Selected COVID-19 and trucking industry news that may impact your business.
As of July 30, 2020:
Second-quarter GDP plunged by worst-ever 32.9% amid virus-induced shutdown
CNBC
The U.S. economy saw the biggest quarterly plunge in activity ever, though the plummet in the second quarter wasn’t as bad as feared. Gross domestic product from April to June plunged 32.9% on an annualized basis, according to the Commerce Department’s first reading on the data released Thursday. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for a drop of 34.7%. Read More
As COVID cases rise, outlook for freight, trucking recovery becomes murkier
Trucks, Parts, Service
As the United States continues to battle coronavirus more data is becoming available that shows the nation’s economic outlook could become increasingly fraught and unstable in the months ahead. Read More
Drivers are still facing COVID challenges on the road
Fleet Owner
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, truck drivers were being hailed as heroes and even mainstream media and the general public recognized the important role the trucking industry plays in our economy and in keeping store shelves stocked with the things we want and need. I want to share a little story to remind people that drivers are still facing COVID-related challenges while they are on the road doing their jobs. Read More
ATA moves annual conference online
CCJ
The American Trucking Associations announced this week it is moving its annual Management Conference & Exhibition to an online format. ATA had been planning for MCE to be one of the first in-person events for the trucking industry since the COVID-19 pandemic, but local restrictions in the Denver area, where the event was planned to be held, will prohibit an in-person event. Read More
Suspend federal excise tax on trucks during pandemic, Democrats ask
The Trucker
Fifty-five Democratic members of the House of Representatives have called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Congressional leaders to temporarily suspend the federal excise tax (FTE) on the sales of heavy-duty trucks and trailers during the COVID-19 crisis. Read More
TSA extending hazmat endorsement renewal waiver through October
CCJ
The Transportation Security Administration is extending for 90 days a waiver from renewal of the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Security Threat Assessment for certain individuals. Read More
Latest reports from ACT Research show month-over-month improvements in June for freight index, truck and trailer sales
The Trucker
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a negative impact on the global economy, reports from ACT Research (ACT) for June show continued rebounds in the North American trucking industry after shutdowns in March, a “dismal” April and slight improvements in May. Read More
Q2 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index sees declines driven by COVID-19
Logistics Management
Freight shipment and spending levels pointed to a United States economy in recession, in the second quarter, driven by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to the most recent edition of the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, which was issued this week by Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank. Read More