Good news, truckers—freight demand is expected to rise through 2024, and that could mean better rates and more work for drivers across the country. As we enter the second half of the year, industry insiders are seeing increased freight volumes, with both shippers and carriers reporting a positive outlook for the months ahead (HDT News).
What’s Driving the Surge?
A few factors are contributing to this expected increase in demand:
Increased U.S. container imports: With more goods arriving at U.S. ports, particularly on the West Coast, the need for trucking services is rising. This increase in imports is driven by businesses looking to get ahead of potential disruptions and meet holiday season demands
Retail and Factory Output: Both retail sales and manufacturing output have seen slight growth, further driving the need for freight transport. This uptick in activity is a positive sign for the entire trucking industry (FreightWaves).
What This Means for You
For drivers, rising freight demand means more opportunities to pick up loads and potentially better rates, especially if the demand outpaces capacity. If you’ve been dealing with slow periods, things might be looking up. Keep an eye on freight rates and capacity in your lanes—you might find some new opportunities popping up.
However, with increased demand often comes increased competition. Make sure your truck is in top shape, and be ready to take advantage of new contracts or lanes as they become available. You might also want to brush up on negotiation skills to secure the best rates as the market heats up.
What’s Next?
With freight demand expected to stay strong through the year, now is the time to be prepared. Plan ahead, keep your truck well-maintained, and stay flexible to take advantage of rising rates and new opportunities. And as always, check in with drivers1st.com for the latest market trends and tips to keep you on the road and earning.
Are you seeing more loads coming your way? Drop your experiences in the comments below!