Auto Transport Industry News - Archives

December 2009

It's December already and that means almost another year behind us. For many moving companies and auto transporters they are happy to be approaching a new year as the US economy still struggles to get back on it's feet.

The government launches its CSA 2010 program which is aimed at motor carriers and drivers to improve safety. The program's key features increases contact with drivers and carriers as well as targeting improved performance standards.

November 2009

The nations economy is still at the forefront of all news in any industry. When we polled auto transport brokers many said they have noticed an improvement in business, so far this fall. However, sentiments remained mixed whether the industry is re surging. Warren Buffet believes it is as he just invested $34 billion in transportation company in the form of rail.

Editors note: If you haven't tuned in to Discovery's "Truckers" series, give it a view. It will really make you appreciate how important and what a difficult job trucking for a living is.

October 1 2009

A new found argument that has emerged in the media is if the recession is over or not. Both bears and Bulls make string arguments and use recent economic data, to reinforce their case.

For the automotive industry, this quarters earnings will be bleak compared to when the government offered it's cash for clunkers program. Reports say GM may be down by as much as 45%, while ford only 7% down from the previous quarter.

For both auto transporters and household movers, resurrecting the cash for clunkers and extending the new home buyer tax incentive would be extremely helpful to say the least.

September 1 2009

In transport news this month, there are a few notable occurrences. The FMCSA is considering whether or not to require a proficiency test for new trucking companies. This would be one of the first major actions for the transportation industry under Obama administration.

In further news, the government has ended it's successful Cash For Clunkers program. The only appropriated a certain amount and the response exceeded their expectations. While not great news for car dealers and auto transport automobile manufacturers have offered several other incentives to keep the increase in sales going recently.

August 1 2009

Top story for the Auto Transport industry, as well as good news for the the month is Cash for clunkers. With the help of this government funded program, car dealers across the country are moving more cars and have had a surge in sales. The program allows dealers across the country to give older model cars, especially gas guzzlers up to $4,500 cash allowance trade toward your new vehicle. You can find out more details about the program @ www.cars.gov .

This is great news for car transporters, as there are more cars to move now, old and new, since the inception of the program.

July 1 2009

Sweeping changes in domestic policies to the auto & financial industry seem to dominate headlines these days. With some of the biggest auto makers in the US, now are a thing of the past. However, good news for the auto industry emerged, when Ford announcing earnings today, showing signs that the decline is actually leveling off. Most economists do agree, this is a sign the economy is recovering.

This is a good sign for the car shipping business and welcomed, waited news. More autos being sold around the county means more sales for transport brokers and carriers as there are more car inventory to be moved. Chrysler also noted its retail sales grew as well.

You can now visit us on Twitter! @ twitter.com/haulingdepot

June 1 2009

The big news everyone is GM enters bankruptcy court today. The government (tax payers) will own more than 60% as they try and figure out how to make the company profitable. The trickle down will effect thousands of car dealers around the country, thus effecting auto transporters. Many car carriers have already felt the negative effects of less demand, for new cars on their bottom line. In a more positive note the Dow is up more than 200 points despite GM's bankruptcy filing.

May 1 2009

In the first 100 days of the Obama administration, The Department of Transportation, has been selected to receive over 48 billion dollars in funding for the 2,500 approved projects to date. LaHood stated he is happy with the progress.

In other new effecting the auto transportation industry, Oil has risen this month and Wall Street surged for the month of April. Students, Snowbirds and summer travelers should boost the demand for car shipping this summer season.

April 2009

This month, how could we not discuss the current state of the auto industry as it directly effects the transportation industry? The big shake up at GM this week and the some other big auto makers are on the verge of bankruptcy. However, a restructuring is in the works, which could save these American auto makers. While auto transporters will feel the negative effects of less cars being moved from dealers, it should be lessened by the higher demand for transport & shipping during the spring and summer seasons.

March 2009

The economy still struggles to get back on track and many transportation companies seek to run slimmer, tighter businesses. There's no stopping father time and spring is almost upon us. For many transport companies, that's a welcome sign of relief. Even in a downturn economy spring and summer will bring more business to the enitre transportation sector.

In other news gas prices continue top nudge up & crack spreads though a barrel of oil remains relatively static. With the influx of snowbirds and students moving their cars and household contents home should outweigh the rise in diesel fuel.

February 2009

While President Obama's administration and the congress struggle to find a quick solution to recover the economy transportation companies and of many other industries report dismal 4th quarter earnings.

As in most industries the demand is down for shipping by truck and by cargo ships. The bright spot is gas prices have been low. The stimulus package may stabilize the economy but it also has its skeptics. Many believe home value slides need to be addressed first and the current stimulus does not address that.

January 2009

The New Secretary of Transportation has been named by the Obama administration. Obama's pick Ray Lahood is a Republican Congressman who President Obama hopes to reach across party lines. Lahood is retiring this year as a representative and has a bipartisan reputation.