Thousands of demonstrators protested against a vaccine mandate for truckers crossing the US-Canada border in Ottawa this past week. Around 90% of Canada’s 120,000 cross border truckers have been vaccinated, but the unrest amongst the unvaccinated continues. The US also requires foreign truckers to show proof of vaccination upon entry. Read more…
With the mobile robotic industry growing immensely over the past few years, the advances in robotics and artificial intelligence may soon yield efficient and cost effective ways to assuage many of the labor issues blighting the global logistics industry. Mobile robotics can be used to help with “a range of logistics operations, including material handling, material picking, long-haul distribution, and last mile delivery.” Read more…
Distribution and logistic sectors continue to grow nationwide, including in Kentucky where Levi Strauss & Co. will set up a new e-commerce distribution center in Erlanger. This new facility will create approximately 300 new jobs with a $48 million-plus investment, “evidence that Kentucky is the perfect location for companies looking to get their products to customers as quickly as possible.” Read more…
After withdrawing a similar request in November, Amazon workers have finally found enough support to garner a vote on whether to unionize a New York City warehouse. The Amazon company is “skeptical there are a sufficient number of legitimate signatures,” but nonetheless, an election date will be set after a February 16 court hearing. Read more…
With a shortage of more than 80,000 truck drivers in the US, some companies are resorting to guaranteed minimum salaries of up to twice the national average. Companies such as JK Moving Services, the country’s largest independently owned moving company, is offering a guaranteed minimum salary of $100,000 to help address the crisis. Read more…
With driver shortages at an all time high, it might be sooner than we think before we see 18-wheelers with no drivers behind the wheel. Aurora Innovations already have some trucks with self-driving technology on the road (albeit with seasoned truck drivers along for the ride), but it might not be much longer before this futuristic vision becomes commonplace. Read more…
Compounding pandemic related exits, electronic measuring devices are driving truckers out of the industry as well. Truckers are paid based on mileage, but they are only allowed to drive eleven hours each day, a measure that can feel too restrictive for many of them. Read more…
Logistic giants ArcBest are pouring millions into remote-operated forklifts to help assuage labor shortage problems. Warehouse workers will soon be able to remotely operate forklifts from anywhere in the world, from the safety of their own homes, making the job immensely attractive during the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more…
In an attempt to combat worker shortage issues, trucking firm KLLM Transport Services, one of the largest trucking companies in the US, is giving raises up to 33%, allowing some of its drivers to earn up to $150,000 in their first year. Read more…
With no immediate end in sight for supply chain issues, the global pandemic has forever changed how the shipping business works. With continued record breaking shipments, ongoing port congestion and worker shortages due to COVID, union contract negotiations set for 2022 have the potential to become a ticking time bomb. Read more…
