BJ’s Wholesale Clubs. American Eagle Outfitters. Ashley Furniture. They are among a growing trend of retailers buying up transportation and logistics assets.
Over the last four decades, trucking capacity was generally plentiful and retailers were more than happy to outsource it, explained Gary Petty, president of the National Private Truck Council (NPTC). Freight rates were low and there was no shortage of “bottom-feeder carriers” willing to haul items cheaply.
“Companies could pick and choose...