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Barron's Streetwise

The Freight Recovery is in Sight

Jan 17, 2025
Jonathan Chappell, a transport analyst at Evercore ISI, shares his expertise on the freight industry's recovery from its downturn. He discusses the impact of inflation and supply chain challenges, weaving in humor about mechanical bull pricing. The conversation highlights key stock insights, including shifts in consumer behavior and the implications of trade tariffs. Chappell emphasizes the need for balanced asset allocation amidst market volatility, all while showcasing the dynamic competition between major players like UPS and FedEx.
35:01

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Quick takeaways

  • Experts caution that while signs of recovery in freight profits exist, they may not align with sustained consumer demand, risking another downturn.
  • Investors should prioritize companies with strong management and innovative strategies, as these qualities can drive resilience in uncertain market conditions.

Deep dives

The Freight Market Downturn

A prolonged downturn in the freight market has been largely attributed to the unusual conditions following the pandemic. Retailers reacted to significant shortages in 2020 by over-ordering for the holidays in 2021, only to face a drop in demand as normalcy returned in 2022. This shift caused an oversupply situation, compounded by newly introduced trucking capacities that were not adjusted despite declining demand. Experts suggest this downturn may have continued longer than typical economic cycles, with full recovery potentially extending through 2024.

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