With each passing day of COVID-19’s grip bringing new challenges, we’re grateful to have Cain Adams at Trinity Logistics/Longboard Logistics in Meridian, ID, address the logistics component of the fresh industry.
Cain reported in on the last day of March, saying, “March was filled with orders and fast trucks. This week the cliff arrived. People are eating different, and it is showing.”
He continued, “New York and California are looking more like Florida when produce is not in season. Items enter, but nothing is coming back out.” And, Cain said, “We will start seeing this happen in other areas as Covid-19 increases in those areas. Shipments out of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Texas and Colorado have declined drastically. Receivers are full and have high rejection this week. In other words, know you have a place to go before you load a truck.”
From his vantage point, Cain said, “A few things we are seeing. First, drivers are not able to use shipper or receiver restrooms. We would ask shippers and receivers to have a portapotty set up if at all possible. Drivers are having a hard time finding a place. Restaurants are closed so drivers try to search out grocery stores for a restroom and meals. Food trucks at truck stops sure would do well right now.”
There’s another aspect as well, he said. “Drivers normally stick to themselves, but this is making it even more lonely. I ask shippers or other brokers to give drivers a bit more phone time. Take their mind off this for a bit. Text them a joke now and then. We all need social interaction.”
Cain continued, “We are thinking affected areas will require a premium for drivers because less is coming out and there’s a higher chance of being affected themselves. ‘Hazard pay,’ if you will. Please keep this in mind when setting up freight.”
He said that receivers “are doing what they can to distance themselves,” noting, “Lumper fees are being called in rather than exchanging cash or written Com checks. Paperwork is brought to the truck cab rather than the driver being on the dock to watch product get unloaded. The same is happening at most shipping locations. Paperwork gets brought to the driver.”
His prediction is that “for the future, we think freight will stay low till produce heats up out of California.” Then, Cain said, “Watch the weather and growing conditions out there. About the same time, we think more will come into the ports. We are not doctors or scientists but think warmer dry areas will see less Covid-19. Hopefully we have an early summer and it lasts a long time to lower the spread.”
As far as fuel, Cain said prices are down. “In January we looked at fuel futures and geared up for higher prices. We had no idea it would come down to these numbers. It’s kind of a good thing for trucks who work off the spot market. They will save on costs as the rates are low. They will be doing a lot more deadhead this year, so those low fuel rates will really help.”
His company, he said, is “here to help.” He closed by saying, “We appreciate every order coming through the door, and we appreciate every carrier getting in a cab to go to work. Those guys are needed to keep this big boat going. Keep them in mind when you see them pull in. They are a big part of keeping things normal for all of us. Cheers!”
