First quarter figures from ATBS show a few encouraging notes. Among all hauling segments, clients of the Denver-based owner-operator accounting firm saw average income rise from $3,892 in January to $4,074 in March, due in large part to low fuel prices.
Flatbedders had a steady rise in miles, from 7,216 in January to 8,303 in March. ATBS President Todd Amen says their lot has improved, but they’re still struggling. “I don’t think we are into any shovel-ready projects yet that are bringing freight,” he says. Flatbed’s average miles are still not back to the level of a year ago, 8,828 miles.
Those pulling dry vans averaged $3,838 in the first quarter, a little ahead of the $3,710 in the first quarter of 2008.
— Max Heine
