Truckers cautiously optimistic about future economic growth

Talk about it

Sixty percent of Minnesota trucking fleets expect modest economic growth to continue in 2013, according to survey results released by the Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA).

According to the survey, forty percent of Minnesota trucking fleets expect to increase their fleet size in 2013 between one percent and five percent. In addition, more than seventy percent of Minnesota trucking fleets expect to purchase replacement equipment in 2013.

In 2012, freight shipments being delivered to Minnesota increased by 3.7 percent, while freight shipments originating in Minnesota and being delivered elsewhere grew by 4.1 percent. To accommodate this modest growth, Minnesota trucking fleet sizes grew by an average of 1.9 percent in 2012.

"This survey suggests that trucking capacity in Minnesota will continue to grow modestly during 2013," said MTA President John Hausladen. "Even so, a majority of Minnesota truckers are planning to hold both driver and non-driver hiring constant during the next twelve months."

"And while 72 percent of fleets expect to purchase new equipment in 2013, it appears they will be primarily replacing older equipment," said Hausladen. "This is good news for the environment as more trucks are converted to cleaner-burning engines."

The trucking industry is universally recognized as a leading indicator of economic activity. Over 68 percent of Minnesota communities depend exclusively on trucks to move their goods. Truck transportation represents 85 percent of all freight movement by weight in and out of Minnesota.

Tags: news, updates, trucking, economy