Fleets struggle to recruit, bring back drivers for growing volumes

Training schools that have been closed or limited, competition for drivers, and federal benefits are hurdles for bringing more drivers to work, according to a report by Transplace.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 21, 2020

Spot rates are sky high. Will contract rates follow?

Contract rates typically catch up to spot rates in three to six months, but weakness in the economy could stall an increase.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 20, 2020

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

Retail seeks spot market as capacity issues arise for contracted carriers

With more volume in retail than industrial, the trucking market is stronger than tonnage numbers indicate, according to ACT Research's VP.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 19, 2020

Roadrunner finishes divestments in return to LTL roots

Shedding business lines reduced the company's balance sheet liabilities by about $400 million, allowing the carrier to invest in technology, lane enhancement and driver experience. 

By S.L. Fuller • Aug. 18, 2020

Wood, wind lift flatbed business as industrial sector shrinks

Flatbed is responding to higher-than-normal demand for pressure-retreated lumber, which consumers are snapping up because of household improvements, according to DAT.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 17, 2020

Study: Dedicated contract carriage will grow modestly as shippers seek capacity safe haven

Revenue in the segment fell 3% year over year in the first half of 2020, but the uncertain market will play into the hands of dedicated carriers.

By S.L. Fuller • Aug. 14, 2020

After 100 years and a loan, YRC readies for another long run

The LTL carrier, whose continued survival has perplexed analysts, escapes the jaws of dissolution once again.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 11, 2020

Strike ends at Port of Montreal, trucking operations resume

During the 11-day strike, container terminals closed their gates to trucks as port workers protested overtime cuts and changes to premium pay for nights and weekends.

By Jim Stinson • Updated Aug. 21, 2020

Spot market rates shoot up as capacity tightens

Truckload capacity usually declines at this point in the year, DAT said, but supply chain disruptions are pushing more freight into the market.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 7, 2020

As retailers file for bankruptcy, fleets find new demand on the spot market

Consumer demand has shifted from services to goods, creating stronger-than-normal freight volumes.

By Heather Larson • Aug. 7, 2020

Fleet finds listening to drivers helps reduce 'out of control' turnover

After conducting a study with WorkHound, USA Truck said it knew why 75% of its turnover was occurring.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 4, 2020

YRC says new trucks will help with safety, operating ratio

In its first earnings call since getting a federal loan, the LTL giant said increasing efficiencies in fleet operations would help it return to profitability.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 4, 2020

PwC: Transportation, logistics M&A activity to pick up speed

Though investors are expected to remain cautious, the focus on liquidity should spark divestments in the industry, the firm said.

By Ted Knutson & S.L. Fuller • Aug. 4, 2020

TFI buys Keith Hall & Sons in 3rd specialized TL acquisition of 2020

The Montreal-based fleet is snapping up specialized TL carriers as the economy creates buying opportunities.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 3, 2020

XPO says LTL tonnage trending in right direction after 19% Q2 drop

Weak industrial activity weighed on LTL, but executives called last mile a "real highlight" as demand was strong for big and bulky e-commerce shipments. 

By Jim Stinson • July 31, 2020

Schneider bullish on intermodal after segment's revenue falls 16%

The carrier expects tighter capacity and increased volumes from consumer-goods shippers in the remainder of 2020.

By S.L. Fuller • July 30, 2020

Old Dominion grabs clients from other LTLs by focusing on customer service

The LTL carrier reacted to the pandemic with a plan to save money and tighten productivity.

By Jim Stinson • July 30, 2020

Weak LTL, brokerage demand drags on UPS

Freight revenue fell nearly 16% year over year as a result of excess capacity and low industrial demand. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 30, 2020

Used truck market won't fully recover until 2022, Ryder says

The company expects to spend less on new tractors, as 2020 yields fewer lease sales. 

By Jim Stinson • July 29, 2020

Drivers speak up: Dwell times are costing us

Truckers told WorkHound they are often stuck waiting for freight to be loaded at shipper terminals.

By Jim Stinson • July 29, 2020

Roadrunner splits from Ascent, shedding logistics services in favor of LTL

The carrier has downsized in pursuit of an asset-light LTL strategy, selling more than $300 million in assets since last year.

By S.L. Fuller • July 28, 2020

Firms should revisit financial controls as pandemic amplifies risk, accounting experts say

With staff remote, executives in survival mode and hundreds of billions in assistance pouring into the economy, the chances of mistakes and abuse are heightened.

By Robert Freedman • July 28, 2020

FBI poses 5 questions to assess ELD security

The agency urged carriers to lower the risk of cyberattacks by asking the ELD manufacturer or supplier about its security systems.

By Jim Stinson • July 27, 2020

Home Depot leans on efficiency analysis for sustainable transport plan

The retailer's bulk freight business makes electrifying its fleet more difficult. But one company VP said electrification is looking more likely every year. 

By Emma Cosgrove • July 27, 2020

Deloitte: Transport faces $30B profit loss in 2020, but some firms could emerge stronger

Financially weak companies should focus on liquidity management, while stronger firms can use strategic investments and improve margins, Deloitte said.

By S.L. Fuller • July 24, 2020