lead in trucking.”
Market Forecast Highlights 2025 Trends
Another session of interest was the“ 2025 Specialized Transportation Market Forecast,” with panelists providing indepth analysis and opinion on the state of the economy as well as 2025 trends for the OS / OW industry, customer markets and equipment.
“ As soon as you start worrying about tariffs, for example, policy changes. As soon as you worry about the economy, a shift happens,” said Smith.“ So, it’ s not that there’ s one thing good, bad or otherwise, it’ s just that the Washington aspect is unpredictable enough that it’ s keeping everyone on their toes.”
At the heart of it, Smith said any industry thrives on predictability and“ unpredictability is the environment we’ re in right now.”
Looking Ahead to Next Year and Beyond
According to Smith, one dynamic that SC & RA will continue to advocate for is dialog between its members and law enforcement.
“ Throughout the rest of this year, moving forward is really [ about ] ramping up our advocacy and communications with the law enforcement of the industry,” said Smith.
While trucking and law enforcement share a( begrudging) understanding – if not mutual respect – for each other’ s roles, Smith believes there is room to strengthen these essential relationships.
“ It’ s not always about fighting a ticket. It’ s not always complaining about law enforcement,” he said.
“ There’ s some genuine opportunities for dialogue and mutual learning. So thematically speaking, enforcement and enforcement education is going to remain a big thing, and I would say next year in Birmingham is going to be a good time to benchmark that.”
www. contractorshotline. com March 24, 2023 9