Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Shippers adjust to energy shortages

With diesel prices near their highest levels since 2008, the impact has started to appear in the first-quarter results of companies like Union Pacific railroad and the Arkansas Best Corporation, which has a trucking subsidiary. Some shippers said they expected to raise fuel surcharges. NYT
The shortages have a differential effect. A short term lose for railroads, but a longer term gain as shippers opt for trans over truck. Hence, I look for another trucking collapse.

Final delivery to retail outlets will bear the brunt because the alternative delivery systems are not here yet. 

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