Shipping Firms Gear Down as Slow Economy Takes Toll

[Jeff]

Transportation companies are reporting sharply lower freight volumes, a sign that the pipelines of global commerce have begun to slow.
Goods shipped by truck, train and ship have all fallen off in volume, and freight companies are now forecasting a slump as the credit crisis slows manufacturing and puts the brakes on consumer spending. Shipping companies are considered a barometer of economic health, which makes the current downturn particularly worrisome. The autumn months ordinarily bring a surge in preholiday shipping.

Shipping Firms Gear Down as Slow Economy Takes Toll - WSJ.com

[Krzy18whlr]

I've been reading about the economy on a site called Urbansurvival.net. I don't quite understand how they do it but they have been correct in predicting (forecasting?) how things are playing out and its pretty scarry. I've also found that if I keep the radio off and just listen to CDs I have no economic worries, maybe the whole country should just ignore the mainstream media and keep working on paying down our debt while at the same time consuming wisely.
Realistically we should all be preparing for the possibility of job loss.

[Mr. Down]

I think things have bottomed out, freight levels are low right now but I don't expect them to get too much lower. Many companies have downsized their fleets and seem to be mostly operational, not booming but holding their own. Those of us who are still trucking should feel lucky, but also dot your i's and cross your t's because there are a lot of guys in line for your job.

[ranger309]

Originally Posted by Krzy18whlr

I've been reading about the economy on a site called Urbansurvival.net. I don't quite understand how they do it but they have been correct in predicting (forecasting?) how things are playing out and its pretty scarry. I've also found that if I keep the radio off and just listen to CDs I have no economic worries, maybe the whole country should just ignore the mainstream media and keep working on paying down our debt while at the same time consuming wisely.
Realistically we should all be preparing for the possibility of job loss.

Not a possibilty. A certainty for many, as the economy hasn't bottomed out yet and more businesses going belly up in the next year or two. Bottom line is don't make any major purchases unless you know you will still be working or you have lots of money to spare.

[Krzy18whlr]

Originally Posted by Mr. Down

I think things have bottomed out, freight levels are low right now but I don't expect them to get too much lower. Many companies have downsized their fleets and seem to be mostly operational, not booming but holding their own. Those of us who are still trucking should feel lucky, but also dot your i's and cross your t's because there are a lot of guys in line for your job.

Exactly. But I also think that maybe with things tightening up, companys can get more selective on who they hire/keep. Perhaps our trucking image will improve?