ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

The Trump administration is discussing a plan that could amount to as much as $1.2 trillion in spending — including direct payments of $1,000 or more to Americans within two weeks — to blunt some of the economic impact of the widening coronavirus outbreak.

The U.S. economy is rapidly moving from 121 consecutive months of growth to a recession, the result of consumers and businesses hitting the brakes over mounting fears of the coronavirus.

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have teamed up to institute restrictions on social gathering places. Trucking Association of New York President Kendra Hems said it still is too early to tell what the restrictions’ impacts on the industry will be.

The nationwide average price of diesel fuel declined by 8 cents per gallon March 16, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The stomach-turning ride on global financial markets took a dramatic turn March 16, with U.S. stocks plunging the most since 1987 after President Donald Trump warned the economic disruption from the virus could last into summer.

Amazon .com will hire 100,000 people — and give U.S. workers a $2-an-hour raise — in an effort to meet crushing demand from customers placing online orders for household essentials rather than going to crowded stores.

Canada is closing its borders to anyone who is not a citizen or a permanent resident amid the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced March 16. However, the declaration does not affect the shipment of goods into the country, and for now, U.S. citizens.

Oil companies are being forced to pay exorbitant prices for oil tankers as shipowners book vessels for storage and Saudi Arabia snaps up ships as it prepares to flood the market with crude.

Seventeen Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV employees in the Warren Truck Assembly Plant’s paint shop stopped working over concerns about the novel coronavirus pandemic, though production continues, the automaker confirmed March 16.

As they evaluate the implications of the coronavirus, some state trucking associations have adjusted the schedules of their truck driving championships.