Coronavirus News Updates

Government, Business, Safety

Amazon’s Dilemma: Mandating Vaccinations Would Risk Losing Workers

The quandary facing America’s second-largest private employer is this: how to keep its facilities COVID-free without sparking a mutiny among workers who are desperately needed to keep operations running amid a tight labor market and strong online demand.

August 4, 2021
Business

Economy, Trucking Industry Roar Back

Economic indicators and forecasts from economists show trucking and the U.S. economy are in the midst of a strong recovery, though concerns remain about the persistent shortage of drivers and supply chain delays.

July 15, 2021
Government, Business, Safety, Logistics

Slow Vaccine Rates for Seafarers Threaten to Worsen Shipping Chaos

Global vaccinations of seafarers are going too slowly to prevent outbreaks on ships from causing more trade disruptions, endangering maritime workers and potentially slowing economies trying to pull out of pandemic slowdowns.

July 13, 2021
Government, Business

Initial Jobless Claims Edge Up but Hold Near Pandemic Low

Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance edged up last week, though remained near a pandemic low, as the labor market grinds its way toward a full recovery.

July 8, 2021
Government, Business

State Jobless Claims Post Larger-Than-Expected Decline

Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell last week by more than projected, reaching a fresh pandemic low and suggesting that dismissals are abating as the economy reopens and labor demand rises.

July 1, 2021
Government, Business

US Economy Grows 6.4% in Q1

The U.S. economy grew at a solid 6.4% rate in the first three months of the year, setting the stage for what economists believe may be the strongest year for the economy in about seven decades.

June 24, 2021
Government, Business, Fuel

Key US Oil Storage Hub Seen Depleting as Producers Hold Tight

Crude oil inventories in America’s largest storage hub are falling fast as the post-pandemic demand rebound continues to outpace production.

June 24, 2021
Government, Business

US Jobless Claims Tick Down to 411,000 as Economy Heals

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits dropped in the week ended June 19, a sign that layoffs declined and the job market is improving.

June 24, 2021
Business, Equipment

Some Used Vehicles Now Cost More Than Original Sticker Price

When it was new, the window sticker price on a typical 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR double cab pickup was just under $29,000. Two years later, dealers are paying almost $1,000 more than that to buy the same vehicle, even though it’s used.

June 23, 2021
Government, Business, Technology, Safety

Fleets’ COVID-19 Safety Practices May Linger After Pandemic Ends

The COVID-19 outbreak prompted transportation companies to adopt a battery of safety measures — some of which may remain in place even after the pandemic is over.

June 21, 2021