National/Multi-Regional LTL: Service levels high amidst soft volumes

The good news for LTL executives is that pricing remains “rational,” even during the usually slow first quarter. In data prepared exclusively for LM by SJ Consulting, shippers can see why LTL executives remain bullish on the sector. The SJ numbers show that LTL carriers have been able to hang on to rate increases in spite of declining volumes.

In fact, Stifel trucking analyst David Ross recently told our John Schulz that he’s still seeing 3% to 5% rate increases on current contract renewals—increases that are basically unchanged from earlier in the year. But no matter where they may see their rates heading, shippers have nothing but high praise for the eight carriers that won in this category.

Putting up winning Quest for Quality marks in National LTL this year are FedEx Freight with a 47.23 weighted average, XPO Logistics (44.70) and UPS Freight (44.49). FedEx Freight took gold across all five service criteria.

In the Multi-regional LTL category this year we find FedEx Freight (47.59), c (46.91) and XPO Logistics (45.04). FedEx Freight put up top numbers in On-time Performance (11.77), Information Technology (8.46), and Equipment & Operations (8.87). Old Dominion scored best in Value (9.45) and Customer Service (9.45).

In what is traditionally the closest race in the Quest for Quality survey, Surface Package Carrier FedEx Ground scored a 49.22 weighted average this year, pulling in just ahead of UPS with a 49.00.