Long-Distance Freight Trucking in Canada Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld Has Been Updated
New York, NY (PRWEB) February 28, 2014 -- The Long-Distance Freight Trucking industry hit some speed bumps over the past five years as it slowly recovered from the recession. Industry players use trucks to transport freight along long distance routes between regions in Canada and across the United States border. “In 2009, the recession caused industrial, retail and trade activity to plunge,” according to IBISWorld Industry Analyst Maksim Soshkin. Consequently, the need to move goods between manufacturers, retailers and borders declined, leading to lower freight volumes and demand for industry services. Even when the economy began to recover, its slow pace (especially in recent years) and subpar industrial output caused demand for industry services to remain relatively weak. Therefore, in the five years to 2014, industry revenue is expected to climb at an annualized 0.8% to $19.1 billion, with a 1.4% jump in 2014.
The industry has also come under pressure from stronger internal and external competition. Low barriers to entry and weakened demand have intensified price-competition, especially among smaller carriers. Moreover, rail has become an attractive alternative to trucking because its efficiency, compared with trucking, increases when fuel prices go up, as they have in recent years. Nevertheless, demand for industry services has been strong enough to increase industry profitability over the past five years. Moreover, the industry has benefited from trends like just-in-time (JIT) inventory management. “In JIT inventory management, manufacturers only purchase materials and inputs needed right away instead of purchasing ancillary goods, which must be kept in storage,” says Soshkin. This process has strengthened demand for industry services.
In the next five years, the industry's growth is forecast to strengthen and escalate. Although increased trade, manufacturing and retail activity will stimulate growth, competition from other modes of transportation will continue curb industry revenue. As fuel prices increase, customers may be inclined to switch to more fuel-efficient methods of shipping goods, intensifying competition. Industry operators might also find it difficult to deal with a growing labour shortage. Often difficult working conditions, relatively low pay and an aging workforce are all projected to put pressure on carriers' ability to fill job openings, a trend that is anticipated to increase wages.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Long-Distance Freight Trucking in Canada industry report page.
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IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics
This industry provides long-distance general freight trucking between metropolitan areas. The industry provides truckload services as well as less-than-truckload services. This does not include the movement of specialized freight.
Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
Globalization & Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Barriers to Entry
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios
About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US and Canadian industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.
Gavin Smith, IBISWorld 2, +1 (310) 866-5042, [email protected]
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