Trucking in the Era of COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 resulted in health and logistical challenges for many sectors of the American economy, including the trucking industry. This study examined how the pandemic impacted the trucking industry, focused on the pandemic’s impacts on company operations, health, and stress of trucking industry employees. Data were collected from three sources: surveys, focus groups, and social media posts. Individuals at multiple organizational levels of trucking companies (i.e., supervisors, upper-level management, and drivers) completed an online survey and participated in online focus groups. Data from focus groups were coded using a thematic analysis approach. Publicly available social media posts from Twitter were analyzed using a sentiment analysis framework to assess changes in public sentiment about the trucking industry pre- and during-COVID-19. Two themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) trucking company business strategies and adaptations and (2) truck driver experiences and workplace safety. Participants reported supply chain disruptions and new consumer buying trends as having larger industry-wide impacts. Company adaptability emerged due to freight variability, leading organizations to pivot business models and create solutions to reduce operational costs. Companies responded to COVID-19 by accommodating employees’ concerns and implementing safety measures. Truck drivers noted an increase in positive public perception of truck drivers, but job quality factors worsened due to closed amenities and decreased social interaction. Social media sentiment analysis also illustrated an increase in positive public sentiment towards the trucking industry during COVID-19. The pandemic resulted in multi-level economic, health, and social impacts on the trucking industry, which included economic impacts on companies and economic, social and health impacts on employees within the industry levels. Further research can expand on this study to provide an understanding of the long-term impacts of the pandemic on the trucking industry companies within the industry and segments of the trucking industry workforce.

Dynamic Changes in Port Logistics Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…No less than 96% of LSPs have problems finding drivers for road transport. The results are somewhat expected, as the studies by Brooks et al [42] and Sperry et al [43] also highlight the problems faced by road transport companies during the pandemic. Only 4% of the companies reported staffing problems in maritime and rail transport.…”

Exploring the challenges faced by Dutch truck drivers in the era of technological advancement

“…One is that the questionnaire was conducted at the end of 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, truck drivers dealt with less social contact as amenities closed down, while social media sentiment analysis revealed that public appreciation for their work actually grew ( 81 ).…”

Comparative evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and vaccine discovery on the global transportation industry

“…The reasons for this are also similar to those of other sectors, such as supply chain disruptions, demand declines, and restrictive government policies in response to the pandemic. A lack of adequate government supports make trucking companies quite vulnerable to the health and economic risks of COVID-19 ( Sperry et al, 2022 ). Following the vaccine discovery announcement date, stock prices in the trucking sector reacted with slightly positive returns.…”