The Seasonality of Trucking and Its Effects on Truckers

 

Semi-Related, an Optym Podcast hosted by Jacob Eischen, welcomes guest Dean Croke, Principal Analyst at DAT Freight and Analytics. Croke sheds light on the seasonality of trucking and its impact on truckers. Croke emphasizes the existence of distinct trucking seasons, such as the peak shipping and retail shopping seasons towards the year-end, followed by quieter periods in the early months of the new year. The fluctuating demand during these seasons significantly affects truckers’ earnings and job satisfaction, with quieter periods translating to fewer miles on the road, less revenue, and increased dwell time between loads. Amidst a broader freight recession, truckers and trucking companies are navigating through these seasonal waves, seeking a balanced operational rhythm that ensures a steady income for truckers while aligning with the market’s demand cycles.

Recent Episodes

Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) are transforming how supply chains address the persistent challenge of inventory accuracy. Warehouses and 3PL providers face mounting pressure to maintain real-time stock visibility as ecommerce accelerates fulfillment demands. According to McKinsey & Company, automation can reduce logistics costs by 30% in high-performing operations. AMRs also minimize human error in repetitive…

Logistics networks continue to grow more complex as supply chains race to meet rising ecommerce demand. As of 2024, 80% of consumers expect retailers to offer same-day delivery, with 30% anticipating this service to be free. This pressure is pushing supply chain operators to modernize traditionally overlooked segments like yard management and dock scheduling….

Global shipping continues to grapple with fragmented billing processes, often delaying cargo movement. According to McKinsey, adopting an electronic bill of lading could save $6.5 billion in direct costs and enable $40 billion in global trade. As vessels carry goods for thousands of shippers per voyage, the administrative burden of managing and reconciling invoices…