Transportation Market Update

Current outbound volumes are 73.6% higher than 2020 and 56.7% higher than 2019. There has been continued rise in outbound tender volumes.

Overall tender rejects decreased week over week by 1.78%. Reefer rejects were the only week over week increase at 3.20%.

As the market continues to evolve, we are here to help. Contact a logistics expert today and read the full April 16, 2021 transportation market update report here:

High import volumes and truckload demand are tighter than ever due in part to the urgency seen in the last year signaling an extremely active summer for domestic transportation providers. 

• At the end of 2020, the driver turnover at large truckload fleets remained steady at an annualized rate of 92%. 
• Stimulus and vaccinations will likely improve the economy and drive additional freight demand; putting pressure on the demand for drivers. 
• Driver retention should be a key focus area for carriers of all sizes.

Stay informed with this and other free, on-demand webcasts and events.

The 2021 CVSA International Roadcheck is coming up quickly, taking place from May 4-6 this year, with an emphasis on lighting and hours of service. If violations are found either the vehicle or driver will be placed out of service, causing supply chain interruptions. 

During last year’s Roadcheck:  

• Hours of service was the top driver violation category in North America, accounting for 35% of all driver out-of-service conditions.   
• “Lamps inoperable,” was the top vehicle violation, accounting for about 12% of all vehicle violations.  
• Due to increased scrutiny, a number of carriers and drivers choose not to operate the week of the event and our data shows that each year there is a significant drop in overall available capacity in the marketplace.   
• Reduced capacity or delays caused by non-compliant drivers or faulty equipment will add days to your supply chain. This could be even more with the already tight market conditions.

Transport Canada will start “soft enforcement” of its new ELD rules on June 12; intra-Canada and cross-border fleets need to prepare their ELD plan now. 

Complicating things further, “As of mid March, no ELD has been certified yet in Canada.” 

• U.S. approved ELDs may not meet Canada’s certification standards.
• This additional regulatory requirement has the potential to negatively impact capacity and freight flows.

Schneider continues to work with our carrier base to mitigate disruption for our shippers we are actively solutioning to ensure your supply chain is prepared for this change.

The Emergency Declaration was issued following the declaration of a national emergency by the President in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Regulatory relief is provided for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to COVID-19. 

The Emergency Declaration has been extended multiple times. The February update shall remain in effect until May 31, 2021, or until the revocation of the Presidentially declared COVID-19 national emergency, whichever is sooner. 

The Emergency Declaration is limited to transportation of: 

1. Livestock and livestock feed. 
2. Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. 
3. Vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment including ancillary supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to the prevention of COVID-19. 
4. Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants. 
5. Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores. 

Direct assistance does not include routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration. 

See the full Emergency Declaration, Restrictions, and Limitations on the FMCSA website. 

Schneider is committed to following the FMCSA Emergency Declaration while maintaining our #1 Core Value of safety among our drivers and associates.

We continue to closely monitor information related to the COVID-19 outbreak and – as always – our priority is to protect the health and safety of our associates, our drivers, our customers, and the general public. Our crisis management team is continually monitoring the situation and is taking steps to ensure the wellness and safety of our associates.

Recognizing that our drivers are the backbone of our business, we are in regular communication through our driver support teams to ensure that they are well informed as to the environment they are operating in. Their safety and wellness are a top priority.

Your business is very important to us and we are happy to answer more questions related to specific worksites or regions should you have them.

For the latest information on COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Our associates and transportation experts are available to help with supply chain strategy and shipping needs to respond to the pandemic. You can count on Schneider to provide your business with the same exceptional service and timely support we’ve provided shippers for 85+ years.