The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening today in the state of freight.
Freight volumes continue to rip through the summer
The outbound tender volume index (OTVI) continues to rip higher. Last week freight volumes were up 25% from 2019. Load volumes ramped up again this week another 2.4% and are now up over 27% from last year. No one knows how long freight will continue to break new records; only time will tell.
Seth Holm has more in his weekly freight market wrap-up: Volumes just won’t quit, up 27% year-over-year.
Freightliner recall
Another week and another recall from Daimler. Two weeks ago Daimler recalled 183,000 trucks. This week the Portland-headquartered OEM recalled 12,056 Freightliner vehicle chassis for a second time. The main issue stems from a problem with the brake light tied to an original recall in 2018.
Alan Adler has more detail in his article: Freightliner conducts second recall for chassis brake light issue.
New counseling resource for drivers
First Things First and SeatMyTrucks have joined forces to offer online counseling services for long-haul truck drivers. Life can be tough for drivers who are often asked to spend 275 or more days out on the road each year. The sessions are designed to help drivers with normal life problems that are often more difficult when they are away from family and friends.
Clarissa Hawes has more on this new offering: Company launches online counseling program for truckers and families (with video).
Amazon expands autonomous delivery
Amazon is introducing autonomous robotic delivery services in Atlanta, Georgia and Franklin, Tennessee. The robot, called Scout, has been delivering in two locations on the West Coast. These sidewalk robots are touted as the next big thing in autonomous home delivery.
What are the prospects of success? Linda Baker has more here: Amazon delivery robots head south.
Stories we think you’ll like:
Brokerage employees upset by limited remote-work options despite COVID outbreak
More freight-related layoffs hit Texas
Commentary: COVID-19 impacting US manufacturers differently
New Jersey court ruling victory for employers seeking to compel arbitration
Air freight rates expected to shoot up by September
Did you miss this?
Earnings season is now in full swing, and earnings have been a mixed bag, even though quite a few have been beating expectations. This is a surprise from the consensus views after a miserable April in the freight market. Fortunately for carriers and 3PLs, May saw stark improvement, and June was even better.
Knight-Swift Q2 beat; guidance reinstated and raised
Echo beats on both revenue and earnings
Landstar misses mark in Q2; pandemic bonus payments the culprit