Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Local in the US

There's no substitute

A labor intensive industry that's heavily unionized; with low barriers to entry and few efficient substitutes means low volatility - its no surprise that this is one highly fragmented industry. There are some regulations, driver training and saturation within that has a maturing effect; and fuel taxes are keeping a cap on profits. Even with technology moving at a medium pace, streamlining efficiencies - the driving itself can't be replaced through automated means!

This industry is part of the Truck Transportation sub sector within the Transportation sector in the US. Firms within this sub sector provide over-the-road, specialized, transportation of cargo with trucks and trailers on a local basis. Specialized freight transportation is the transportation of cargo that, because of size, weight, shape, or other inherent characteristics require specialized equipment for transportation. Most trucks or vans used within this industry are under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW). Local deliveries involve short turnarounds to deliver a shipment to a nearby city, pick up another loaded truck or van, and drive it back to a loading depot in the same day. Firms within this industry transport automobiles, gravel, sand, dirt, chemicals, frozen goods, livestock, milk, and petroleum. This industry does not include firms that transport non-specialized freight (NAICS 48411), used goods (NAICS 48421) or any freight between metropolitan areas (NAICS 48412 and NAICS 48423). This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are three year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.