TRUCKERS: WHAT IS YOUR OPERATING AREA?
SHIPPERS: WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A TRUCKER?
U.S. only
89% 80% 72% 54% 42% 38% 20%
Reliability Price Customer service Capacity Safety Coverage Sustainability
32%
68%
North America
Not surprisingly, shippers care about price. But they care even more about reliability, indicating that at least some will pay a premium for carriers that send trucks on time and deliver loads as scheduled. In this year’s survey, 89% of shipper respondents name reliability the most important factor to consider when choosing a trucker; 80% name price. Another value closely linked with reliability—customer service—came in third, cited by 72% of shippers. The proportion of shippers who name capacity as a factor to consider, 54%, nearly matches the 52% who name capacity as one of their biggest challenges. This survey question also reveals a striking mismatch: While 89% of truckers in our survey participate in the SmartWay program to help reduce their carbon footprints, only 20% of shippers tell us they consider sustainability when choosing a carrier.
The proportion of trucking companies serving all of North America, rather than the United States only, continues to hover just above two-thirds, showing a rebound after the first shocks of the pandemic. In 2020, only 57% of truckers said they operated throughout the continent. That number rose to 70% in 2021. This year, it has dropped, but only slightly, to 68%.
TRUCKERS: WHAT CERTIFICATIONS DO YOU HOLD?
TRUCKERS: DO YOU PROVIDE GLOBAL SERVICES BEYOND NORTH AMERICA?
89% 62% 54% 30% 25% 24% 11% 1%
SmartWay HazMat C-TPAT Free And Secure Trade (FAST) Partners In Protection (PIP) ISO ACC Responsible Care None
Yes
26%
74%
The vast majority of truckers who responded to our survey—89%—have signaled a commitment to sustainability by joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program. Freight carriers that participate in SmartWay measure, benchmark, and improve their operations to reduce their carbon footprints. Given the high cost of fuel these days, those investments in greener operations can also save money. The second-most popular certification held by truckers authorizes them to haul hazardous materials. Sixty-two percent of our trucker respondents hold hazmat certification. Just over half— 54%—are certified by the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), a program that helps them move freight faster and more easily across international borders. A much smaller portion are certified by two other programs designed to speed border crossings for trusted freight: 30% participate in Free and Secure Trade (FAST) and 25% in the Canadian program Partners in Protection (PIP).
No
In a tough environment for global trade, fewer trucking companies than last year oer services that extend beyond the continent. In 2022, just 26% of respondents provide services beyond North America. In 2021, that number was 32%.
48 Inbound Logistics • September 2022
Powered by FlippingBook