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Second shutdown is worst economic scenario, says ATA’s top economist

Bob Costello, chief economist and senior vice president of the American Trucking Associations, expressed his concern that PPP money for smaller fleets is running out.

Bob Costello, chief economist and senior vice president of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), has seen a lot in his 25 years of forecasting, and one thing he keeps repeating is that no matter how bad the economic numbers look, we didn’t get here because of economic conditions.

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Trucker health is key to passing DOT re-certifications

Commercial truck drivers are at higher risk for developing adverse health conditions due to the sedentary nature of the job and unhealthy eating habits on the road. And poor health can make passing their CDL re-certification exams quite challenging.

In response to the COVID-19 national health emergency, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a waiver granting an extension for re-certifications for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders through Sept. 30. Come Oct. 1, that could mean an influx of commercial truck drivers up for recertification. The main concern, however, is whether drivers will be able to pass these exams.   
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Rising COVID-19 cases could derail firming freight markets

After an unpredictable second quarter, truckloads are on the rise, pointing to gains over the next 12 months. But rising coronavirus cases across the South could ‘paralyze’ the economy, according to FTR.

After an unpredictable spring season, truck freight markets are firming up just as COVID-19 cases are surging across the Sun Belt, leading to an unpredictable rest of the year and many more months before truckloads return to consistent pre-pandemic levels.
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Tips to prep for Operation Safe Driver Week

Despite there being far fewer vehicles on the road due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, many jurisdictions are seeing a severe spike in speeding.

Law enforcement officers will be on the lookout next week, July 12 through 18, for commercial vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in dangerous driver behaviors as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week. Such dangerous behaviors include speeding, distracted driving, failure to use a seatbelt, following too closely, reckless driving, drunk or drugged driving, and more.

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