The top trucking news of 2021

Another year of the pandemic; another year of fleets rising to the challenge.

By Transport Dive Staff • Dec. 27, 2021

Analysts bet on an active transport M&A year in 2021. They were right.

UPS sold its freight segment, while Knight-Swift got into the LTL game with a $1.35 billion acquisition.

Dec. 23, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Trucking Dive

These five stories detail the top trends and issues facing the trucking and transportation industry. 

By Trucking Dive staff

Trucks haul 'remembrance wreaths' across America, in photos

The Honor Fleet delivers wreaths to U.S. cemeteries each December as a way to honor fallen veterans.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 22, 2021

A look at trucking, by the numbers

Rates and ratios literally went off the charts in 2021.

Dec. 21, 2021

The White House has a plan to boost truck driver recruitment. Here's what 8 stakeholders say about it.

While generally optimistic, reactions to the Biden administration's outline have been mixed.

By Transport Dive Staff • Dec. 17, 2021

Trucking's invisible port woes

With all eyes on trucking and drayage these days, does the general public truly understand what they're seeing?

By S.L. Fuller • Dec. 17, 2021

Central Freight Lines closure raises questions about trucking boom

An LTL expert said Central Freight Lines is an anomaly in a hot market, while a TL expert is not so sure.

By Jim Stinson • Dec. 16, 2021

M&A boom will surge into 2022: KPMG

Companies are using acquisitions to alter business models or portfolios, and fleets are no exception.

By Jim Tyson • Dec. 14, 2021

Sysco acquires distributor The Coastal Companies and its fleet assets in M&A spree

Sysco has grown its business via acquisition throughout the year, with the purchase of Greco and Sons in May and Paragon Foods in October.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 8, 2021

Knight-Swift expands LTL footprint with $150M MME acquisition

MME, which includes Midwest Motor Express and Midnite Express, provides LTL, TL, and specialized and international transportation services.

By S.L. Fuller • Dec. 6, 2021

Supply chain stakeholders offer incentives to keep trucks moving through West Coast ports

One ocean carrier offers $200 per container for night and weekend pickups.

By Jim Stinson • Dec. 3, 2021

Ashley Furniture doubles down on private fleet with Wilson Logistics asset purchase

Adding capacity is a strategic move for the retailer as port congestion persists in Southern California.

By S.L. Fuller • Dec. 3, 2021

TFI, Werner snap up reefer and final mile capacity with M&A moves

The acquisition behavior of 2021 indicates carriers are not content to focus only on TL, LTL and 3PL.

By Jim Stinson • Nov. 30, 2021

How LTLs play defense against bad freight mix

An ugly mix could require more trailers, tractors and drivers, all at a time when preserving capacity is paramount.

By Lanny Fleming • Nov. 29, 2021

Empty containers become a focal point at the Port of Los Angeles

Some people have pointed to a shortage of truck drivers as a congestion culprit, but others call out yards full of empty boxes.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 23, 2021

JB Hunt starts transload service as shippers face intermodal congestion

The carrier offers drayage, linehauls and transloading at its facility near the Port of New York/New Jersey.

By S.L. Fuller , Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 23, 2021

Trucking's role in untangling the web of West Coast port congestion

The driver shortage has become a "scapegoat" for bottlenecks as empty containers, low yard productivity, limited space and unavailable chassis converge.

By Jim Stinson • Nov. 22, 2021

Should brokers expand into LTL? Yes, but don't stop there.

3PLs and trucking firms with brokerage arms will need a menu of options that includes intermodal, parcel and LTL— and a carrier network for each one, the author writes.

By JP Wiggins • Nov. 22, 2021

California to ease weight limits for trucks hauling from congested San Pedro Bay ports

In California, weights are among the most restrictive in the U.S., which creates what one expert called "a wall of inefficiency."

By Shefali Kapadia • Nov. 18, 2021

Loadsmart acquires digital tools to reduce empty miles

The company has been on a mission to curb inefficiencies through transparency between shippers, carriers and 3PLs.

By Alejandra Carranza • Nov. 17, 2021

Pitney Bowes grows private fleet to avoid spot market

The spot market can cost between $3,500 to $4,000 per lane, while in-house transportation only costs the company $600, said CEO Marc Lautenbach.

By Max Garland • Nov. 16, 2021

Fleets turn to eBay, rural shops in a scramble to find parts

Parts shortages have trucking officials venting everywhere from investor calls to Reddit threads.

By Jim Stinson • Nov. 15, 2021

Should driver pay be tied to productivity? Fleet execs say it's risky.

As trucking firms consider incentives, fairness comes into question. It's not the driver's fault if rates go down.

By Amanda Loudin • Nov. 12, 2021

XPO Logistics' 5-point plan to get its operating ratio back on track

High rates paid to linehaul carriers increased XPO's expenses, even as the logistics company reported record revenues.

By S.L. Fuller • Nov. 9, 2021

OSHA vaccine mandate on hold, Labor Dept. hints at truck driver exemption

The mandate could still apply to drivers who work in teams or interact with people inside buildings.

By Jim Stinson • Nov. 8, 2021