According to a report from thetrucker.com, carriers are less hesitant than in Q4 2011 to purchase equipment according to the Transport Capital Partners 1st Quarter 2012 Business Expectations Survey.

The report indicates that in November of 2011, 73% of carriers indicated they were planning on adding little to no capacity. However, that number dropped to 65% in Q1 2012.  According to the survey, 25% of carriers are planning to add capacity, compared to only 18% in November 2011.

According to the survey, carriers who are planning to add capacity, it will be primarily through company equipment which will be financed (24.6%), leased (9.6%) or purchased with cash (7%).

“The lack of  independent contractors readily available due to being ‘driven out’ by the great recession has, by necessity, forced carriers towards company equipment along with low interest rates and the rising reports of growth again in dedicated fleets,” said Lana Batts, TCP partner.

“We are seeing very attractive interest rates in the market place for larger, profitable carriers as well as more lenders contacting us. This makes truck ownership more attractive,” said Richard Mikes,  TCP Partner.