Selected COVID-19 and trucking industry news that may impact your business.
As of April 3, 2020:
Freight volumes plummeting as fast as they soared
FreightWaves
Both freight volumes and tender rejections are falling as fast as they rose. While both remain elevated above what we would expect for this time of the year, the indices are poised to plummet further in April. Economic data is abysmal – initial weekly jobless claims came in 10x the Great Recession peak of 665,000. Most of the economy is sputtering to a halt, including most truckload freight. Read More
ITI offers free online course for driver COVID-19 safety
CCJ
Instructional Technologies Inc. (ITI) is offering a free course for drivers on COVID-19 safety. COVID-19: What Drivers Need To Know helps drivers understand the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, how it could affect their work and safety, and steps to keep themselves and others safe. Read More
CARES Act: Fleets Can Benefit from Paycheck Protection Program, Disaster Loans
HDT Truckinginfo
With many small businesses across the country uncertain of how the COVID-19 outbreak will temporarily, or permanently, affect their bottom lines, the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act may offer some immediate relief, and fleets need to understand their possible eligibility. Read More
COVID-19 causes state spot rates to heat up
Fleet Owner
Thirteen states have significantly higher destination rates for dry van trailers than normal due to increasing demand amidst the unprecedented national shutdown that hopes to slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19, while half of the continental U.S. recorded moderately higher rates for that category, according to a heat map created by FTR. Seven stayed the same and only four were normal. Read More
Face covering or $1000 fine: Texas city takes drastic measures against Coronavirus
CDL Life
City leaders in Laredo, Texas, are now requiring people to wear face coverings out in public — or risk a large fine. Read More
Nebraska Truckers Association provides free lunches for truckers
KMTV Omaha
The Nebraska Truckers Association provided free lunches for truck drivers on the road Thursday. The group said they do this because they want their drivers to feel appreciated and know how much they’re needed. Read More
Truckers hauling food mean no nation is an island
American Journal of Transportation
Chill-Chain’s recon missions illustrate how the transportation industry is scrambling to keep food supplies stocked on grocery shelves. Across the globe, truckers are encountering delays along distribution chains snarled by the coronavirus pandemic. Read More