--- title: LTL Shipping Trends 2018 description: As the capacity crunch reaches historic levels, shippers should keep an eye on these three LTL shipping trends when considering ways to cut freight costs. image: https://www.evanstrans.com/hubfs/images/blog/ltl-shipping-trends-drones-1024x512.jpg --- [262.754.5700](tel:2627545700)  |  [Tracking](https://www.evanstrans.com/nonsubtracking)  |  [Customer Login](https://evanstrans.mercurygate.net/MercuryGate/login/spLogin.jsp?null)  |  [Carrier Connection](https://www.evanstrans.com/carrier-connection)  |  [Careers](https://www.evanstrans.com/join-our-team)  |  [Contact Us](https://www.evanstrans.com/contact) [![Recurso 2](https://www.evanstrans.com/hubfs/Recurso%202.svg "Recurso 2")](https://www.evanstrans.com/) [![Recurso 1](https://www.evanstrans.com/hubfs/Recurso%201.svg "Recurso 1")](https://www.evanstrans.com/) [ ## EYE ON LOGISTICS BLOG ](https://www.evanstrans.com/blog) # LTL Shipping Trends 2018 ### Ryan Keepman ![](https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5b583a7ff4d46c804bb3a5ad/5bab8d1453bd6735f7212933_icn-calendar.svg) 12 February 2018 Share this ## As the capacity crunch reaches historic levels, shippers should keep an eye on these three LTL shipping trends when considering ways to reduce freight costs. We're all well aware that the current [capacity crunch](http://evanstrans.com/tag/capacity-crunch/) is historically bad and getting worse. We get questions about it nearly every day at Evans. What do shippers need to know, and how can they avoid getting burned by rising shipping rates? As [LTL freight volumes continue to rise](http://www.atabusinesssolutions.com/Default.aspx?TabID=1415&productId=3614937), we will see shippers, carriers, and 3PLs trying new methods and strategies to find capacity and optimal rates. Detailed below are three of the most important [LTL shipping](http://evanstrans.com/ltl-shipping-reduce-transportation-cost/) trends to watch in 2018. ## 3 LTL shipping trends to watch in 2018 ### 1. Data-driven distribution and fulfillment strategies Data collection will continue to drive improvements throughout the supply chain. Following [Amazon](http://evanstrans.com/tag/amazon/)’s example, the use of geography-specific fulfillment centers, rather than bulk-storage distribution centers, will grow. With more consumer data, shippers can better anticipate demand by region. Shippers will not need to default to bulk distribution centers — they can deploy freight in a more efficient manner. 3PL partners can then harvest [TMS](http://evanstrans.com/tag/tms/) data on costs, claims, deliveries, and safety reports in order to optimize and improve performance. Real-time tracking of LTL shipping performance will yield tremendous amounts of data. With the [Internet of Things](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobmorgan/2014/05/13/simple-explanation-internet-things-that-anyone-can-understand/#11c80a861d09) in full swing, data is available pretty much everywhere. But all of the big data coming from the tracking of LTL shipping will require automation before it’s useful. Individual employees simply can’t analyze the amount of data harvested through modern tracking technologies. ## Machine-learning capabilities will take your standard TMS to the next level by allowing for streamlined price modeling and carrier selection. ### 2. AI, machine learning, and automation With LTL shipping, the devil is in the details. Small errors, overlooked routes, and hidden inefficiencies add up. But prompt correction of these oversights can add up to big cost savings. By leveraging historic and real-time data to catch those little missteps, [machine-learning systems](http://evanstrans.com/tag/machine-learning/) will continuously adapt and improve LTL shipping. Machine-learning capabilities will take your standard TMS to the next level by allowing for streamlined price modeling and carrier selection. [Artificial intelligence](http://evanstrans.com/tag/artificial-intelligence/) (AI) uses algorithms to go beyond machine learning, evaluating massive amounts of data to predict changes and correct problems before they even occur. In an ever-changing environment like LTL shipping, this will allow shippers to stay one step ahead of billing problems, weather delays, and other unpredictable events. The final step to the delivery process, [last-mile delivery](http://evanstrans.com/tag/last-mile-delivery/), offers its own logistical challenges. But automation presents solutions like delivery via [drones](http://evanstrans.com/tag/drones/) or [autonomous vehicles](http://evanstrans.com/tag/autonomous-vehicles/). Overall, we predict LTL automation will continue to make for more accurate, cost-effective shipments — and happier customers. ### 3. Mergers and acquisitions 2017 showed a trend toward carrier merger and acquisition, with around [44 publicly announced](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trucking-m-a/u-s-truck-firms-accelerate-into-the-merging-lane-idUSKBN1D61EC) (and likely far more private) deals. We predict that 2018 will hold to this trend, with carriers continuing to gobble each other up. Motivated by the desire to acquire niche expertise and geographical coverage, larger companies will look to buy out local specialists. [Driver shortages](https://www.npr.org/2018/01/09/576752327/trucking-industry-struggles-with-growing-driver-shortage) will also come into play in 2018, along with rising driver wages carriers must pay to retain qualified drivers. Additionally, requirements for electronic logging and new ELD-mandated hours-of-service requirements reducing truck productivity will put pressure on smaller carriers. All of these factors indicate that, in 2018, we should expect more movement in the already dynamic carrier sector. *What LTL shipping trends are you watching?* Ryan Keepman Ryan is the President of Evans Transportation. ![ebook-getting-logistics-a-seat-at-the-table](https://www.evanstrans.com/hubfs/images/content/ebook-getting-logistics-a-seat-at-the-table.jpg) ## Shipper’s Guide: Getting Logistics a Seat at the Table. You can’t afford to run your logistics program on autopilot anymore. This guide makes the case for logistics as a major center for cost-savings and customer satisfaction. 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