(VLR) Learning to thrive in a volatile market goes beyond simply controlling its effects; successful companies must navigate challenges to create competitive advantage.Three factors add complexity for todays transportation planners. First, the U.S. gross domestic product grew by two percent in the third quarter of 2011, with personal consumption up 2.3 percent. Increased spending creates competition for the nations limited transportation capacity.Second, total U.S. shipping capacity decreased over the past few years, with more than 2,000 trucking companies going out of business during the 2009 recession. This loss is expected to create a shortage of 400,000 drivers, and a 40-percent reduction in over-the-road trucks.Finally, market uncertainty has become a constant fixture in the daily news.
