Auburn University to Study Truck Pricing

Supply chain researchers at Auburn University are seeking carriers and shippers willing to participate in a study on trends in less-than-truckload pricing.

"The study's purpose is to enhance our knowledge of LTL pricing practices," said Joe Hanna, department chair and professor of supply chain management at Auburn.

The study will provide an up-to-date benchmark on how prices are negotiated and set in the LTL industry for companies shipping and hauling goods.

Hanna launched the study at the SMC3 summer conference in West Palm Beach June 25, asking motor carriers, shippers and third-party logistics providers for help.

"You're the experts, you live pricing day to day," he told the 200 executives attending the conference. Industry organization SMC3 is the sponsor of the study.

The study will have two phases, Hanna said. The first will be a series of interviews with carriers, shippers and 3PLs on current LTL pricing practices.

"We need about a dozen volunteers in each of the three categories," said Hanna.

Using information gathered in the interviews, researchers at the Auburn, Ala., university will craft a survey for a broader group of carriers and shippers.

-- Contact William B. Cassidy at wcassidy@joc.com.