study looks at intra-continental drift

A new study launched by the research firm Colography Group hopes to reveal trends in time-definite shipping activity within the North American Free Trade Agreement nations of Canada, the United States and Mexico. The company says its will analyze intra-contin ental traffic flows by mode, transit time, trade lane segment, shipment size and carrier share. In addition, it will explore how Customs and other issues influence shipping decisions and traffic pattern s throughout North America.

At the same time, Colography announced that it would begin an analysis of the less-than-truckload market in the United States. Until now, its LTL figures have not been reported separately; instead, Colography combined them with domestic air, ground parcel and air export numbers to develop statistics for the overall expedited transportation market.

The LTL analysis will include transit time, service type, shipment characteristics and carrier share. Colography says the survey will look into pricing, inventory and distribution strategies, and examine other factors that influence shippers' modal and carrier choices.

For information about participating in the NAFTA and/or expedited LTL studies, contact The Colography Group at (678) 385-2500 or online at www.colography.com