Commercial transportation keeps on trucking

摘要

The economic environment surrounding commercial transportation was building up momentum until Hurricanes Katrina and Rita surged ashore on the Gulf Coast. Still, the economy is stable, and we're in for a pretty good 14 to 16 months as far as trucks and trailers and railroad are concerned, according to Peter Toja, president of Economic Planning Associates. Demand levels for trailers and medium duty trucks are good, coupled with strong demand for heavy-duty trucks, said Toja. Healthy customer market activities in wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, construction and merchandise trade (exports and imports) will provide a stable market. However, price hikes for materials and components and a restricted supply of components earlier in the year have resulted in higher final product prices.