The broader question confronting shippers after a prolonged freight downturn in which contract rates fell even as carrier operating costs increased is what those relationships are worth when the market turns.
While New Jersey state officials say the worker classification law is not a major change, the port drayage industry is concerned about higher costs and the potential exit of drivers.
Volume on the Asia-North America trade lane has recovered rapidly from the summer slowdown, with demand growth shrugging off soaring fuel prices and elevated rates.