Challenging year for US truckers - but better prospects ahead

Following the release of the results of a number of US logistics companies, it is possible to give an update on the state of the US market. Undoubtedly it was another difficult year for logistics companies of just about all types.

Looking positively, the largest player in the less-than-truckload market, YRC Worldwide, is still in business despite reporting a pre-tax loss of $899 million. This compared with a full-year pre-tax loss in 2008 of $1,147 million. Many financial analysts had believed that the company would not be able to meet its financial commitments, given the level of its debts. Good news for this company, however, meant that the rest of the market had to struggle on without the boost to volumes which YRC's demise would have provided. Complete story.....