According to the most recent release of ACT Research’s Transportation Digest, the metrics ACT Research is tracking underscore how robust current market conditions are but also hint at COVID-19 and other vulnerabilities.

“The indicators that we track and find to be reliable point to strong freight conditions continuing into 2022,” Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst of ACT Research, said. “Demand for transportation services remains extraordinarily strong and all capacity modes are straining to meet it, and a basic law of market economics is again proved: When demand outstrips supply, prices rise. With favorable freight conditions amidst constrained capacity, freight rates are expected to remain elevated.

“However, the two most visible and worrisome unknowns in the near term are the threat posed by the rise of the Delta variant of the COVID virus and supply challenges for OEMs and suppliers, most notably but not only in regard to semiconductors. Stretching the horizon, regulations, especially emissions, stand out for increasing industry costs and volatility, while infrastructure investment offers upside possibilities for freight.”