White Papers

Catering to the winners – SONAR subscribers beat the market

In this report, we revisit an October 2021 report that highlighted how the shares of publicly traded SONAR subscribers outperformed their peer groups. We did not suggest in that report...

Navigating the Yellow Corp. Crisis: Implications and Strategies for LTL Shippers

At the time of writing, Yellow has announced that it would defer its required contributions — including those for pensions — for June and July, collectively totaling more than $50...

The rise and fall of lead times

During the pandemic years of 2020-21, retailers were subjected to unprecedented volatility in transportation markets. After a spike in e-commerce activity, imports flooded the U.S. and led to persistent, widespread...

What demand planning looks like with 2020s supply chain data

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly digital world, shippers are facing new challenges and opportunities. The ability to accurately predict demand is more critical than ever, directly impacting operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness...

The price you pay: dissecting cost in your routing guide

The waterfall theory of freight highlights the impacts that routing guides have on the relationship between shippers and carriers. In a soft freight environment, much like the current environment, routing...

Prolonged down cycle, is timing the up cycle possible?

In a highly cyclical industry like over-the-road freight transportation, market conditions can shift at a moment’s notice and shippers often don’t have the data to react to changing conditions in...

Rocky road on the way in 2023?

The cyclicality in the freight market has never been more evident than during the past three years. In 2020 and ’21, transportation companies experienced unprecedented freight demand and remarkably tight...

SONAR highlight reel: West Coast freight markets loosen across modes

This “SONAR highlight reel” hits data highlights/trends in truckload, intermodal and maritime in 2-3 pages for each mode. The truckload market (pages 2-6) is finally showing signs of easing as...

Freight Brokers Say Retaining Customers Is A Major Concern

For freight brokers who are moving contract freight, it’s been a pretty good year so far. The good times won’t last forever, so cheers to you and enjoy the ride...

What Do Carriers Think of AB5? They’re Less Decided Than You Might Think

California’s AB5 has made for the kind of articles media outlets dream about. As it’s been litigated over the past couple of years, we’ve seen unions jostle with lobbyists, spirited...

Q2 Earnings Season — Strong Results, Moderating Outlook

The freight market underwent a significant change during the second quarter. The spot market softened significantly, fuel prices soared, inventory levels were among the highest they have ever been and...

How Does The Freight Market Really Look Right Now For Owner-Operators?

If you’re an owner-operator, chances are 2021 felt pretty good to you. Stimulus money padded consumer pockets, and many companies turned a bit frothy. It was one of the longest...
White Papers
August 3, 2023

Catering to the winners – SONAR subscribers beat the market

July 20, 2023

Navigating the Yellow Corp. Crisis: Implications and Strategies for LTL Shippers

July 10, 2023

The rise and fall of lead times