Biggest issues moving forward

[brwnee]

Just wanted to put out a quick survey type of question to all of the carriers on this board. Trying to get an understanding of what you all feel will be the 5 biggest issues you will be facing over the next couple of years. So if you can throw out some of the issues - I know that I have read about a few - driver shortage, CSA2010, Electronic Logs, Technology

1)
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3)
4)
5)

Thanks. Have a great day.

 

[TRUCKIT]

The main issues as I see it:

The slow pace of recovery from the "Great Recession". I don't think there will be a double dip but recovery will be slow through until 2012.

Credit availablity from the Banks. Although slowly improving will remain weak for at least another year.

CSA 2010 will reduce the number of acceptable applicants to the trucking industry.

Forecast for the USD/CAD will hover around par for months to come. Only a strengthing USD will improve our exports.

Finally, the USA must create jobs. We need to see unemployment rates decline. Canada's largest trading partner is rather ill right now and until the US starts to rebound cross-border truckers will continue to struggle.

Times are changing that's for sure. There is no more business as usual, what worked for us in the past is now stale and ineffective. We must continue to re-invent ourselves and build stronger relationships and partnerships with those seeking our service. We must continue to find efficiencies in order to reduce costs to our clients.

I look forward to reading other posts on this subject.

 

[lowmiler88]

Truckitt you pretty much hit the nail on the head, the only thing I would add is driver (good drivers) shortage.

 

[loaders]

Agreed Truckit. The driver shortage mentioned by lowmiler88 is a problem that didn't go away, it just went to sleep during the current downturn. As soon as we see even the slightest upswing, this problem will be with us again as it was a mere 2-3 years ago. How many carriers have seen their most experienced drivers either retire or decide to take an easier job such as snowplowing with the local Township? I would be interested to know what is the average driver's age of most fleets. I would think it is getting older as fewer young people enter the driving workforce.

 

[searcher]

Truckitt you pretty much hit the nail on the head, the only thing I would add is driver (good drivers) shortage.

With the new CSA 2010 up and running I think you will see an even shorter supply of ELLIGIBLE drivers. All those drivers that got away with numerous violations/warning in the USA cannot hide anymore.