October saw a record demand for the trailer industry, with 47,810 net orders placed, according to the most recent State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers published by ACT Research Co.

FTR's Shippers Conditions Index for September, at a reading of -6.6, is basically unchanged from the previous month reflecting continued capacity shortages that degrade service and push rates higher. With sustained capacity tightness and fleets now announcing pay increases, the cost to ship goods is expected to remain elevated. The typical slowdown in freight tonnage during the winter months will only offer a minor and short term reprieve with the Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) expected to remain in the current range for the foreseeable future.

Available loads and capacity were both up during the week ending Nov. 15, according to DAT Solutions. The number of spot market loads posted on the DAT network of load boards increased 2.7 percent compared to the previous week while the number of van, refrigerated and flatbed trucks rose 4.5 percent.

Transportation professionals may talk to their peers in marketing and finance, but often there is little real understanding of how decisions impact customer service and, ultimately, the bottom line. Steven Raetz and Kevin McCarthy, executives at C.H. Robinson, discuss a paper they co-authored on bridging this communications gap.

The natural-gas-powered vehicle market has slowed as diesel fuel prices continue to drop, according to recent ACT Research's study of fuel trends in the heavy duty truck market.

The average spot van rate on DAT load boards was unchanged at $2.01 per mile during the week ending Nov. 1, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards (all figures include fuel surcharge). This is the third straight week the average van rate has been unchanged. Van rates have been above $2.00 per mile for most of 2014.

SCI Logistics, a Canadian logistics services provider, has opened a new "white-glove" transportation center in Calgary, Alberta.