ICYMI: In trucking news - Thousands of truckers in Canada, known as the “Freedom Convoy”, have come together to protest Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s vaccine mandates. The mandates which were implemented back on January 15, force unvaccinated truckers who cross the Canada/US border to quarantine once returning home. The truckers started their protest by driving more than 2000 miles, from the Province of Alberta to the City of Ottawa where Parliament is located. During the week-long journey the Freedom Convoy picked up a lot of support and hashtags like #FreedomConvoyCanada2022 and #TruckersForFreedom2022 started trending on social media.

No one is certain what the post-pandemic trucking industry will look like now that the economy is opening up and people are getting back on their feet, but there are a few things worth noting.

This month we decided to take a look at how fleets have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. We think it’s safe to say the trucking industry has never experienced anything quite as disruptive as COVID-19. Yet, through it all, fleets have certainly learned some new lessons and many have become stronger and more resilient because of it. Let’s take a look at some of these lessons learned:

Freight volumes are steadily surging, which have made many in the industry breathe a sigh of relief. However, rates are still suppressed, which is potentially due to the fact that the movement of goods is for warehouse and inventory redistribution rather than consumer-facing activity. Freight volumes during COVID has been a hot topic of discussion for many carriers.

Truck drivers continue to be on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic as they tirelessly supply our first responders and essential service industries. So, you can understand why it’s important to not only know how COVID-19 is spread, but what truckers can do to prevent themselves from getting it, and the protocol they need to follow if they do contract it.

COVID-19 has quickly changed the way we work and the way we consume, thus transforming the nation’s economy as a whole. Few people are flying, purchasing and renting cars, taking cabs or ride shares, or commuting to work. 

Adam Jonas, the transportation industry analyst at Morgan Stanley Research, has shared a number of key ways he thinks the transportation industry is morphing during this pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has made one thing clear as the trucking industry deals with supply chain issues across the country: The need for digital tools and resources is as essential for business as it is for staying fit and connected to loved ones. 

Non-essential businesses are closing down and those employees who can telecommute are working remotely from home. However, many fleet drivers are still on the road supplying the country with much-needed supplies during this challenging time. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve gathered some answers to frequently asked questions regarding family and medical leave as well as trucking HOS, ELD’s and rest stops for those truckers who are still on the road. We’ve also included hyperlinks for you to review if you require more in-depth information.