Canada Border Reopened, The Future of Freight
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- After nearly a 16-month shutdown from COVID-19, Canada reopened its borders for nonessential travel on Monday, August 9. According to the Detroit Free Press, Americans who choose to cross the border must be fully vaccinated 14 days prior to entering Canada and verify proof of the vaccination. What does this mean for freight? The reopening will be a big driver for freight demand and will […]
3PLs Essential in Peak Candy Season
At the start of COVID-19, consumers were relying on comfort food such as candy to relieve stress. Today, Americans are still on a candy craze. Candy remains at the top of consumer’s purchasing habits, especially with the holiday season approaching.
FWF Market Insights: Q2 2021 Analysis
Stay up-to-date on industry trends with FWF’s market insights from Q2 2021.
High Transportation Demand, Limited Labor Supply
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- The pandemic left various challenges for industries across the country, especially for logistics and transportation. There has been an evolving cycle of supply and material shortages, limiting the ability to manufacture trucks and transfer goods. Not only is the labor shortage affecting the industry, but another prominent issue is the lack of drivers to transport freight. Causes Limited Components for Manufacturing Labor Supply Shortages Staffing Operation Shortages Rising Freight Rates Limited Manufacturer Supply Labor has been […]
Fireworks, America’s Latest Shortage
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- Americans wanting to purchase fireworks to celebrate the holiday this year have found a limited selection with higher prices. From the start of the pandemic, we have seen consumer goods fall into continuous shortages and delays throughout the supply chain. Now fireworks supplies are showing up with an all-time supply shortage. Causes Labor Supply […]
FWF Market Insights: June 25, 2021
Load-To-Truck Ratio (L/T) is the number of loads posted for every posted truck available. It is a real-time indicator of market demand and trucking supply — it tells us how tight capacity is and how rates are going to change. Load-To-Truck Ratio: Flatbed L/T increased 674% year-over-year. Spot Load Posts are up 290% year-over-year, while Spot Truck Posts are down 15%. Implications: Load-To-Truck Ratio […]
FWF Market Insights: May 20, 2021
Load-To-Truck Ratio (L/T) is the number of loads posted for every posted truck available. It is a real-time indicator of market demand and trucking supply — it tells us how tight capacity is and how rates are going to change. Load-To-Truck Ratio: Flatbed L/T increased 1,690% year-over-year. Spot Load Posts are up 527% year-over-year, while Spot Truck Posts are down 17%. Implications: Load-To-Truck Ratio is still extremely high year-over-year, leading to tight capacity and high […]
FWF Market Insights: April 29, 2021
Load-To-Truck Ratio (L/T) is the number of loads posted for every posted truck available. It is a real-time indicator of market demand and trucking supply — it tells us how tight capacity is and how rates are going to change. Load-To-Truck Ratio: Flatbed L/T increased 284.6% year-over-year. Spot Load Posts are up 129% year-over-year, while Spot Truck Posts are down 6.9%. Implications: Load-To-Truck Ratio is still extremely high year-over-year, leading to tight capacity and high […]
FWF Market Insights: March 25, 2021
Load-To-Truck Ratio (L/T) is the number of loads posted for every posted truck available. It is a real-time indicator of market demand and trucking supply — it tells us how tight capacity is and how rates are going to change. Load-To-Truck Ratio: Year-over-year, Reefer L/T increased by 313%, Van by 309%, and Flatbed by 206%. From February 22-28 to March 1-7, dry van L/T decreased by 29%, Reefer L/T decreased […]
Nursery Industry Acts on 2021 Demand
The nursery industry expects high demand in 2021, and growers advise that consumers order early and stay flexible. Although the industry has greatly benefitted from the effects of stay-at-home orders, inventory is low, and demand is high. Heightened Demand According to IBISWorld research, being at home regularly influenced many consumers to look to make “aesthetic upgrades to their homes and yards.” New and experienced gardeners were encouraged to buy plants to beautify their homes and outdoor spaces, while some were also inspired to grow their […]