Here are some of the most talked about transportation, supply chain and logistics topics from October 2015:
- Road Congestion. The Department of Transportation (DOT) released its annual National Freight Strategic Plan with some interesting results. Road congestion costs motor freight carriers $27 billion per year in lost time and extra fuel costs.
- Driver Shortage Worsens. The American Trucking Association (ATA) just released a report titled, “Truck Driver Analysis 2015.” The research shows that the driver shortage is getting worse – the industry is currently short 48,000 drivers.
- Long-Term Infrastructure Funding. The House Transport Committee passed a six-year, $325 billion measure to fund transport programs. This puts the industry one step closer to the long-term funding it desperately needs.
- Possible Rail Shutdown. Railroad companies have warned that they will suspend freight and passenger operations at the start of 2016 if Congress does not extend the deadline for the installment of collision-avoidance systems. This would cost $30 billion a month and could possibly trigger another economic recession.
- Driver Turnover Down. Due to the driver shortage, carriers have had to keep drivers happy to reduce turnover, and it seems to be working. This illustrates the need for shippers to gain preferred status.
