We noticed that too when traveling on I-10 last week. I think Trump relaxed some regulations on trucking and this is the result.
Depends on which way they’re heading. Maybe they’re full of illegals self-deporting. Like the Mexican version of Uber.
I-44 between Joplin and StL is packed with semis. If there is a wreck? Hope you brought your lunch. Per MHP-For every 10 minutes of stopped traffic on I-44, it backs up one mile. Maybe you need to bring dinner as well?
I used to like the commercial, “You, too, can drive a big rig!” ;-)
Yes. We just completed a road trip from CA to MS and back. Huge number of trucks, and large number of advertisements seeking more drivers. Specifics regarding pay and benefits on some of the ads.
That being said, we saw places that were growing and places that were dumpy and languishing. Not sure what to do about the disparity. I would like to see a program of removing old rusted out/gutted buildings. They bring a neighborhood down even when there are still good, working families nearby.
Most manufacturing operation have gone to “Just In Time” inventory so trucks have become mobile warehouses.
Of course JIT comes with its own set of headaches. A major Winter storm can bring a factory to a standstill waiting for parts. Or a driver deciding to pay a visit to a lover 2 states away can throw a big kink in operations too.
There are benefits too. More space in the factory for manufacturing instead of parts storage. Truck availability for shipping product. Less inventory on hand to be taxed each year.
There is a massive shortage of drivers who can pass a drug test...
Trucks? Got lots as Foxconn, Amazon, Udine are all building million or 20 million sq ft. warehouses or manufacturing plants ... may have to expand freeway for just the trucks ...
Noticed that, too,but did not make the connection. Traffic has been. HEAVY around around Toledo/southern Michigan.
I have a family member who has to line up truckers to move limestone....having a heck of a time finding drivers available.
They have their head up their...I mean, they are checking themselves for hemorrhoids.
They are prohibiting some truck traffic tomorrow, probably driving extra miles today.
“Where’s the media?”
At the truck stop slashing tires.
Stories on pollution and AGW on their way!
They are looking for Russians and Nazis
What will they all do then?
Train them to work in Amazon warehouses? Oh wait, those won't have any people either.
Work at Starbucks? No people there either.
Just send them all a government check like president Zuckerberg says.
I've read that this new facility will add 600 new 18 wheelers to the local highways.
This new center will also increase traffic through the Port Of Mobile by 11% annually.
There are a fair number of newbie trainees around here driving for J.B. Hunt, much more than usual, I don’t know why but they always seem to start out with that trucking company. You can tell by the hyper-cautious driving and frequently having to turn around in awkward places. Trucking in general is up but I wouldn’t say it’s back to pre-2008 levels yet.
Trucking is a great indicator of economic activity.
I had my own everyday indicators.
Service at the drive thru.
This is witnessed at the extremes.
When the general economy is in the S**ter, The quality of your service at the “Drive-Thru” goes up. When the economy is red hot, your service goes down.
This general observation has been interrupted by a long period of economic malaise where it shifted from the employee to the employer. That is changing.
In the past few months I’ve experienced some of the best service and competence going through the fast food drive-thru than I can recall.
This, IMHO, is an expression of Opportunity and renewed optimism that we haven’t seen for 20 years.