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Truckers now in third group of COVID-19 vaccine deployment

The Centers for Disease Control has further defined the essential workers category, breaking it down into specific industries and pushing transportation workers and others to the third round of COVID-19 vaccine deployment.

In December 2020, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) expanded its recommendation regarding who will be the first to receive the novel coronavirus vaccine as well as who will subsequently receive it following Phase 1a.  
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Optimistic outlook for 2021, but trucking not ‘out of the woods yet’

The biggest risk as the industry moves ahead in 2021 is what will happen with the pandemic. Trucking is also staying focused on regulatory initiatives to come from the incoming Biden administration.

As trucking kicks off 2021, there is a lot of reason for optimism, according to Avery Vise, vice president of trucking at FTR Transportation Intelligence. A strong rebound in the consumer economy is expected to continue, with more than 5% growth expected among all truck freight segments, Vise projects.

Although FTR’s outlook for 2021 is bullish, Vise told American Trucker there are still looming risks of concern.

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Why nationwide trucker strikes don’t work

Talk of a nationwide driver shutdown has been echoing nationwide for years. Despite drivers’ service, recent public accolades, and personal sacrifice, they often ask: “What do we have to do to get our voices heard?”

“Shut ’em down!”

Talk of a nationwide driver shutdown has been echoing nationwide for years – most notably and recently on social media sites. But these angry words have done little to coalesce truck drivers into a potent force that can bring about the changes they desire.

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Drug Clearinghouse deadline nears for fleets and owner-operators

Employers of CDL drivers and O/O’s who don’t register with the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse by Jan. 6 will be flagged during roadside inspections and other inquires.

With the new year comes the second full year of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations’ Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, the national database of commercial driver substance violations created to remove loopholes that allowed violators to continue operating trucks. According to data from the first 10 months of its existence, thousands of fleets and owner-operators still need to register with the database or face non-compliance repercussions.

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Fast-food joints consider drive-thru only: What it means for truckers

Fast-food restaurants are considering reducing or eliminating in-dining service and focusing instead on the drive-thru service. Where does that leave truck drivers who crave a quick bite?

A recent announcement by Wendy’s CEO Todd Penegor hit truck drivers right in their gut. He said in an earnings call that the company has a “new appetite to look at drive-thru-only restaurants.” In other words, no dining-in for truck drivers or anyone else for that matter.

They’re not the only fast-food restaurant to consider that transition. Quick service restaurants—or QSR in industry lingo—with plans to reduce or eliminate in-dining service and focus instead on drive-thru trade. McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC and others are also moving towards smaller or non-existent dining rooms in the future.

Where does that leave semi drivers who crave a quick burger and fries?

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‘Fantastic’ October trailer orders push into record territory

Chaotic freight environment, carrier profits, production constraints drive backlog well into 2021—at least.

Pandemic-driven economic trends have swung the transportation equipment market pendulum into record positive territory, as industry analysts report an ongoing and massive surge in new trailer orders.

Preliminary information for October from ACT Research indicates that the US trailer industry booked 54,200 net orders for the month, up 6% from September and more than 68% better than the same month last year.

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Driver Shortage, Insurance Cost, Top Trucking Industry Concerns

Finding truck drivers, especially as the current group ages and more people are reluctant to spend time from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the trucking industry’s biggest challenge.

That’s the finding of the latest annual American Transportation Research Institute survey of the biggest issues facing the industry.

Motor carrier chief executives also echo the same problem as they report third-quarter financial results to industry analysts and investors.

Trucking rates are going up because the industry can’t find enough drivers to meet freight demand.

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Truck stops keep pace with pandemic and prepare for a long winter

To help drivers keep socially distant from others, travel centers are focusing on mobile apps and grab-and-go food; truck stops are also stocking up with supplies to help truckers get through for the cold months.

As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues — even accelerating in most states — truck stops are keeping up with drivers’ needs while keeping them and staff as safe as possible. The facilities are accomplishing this by making sure that everyone is adhering to best practices guidelines, updating and expanding the use of mobile apps and offering more grab-and-go foods to help drivers spend less time inside.
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The reasons behind trucking’s rising insurance rates

The largest driver of increased rates right now is available insurance capacity. Distracted driving, the commercial truck driver shortage, nuclear verdicts, and litigation funding have also compounded the problem.

Over the last 10 years, commercial trucking insurance rates have skyrocketed. Despite those rate increases, however, insurance companies are experiencing losses, which means the transportation insurance industry is seeing continued deterioration and availability in capacity.

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