Despite the economic downturn, business in the trucking industry continues to rumble on. While demand for large items dropped, shipping essential goods increased, keeping the industry busy. As a result, revenue increased for one of the country's largest trucking companies, J.B. Hunt. However, profit actually tumbled in the same period. By comparison, freight in March of 2020 rose 32 percent over March of last year. The increase in demand prompted…

In an effort to maintain expedient chains of supply, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration last month eased hours of service regulations for orders of essential supplies. On Wednesday, the FMCSA announced an extension of the hours of service waiver out to the middle of next month. The original waiver sought to provide emergency relief supplies across the nation. Stipulations required transported goods be in some fashion related to the…

Nearly all industries face a difficult road ahead. The economic impact of the global pandemic hits both supply and demand sides, as well as the bridge between the two. Shipping dropped substantially in the early days of the outbreak. With manufacturing down in China, where the outbreak began, imports and subsequent freight from Southern California fell precipitously. Now, the federal government offers loans to both small trucking companies and owner-operators…

As the spread of the novel coronavirus impacts the global economy, truckers in Southern California face difficult roads ahead. To compensate, some companies resort to layoffs. Los Angeles serves as a hub for international trade. Transpacific shipping ferries cargo between China and the United States. As the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, China's industries took a major blow as quarantines limited production. Manufacturers overseas drastically reduced their output. Thus, trade…

After 12 years of trucking and warehouse operation, Michael Dusi Trucking and Michael Dusi Logistics Warehouse, Inc., otherwise collectively referred to as MDL Logistics, closed down Friday. The sudden closure took workers by surprise. The end follows a 2-year period of management by a private equity firm many blame for the unfortunate turn of events. Consisting of 45 power units and 120,000 square feet of warehouse space, MDL Logistics' closing…

Wuhan, China - The Coronavirus - which has spread to almost 17,000 people so far, has put more strain on markets outside of the country. With a large percentage of exports from China now on hold due to influenza, many shippers and trucking professionals around the world are feeling the impact of a quarantined city. Exports from Wuhan as well as the surrounding cities that are also under the quarantine…

A judge granted a temporary injunction for California's truckers New Year's Eve, holding off implementation of AB5 until at least January 13. Then, a San Diego court will determine whether to impose a preliminary injunction. The California Trucking Association greeted the news warmly as a harbinger of looming victory. As the plaintiffs, the CTA took state officials to court over the law threatening to revoke their independent status. Assembly Bill…

In a year of job losses for the trucking industry, November saw another blow, losing an additional 1000 jobs. Despite year-end trends towards job gains for the holiday season, the latest numbers signal a continuation for the US trucking recession. The loss consists mostly of owner-operators and smaller trucking companies. In the first half of the year, a total of 640 companies in the industry shut down. Freight volumes continue…

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today marks the 18th anniversary of the most horrific terrorist attack to hit America. Therefore, residents across Southern California are remembering 9/11 through tributes and volunteer work. For instance, first responders will come together at Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center in Los Angeles. The memorial training center, which is in Elysian Park hosts a 23-ton section of metal recovered from the World Trade Center, which was…

Around 2014, after an outcry about assaults occurring in its cars, Uber unveiled a $1 “Safe Rides Fee.” This program was meant to increase the company’s background checks, safety education, and to enhance additional measures. As it turns out there was a fundamental issue with the new plan. See, the fee didn’t actually go to address any of the issues it was meant to solve. Rather, the money went straight…