FLS Transportation Services
400 Ste-Croix Avenue, Suite 300 H4N 3L4 Montreal, QC, Canada

Latest research from the DOT shows that trucks with ELDs are doing what they were created to do improve road safety and simplify hours tracking. Trucks with ELDs experienced 53% lower driving-related HOS violations. Violations of driving more than 8 hours without a 30-min. Break used to be the 5th most cited violation today, it’s moved down the 25th. ... This means less fatigued drivers on the roads and improved safety. It’s reassuring news, especially as Canada prepares to implement its ELD mandate on June 12th. Get the details https://hubs.li/H0M7-Z20

DRIVERS: Don’t forget The CVSA’s annual International Roadcheck inspection blitz starts next week, May 4-6th. As you prepare for the blitz, two areas to focus on are brakes and tires. Here are some great tips for ensuring your truck is prepared https://hubs.li/H0M7-XN0

The hottest 6 stories in North American freight can be found in The Weekly Freight Report Here’s what’s happening this week: (1) Everything you need to know about Work Zone Awareness Week... (2) Federal government prepares to intervene in Montreal Port Strike (3) West Coast ports start to catch up as they chip away at cargo backlog (4) Severe weather couldn't even slow down the trucking tailwind (5) Drivers prepare breaks and tires for next week's annual blitz (6) Data shows ELD’s improve safety and simplify hours tracking Get the full story right here https://bit.ly/3e05jwv

Trucking is on fire and 2021 is going to be a good year for carriers. Despite Q1’s severe weather disruptions, trucking continues to thrive. Shippers continue to rebuild inventories, retails and food services sales are up 27.7% year over year, and manufacturing is experiencing a 10-month consecutive growth spree. ... In short? Demand will remain elevated and supply will remain constrained. It’s good news for carriers from a pricing standpoint but it also means they're becoming more selective of which shippers to work with. Shippers need to continue adjusting their budgets to remain competitive This market isn’t expected to change any time soon. Get the details https://hubs.li/H0M38X90

Ship congestion outside West Coast ports is starting to slow down. The number of container vessels waiting to enter the ports of LA and Long Beach have been below 20 for five straight days. But still, 18 container ships anchor as they await entry but any progress is good progress for shippers waiting on their delayed cargo. ... Hopefully the backlog clearing will continue to see progress. Get the full update https://hubs.li/H0M36Qv0

Moving high dollar freight this peak season? Reach out to one of the freight specialists at FLS. Our cargo interest policy covers loads of up to $1.5M USD. We're proud to say that we're in very limited company in handling high value freight. Yes, we have your high dollar freight covered. No sweat. Connect with us for your next move! https://www.flstransport.com/contact-us/

The OTR truck driver count has reached an 8-year low. And while the industry has faced driver shortages before experts are saying that this time, it’s different. Increasing driver pay won’t bring back the 30K+ drivers needed to help the capacity shortage. Carriers need to switch up their strategy. Here’s where to start https://bit.ly/3fqxW5e

A leading carrier executive says 'the industry appears to still be in the early stages of the current trucking cycle.' Shipper's lack of confidence in inventory levels followed by growing consumer demand indicates the state of trucking will remain for several quarters. Outbound tender rejections are at 27%, near all-time highs. And carriers are raising driver salaries as a hail mary to bring in some capacity. The expectation around shipper rate increases are upper single-digit to low double-digits. Ultimately, the next few months are going to be tough for shippers who didn't adjust budgets. Get the full details https://bit.ly/35A6Jd2

The Cass Freight Index is back in positive territory for the first time since 2018. The reading shows shipping volumes rising 2.4% Y/Y in October... the best growth since Oct 2018. Increases are being backed by healthy consumer spending, economic reopenings and schools starting back up. With optimism in healthcare advancements, the growth is expected to continue. Get the full update here https://bit.ly/3kRcs2m

Experts are calling it now...Thanksgiving is going to be a bigger shopping event than previous years." Supermarket sales have been booming since lockdowns began and that isn't expected to change as the holidays roll in. The real question lies in how families will host gatherings this year. Will they be large- or will more small gatherings actually increase demand? Either way, there is increased pressure on supporting carriers who are already struggling to manage non-peak driven capacity. Get the full story here https://bit.ly/32R15S9

North American freight demand has led to a gold rush of opportunity for carriers. The number of trucking companies granted operating authority since July has skyrocketed and just keeps climbing. But JOC.com says this doesn’t necessarily mean shippers will be saved from capacity issues any time soon. Get the details https://bit.ly/3k9T4O1

HEADS UP: The clock is ticking for carriers to register. The U.S. Department of Transportation Clearinghouse deadline is January 5th. Fleets must have drivers register or face fines of $2,500. So what’s the process look like? Turns out, it’s not so bad. Overdrive Magazine takes us through a step-by-step look at the portal. Carriers - make sure you are registered before the deadline to avoid penalties. And check out the registration process right here https://bit.ly/35BUYTy

2020 put global trade on the roller coaster ride of its life. Shippers, carriers, and logistics providers had to pivot in the face of wrenching market shifts all year. But trucking fared better than other modes. As the recovery marches forward there’s still a hazy outlook for 2021 as the pandemic disruption shifted the freight landscape with what will surely be long-lasting implications. Get the full story from Transport Topics https://bit.ly/3kEm54x

46 million. That’s how many turkeys U.S. consumers typically order over the Thanksgiving holiday. But if 2020 has taught us anything- it’s to stop relying on historical numbers. Will smaller gatherings decrease velocity? And with less travel, will location-based demand change? With no way to be sure, here is how reefer fleets prepare for the unknown this year https://bit.ly/35aDuNN

The holiday outlook for truckload and parcel demand remains strong. It’s being driven by booming consumer demand for goods, climbing consumer confidence, and a 2-year high ISM manufacturing index reading of 59.3%. All-in-all, the market sentiment remains the same shipper requests for trucking capacity will continue to rise (and so will spot rates). Get the details from FreightWaves here https://bit.ly/2UAcwc9