The Daily Dash: Finding drivers; an improving LTL market; Roadcheck kicks off

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, a startup believes it has a solution for fleets with equipment and freight but no drivers. Plus, ArcBest continues the trend of less-than-truckload carriers reporting improving results, Roadcheck kicks off, and the inside story of how General Motors and Nikola Corp. became partners.

No driver, no problem

Tech startup Haul has a solution for fleets with trucks but no drivers: It will provide them. The startup, founded by two alums from Uber Freight, believes an on-demand-driver business model can help fleets quickly scale capacity.

Linda Baker explains how their approach works: Uber Freight alumni launch an Uber for freight

So far, so good

It’s not just truckload carriers that are benefiting from the current freight environment — less-than-truckload fleets are outperforming as well. ArcBest Corp. (NASDAQ: ARCB), in a midquarter update, said tonnage per day is up 3.5% year-over-year, which tracks with updates from other LTL carriers last week.

Todd Maiden has details on how good the quarter has been so far: ArcBest continues trend of positive midquarter reports

Drivers beware

After a delay at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s International Roadcheck kicked off on Wednesday. It is estimated that 17 trucks or buses will be inspected every minute during the 72-hour inspection blitz, which concludes on Friday.

Clarissa Hawes details what drivers need to know: Are you ready? CVSA’s International Roadcheck gets rolling

Why GM and Nikola make sense

Every corporate partnership has a backstory of how it came to be. The Nikola Corp. and General Motors tie-up announced Tuesday is no different. From electric pickups to fuel cells, the deal made sense if the parties could agree.

Alan Adler has the inside story of how the partnership came to be: Behind the scenes: How the GM-Nikola tie-up came together

Stories we think you’ll like:

UPS hikes SurePost rates to match USPS peak surcharges

Walmart pilots drones to fly items to consumers’ doorsteps

TFI International acquires CCC Transportation from Comcar

New USMCA trade deal could increase demand for nearshoring in Mexico

Volvo, Mack Trucks announce deal with Samsara

Breaking News: Omnitracs acquiring SmartDrive

Did you miss this?

Trucking awaits a decision from a court hearing last week that could overturn its exemption from California’s AB5 regulation. If it does, independent truckers in the state could lose their status and be forced onto company payrolls.

John Kingston explains: Judicial panel hears why AB5 should be kept out of California trucking sector

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

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