The Daily Dash: Freight bulls running wild; Chao bids farewell

Trucking added jobs in December, but employment levels remain below 2019 levels

The stage is set for a historically strong Q1 for freight and consumers flush with recent stimulus money as well as the hopes for more to come. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, the freight bull market is showing no signs of abating as stimulus money hits the pocketbooks of Americans. Plus, Elaine Chao notes the challenges transportation faces in 2021 and expands on her reasons for resigning as transportation secretary, and trucking added more jobs in December.

Bulls keep running

The stage is set for a historically strong Q1 for freight and consumers flush with recent stimulus money as well as the hopes for more to come.

Andrew Cox looks at the data: Freight bull market rages on in the new year

Chao bids farewell, cites challenges ahead

The U.S. Department of Transportation will face challenges in 2021 as it works to help distribute COVID-19 vaccines, but the agency is up to the task, according to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao.

John Gallagher has more on what Chao told department employees in a farewell email: Chao acknowledges COVID-19 challenges for transportation sector

Industry job growth continues

The U.S. added more than 7,000 truck transportation jobs in December, with an upward revision for November adding up to a jobs gain of almost 20,000 in just two months.

John Kingston has more on the numbers: Trucking employment looks strong but some numbers lag

Virtual event for sales and marketing professionals

Emerge founder Andrew Leto and content marketing expert and best-selling author Joe Pulizzi will keynote FreightWaves’ upcoming virtual Sales & Marketing Summit.

Brian Straight has details on the event and registration information: Emerge’s Leto, marketing expert Pulizzi to keynote Sales & Marketing Summit

Stories we think you’ll like:

J. J. Keller acquires VideoProtects transport technology

‘Blue wave’ stimulus could spur import surge on top of surge

UPS expects surge in holiday returns traffic

UBS 2021 outlook calls for healthy freight flows in first half

Are your driver trainers road-ready as well?

Did you miss this?

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and other truck safety groups have warned federal regulators that relaxing hours-of-service rules for ag haulers threatens safety by exposing more drivers to fatigue.

John Gallagher explains why they are concerned: Safety groups rail against HOS exemption for ag truckers

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight.

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Brian Straight

Brian Straight leads FreightWaves' Modern Shipper brand as Managing Editor. A journalism graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he has covered everything from a presidential election, to professional sports and Little League baseball, and for more than 10 years has covered trucking and logistics. Before joining FreightWaves, he was previously responsible for the editorial quality and production of Fleet Owner magazine and fleetowner.com. Brian lives in Connecticut with his wife and two kids and spends his time coaching his son’s baseball team, golfing with his daughter, and pursuing his never-ending quest to become a professional bowler. You can reach him at bstraight@freightwaves.com.