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Trucking is entering a year of change as the industry confronts a new phase of the coronavirus pandemic and adjusts to new practices.

Truck buyers started 2020 in a cautious mood, waiting to see what would happen amid expectations of softening freight demand and overcapacity in the coming year — 2019 had ended as the best Class 8 sales year since 2006. At the same time, the novel coronavirus was drawing closer.

A federal advisory panel recommends that the next round of coronavirus vaccines be given to teachers, first responders, correction officers and grocery store employees, along with people 75 and over. Truckers and other transportation workers would fall into a group behind that group.

The House released the text of a massive 5,593-page package of legislation that combines pandemic relief with a bill to fund government operations just hours before lawmakers were set to cast their votes on Dec. 21.

Initial shipments of the second COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the U.S. left a distribution center Dec. 20, a desperately needed boost as the nation works to bring the coronavirus pandemic under control.

American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council announced it will underwrite a new research effort aimed at evaluating trailer owners’ adoption of intelligence products and services that are becoming increasingly available throughout the industry.

As a way to educate truckers, the Colorado Department of Transportation released a video on the challenges and best practices associated with navigating Interstate 70’s mountainous terrain.

The trucking industry is central to the country’s agriculture sector as trucks transport a significant majority of agricultural freight by tonnage, according to a report published this month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Transport Topics business team reporters Dan Ronan, Roger Gilroy and Connor Wolf recap their top three most significant business stories of the year, part of our Year in Review package. 

The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association announced David Giroux will become president and chief operating officer.