NEW YORK, (June 9, 2005) — The road for truckers is going to get bumpier according to a leading market analyst firm in the U.S.

According to Bear Stearns, shares of four major publicly-traded trucking firms sank after the analysts lowered their ratings on several stocks, citing a weakening business environment, while costs continue rising.

In a research note, analyst Edward M. Wolfe pointed to the sector’s worsening fundamentals, Associated Press reports, noting that demand has waned since mid-May amid a continued downturn in the long-haul trucking segment and a slump in the spot market.

Wolfe told the news agency he sees inconsistent demand, decelerating pricing, and increased cost pressures accelerating within the group of trucking stocks he covers. The firm predicts well-publicized driver costs and new engine costs is a mix that will impact carriers.

The analyst said the transportation stocks have lagged the market so far this year, compared with sharp gains a year-ago.

— from Associate Press