Since late February, COVID-19 has been turning the trucking world on its head. But now, both freight rates and mileage have rebounded almost to where they were before the spread of COVID-19 began impacting the United States economy.
As shutdown orders have been lifted or eased in most of the country, there has been an increase in freight demand. According to Truckstop.com, load availability was up 31% last week versus the week before. The number of loads posted the first week in June were up 18% over the previous week.
Freight volume is being bolstered thanks largely to a few different factors. First, the reopening of physical stores coupled with the Memorial Day holiday produced a spike in retail sales. Dry van volume has benefited from that boom.
Second, it looks like the volume of freight coming through major ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach is climbing. Major routes like those from the Port of LA have seen increases in both volume and rates.
Finally, yearly agriculture trends are helping to boost reefer rates. Flatbed and tanker rates remain well below their pre-COVID levels however.
There are exceptions of course. Florida, which has seen a dramatic spike in COVID-19 cases recently has seen a drop in reefer rates. Along some major Florida routes, rates have fallen as much as 17 cents per mile in just one week.
With concerns over a second wave of COVID-19 outbreaks, it isn’t clear what the economy will look like in coming weeks. Though White House officials say that the economy can’t be shut down again, even in the event of a second wave.
Source: truckinginfo, truckinginfo, fleetowner, overdrive, businessinsider
NO THEY ARE NOT ????
The rates I’m seeing are terrible
I’ve been so discouraged with the trucking Industry especially with how companies treat their employees, So many management positions are filled with NO EXPERIENCE in the trucking business. DM’s have NEVER driven a tractor in their lives and don’t have a clue what it takes to be out on the road for so many days. The trucking industry takes such a toll on families and this is the area of so much concern for so many many drivers.I really and truly loved and enjoyed driving out on the road but I have decided to give it up simply because I cannot find the right fit for me and my family. If I could find a company that would allow me to drive for 7 -10 day’s at a time and be home for 2-3 days I would definitely re-consider my options and return to driving.(Us) Tractor Driver’s can NEVER get loss family time back.
Be safe Brother’s. & Sister’s out there on the road.
You haven’t found the right fit because you haven’t tried. I take home between $1500 -1700 per week and home every Thursday (an occasional fri) and I leave out Sundays. Maybe twice a year I get stuck out over the weekend. I’ve been driving since 1987 and it took experience and a good track record to find this job, I drive somewhere around 1700 to 2400 miles a week. Jobs like this are out there Brother. Dont give up.
You should be family of a manager or owner
You drive 1700 mile
And you are making 1700 dollars
Exactly what the other guy said.. I’m making 90 grand a year home 3 days a week do a dedicated deal all but one stop is drop and hook … 75 mph paid on the hub , super good insurance, 3 weeks paid vacation with a great retirement plan . Don’t work for tiny outfits and don’t work for mega companies…. somewhere in the middle
You need to look at smaller, older companies that run regional. I don’t think you are asking for anything special but If you work for mega companies you will always be just a number and they’ll push you for weeks. I would say become O/O but that sucks too since future of trucking will be become Autonomous. Good luck
There is alot of companies out there that offer what you want to do I would not give up driving
What are you commenting on the article or another reply?
At least one driver woke up and smelled the coffee this morning, drivers are a dime a dozen automatic transmission in trucks because drivers can’t operate a stick like us older drivers and putting more unqualified drivers on the road isn’t the way either, but to have the drivers wages increase either because of corporate golden parachutes that are paid out to nitwits that think they are worth more than they are lol , great job good luck maybe more will be behind you in giving up a smoke and mirrors job and do anything but drive for the unemployment line of America
What the other guys have said…
I do $60k a year doing a dedicated shunting job. I go home every night, and work a consistent 10hr shift. I got that job with only 3 years experience. If you can’t find a good job, you’re likely half the problem.
The last sentence in the article is not a complete sentence… Mr. Barradas?
That has nothing to do with the subject at hand! 😅
Yes, I thought the comments were about the article not how much these super trucker’s make
Are you high? Rates are back up!
Yes, I thought the comments were about the article not how much these super trucker’s make
I made the best decision ever, why didn’t I do it before I admit I’m stubborn, I went back offshore well actually inland waters making way more than a driver, if I get offered or wanna work overtime I DONT GET A FINE working over hours, I get paid and the company shows appreciation, I have a set schedule plus I dont have to deal with lies from brokers and dispatch so good luck to all the dedicated hands in this fucked up industry I wish yall safety and great luck
Smart man