Some Early Effects of the 2020 Pandemic on the U.S. Trucking Industry

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, researchers and data analysts explore the economic environment as well as public health issues. They look at every area of the economy to see how shelter-in-place orders have affected businesses and individuals. Every important detail is examined. In the realm of trucking and shipping fleets, some companies have experienced a surge in activity while others are cutting hours. When economic analysts consider this type of traffic, they must include the use of diesel exhaust fluid in their observations.

  

About DEF

Large trucks, including big delivery vans and semi-trucks, use diesel fuel and are also required to use products like BlueDEF. The exhaust fluid, commonly called simply DEF, drastically reduces harmful emissions from diesel fuel. Owners and managers of trucking fleets often keep a supply on hand at company locations. Drivers and service technicians then can top off the substance as needed and never risk running low while on the road.

Delivery Services

Delivery services experienced an enormous increase in work once U.S. residents could not do their normal shopping activities. They began ordering more products online. Some consumers shopped online mainly out of boredom, ordering items they might not have otherwise. From pet food to electronics to home decor, products were being delivered by drivers working long hours. Companies that have DEF Pumps on site make it easier for the trucks to always have plenty of the substance in the container. 

Semi-Trucking Companies

Some semi-trucking companies saw a decrease in business, however. School and company cafeterias closed. So did restaurants and taverns. A substantial drop in food and beverage orders occurred. Orders from grocery stores could not make up for the amount of business lost. Although some organizations offered pickup and delivery service, they did not see anywhere near their usual volume and revenue. The Washington Post reported in mid-May that some 100,000 small businesses had closed for good. Many of them were connected with food service.

Other over-the-road trucking companies, though, became busier than ever by March of 2020. Large numbers of consumers became anxious about the uncertainty of the pandemic's severity and also about upcoming safer-at-home orders. As toilet paper manufacturers ramped up production, semi-truck drivers hauled loads of the material throughout the country. The same was true for trucks carrying hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels and bottled water. If drivers could fill up with DEF Equipment before heading out on the road, their trips were more streamlined.