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Release Date 12/31/2008

	Contact:
	Brian Everett, Executive Director 952-442-8850 x201

	Staying Focused On Surviving The Recession

	In 2008, skyrocketing diesel prices forced carriers to sideline trucks while trucking bankruptcies surge toward a record 3,000. The trucking industry curtailed capital spending as the economy stalled. Many multi-regional LTL carriers expanded while others pulled back to cover only original territories. The trucking industry addressed growing environmental concerns while ports on the West Coast launched a controversial clean truck program. With this backdrop, what’s in store for shippers in 2009? According to Brian Everett, NASSTRAC’s Executive Director, everything he’s been hearing from shipper members suggests the following: • Bankruptcies in the trucking industry will increase in the first quarter • The credit crunch and lack of cash will weigh heavily on surviving carriers • Surviving carriers will be under continued pressure to keep their rates low • If capacity tightens, it will do so swiftly and rates will rise rapidly • Diesel prices will continue to fall. NASSTRAC is focused in rolling out various programs and solutions in 2009 that will help transportation executives with manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and 3PLs through this tough economy. In addition, NASSTRAC is actively pursuing advocacy initiatives on behalf of shippers on such critical issues as infrastructure, hours of service, security (10 + 2), and environment/sustainability.