As carriers and shippers navigated the weak economy, they worked to increase efficiencies. For some this meant shifting distribution patterns, while for others it meant turning to intermodal and private fleets.
Decreases In The Length Of Haul
Over the past few years, the average length of haul for dry vans has fallen to 550 miles from roughly 900, said Bob Costello, chief economist for the American Trucking Associations.
“This is the result of many factors, including more distribution centers by big box retailers, resulting in shorter hauls into and out of those distribution centers and some shifting of long-haul freight to intermodal,” Costello said...