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The first hiccups in the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. included a holdup in delivering 3,900 shots to two states and the announcement that Pfizer Inc. would deliver almost a million fewer doses next week than are set to ship this week.

As the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine begin to ship, trucking experts on the ground level of the distribution effort said the logistical elements are in place for a successful rollout of an estimated 50 million doses of the vaccine between now and the end of January.

For the trucking and logistics industry, the challenges of COVID-19 vaccine distribution are just beginning. Hundreds of millions of doses will need to be shipped around the world and in the United States, and the process is just now getting underway.

Governors should assess their capacity for transportation and address logistical issues as early as possible as they brace for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, according to the National Governors Association.

Two of the country’s largest freight firms reassured federal lawmakers of their preparedness in helping to deliver COVID-19 vaccines as early as this month.

UPS Inc. said it has the capacity to handle the rollout of coronavirus vaccines and an unprecedented holiday package rush this month after investments in automation, tracking technology and dry-ice production.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao credited stakeholders for helping regulators propel the industry forward through a challenging 2020.

A surge in COVID-19 cases is starting to impact American meat-processing operations in another potential threat to food supply chains that were upended in the early stages of the pandemic.

Leaders in the food transportation sector are working together to share lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic.