OTR

ATRI report finds most women in trucking face harassment

Women face barriers to entry in the trucking industry, and harassment and other issues persist after they join the male-dominated field, according to a new study by the American Transportation Research Institute.

The 65-page study, released Tuesday, identifies challenges women in trucking encounter and solutions to the issues. The Washington-based nonprofit learned from survey and focus group respondents that top challenges included industry image and perception, training school completion,...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/atri-report-finds-most-women-in-trucking-face-harassment

Controlling back office costs helps offset compressed broker margins

The ongoing freight recession has now plagued the market for longer than the COVID boom, but high-frequency data from FreightWaves SONAR suggests it might be coming to an end sooner rather than later. Brokers, however, should not expect a market turn to completely alleviate the downward pressure on their gross margin.

While the freight recession has had a negative impact on both brokers’ margins, and carrier linehauls, an explosion of automation and technology, along with an unprecedented number...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/controlling-back-office-costs-helps-offset-compressed-broker-margins

Intermodal’s gain is trucking’s loss

Chart of the Week: Outbound Domestic Loaded Rail Container Volume, Long Haul Outbound Tender Volume Index – USA SONAR: ORAILDOML.USA, LOTVI.USA

Long-haul truckload demand has moderated in October while domestic intermodal loaded container volumes have hit their highest levels since 2021. The implication is that shippers are converting truckloads to rail once again as service improves and rates fall. Rail’s resurgence could be another headwind to the beleaguered truckload market.  

It has been...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/intermodals-gain-is-truckings-loss

How St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund supports truckers and their families — Taking The Hire Road

On this episode, Jeremy Reymer, CEO of DriverReach, is joined by Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy and development with the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping drivers and their families.

Over-the-road semi-truck drivers are an integral part of the transportation industry. When situations arise that put drivers out of work due to injury or illness, though, all too often it’s hard for them to pay necessary household expenses for...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/how-st-christopher-truckers-relief-fund-supports-truckers-and-their-families-taking-the-hire-road

1st transcontinental truck delivery happened 110 years ago

FreightWaves Classics is sponsored by Sutton Transport, an LTL leader in the Midwest for more than 40 years. Sutton Transport proudly services Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. Request a quote here.

Over-the-road truck driving can be a challenging career, but today’s modern comforts adapted for trucks make long-haul trips much less taxing. Further, this type of trucking is now an essential part of the U.S. economy, but 110 years ago, it was just beginning — and comfortable travel was...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/1st-transcontinental-truck-delivery-happened-110-years-ago

CloudTrucks offers drivers Road to Independence

Virtual trucking company CloudTrucks has rolled out Road to Independence, a program for experienced drivers looking to transition to owner-operators. 

The company has partnered with Premier Truck Group, CrossRoads Leasing and OTR Leasing to create lease-to-own programs to help drivers get the equipment needed to start their own trucking businesses, something CloudTrucks co-founder and CEO Tobenna Arodiogbu discovered can be difficult for company drivers to navigate themselves.

“Most of us in...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/cloudtrucks-offers-drivers-road-to-independence

SmartHop gives small trucking companies seat at table — and above-market rates

Chasing rates from one load board to another can leave you exhausted before you’ve even hit the highway. For over-the-road truckers, the long haul begins as a mental endeavor, persistently browsing the spot market for the best tender available.

The process is even more arduous for smaller carriers and owner-operators, as rates tend to favor the larger players. Those that aren’t well-connected with top shippers and brokers find themselves settling for rates at the bottom of the barrel.

Sure,...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/smarthop-gives-small-trucking-companies-seat-at-table-and-above-market-rates