The latest update from Amazon allows third-party sellers to independently choose their preferred carrier for shipping LTL and auto freight to US fulfillment centers. Sellers now have the option to select from a list of Amazon partner carriers. The seller will be able to get information about each carrier, find out available dates and prices, on-time delivery rates, and no-show percentages.
In cases that a seller does not specify a carrier preference, the lowest-cost carrier provided by Amazon will be automatically selected. Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, highlights the importance of utilizing this data to assess carrier efficiency. Amazon believes that this new feature will enhance overall order fulfillment efficiency and speed.
In the first quarter of this year, data from various analyst firms revealed a 7.4 percent decline in the average weekly pay for company drivers, dropping from $1,730 to $1,602. Additionally, owner-operator pay decreased from $4,600 to $4,500. Experts attribute this decrease to the current lack of demand for drivers, with many companies experiencing a shortage of cargo. Mark Schedler, the senior transportation management editor at J.J. Keller & Associates, emphasized that driver pay is feeling the impact of the ongoing trucking recession and a reduction in miles or hours. He noted that some well-managed large carriers have seen a decrease in operating profits by 30 to 50 percent, prompting fleet reductions. While carriers are not actively seeking to reduce mileage or hourly rates, some refrigerated trucking companies have already implemented cuts in mileage rates.
Steve Sichterman, Vice President of Conversion Interactive Agency, cautioned against expecting substantial increases in driver pay until market conditions improve, highlighting potential uncertainties surrounding the upcoming presidential election. As for now, one of the largest high-paying transportation and logistics companies is Werner Enterprises. The company offers a number of additional opportunities for drivers due to a large cash reserve and a large percentage of stable contract rates in its trucking distribution. The Vice President of Recruiting at Werner Enterprises pointed to additional opportunities for drivers, such as unloading trailers, which can result in an extra $15,000 to $25,000 per year. He also emphasized the benefits of securing specialty licensing to transport hazardous materials, including dedicated routes, increased home time, and higher pay
In a recent announcement, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley shared that the U.S. Department of Transportation has allocated $509,775 in grants to support the expansion of Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training programs at four community colleges. Grassley highlighted the significance of these grants in tackling the current trucking driver shortage and fostering economic growth in the nation. The funding distribution includes a $132,375 grant for Hawkeye Community College, $131,000 for Western Iowa Tech Community College, $127,400 for Des Moines Area Community College, and $119,000 for Iowa Central Community College. It is worth noting that in Des Moines an 8,600-square-foot transportation institute is in the process of establishing , set to commence operations in mid-2025. This institute is expected to significantly increase the capacity of the CDL program, enabling more students to enroll.
Furthermore, efforts to enhance CDL training programs extend beyond Iowa, with South Dallas Driving Academy in Texas offering two distinct training programs to cater to individuals from underserved communities. These programs include a Class A driver's license course in collaboration with CDL Connection Dallas and an expedited Class C driver's license program in partnership with Dallas Community College. In Nevada, Western Nevada College has expanded its CDL training schedule from three to five days a week, in addition to teaming up with a local laboratory to expedite the process of obtaining physicals and drug tests for students. Similarly, Gateway Community & Technical College in Kentucky has introduced evening CDL classes through their Workforce Solutions program to accommodate students balancing work commitments.
Former Forward Air CEO Tom Schmitt has recently been appointed as the Chief Commercial Officer of Nikola, marking a significant advancement in his career. The decision to bring Schmitt on board was made by Nikola's CEO, who believes that Schmitt's vast experience will prove invaluable in enhancing the company's customer base and operational efficiency. In his new role at Nikola, Schmitt will be responsible for overseeing the company's commercial operations, dealership management, and marketing functions. With a proven track record of success in leadership positions, including his tenure as CEO of AquaTerra and Purolator, as well as his extensive experience at FedEx Supply Chain, Schmitt is well-equipped to drive Nikola's strategic growth initiatives forward.
Schmitt's appointment reflects Nikola's commitment to recruiting top talent and leveraging industry expertise to propel the company towards meeting its operational objectives. With Schmitt at the helm of commercial operations, Nikola is poised to strengthen its market position and foster continued success in the months ahead.
Haney and White Enterprise announced the successful acquisition of B.R. Williams Trucking and B.R. Williams LTL Logistics. This strategic move will see the integration of the acquired businesses under the esteemed BRW name, positioning the company as a major player in the market. With this acquisition, the company is set to generate over 300 new employment opportunities across multiple states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky. In addition, the consolidation of Haney and White Logistics, Running Ox Logistics, and B.R. Williams will further enhance the company's service offerings and operational capacity.
A spokesperson from Haney and White Enterprise expressed optimism about the merger, highlighting the potential for growth and leadership in the trucking, warehousing, and logistics sectors. The company anticipates annual revenues exceeding $100 million as a result of this strategic alignment. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's most recent data reveals that B.R. Williams Trucking currently maintains a fleet of 137 power units and 121 drivers. Following the merger of the four entities, the company is anticipated to boost its fleet size to 175 power units, complemented by an additional 700 trailers and five warehouse facilities.
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