The Q3 2014 Fleet Sentiment Report survey conducted in July by CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKCVR) confirms tightening shipping capacity at truck fleets. Reported vehicle utilization rates along with responses to questions regarding a fleet’s capacity vs. demand ratio, indicate that there is little available capacity for new freight among the survey participants. Capacity is primarily constrained by the inability of fleets to grow their driver pool and many reported they would add equipment if they could hire qualified drivers.
CKCVR’s Q3 2014 FSR Buying Index fell to a reading of 83.3, primarily impacted by a smaller percentage of fleets planning to purchase equipment in the next three months, said the firm. However, the unit volume measure of the planned orders was positive in quarter over quarter and year over year comparisons. The FSR Buying Index measures the number of fleets planning to buy trucks and trailers as well as the expected volume of those orders.
Survey respondents reported good business conditions overall, noted the company. For more information about the Fleet Sentiment Report and other CK Commercial Vehicle reporting visit www.ckcvr.com.
