The Journal of Commerce is reporting that truck volumes will rise in 2012:

The trucking industry will outperform the U.S. economy this year, with truck freight growing 3.9 percent, greater than overall GDP, according to FTR Associates.

The research firm’s Trucking Conditions Index slipped slightly in January to 6.1, still a solid positive reading. Higher fuel prices are pressuring carriers, FTR said.

Any index reading above zero indicates an “adequate” trucking environment, with readings above 10 signaling favorable pricing and volumes for truckers.

This report coincides with earlier stories that freight shipments had already reached new highs. This new data combined with rising diesel fuel prices will put the squeeze on freight shippers to find cheap shipping rates.

All the signs are pointing towards higher freight rates for shippers in 2012:

Fuel costs are higher

Truckload carriers are bullish on rates

Freight shipments are up increasing demand for equipment.

Being in the midst of a questionable economic recovery, it becomes that much more critical to the bottom line to come up with solutions to lower freight costs. There are several strategies to be used in order to save money on freight shipping.

• Consolidate – Whether it is taking LTL loads and making them full truckload or maximizing LTL shipments, most shippers have the capability to analyze data to see where they can consolidate freight.
• Intermodal – It will take some time to figure in additional shipping times, but once that is worked out, using intermodal as opposed to traditional truckload shipping can save a great deal of money.
• Technology – Leverage the technology that is available today. If you don’t have a TMS system or methods by which you can measure the impact of your freight spending, consider using a service like The Freight Rate Co. to find the best rates.

What are you doing to re-think your shipping strategy?