Due to greater energy production levels and pipelines taking a larger share of total tonnage, US freight volumes are anticipated to grow by around 29% in the next 11 years, with pipeline volumes growing 10.6% annually, according to The Journal of Commerce.
PTI previously reported that freight forwarding could become obsolete with the introduction of advanced technologies and data analysis methods.
Bob Costello, Chief Economist for the American Trucking Associations, said: “The outlook for all modes of freight transportation remains bright. Continued population growth, expansion of the energy sector and foreign trade will boost trucking, intermodal rail and pipeline shipments in particular.”
The advent of growing volumes could result in greater congestion problems at a number of US ports, after around three months had to be taken to clear the backlog of recent congestion at West Coast ports.
The congestion was sparked by a port shutdown in early 2015 as a result of a labour dispute between the International Longshore Workers Union and the Pacific Maritime Association.
US West Coast ports have since become operational but have seen much of their volumes slide over to the East Coast as shippers remain cautious of potential imminent congestion problems.
In other news, the Wall Street Journal reports that east coast ports are falling behind with providing sufficient warehousing space for the increase in container traffic.
