Truckstop and travel plaza operators attend The NATSO Show to gain insights into the trends that will affect their business. At this year’s show, Bob Costello, senior vice president and chief economist at American Trucking Associations will share his insights during a keynote address, offering predictions on the economy, the trucking industry and the year ahead. Stop Watch sat down with Costello to get a preview of what’s to come.
Q: What do you anticipate from the economy in 2016 and how will that affect the trucking industry?
COSTELLO: The economy was growing at 2.5 percent or lower in the second half of 2015 as an inventory adjustment became a drag on the overall GDP figures. For 2016, GDP can accelerate some, increasing slightly more than 2.5 percent. Once we get through an inventory adjustment— i.e. too much inventory throughout the supply chain—the decent economic growth will have a positive impact on the trucking industry...