Today’s Pickup

Plus: Elon Musk wants to break up Amazon; autonomous vehicles no guarantee of safe roads, study says

OPEC+ meeting over oil output cuts; air cargo volumes declined by 7.8% this year for top air freight players; Volkswagen invests $2.6 billion in self-driving startup Argo AI.

A fiery crash briefly shut down Highway 401 near Toronto as trucks contend with recovering freight volumes and more dangers on the roads.

Tire inflation company Aperia is trying to gain market share by offering its solution with no upfront cost. Plus, movie industry freight haulers have received an exemption from drug testing rules and a judge has denied FedEx’s request to dismiss a racial discrimination suit.

Plus: Rivian re-opens factory; drones deliver PPE

Samsara introduces driver efficiency scores; core capital goods shipments from U.S. drops; Softbank looks to fix U.S. roads.

The courier and less-than-truckload subsidiary of Canada’s postal carrier had a decent first quarter considering the impacts of COVID-19 and C$1 billion expansion of its network.

Trucker Tools’ Book-it-Now and predictive freight matching tools will now be available to users of financial services firm OTR Capital. Plus, major markets showing volume gains, DC truck protestors could return, and driver pay increased in 2019.

Ford reopens Dearborn and Chicago facilities; U.S. GDP predicted to slide by 40% in three months to June; Target saw sales rise by 10.8% last quarter.

Latest Canada Border Services Agency data shows uptick in commercial vehicle traffic in a good sign for cross-border freight.

Bulkloads.com has rolled out the first phase of a planned TMS system to ease document transfer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, ports see container declines, diesel prices fall again and Ikea looking at buying malls.

Fullbay, the heavy-duty repair software provider, has launched Fullbay Cares, making a donation to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada each time a repair shop signs on to the Fullbay platform in May. Plus, Texas DOT hacked, dynamic route planning takes hold, and the new COVID reality

Amazon’s slower deliveries are leveling the playing field; global natural gas demand to drop by record levels; Nauto announces predictive collision alert feature.

Titanium Transportation Group depends on no single customer for more than 6% of its business. That diversification is paying off during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An integration with 3PL Systems will make Trucker Tools’ Smarter Capacity platform available to all 3PL customers. Plus, a major airline failure could be on the horizon, online car buying could be here to stay, and more Pennsylvania rest stops open.

vHub, which connects owners of underutilized trailers with those looking for short-term trailer usage, has opened its platform to integration with most telematics systems. Also, China trade deal in doubt, retail imports fall and road funding drops.

U.S. factories face issues with sourcing from Mexico; Permian basin output to decrease in May; Lime raises funding from Uber.

Canadian e-commerce firm says Q1 saw the largest increase in merchants joining Shopify Fulfillment Network as $1 billion push into Amazon’s territory continues.

Idelic and Samsara have forged a partnership where Samsara ELD and camera data will be integrated into Idelic’s driver management platform. Plus, GE cutting 25% of aviation workforce, Amazon exec quits over employee firing, and road funding takes a hit.

Continental is shutting down its Roadlog ELD service, as of Aug. 14. Plus, FreightWAVES LIVE@HOME is one day away, Trump pushes severing of supply chain from China, and Walmart launches two-hour delivery.

Manufacturing supply chains in for prolonged distress; U.S. oil rates in limbo; global air cargo facing severe capacity crunch.

“We’ve definitely seen things coming back,” Energy Transportation CEO says as a key measure of truckload volumes in Canada rises 27% over two weeks on FreightWaves’ SONAR platform.

Canadian carrier Day & Ross is testing a hydrogen-injection engine technology that is said to reduce emissions. Plus, New York City is closing roads, ecommerce booms, and USMCA trade deal delayed

C.R. England has continued the tradition of its One Initiative, announcing it has not donated more than four million meals to food banks since 2018. Plus, New York truckers face longer wait times, Tyson Foods warns to meat shortages and retailers push for uniform reopening plans.

USPS stops services to 111 countries; oil rallies on gulf tensions and output cuts; Uber Freight and BluJay announce partnership.

Aperia has launched a virtual training and support program for its tire inflation system to help fleets continue proper tire maintenance. Plus, diesel prices drop, Werner president talks trucking, and Earth Day brings somber reminders.

On road to recovery, Nicole Folz raises money to get more personal protective equipment in the hands of fellow truck drivers.

Two Swedish companies have formed a joint venture designed to provide supply chain end-to-end visibility down to the product level. Plus, more cash on the way for small businesses, auto inventories are clogging ports, and truck weight exemptions are being extended.

U.S. retail spending fell by 8.7% last month; oil demand to fall by 29M barrels a day in April; companies look to diversify procurement geography.

The Canadian government has ordered thousands of coffee cup-sized Spartan Cubes, but it remains unclear if it will deploy them at border crossings.

Ware2Go is providing free logistical support to a New York City non-profit donating PPE supplies to medical workers. Plus, Cass Freight Index tumbles, oil prices continue to fall and airline stimulus funds hit a snag.

Amazon is placing new grocery delivery customers onto wait lists as it seeks to shore up orders and deliveries for existing customers. Plus, traffic declines could jeopardize road projects, just-in-time delivery impacts resupply efforts and retail sales face a long slog back to growth.

WTO expects global trade to sink by at least 13% this year; oil demand are down 50% year-on-year; economists expect 25% decline in U.S. GDP in Q2.

Canada’s Aleafia Health aims to minimize risks to its older patients and ensure steady supply by launching final-mile service.

C.H. Robinson has made a $50,000 donation to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund as that organization anticipates a growing need for financial assistance for drivers that contract coronavirus. Plus, Cummins finds a use for filtration materials, Amazon postpones Prime Day, and car makers extend plant shutdowns.

COVID-19 is driving change in industry that highlights a new way businesses may operate going forward. Plus, air cargo companies accused of jacking rates, warehouse hiring rises and trucking’s image is getting a makeover.

Cross-border trucking and logistics company Titanium Transportation Group explains why it decided to haul a load of N95 masks for free.

logistics workers demand hazard pay; customer traffic fell across storefronts last week; supply chains will diversify post-epidemic.

Lytx has announced a new technology that allows drivers to simply scan a QR code to be identified and assigned to a vehicle. Plus, the unemployment rate could top 30%, the next coronavirus stimulus package could include infrastructure, and the EPA is set to roll back fuel economy standards.

Workers at an Amazon warehouse are protesting conditions while Instacart workers are walking off the job amid coronavirus concerns. Plus, truck drivers are scared, but still delivering and Americans learn the value of the supply chain.

China opens its factories; 3.28 million U.S. workers apply for unemployment benefits; U.S. seeks to convince Saudi Arabia to end oil war.

Murphy’s Law Distillery is supplying Canadian trucking companies with hand sanitizer as COVID-19 puts its artisanal alcohol business on hold.

Traffic data tracked by Inrix is indicating much quicker commute times for those on the roads during rush hour as more workers stay home. Plus, J.B. Hunt to pay bonuses, GE cutting its workforce, and St. Christopher’s Truckers Relief Fund facing a critical time.

FourKites has announced a virtual sustainability summit, plus a teen helps out truckers, suppliers are getting stuck with food, and what will be the impact on truck drivers?

Key FreightWaves SONAR index pushes past post-Canadian National strike level as trucks continue to move loads.

Oil exporting countries might lose upto 85% of income this year; big 3 automakers partially close plants; Amazon suspends shipment of non-essential items.

The COVID-19 outbreak is jeopardizing half of all American jobs, Moody’s reports. Plus, United’s CEO says the outbreak is worse than 9/11; U.S. factories face closures; and Seattle cargo terminals shut down.

Deutsche Post World has lowered its guidance for the year and cited Amazon’s continuing insourcing of logistics as a major reason. Plus, Goldman Sachs is predicting a 5% contraction in the economy, labor shortages could hamper restocking of shelves, and the Fed slashes interest rates.

New report highlights the industry’s efforts to recruit and retain drivers as it warns that vacancies will swell above 25,000 in Canada.

Aramco increases maximum sustainable production capacity; air freight rates soar as manufacturing resumes in China; Americans order food via contactless delivery methods.

Chevron is using a touring truck to tell the story of how its Delo 600 ADF oil can help extend DPF cleaning intervals. Plus, China ports slowly return to normal, Trump considers tax cuts, and the Diesel Brothers break the law

Titanium Transportation opens second U.S. brokerage office, plus oil collapse pressures economy, traffic congestion costs Americans, and how many trucks can you stack on top of each other?

Spike in demand for household essentials; Chinese manufacturers suffer under virus attack; H&M opening up its supply chain.

Canadian National CEO JJ Ruest still expects the company will meet 2020 targets despite a significant hit from rail blockades.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened the application process for $225 million in grants available to ports for infrastructure improvements. Plus, coronavirus idles containers, China outbound volumes are dropping, and Arizona’s gas tax hike is in trouble.

DHL has decided to close its StreetScooter electric vehicle business, plus household income rises, aluminum plant likely to close, and why Americans will love self-driving trucks.

Americans view foreign trade positively; Tesla records only 12.2 miles of self-driving in 2019; cab-hailing companies have an emissions problem.

United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement has the support of a majority of Canadian lawmakers even if some seem set on delaying ratification to score political points.

Spireon has integrated its trailer management system, FleetLocate, with P.S.I.’s tire pressure monitoring system, giving users new insight into tire pressures and temperatures. Plus, coronavirus is impacting nearly all shippers, DSV plans job cuts, and who will succeed Jimmy Haslam at Pilot?

LNG growth expected to double by 2040; shipment volumes in U.S. plunge y-o-y; grocers take control of shelf space.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance calls for an end to disruptions to Canadian National’s network as it warns of effect on intermodal carriers and the broader industry.

Daimler Trucks and Torc Robotics are expanding autonomous driving tests on new routes, plus the outlook for diesel prices remains stable, coronavirus to hit Apple earnings and the Dairy Farmers of America may have saved the day.

DHL has issued layoff notices for 134 workers in Detroit as it seeks to renegotiate a contract with a supplier. Also, Amazon ditches delivery providers, rail and intermodal volumes drops.

Coronavirus impacts oil demand growth; electric cars have lesser emissions than 50 mpg cars; delivery companies lose $6 billion annually on inaccurate mapping.

Canadian e-commerce company sticks to measured approach to building out its U.S. fulfillment network after reporting nearly 50% jump in sales.

European supply chain platform Shippeo raises $22 million for expansion. Plus, Rhode Island aims to boost truck toll fees, global container movement falls and Nikola unveils electric pickup.

Daseke has found a permanent replacement for its retired founder and namesake Don Daseke, naming interim CEO Chris Easter to the position. Plus, Valentine’s Day logistics, truckers in Oregon get political and Chinese truck capacity shrinks.

Autonomous electric shuttles hit Columbus; global auto market might slowdown over coronavirus; Nikola Motor to produce trucks in Germany

Canada’s federal postal carrier asks Canadian producers to stop shipping cannabis to Campobello Island — because of the troublesome transit through Maine.

Spartan Motors has sold its emergency vehicle manufacturing division so it can focus on growth opportunities in commercial and last-mile vehicle development. Plus, Connecticut plans a toll vote, a startup wants to move freight transport underground, and Oregon truckers are ready to protest.

Is Amazon moving more logistics work in-house; everyone is moving to Atlanta but trucks should leave

UPS partners with Waymo for delivery; Coronavirus could decline Chinese production; research breakout in fuel cell technology

Scott Burke expected the worst when the bird of prey hit his fully loaded Kenworth tractor-trailer going 50 mph. Instead, he got his rig to safety — and the bird is expected to make a full recovery.

CVSA sets dates for Roadcheck and announces focus on driver requirements. Also, FedEx goes old school to build its future, Canada tackles USMCA approval and Democratic presidential candidates lay out their transportation plans.

Urban deliveries to overrun cities. Tier one auto suppliers to get squeezed

Waymo is now testing self-driving trucks on highways in Texas and New Mexico, plus Rhode Island budgets shortfall in truck toll revenue and House committee chairman tries to restart infrastructure talks.

As record-breaking snowfall put freight movements on ice in Newfoundland, wintry weather turned the Toronto roads into a scary place.

Shippers in a Morgan Stanley survey are optimistic over the macro environment and expect rate improvement moving forward. Plus, Chinese New Year impacts and supply chain sustainability takes a hit.

Report urges balanced approach to zero-emissions logistics.

WEF projects 36% growth in last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030; Tesla vehicle registrations in California halves in Q4 ’19; Bendix signs on Geotab as telematics partner.

Zonar has enabled over-the-air updates for Cummins engines, plus key freight index rises and Connecticut senator asks mapmakers to include truck-specific warnings for low bridges.

Few truckers have jumped into the last-mile segment; more firms pledge not to ship across the Arctic Ocean

Man charged with first-degree murder of driver on I-269 outside Memphis after authorities circulated chilling photos captured by camera inside tractor-trailer.

Airfreight market continues decline; U.S. trade deficit falls to three-year low; LiDAR to get more affordable.

Michigan semi driver charged in deadly pileup pens heartfelt note as authorities continue investigation into suspected case of distracted driving that claimed three lives.

Panasonic is lending its vehicle connectivity and monitoring solution to a last-mile electric vehicle produced by Tropos Motors. Also, vote nears on Connecticut tolls and group seeks to defund FMCSA.

Lockheed Martin rolls out big, slow, low-altitude air transport vehicle’ does Precision Scheduled Railroading run afoul of common carrier requirements?

India’s Reliance is standing up to Amazon; e-commerce returns to increase 26% y-o-y; Bosch develops LiDAR system for autonomous vehicles.

A home surveillance system captures Amazon driver dropping off two packages at a Pennsylvania home and then leaving with a parcel delivered by UPS.

The World Food Program says it has the trucking and logistics capacity to face growing hunger crisis in African nation, but needs millions of dollars in funding.

Prospective buyers can bid on defunct Canadian firm’s trucks, trailers and a contract to haul cement to a diamond mine.

New Zealand’s Mainfreight spells out “MERRY XMAS” with its trucks and trailers for an aerial photo that delights Facebook users.

FedEx’s Fred Smith speaks candidly about the future. Target kicks e-commerce butt.

Diesel Laptops debuts free software to easily find truck parts and the cost of cybercrime is rising. Plus, container rates rise and a little holiday cheer.

Car-haulers face challenging times. Kalanick sells out-literally. Will Amazon’s free standing logistics model spring forth?

USMCA will cost automakers $3 billion in added tariffs; Chinese EV sales plunge; U.S. holiday season will see over $1 trillion in sales.

Isuzu buys Volvo’s UD Trucks; U.S. industrial production climbs in November; DHL increases parcel delivery price in Germany.

CFI employees have raised more than $800,000 for charities over the past 26 years as part of its Truckloads of Treasures campaign. Plus, airfreight may not grow next year, trailer orders drop and Connecticut delays toll discussion.

Tesla’s truck may not comply with Euro standards. Consultant takes issue with Morgan Stanley’s Amazon firecast

Aramco crosses $2 trillion valuation; German economy looks vulnerable than ever; Autoworkers vote for a new contract at Fiat Chrysler.