The Weekly Freight Report for April 29th, 2021

The Top 6 Stories in Freight

Here’s what’s happening this week:

  1. Everything you need to know about Work Zone Awareness Week
  2. Federal government prepares to intervene in Montreal Port Strike
  3. West Coast ports start to catch up as they chip away at cargo backlog
  4. Severe weather couldn’t even slow down the trucking tailwind
  5. Drivers prepare breaks and tires for next week’s annual blitz
  6. Data shows ELD’s improve safety and simplify hours tracking 

The hottest stories in freight can be found here, in the Weekly Freight Report:

1. Everything you need to know about Work Zone Awareness Week

The latest data from 2019 shows that Highway work zone fatalities are up 11%… this means 842 people died in highway work zone crashes that year. And large trucks made up a third of those crashes. That’s why this week the FMCSA launched the 2021 National Work Zone Awareness Week. The FMCSA is releasing a series of PSA’s in the states with the highest number of work zone crashes, workshops, safety messaging at weigh stations and more. Read up on the National Work Zone Awareness Week here.

2. Federal government prepares to intervene in Montreal Port Strike

We feared it would happen again… and it did. As of Monday, Longshoremen began striking at the Port of Montreal. The union and MEA have struggled to come to terms on schedules and pay in an updated contract since 2018 and strike disruptions have been continuous. Montreal is the country’s second-busiest port. And if not resolved soon, this disruption will ‘cause significant and potentially long-lasting hard to Canada’s economy,’ says Federal labor minister, Filomena Tassi. Canada’s federal government is moving quickly to intervene to prevent supply chain disruption. Get the latest on this story here.

3. West Coast ports start to catch up as they chip away at cargo backlog

Ship congestion outside West Coast ports is starting to slow down. The number of container vessels waiting to enter the ports of LA and Long Beach has been below 20 for five straight days. But still, 18 container ships anchor as they await entry… but any progress is good progress for shippers waiting on their delayed cargo. Hopefully, the backlog clearing will continue to see progress. Get the full update.

4. Severe weather couldn’t even slow down the trucking tailwind 

Trucking is on fire… and 2021 is going to be a good year for carriers. Despite Q1’s severe weather disruptions, trucking continues to thrive. Shippers continue to rebuild inventories, retails and food services sales are up 27.7% year over year, and manufacturing is experiencing a 10-month consecutive growth spree. In short? Demand will remain elevated and supply will remain constrained. It’s good news for carriers from a pricing standpoint… but it also means they’re becoming more selective of which shippers to work with. Shippers need to continue adjusting their budgets to remain competitive… This market isn’t expected to change any time soon. Get the details.

5. Drivers prepare breaks and tires for next week’s annual blitz

DRIVERS: Don’t forget… The CVSA’s annual International Roadcheck inspection blitz starts next week, May 4-6th. As you prepare for the blitz, two areas to focus on are brakes and tires. Here are some great tips for ensuring your truck is prepared.

6. Normal means something else for container shippers 

Latest research from the DOT shows that trucks with ELDs are doing what they were created to do… improve road safety and simplify hours tracking. Trucks with ELDs experienced 53% lower driving-related HOS violations. Violations of driving more than 8 hours without a 30-min. Break used to be the 5th most cited violation… today, it’s moved down the 25th. This means less fatigued drivers on the roads… and improved safety. It’s reassuring news, especially as Canada prepares to implement its ELD mandate on June 12th. Get the details.

Need help moving freight across North America? FLS can help. Our network of 54,000 carriers and 400,000 trucks is a great asset to any shipper… and our service levels are impeccable. Give us a try… Get a quote today!