SHIPPERS LOOKING TO HOLD STEADY ON RATES IN FACE OF RECOVERY

摘要

Transportation rates are driven by freight volumes and shipper perceptions about capacity in any particular mode. With freight volumes crashing in 2009 and every mode perceived by shippers to be in excess capacity, it was no surprise that rates in every mode dropped precipitously. For example, shippers buying truck transport went looking for 5% to 10% rate reductions, pushed back on surcharges and negotiated payables terms to stretch to 60 days from 30. Region and size of shipper were important factors in the ability of shippers in 2009 to negotiate decreases in their transportation rates.