Apr 30, 2010 2:30 PM, By Jay Russel Miller

5- and 10-year snapshots

Twenty-six of the 36 companies in our current survey also had rankings in our survey for 2005 gross revenue. Using the 2005 figures as a benchmark puts the recession’s fiscal devastation in perspective—and it’s not bleak news for the industry.

Combined, these 26 firms generated a total of $3,414,628,333 in 2005. In 2009, that aggregate total surged to $4,006,500,279—a 17.3 percent gain. (Refer to Table E)

For these 26 firms, average company gross revenue for 2005 was $131,331,859. In 2009, it advanced to $154,096,165.

Let’s take this time machine back even further, to the revenue figures the RT survey recorded for 2000. Seventeen companies participating in the 2009 survey also were in the one we conducted for 2000 revenue. That year, those 17 firms produced revenue totaling $1,564,819,891. This figure skyrocketed 58.8 percent ($919,792,092) for those same companies in the 2005 study. (See Table H)

Moneywise, these 17 companies didn’t miss a beat from 2005 to 2009. Combined, they generated $2,916,419,474 in 2009 revenue. That is a 17.4 percent upward movement, or $431,807,491 more money for these entities.

Input

Though there are numerous surveys of motor carrier revenue available, this particular survey is the only compilation of revenue figures and comparisons focused solely on refrigerated fleets. Generally, from 30 to 50 refrigerated carriers participate in RT’s Gross Revenue Report.

Naturally, not all refrigerated carriers chose to be included in the 2009 survey. Their reasons for non-participation are their own. They range from a desire not to share financial information in the face of mounting competition, or simply a lack of interest or motivation.

The absence of previous revenue powerhouses—or any other industry player, for that matter—may affect survey accuracy to a degree. Since we provided several opportunities for carrier participation, we’ve done the most representative job we can.

To any non-participating companies having regrets or second thoughts about their decision, there’s always next year—and we heartily welcome your return.

For inclusion in the survey of 2010 gross revenue, please e-mail your request to rt.directories@penton.com.                         

For an archive of previous reports that go back to 2000/2001 revenue figures, or to download a PDF of this article that includes the charts printed in the original published report, visit:

www.refrigeratedtrans.com/gross-revenue-reports