For states in the northern half of the country, particularly the Midwest and Northeast, tough winters are expected. Prolonged freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls rarely catch anyone off guard in those regions.

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.

Descartes Systems Group has acquired Airclic Inc., a U.S.-based provider of mobile solutions that help companies reduce the cost of delivering goods by automating traditional paper-based processes.

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.