Freight Insight for Week of April 20

Thanks for tuning in to Sunset’s new market outlook column. As we keep our eyes on the road ahead, our Managing Directors are sharing insight from the team’s regular internal market calls.

Trends and discussions range from seasonal manufacturing and agriculture trends that affect available capacity to general insight into outside factors affecting freight volumes.

Below is a summary of the April 22 call:

FREIGHT VOLUMES

• Truckloads shifting into LTL shipments due to lack of volume.
• Product demand is soft nationwide, volumes are trending down across the U.S. The freight “surge” of products may have peaked and shippers are looking towards replenishment measures.
• Restaurant food business is down.
• Sunset expects April to be tough on demand for both capacity and volume of goods.
• Shippers are beginning to re-evaluate contract pricing.
• Mexico automotive manufacturers are phasing back into production, beginning May 4.
• Several states and parks are attempting to re-open on April 30.

TRUCKLOAD & LTL CAPACITY

• Truckload capacity is readily available this week nationwide as freight volumes are down.
• Carriers are in the news, claiming mistreatment and unfair pricing practices are causing disruptions.

CONTRIBUTORS

Related Content:

• Crucial COVID-19 Freight News, Updated April 8
• Sunset remains fully operational during COVID-19.