contractual truckload rate growth to the mid- to high-single digits in 2022, providing another healthy year for carriers,” said Lee Klaskow, senior freight transportation and logistics analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. “Sentiment remains historically positive, supporting our view of a prolonged contractual-rate cycle.” 

The Bloomberg | Truckstop.com Truckload 4Q-21 survey shows demand expectations well above normal: 

• Carriers’ bullishness on demand stayed well above historical averages in 4Q and returned to a level seen in 1Q21. 
• About 71% of respondents expect load growth over the next six months, up from 62% in 3Q and 16 percentage points above the 4Q average. 
• Flatbed was most optimistic (76% expect higher volume) amid increased infrastructure spending on top of a strong housing market. This was followed by dry-van carriers (70%), which cited restocking and consumer resilience as principal drivers. 

“Carriers are using every resource at their disposal – load boards, rate analysis tools, spot market insights – to help keep up with demand and simplify how and when to deliver loads,” said Paris Cole, chief executive officer, Truckstop.com. “Our priority is to continue to deliver best-in-class solutions that help our customers do their job and achieve success in these dynamic times.” 

The Bloomberg | Truckstop.com survey of owner-operators and small fleets provides timely channel checks into the health of the spot market and is published on a quarterly basis. This survey marks the 27^th quarterly survey and the sample size is 305. It consists of dry-van, flatbed, temperature-controlled and specialized/diversified carriers. Of the respondents, 60% operate just one tractor. 

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