Capacity is stretched thin and costs for fuel and drivers are accelerating, and that's not likely to change in the near term. It's time that businesses become more strategic in their transportation decisions.

Technology has been slow to come to the yards surrounding distribution centers, but companies increasingly are adopting systems that extend inventory management beyond the dock door.

Productivity losses from the new hours-of-service rules have been less than anticipated, thanks to efforts by shippers and carriers, but both sides worry about additional changes that may be on the way.

In recent years the trucking industry has experienced rapidly rising costs in a rapidly falling economy. Now, with business up and capacity down, the industry may find the leverage it needs to improve profitability.