FOR THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY, THE COVID- 19PANdemic has brought into stark relief something thatbusinesses have recognized for some time and everydaycitizens are now starting to truly appreciate: Trucking isthe foundation of not just the economy, but of virtuallyevery product consumers rely upon to maintain theirdaily lives.
The past two months have presented unprecedented
challenges. What were carefully planned and optimized
distribution networks have been thrown into disarray.
Some markets, such as “essential” grocery, consumer
staples, health care, and medical goods, are bursting
at the seams with freight. Other segments, such as the
more traditional less-than-truckload (LTL) and truck-
load shipments generated by small-business commer-
cial, retail, industrial, and manufacturing operations,
have disappeared as these businesses have gone dark
and sent workers home under shelter-in-place man-
dates.
The good news: Truck drivers are being widely
lauded for their courage, perseverance, and profes-
sionalism, braving difficult and sometimes dangerous
The desire for reliable, high-quality service has long been the
basis of private carriage’s appeal. Pandemic-fueled disruptions
and widespread market uncertainty will only up the ante.
Private fleets and
dedicated operations:
A wider window
of opportunity?
BY GARY FRANTZ, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
PRIVATE FLEETS TRANSPORTATION
