Selected COVID-19 and trucking industry news that may impact your business.
As of April 15, 2020:
TSA Exemption to Extend the Expiration Date of Certain Transportation Workers Identification Credentials (TWIC)
On April 15, 2020, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) granted a temporary regulatory exemption regarding the expiration of certain Transportation Workers Identification Credentials (TWICs). TSA’s action extends, for 180 days, the expiration date of TWICs that expired on or after March 1, 2020. In granting this exemption, TSA listed a number of reasons why this action poses little to no risk to transportation security.
OSHA Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Scopelitis Transportation Consulting
On April 10, 2020 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued guidance clarifying that confirmed COVID-19 cases may be considered recordable illness. In areas with ongoing community transmission however, OSHA is exercising enforcement discretion. Under the guidance, employers are not required to make a work-related determination except where:
- There is objective evidence that the cases may be work related, including multiple cases developing among workers working closely together; and
- Evidence was reasonably available to the employer that the cases may be work related.
COVID-19 cases should be coded as a respiratory illness on the OSHA Form 300.
New registry gives drivers info on med examiners offering DOT exams, COVID tests, telemedicine options
Overdrive
For drivers searching for examiners still performing required DOT exams — and for those offering COVID-19 testing and telemedicine options — a new resource is available. Read More
Federal Regulators Exempt Expired TWIC Cards Through July 31
Transport Topics
The Transportation Security Administration has granted a temporary exemption for the expiration of Transportation Worker Identification Credentials through July 31 for cards that expired after March 1. Read More
Fall off in freight and rates prompts layoffs as trucks sit idle
CCJ
Roughly 10% of the U.S. labor force is now out now of work, but the transportation industry managed to sneak by mostly untouched last month – losing just 200 jobs, according the DOL’s monthly employment report. April, however, is shaping up differently as results of a weekly survey conducted by CCJ to measure the coronavirus‘ ongoing impact on motor carriers… Read More
Q2 2020 Carrier Outlook: The worst is ahead
FreightWaves
The second quarter may prove the toughest in recent history. GDP estimates vary greatly, but all point to a very weak economic environment as long as we do not have COVID-19 contained. We are likely months away from consumers regaining confidence and returning to pre-crisis spending levels. Until then, we will see OTVI well below where we would expect at this time of the year without an international crisis. With volumes underperforming, there is simply not enough freight to keep all of America’s trucks moving. Capacity will be extremely loose as long as freight volumes are contracted. Read More
U.S. extends hours of service waiver for food by a month
FreshFruitPortal.com
The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the hours of service exemption for truck drivers delivering fresh produce and other food during the Covid-19 pandemic by a month. Read More
Fleets, Trucking Associations Work to Get Drivers Face Masks
HDT Truckinginfo
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently advised that everyone wear some type of face covering or mask while in public to slow spread of the novel coronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it has not been mandated on a federal level, the state of New Jersey and some cities and counties are now requiring them. Fleets across the country are working to provide masks to drivers and other staff. Read More
Airlines begin pulling passenger seats to make room for cargo
American Shipper
With a global shortage of air cargo space and extraordinary demand to move emergency medical supplies, some overseas passenger airlines are taking out the seats on aircraft to make more room for freight. Read More