The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, truck drivers with violations in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse are not in a hurry to return to work based on FMCSA data. Plus, Amazon is delivering record numbers of its own packages, broker margins climb, and spot rates could near historic levels.
Alcohol, drugs KO’ing drivers?
The majority of truck drivers with a violation listed in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse database have not completed the steps necessary to return to work, potentially setting up a driver shortage problem as capacity grows.
John Gallagher has the surprising number that haven’t even started the process: Drug database reveals high rate of ineligible drivers
Who needs friends?
The Amazon story continues to grow with news that the e-tailer delivered two-thirds of its own packages in July. The growth is up 12 percentage points from a year ago as its logistics network becomes a powerful force in freight.
Mark Solomon has more on the interesting trend: Amazon posts self-delivery record in July, consultancy says
Broker margins up
Broker margins increased in the second quarter of this year even as freight declined, according to a new report. Still, revenue overall revenue fell from the first quarter.
John Kingston digs into the numbers: TIA Q2: Broker margins up over first quarter, down from 2019
Is it 2018 all over again, or something better?
Spot rates are on pace for a record year, but how long will they stay? Seasonality seems to have disappeared and carriers are exercising their leverage right now to get better freight at better rates.
Andrew Cox explains: Spot rates on pace to break 2018 records, how long will they stay there?
Stories we think you’ll like:
Amazon cuts ties with more delivery providers
Startup democratizes freight broker financing
US border closures with Mexico, Canada extended through Sept. 21
BulkLoads TMS product for bulk commodities will be integrated into Barchart
PowerFleet secures COVID-19 healthcare supplies across Africa
Did you miss this?
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (NASDAQ: JBHT) became the first company to begin testing a Freightliner eCascadia Class 8 electric tractor. The company completed its first delivery with the vehicle in California.
Alan Adler has more on the project and the truck’s characteristics: J.B. Hunt gets dibs on trying out Freightliner electric eCascadia
Hammer down, everyone,
Brian Straight
Managing Editor
Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight.
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