Results are in: TMW Systems releases 2014 benchmarking study

The 2014 TMW Transportation & Logistics Study is now available from TMW Systems. In its second year, the industry benchmarking study has more than doubled the number of companies participating, with detailed results collected from more than 130 businesses representing the truckload irregular, truckload dedicated and brokerage/non-asset segments.

The study offers the latest data and analysis related to rising rates, driver retention, utilization, maintenance cost control, gross margins and other critical performance measures across a broad cross-section of North American carrier and brokerage businesses, says TMW Systems, the largest developer of transportation management software in the industry.

The study presents data gleaned from more than 200 online survey questions spanning financial, operational and maintenance topics. Combined revenue of all participating entities exceeded $24 billion over the preceding 12 months.

“This study is a ‘must-read’ for transportation professionals who want to compare their performance against industry peers and explore proven strategies for maximizing competitive advantage,” said TMW President David Wangler. “With more than twice the number of participants over the previous year and rising interest from more companies to take part in 2015, there’s a clear need for this comprehensive annual benchmarking tool.”

The study results highlight improved utilization and financial performance among many carriers, year-over-year, as well as the value in leveraging developed carrier networks to achieve stronger gross margins for brokerage/non-asset service providers. Among the insights addressed in the study:

Driver Retention
Survey responses underscore the clear relationship between driver wages and retention. Length of haul and utilization also emerged as important factors in driver turnover.

Rates
Truckload carriers in the study averaged 7-percent net rate increases, a trend of interest for brokerage and third-party logistics providers as well as shippers.