FTA: hauliers positive about third quarter
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HAULIERS REMAIN confident about their prospects in the third quarter, despite a weak performance for road freight during the three months to the end of June.
The Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) latest Quarterly Transport Activity Survey found that, despite predictions of a bounce in April, there was only modest growth in freight volumes in the second quarter among its members.
However, with insolvencies in the sector having reached a twoyear low, sentiment is improving despite the struggling economy. Most operators expect improved performance in the third quarter, with only those in Wales and the South West forecasting a fall in activity.
FTA research analyst Bruce Goodhart says: “Hauliers continue to be squeezed by the effects of weak freight volumes as customers are affected by the slowdown in demand. The mood of the country was lifted by London 2012 and hopefully this will lead to an improvement in demand in the run up to Christmas.” Consequently, respondents expect to start buying trucks again after a softening in the market in the first half of 2012.