Truckload Indexes

While the rearview mirror is crystal clear for all to debate, I always point out that we often get the “test before the lesson” in business, politics and life. This is no different. If the silent majority remains diligent and follows the guidance of the scientific community, we will prevail. Leaders, we do not need to place blame, we need solidarity to help this great country overcome this crisis. “Through difficulty comes opportunity”, and while that seems a long way away, the trucking business has a bunch of tough people, and I’m proud to call you my friends. Keep truckin’ safely.

Without a doubt, our world is changing quickly. Not by the year, month, or week, but by the day and in many cases by the hour. Really, it seems its that quick. Whether its coming from the national news, local news, industry rags, customers, employees or simply your own mind, it seems as though everything is changing very rapidly.

The weekly DHL Supply Chain Pricing Power Index continues to favor carriers, but the index has fallen from last week’s high as freight volumes start dropping off.

Zach Strickland looks at the market volatility map in the Carrier Update presented by PowerFleet, and Andrew Cox brings us the DHL Supply Chain Pricing Power Index. This week is leaning toward carrier favorability at 60 on the scale.

States allowing 100,000-lb. trucks making a difference for resupplies during COVID-19.

What might a post COVID-19 world look like for financially viable carriers that have managed through the uncertainty? Nobody knows for sure, but here are some possibilities.

The Department of Labor has issued new guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that may not require companies to offer paid leave in certain situations.

TCA has seen our positive experiences with the federal government grow exponentially in the last few weeks. In the days that have followed the emergency declaration in response to the coronavirus outbreak, our partners in the federal government have leaped into action

FMCSA has issued a three-month waiver that lifts restrictions that require a CDL holder to be in the front seat of a vehicle under certain conditions when it is being driven by someone with a learner’s permit.

Fleets take many approaches to reining in maintenance costs, but not knowing which costs are out of line with industry norms complicates the process.

While many trucking companies already have a transponder-based approach to toll management, operators that use cash need to reevaluate their approach to tolls, experts said.

As this virus spreads, the driver community becomes more at risk. This presents an unthinkable challenge to our food chain. As I follow the industry on social media, the support from TCA in their efforts to be the front line to support their members, and the national news, I believe the trucking community needs to stay vigilant in their current plans and strategies as well as coming up with Plan B strategies to adapt to the changing situation with COVID-19: strategies which may even allow for increased opportunity when we turn the corner on this pandemic.

There was a time in the early 1980’s that a boy ran around his house with a toy semi-truck singing Alabama’s song “Roll On”. His daddy was a trucker and he asked his momma when he was coming home. Fast forward a few decades and everyone is quick to jump on the bandwagon of calling each of you heroes. For some of us, truckers have been heroes all our lives.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act goes into effect on April 1, and businesses have many questions on how it affects them.

Roadside repairs on vehicles will be allowed to continue, despite rumors that truck drivers would be stranded if their vehicle broke down.

Traffic data tracked by Inrix is indicating much quicker commute times for those on the roads during rush hour as more workers stay home. Plus, J.B. Hunt to pay bonuses, GE cutting its workforce, and St. Christopher’s Truckers Relief Fund facing a critical time.

States are closing non-essential businesses and manufacturers are shutting down, creating uncertain freight flows now and in the immediate future.

How drivers are dealing with coronavirus, TQL layoffs and legal implications, staffing in a crisis and more on today’s podcast

As I sit in my home barred from travel, I watch the news and coronavirus updates. In light of the multiple closings of cities, the panic at the sight of empty grocery store shelves; something leaps out to me, “Thank God for the Truckers!” As we float in these turbulent, uncharted waters, and we see unprecedented economic moves to protect us from the impact of the virus, one thing is truly taken for granted — the Individual Trucker — working with their dedicated Operations people servicing the supply chain.

However, there is one constant that has always remained; trucking is one of the most honorable professions in the world. A truck driver does nothing for themselves. They are always doing something for somebody else be it a shipper, a receiver, a dispatcher, or for others on the road.