WHAT IT MEANS: The percent of buyers who planning to increase transportation spending has steadily declined this year.

Average salary for transporation buyers

Source: Purchasing's 2007 salary survey

WHAT IT MEANS: It's clearly a good time to be a transportation buyer, on several fronts. First, this represents a higher average salary than procurement peers buying metals, chemcials electronics or office products. And it's a significant increase from last year's average of $92,900.

WHAT IT MEANS: Buyers expecting a relief from high fuel surcharges in 2008 will be disappointed, says the Energy Dept.