8 transport-focused startups to watch in 2021

Startups are entering the market and raising millions to solve common pain points in trucking, from load matching to parking availability.

By Heather Larson • Jan. 3, 2021

How pandemic-driven market swings exacerbated the driver shortage

As more loads — from toilet paper, to food, to big-and-bulky e-commerce — needed transport, the more capacity was squeezed.

By S.L. Fuller • Dec. 21, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Trucking Dive

These five stories detail the top trends and issues facing the trucking and transportation industry. 

By Trucking Dive staff

EEOC: Employers can require proof of COVID-19 vaccination — with some exceptions

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's guidance comes as the trucking industry pushes for priority access to the vaccine.

By Ryan Golden , S.L. Fuller • Dec. 17, 2020

Company of the year: Old Dominion Freight Line

Old Dominion learned from the recession of 2007-2009 to manage its LTL firm through the pandemic. The trick: consistency of service.

By Jim Stinson • Dec. 9, 2020

The Transport Dive Awards for 2020

From Old Dominion Freight Line to Roadrunner Freight, these are the companies, executives and trends that shaped transport during this unprecedented year.

By Transport Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020

Executive of the Year: Frank Hurst, Roadrunner Freight

The carrier looked to Hurst's leadership as it became an LTL-only company — during a pandemic.

By S.L. Fuller • Dec. 9, 2020

ABC's 'Big Sky' tarnishes the gleaming steel machines and knights of the highway

The TV series is a reminder that truckers have become an easy target of derision for Hollywood — something once unthinkable. 

By Jim Stinson • Nov. 23, 2020

US Xpress and MIT partner on data to improve dwell, scheduling

MIT graduate students will use statistical modeling and artificial intelligence to examine GPS data, loaded and unloaded data, driver HOS, shipper rates, appointment times, and arrival and departure trends.

By S.L. Fuller • Nov. 20, 2020

COVID-19 safety measures reduce worker anxiety, study finds

Trucking firms are figuring out how to get the timing right on when to bring remote employees back to the office safely, and they may want to take mental health into consideration.

By Lisa Burden , S.L. Fuller • Nov. 13, 2020

Albertsons pays $2.5M to settle compensation lawsuit with truck drivers in California

A class of workers alleged the grocer's scheduling policy violated state law. 

By Lisa Burden • Nov. 12, 2020

Why fleets are filling the recruitment pipeline with military veterans

The industry expects the driver shortage to increase, and trucking firms have expressed interest in recruiting drivers with experience in the armed forces.

By Jim Stinson • Nov. 10, 2020

Heartland Express raises driver pay amid shortage

The carrier will bump pay by an average of 6% across the current driver fleet, but increases go as high as 12.2%.

By Jim Stinson • Nov. 5, 2020

Driver shortage tops ATRI's industry concerns 4th year in a row

Recruiting younger drivers, and more women and minorities, could help alleviate the shortage, said the American Transportation Research Institute.

By Jim Stinson • Nov. 2, 2020

Driver turnover accelerates with burnout from long trips: WorkHound

More home time isn't necessarily the solution, a USA Truck executive said.

By Jim Stinson • Oct. 30, 2020

How 3 fleets recruit, retain and move women up the ranks

CFI Drive, Ryder and Transport America are among the fleets making women-friendly workplaces business priorities.

By Heather Larson • Oct. 22, 2020

KPI Close-up: Talent retention

Talent retention has become a marker of a company's health, and a priority for finance chiefs, as turnover is more costly.

By Jane Thier • Oct. 21, 2020

Survey: C-Suite leaders find social distancing, remote work a hindrance

Executives responding to West Monroe's "Q4 outlook" survey also said they are adopting more technology and are likely to engage in M&A activity.

By Aman Kidwai , S.L. Fuller • Oct. 16, 2020

JB Hunt grapples with driver shortage and unloading delays

The carrier said it had to turn away thousands of load offers per week due to restrained capacity.

By Jim Stinson • Oct. 16, 2020

NFI responds to logistics demand with plans to add 5,000 new hires

Carriers and 3PLs scramble to have consumer goods stocked as warehousing sets record employment levels.

By Jim Stinson • Oct. 15, 2020

Survey: 1 in 3 employers to lower 2021 pay raises

Trucking is so far bucking the trend as it raises pay to attract drivers.

By Jane Thier • Oct. 14, 2020

Most workforces unprepared for disruption pre-pandemic: study

The survey showed 64% of respondents believed disruption was coming from changes in technology, while 62% believed it would come from changes in competitive landscapes or marketplaces. 

By Sheryl Estrada • Oct. 5, 2020

Labor Department proposes test to determine worker classification

The announcement is "good news" for businesses that use independent contractors, but the rule would likely be challenged, one attorney said.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 2, 2020

FMCSA declines Pronto.ai's HOS waiver request, citing safety

Artificial intelligence and assisted driving are in trucking's future, but the agency received 294 comments against granting the exemption and six in favor.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 30, 2020

Canada adds back 43K truck drivers after cuts in first half of 2020

Canada and the United States had a brief respite from high turnover and driver shortages, but the break is ending as demand climbs.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 29, 2020

Schneider ups driver pay, US Xpress predicts 15% wage boosts to battle shortage

The scramble to attract drivers has led to higher advertising costs to garner driver applications.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 28, 2020