New monthly survey reveals freight volumes expected to rise

A new monthly index launched today by Stifel Nicolaus provides an insight into the confidence of air and sea freight forwarders on key trade lanes. The survey was conducted in the first week of March on a worldwide basis by global industry research organisation Transport Intelligence.

Highlights of the Stifel Nicolaus Logistics Confidence Index:

Air Freight Confidence Index registers 42.2 in March

The index for March for all trade lanes indicated low existing confidence among air forwarders. The index for the current situation registered 42.2, which at below the significant 50 mark indicates lower volumes handled relative to the time of year.

However, over the next six months conditions in the air freight market are expected to improve with the index for the expected situation registering 58.7.

Air forwarders were least confident on the Europe to Asia trade lane (39.2) and conversely most upbeat about the levels of freight they were experiencing on the Europe to US trade lane (46.6); although volumes are still lower than they would have expected.

Sea Freight Confidence Index Registers 43.8 in March

The index for sea freight was marginally higher than that of air cargo at 43.8, although at below the 50 mark, it indicates that weaker volumes than expected are being experienced in this sector. However, sea forwarders also expressed significantly more optimism for the coming months with the index for expected situation registering 57.2.

Forwarders on the Asia to Europe sea freight lane registered the highest index value for the present situation (47.4). Sea forwarders on this route also anticipated significantly higher volumes over the next six months, with the index for the expected situation registering 64.1.

The results of the Stifel Nicolaus Logistics Confidence Index can be downloaded by clicking on the link here.

David Ross, Director of Stifel Nicolaus commented, "While current international freight trends are soft, we expect a return to global growth around mid-year. This new index should be especially useful in seeing how Europe emerges from its current financial problems as a player in the global supply chain."

Quelle: eyefortransport
Portal: www.logistik-express.com