Nearly 24% fewer truck drivers entered Canada from the U.S. last week compared to a year earlier, a sign that COVID-19 is hurting the flow of freight between the two countries.
The Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) said on Tuesday that 88,290 truck drivers entered Canada from its land border crossings with the U.S. from March 23 to 29. During the same week in 2019, 115,239 truckers entered Canada.
The statistics came from the first full week since the U.S. and Canada halted nonessential travel between the countries to curb the spread of the pandemic. The restriction does not apply to trucking.
“It must be noted that no measures have been introduced restricting commercial shipments or rendering certain products as nonessential,” the CBSA said in a statement.
To what extent the 24% drop in truck drivers reflects a sustained decline remains an open question. The CBSA said the number of crossings on Sunday, March 29, represented a smaller drop of 16% compared to Sunday, March 31, 2019.
The agency did not state how many trucks had crossed the border. That number likely is somewhat smaller since some trucks have team drivers.
The agency also said it is working to “provide assurances that commercial traffic is not impeded.”
“Cross-border supply chains are vital to ensure the continued flow of goods, including food and medical supplies for all Canadians,” the CBSA said.
Noble1
Quote:
“Cross-border supply chains are vital to ensure the continued flow of goods, including food and medical supplies for all Canadians,” the CBSA said.”
Agreed , but it doesn’t have to be by road ! At least not during the COVID-19 pandemic .
In my humble opinion ……….
Steven
Truckers are humans too and they have bills to pay.
Rates to the truck are down big time…why should I risk my life,for others to make a huge profit?
Risking my life for people sitting nice and comfortable in home and placing orders while a trucker is in the middle of pandemic waiting long time to get loaded or unloading with a miserable compensation?
Don’t think so.
So many choose to park and enjoy a quality family time.
At least if I’m not making money…I’m making a good family time.
Stephen Webster
Many truck drivers are sitting at home concerns about C 19 and health care. Lack of spots to eat, showers , sit and relax plus low pay. The whole insurance industry plus health care needs a complete review when this is under control. Many truck drivers are afraid to visit their wives and kids between runs. Ontario Canada has many truck repair shop closed so if Owner-ops van get trucks repairs and parts at a fair cost they will give up.
Stephen Webster
Can not