Why Utilize Class 8 Tractor Data?
Class 8 tractors play an indispensable role in the movement of freight across America. These heavy-duty vehicles dominate on-highway transportation nationwide. However, for logistics professionals involved in shipping or hauling freight, there’s often a significant gap in the information needed to make informed decisions and strategic plans. Most rely on traditional demand indicators such as the Cass Freight Index® for shipments, DAT, Truckstop, FreightWaves, port activities, rail activities, and intermodal activities. While these datasets offer valuable insights into freight trends, they only reflect past or present conditions. What’s missing from the equation is a clear understanding of the supply side—the total number of Class 8 tractors currently in operation and the anticipated supply in the near future. To predict freight rates accurately, it’s essential to grasp how equipment availability influences market dynamics.The Value of Actionable Intelligence
1. Data
Since 1986, ACT Research has been collecting detailed monthly production data directly from North American truck manufacturers for Classes 5-8 trucks. This comprehensive dataset provides a unique window into the health and capacity of the U.S. trucking industry. This means you get an accurate picture of the current fleet size and future market capacity through our Class 8 tractor build and sales figures. With a deep understanding of the historical Class 8 tractor population, we can assess whether there’s an oversupply or undersupply of trucks relative to demand. For instance: - Are there too many trucks compared to the current demand? - Are there not enough trucks to meet the needs of the market? - How will capacity evolve over the next 12 months? Shippers, carriers, and brokers all ask these questions. By combining our Class 8 tractor population data with other industry metrics like the Cass Freight Index and DAT, you’ll gain a more precise understanding of freight market capacity.2. Analysis
Beyond tracking historical Class 8 production and sales data, ACT Research also forecasts vehicle demand up to five years into the future. This forward-looking perspective empowers businesses to anticipate changes in capacity well ahead of time, allowing them to strategically plan and prepare for what lies ahead. ACT Research is widely regarded as the go-to source for forecasting in the commercial vehicle sector. We collaborate closely with leading Fortune 500 companies, including major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Our forecasting prowess has earned us numerous accolades, such as the 2019 Lawrence R. Klein Blue Chip Award for Forecast Accuracy (2015-2018), recognition from The Wall Street Journal as one of the top economic forecasters, and inclusion in USA Today’s list of top economic forecasters. Our quarterly projections for Class 8 tractor sales equip businesses with the foresight to manage various aspects of their operations effectively. Whether you're negotiating spot or contract rates, managing capital budgets, assessing risks, planning transportation budgets, or optimizing capacity, our data-driven insights give you a competitive edge.3. Insights
But ACT Research goes beyond forecasting Class 8 tractor sales and production data. We delve deeper to provide valuable insights that support carriers, shippers, and brokers alike. For example, in 2021, we joined forces with Cass Information Systems to develop and forecast the Cass Truckload Linehaul Index®, which tracks changes in linehaul rates. In addition to this index, ACT Research also forecasts: - Cass Shipments Index Forecasts - Cass Truckload Linehaul Index® Forecasts - DAT Dry Van Spot Rate Forecasts - DAT Refrigerated Spot Rate Forecasts - DAT Flatbed Spot Rate Forecasts - LTL Tonnage and Yield Forecasts - Intermodal Load and Rate Forecasts - US Economic Forecasts By leveraging these forecasts, businesses can stay ahead of market trends and make proactive decisions that drive success. Whether you’re a shipper looking to optimize your logistics network or a carrier seeking to expand your fleet, our data and analysis provide the actionable intelligence you need to thrive in today’s dynamic freight environment.Topwell Crafts Co., Ltd , https://www.topwellmetal.com