Shipping & Freight News

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions regarding interest rates hold serious implications for various sectors of the economy, including the freight industry. No one knows this better than Dan North, Senior Economist at Allianz Trade North America. North’s insights into the Fed’s decision-making process can help freight professionals better navigate the tumultuous economic landscape.

Inflation remains a central concern for the Federal Reserve. Despite recent efforts, inflation has not yet reached the target level of 2%. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the average change in prices over time for a variety of goods and services, indicates that inflation remains elevated. As of May 2024, year-over-year inflation was at 3.3%, down from a high of 9% in February 2022. This persistent inflation means that the cost of living remains high, affecting both consumers and businesses.

For the freight industry, high inflation translates to increased operational costs. Fuel, wages, and maintenance costs have all seen significant increases. For instance, wages have risen by 16% since January 2021, while the cost of housing has surged by 33%. Such increases inevitably lead to higher freight charges as companies pass on these costs to their customers. So, when can embattled freight companies and their customers expect some much-needed relief?

“Inflation still has a way to go, that is, we haven’t gotten it back down to where we would like,” explains North. “So, I think the Fed is only going to cut rates one time this year.”

The Federal Reserve primarily controls the overnight federal funds rate, the rate at which banks lend to each other. Although this might seem a narrow focus, this rate influences a wide array of other interest rates, including those for auto loans, credit cards, and business loans. Higher interest rates tend to slow economic activity by making borrowing more expensive, while lower rates stimulate the economy by making credit cheaper.

Will rate cuts come this year as expected, and how might further cuts in 2025 affect the freight industry in the long term? Learn more about this important topic in the latest episode of the Stay In Your Lane Podcast.

For the freight industry, changes in interest rates can have several implications. Higher rates can lead to reduced consumer spending and lower demand for goods, subsequently decreasing the demand for freight services. Conversely, lower rates can boost economic activity, increasing the demand for transportation of goods.

A crucial aspect to understand is the lag between changes in the federal funds rate and their impact on the economy. Historically, it takes several quarters for changes in the Federal Reserve’s policy to fully influence economic activity. For instance, even if the Federal Reserve cuts rates in December 2024, the full effects might not be felt until well into 2025.

“There’s a lag between movements in the Fed funds rate and other interest rates,” says North. “The way I like to think of it is an interest rate is the price of money, and prices tend to be sticky coming down.”

This lag is particularly evident in the housing and manufacturing sectors. When the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, it takes time for mortgage rates to decrease significantly and for the housing market to respond. Similarly, manufacturing output, which is closely tied to the overall economic activity, does not immediately react to changes in interest rates.

Looking ahead, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates once in late 2024, with more cuts likely in 2025. This gradual easing of monetary policy should eventually stimulate economic activity, potentially increasing demand for freight services as consumer spending and manufacturing output rise.

“We believe the Fed is going to cut one time, probably in December,” North says. “The question is, will that matter? It will. It takes time, but it will.”

However, the immediate future remains challenging. With inflation still high and the economy growing slowly, the freight industry must continue to manage increased costs and potentially fluctuating demand. Strategic planning and flexibility will be key for freight professionals to navigate these economic conditions successfully.

While the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions might seem distant from the day-to-day operations of the freight industry, their effects are far-reaching. By understanding these dynamics, stakeholders can better prepare for the economic shifts ahead, ensuring resilience and continued growth in a complex economic environment. Follow Triple T Transport and the Stay In Your Lane Podcast for future coverage on the economic conditions that impact our industry.