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Driver Shortage Myths Debunked: Freight Demand Drives Trucking Jobs
Driver Shortage Myths Debunked: Freight Demand Drives Trucking Jobs

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Driver Shortage Myths Debunked: Freight Demand Drives Trucking Jobs

The trucking industry's 'driver shortage' debate has persisted for decades. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) claims a chronic shortage since 1987, citing nine studies. Yet, researchers and industry experts argue the labor market functions well when freight demand is strong. A December 2024 study by Professors Jonathan Phares, Jason Miller, and Stephen Burks, published by the Association for Supply Chain Management, shows carriers hire drivers when freight demand rises and reduce staff when it falls. Carriers respond rationally to demand. Strong freight needs prompt hiring, often with higher wages to attract drivers. Weak demand leads to job cuts. The persistent shortage narrative, driven by ATA-sponsored studies, oversimplifies the role of freight demand. The COVID-19 pandemic cut trucking jobs by 84,500 (5.6%) from March to April 2020—the largest monthly drop on record. This disruption highlighted how freight demand shaped state-level recovery from May 2020 to December 2021. Seven factors influenced job creation. How Freight Demand Creates Trucking Jobs Major points in the study: Natural Resource Extraction: Fracking and mining generate significant freight. A single fracking well requires over 1,145 heavy truck trips for materials like sand. The 2020 oil price decline reduced drilling by 41% and mining by 10%, cutting freight in North Dakota and Wyoming, where trucking jobs fell 18% and 15% by 2021. Low demand halted hiring, as specialized trucks couldn't shift to other freight. Warehousing Expansion: E-commerce drove warehousing jobs up 14% in 2020 and 38% in 2021. In California and Arizona, this increased drayage and local freight, boosting trucking payrolls by 8%. High demand spurred carriers to hire more drivers. Container Ports: A 17% rise in 2021 retail imports at ports like California and Georgia fueled drayage and transloading jobs. Strong freight volumes encouraged hiring, with minimal competition from port labor. Construction, Wholesaling, Couriers: These sectors added freight without competing for drivers. Florida's 2.6% construction growth by 2021 supported an 11.8% rise in trucking jobs, as material hauls drove demand. Wholesaling and couriers, linked to e-commerce, sustained freight without pulling drivers. Manufacturing: Generating 60% of for-hire trucking ton-miles, manufacturing sustains freight demand. Michigan's auto sector recovery by 2021 increased jobs in states like Ohio, as carriers hired to transport factory goods. Retail and Consumer Goods: A 17% surge in 2021 retail imports drove distribution needs. In Florida, retailers' demand for trucks to deliver goods spurred hiring. Energy and Macroeconomic Factors: Refining and petrochemical freight declined in 2020, slowing job growth. Holiday retail peaks and oil price recoveries in 2021 increased freight, prompting carriers to hire. Why Construction Doesn't Compete with Trucking Contrary to popular belief, construction does not significantly compete with trucking for labor. The study shows construction generates freight that supports trucking jobs. In Florida, a 2.6% rise in construction employment from 2019 to 2021 aligned with an 11.8% increase in trucking jobs, as projects like nonresidential building required material hauls (Page 9). Construction's labor needs—carpenters, electricians—differ from truck drivers' skills, reducing rivalry. Unlike extraction, where specialized equipment limits flexibility, construction freight uses standard trucks, enabling carriers to hire without losing drivers to construction roles. This complementary demand refutes assumptions of labor competition. Labor and Competition Dynamics High freight demand drives carriers to offer competitive wages, attracting drivers. Young firms hire actively during manufacturing or retail surges but reduce staff when freight slows. E-commerce and ports created jobs with little labor competition, as construction and courier roles differ from driving. Implications for Trucking Regulators should focus on freight demand, not labor competition. E-commerce, ports, and manufacturing drive job growth by increasing transport needs. Extraction-heavy regions face hiring challenges when demand is low. Managers must plan for freight spikes, like holiday seasons, and oil price shifts. Policymakers should support freight-generating sectors—e-commerce, manufacturing, retail—over shortage-focused policies like younger driver programs. Key Takeaway States with robust warehousing, ports, manufacturing, and retail saw rapid job growth post-COVID, while extraction declines limited hiring. Construction supports trucking without labor rivalry. The bottom line: Want more truck drivers? Add more freight, carriers will figure out a way to find them. Freight demand, not driver supply, drives trucking jobs, challenging shortage myths and guiding industry and policy strategies. The post Driver Shortage Myths Debunked: Freight Demand Drives Trucking Jobs appeared first on FreightWaves. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data

US friendship 'could make Africa great again,' says Trump adviser
US friendship 'could make Africa great again,' says Trump adviser

The Herald

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • The Herald

US friendship 'could make Africa great again,' says Trump adviser

The African continent deserves balanced trade relations with the US and other economic regions, based on mutual respect and benefit. However, to achieve this Africa must be given the room to reform critical aspects of its economies. This is according to communications strategist and US President Donald Trump's adviser Jason Miller. He was addressing the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) AGM in Abuja, Nigeria. Calling Africa 'the land of the future' and 'the land of limitless growth', Miller said that as the century passes by, the continent has an opportunity to redefine its trade relationship with the rest of the world and ensure that it is never exploited again. 'All of these changes have created a pivotal moment for Africa to seize its opportunities. But if these opportunities are not taken advantage of, Africa and its people risk falling further behind. And if Africa isn't strategic about how to take advantage of these opportunities and who Africa chooses as its closest allies, the continent itself risks being taken advantage of.' The Afreximbank AGM comes at a time when Trump announced major sets of tariffs, namely the section 232 tariffs aimed at protecting US industries and 'reciprocal tariffs', which were later suspended for three months. The announced tariffs had the effect of nullifying the trade benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a piece of legislation that allows duty-free trade on specific items between the US and the continent. It is unclear if the US Congress will renew Agoa when it expires on September 30. Miller said that while Trump's second administration has been fast in seeking to redefine the global economy, the president was aware of the advantages that Africa had, including its minerals and its young population. 'As you know, the global economy is rapidly shifting. President Trump's leadership has restored America as the hottest country in the world to do business with. Technological advancements in the fields of AI, energy and so many other sectors are rapidly changing the future of our workforce. Calling China out by name, Miller said the US offered Africa 'something different' from 'sloppy' companies that polluted African ecosystems and shackled African sovereigns in unsustainable debt. He said the US and Africa could have a trade relationship characterised by 'mutual respect'. 'In the heightened demand for natural resources, critical minerals and rare earths to power the AI technological revolution [are] something Africa has and everybody wants. And, of course, Africa itself is growing rapidly. The sheer manpower available in Africa now and in the coming years, at a time when other areas in the world are facing population declines, creates a new dynamic that, too, will change the balance of power.' However, he said Africa's advantages heading into the rest of the 21st century include that it is projected to surpass Europe in economic size by 2050 to become the third-largest economic bloc in the world. 'For these reasons alone, Africa deserves more. Africa can, in fact, accomplish more. And working with the US, everything is possible. But it's Africa and Africa's leaders — you — that must make the choice. And, in fact, Africa must make several choices to realise this success.' He urged Africa to position itself for long-term success and refuse finance and investment arrangements that create endless debt for its economies. He said basics such as peace, food sustainability, energy, infrastructure and other needs should not be off the table as Africa negotiates investments with the world. 'The second point I want to raise — and I'm just going to be very blunt and take this head-on — is to attract these needed investments, African nations must continue making the needed reforms to improve the business climate. '[These are] ending corruption, enforcing contracts and the rule of law, [and] stabilising currencies. This isn't a wish list. This is exactly what is required to generate the critical investment Africa needs to realise its full potential.' He reminded delegates that the US was home to the No 1 pool of capital in the world, but said American capital was government and private capital, and this capital would 'demand results' and 'deliver accountability'. Repurposing his most famous client's election slogan, Miller said: 'Together we will make Africa powerful again. Together, we will make Africa wealthy again. Together, we will make Africa strong again. Together, we will make Africa proud again. Together, we will make Africa safe again. And together, ladies and gentlemen, we will make Africa great again.' He praised the Nigerian government for the 'gutsy' move of fixing the Nigerian currency, the naira, as this would stabilise the economy and allow US investments to flow in. He urged Africa to 'remember who its true friends are', pointing out the US's work in providing humanitarian aid, peacekeeping missions and Ebola relief on the continent. Magubane was invited to the AGM as a guest of Afreximbank TimesLIVE

How much sunscreen do you actually need? Your summer SPF guide.
How much sunscreen do you actually need? Your summer SPF guide.

Yahoo

time20-06-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

How much sunscreen do you actually need? Your summer SPF guide.

If summer had a signature scent, it would be sunscreen, but that doesn't necessarily mean everyone is applying it poolside, at the beach or before hopping out to pick up popsicles at the store. Here's why you should: While you're soaking up the warmer weather outside — or even just driving in your car or sitting near an office window — you're also being exposed to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer has been on the rise in the U.S. for years, with 1 in 5 people developing the disease by age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The good news? There's a simple and effective way to help reduce that risk, while also protecting against premature skin aging. Yep, it's sunscreen. So which SPF level should you use? How long does sunscreen last? And does SPF-infused makeup count as sun protection? We asked dermatologists these common questions and more. Here's everything you need to know about sunscreen and how to best protect your skin this summer and beyond. The SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how well sunscreen protects against sunburn, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). So how do the different levels of SPF measure up? According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, an SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93% of the sun's harmful UVB rays, and SPF 30 blocks 97%. Once you get higher than that, you're only getting a small boost in protection. For example, SPF 50 stops 98% of UVB rays, while SPF 100 blocks 99% of them. No sunscreen provides 100% protection from damaging UV rays. The AAD recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen — meaning it protects against both UVA rays (which prematurely age skin) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn) — with SPF 30 or higher. 'Above that can be helpful but the really profound cancer protection starts at SPF 30,' Dr. Daniel Butler, a dermatologist in Tucson, Ariz., tells Yahoo Life. The main differences are their ingredients and how they protect against the sun's rays. 'Chemical sunscreens,' such as avobenzone, oxybenzone and octinoxate, 'absorb UV rays, while mineral sunscreens — zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — act as a physical barrier preventing UV rays from hitting the skin,' Dr. Jason Miller, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Freehold, N.J., tells Yahoo Life. 'Both offer good protection.' However, chemical sunscreens can cause allergic reactions in some people. 'There is an increased chance of irritation and stinging due to the combination of multiple ingredients in order to provide both UVA and UVB protections,' Dr. Cula Svidzinski, a cosmetic dermatologist at Sadick Dermatology in New York City, tells Yahoo Life. Mineral (also known as physical) sunscreens, on the other hand, are naturally broad spectrum, blocking both UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light, says Svidzinski. While these sunscreens can leave a white cast — the minerals themselves are white and sit on top of the skin — the formulations have come a long way. Experts say that sunscreen should be an everyday habit. 'I recommend people use sunscreen daily in the morning and then reapply if they're deliberately out in the sun,' says Butler. But it's worth noting that even on overcast days, you're still exposed to some harmful UV rays. That's why Dr. Vicky Zhen Ren, assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, tells Yahoo Life that sunscreen should be worn 'even on cold or cloudy days' and 'especially near reflective surfaces such as water, snow or sand.' Even if you're indoors, it's still a good idea to wear sunscreen since UV rays, specifically UVA, can penetrate windows, Dr. Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist in New York City and Englewood, N.J., tells Yahoo Life. 'It is also important to note that blue light may be emitted from computer screens and phones and can contribute to skin changes, and using sunscreen may help to protect the skin,' she says. Butler agrees, adding: 'While indoor and computer light are unlikely to cause cancerous changes, photoaging can still occur when indoors or when in front of a computer screen. Because of this, I recommend wearing sunscreen on the face if indoors or in front of a computer for extended periods of time.' 'In order to achieve the SPF on the label, you need about one shot glass of sunscreen — most people tend to use less,' says Miller. Ren adds that sunscreen should also be applied 15 minutes before going outside. And remember to slather it on commonly forgotten areas, such as the back of your ears, the back of your hands and the top of your feet, along with wearing lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. As one expert put it: 'Lip gloss that doesn't contain SPF is like applying baby oil to your lips.' In general, sunscreen lasts about two hours. If you're staying cool and dry indoors and aren't near any windows, you can stretch that to four to six hours, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. But sunscreen should be reapplied about every two hours if you're outdoors, more often if you're swimming or sweating. Water-resistant sunscreens can protect your skin, even when wet, for 40-80 minutes tops and then they need to be reapplied. (There's no such thing as waterproof or sweat-proof sunscreen so manufacturers are not allowed to make those claims, according to the Food and Drug Administration.) 'Even if you go for a high SPF sunscreen, you're not reaping the full benefits of that high SPF sunscreen unless you're thoroughly covering the sun-exposed areas and reapplying,' says Ren. Sunscreen doesn't last forever, so it's worth checking your cabinets and beach bags for expired products. FDA regulations require all nonprescription drugs, including sunscreen, to have an expiration date, though there's an exception to that rule if a manufacturer's stability testing shows the product will remain stable for at least three years. 'Many sunscreens include an expiration date,' says Svidzinski. 'If the sunscreen doesn't have an expiration date, write the date you bought it on the bottle and discard it three years later.' Not sure how old your sunscreen is? Discard it, per the FDA. Avoid leaving sunscreen in hot cars or in direct sunlight, which Garshick says can impact how effective it is. 'Leaving sunscreen in a hot car can make the preservatives break down, which can lead to colonization with bacteria or yeast,' explains Butler. You should also keep an eye out for changes in sunscreen color, smell or consistency. 'Signs that should make you throw it away is if it smells badly or if it's extra watery when it comes out,' he says. The most important factor in choosing the "right" sunscreen is selecting the recommended SPF of 30, says Svidzinski. 'After that, the 'right sunscreen' is the one that you are going to use,' she says. Butler tells his patients to try three or four different options before deciding on an everyday sunscreen that they're happy with. For those with sensitive skin, Garshick says it's best to opt for a mineral sunscreen 'as they tend to be less irritating and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.' Those with acne-prone skin 'should look for sunscreens that are non-comedogenic or oil-free to help minimize any potential for breakouts,' she says. For those with darker skin, Garshick says that chemical sunscreens may be preferred 'as they tend to absorb in easily without leaving a white cast.' However Svidzinski says that with the improved formulation of mineral sunscreens 'there are a lot more options for skin of color.' Garshick adds that tinted sunscreens are also an option to best match a specific skin tone. 'Sunscreen sprays and sticks can offer the same amount of protection as lotions if a proper amount is applied,' says Garshick. 'The issue for most sprays and sticks is people do not typically apply enough or do not apply an even coat so there are skip areas that may be at risk of burn. Sunscreen sprays are not bad for you but it is important to use them properly. Ultimately, some sunscreen is better than no sunscreen, but either way it is important to ensure enough sunscreen is applied.' However, some dermatologists recommend caution around using spray sunscreen. 'Sprays are popular due to their ease of use, however little is known about the effects of inhaling particles of sunscreen into the lungs, making it difficult to recommend their use,' Miller says. Butler adds that 'regarding spray sunscreens, if aerosolized, they may contain benzenes which, at high levels, can cause negative health impacts.' But if you're determined to use them, Svidzinski says it's 'essential to rub spray sunscreen in to ensure even coverage.' And given that there's some concern about inhalation, she recommends applying them in a well-ventilated area and avoiding spraying directly on the face. Dermatologists are mixed as to whether makeup and facial moisturizers with SPF offer enough sun protection. (Also worth noting: They only help protect your face — any other exposed skin needs sunscreen too.) 'These are great for everyday sun protection,' says Butler. 'Ideally, they would be SPF 30 or greater to ensure the cancer protection impact as well as the benefits of aging prevention.' However, Garshick says that even though a daily moisturizer or foundation with SPF may indicate that it provides sun protection, 'it is not typically considered enough because most often people do not apply a sufficient amount of moisturizer or foundation to get the amount of protection as indicated on the label.' Svidzinski agrees. 'SPF makeup is not a substitute for a stand-alone sunscreen,' she says. 'Daily moisturizer with a minimum SPF of 30 may be OK if your day consists of very little time outdoors.' But, she says, along with not putting on enough to provide full protection, you likely won't reapply SPF-infused makeup or moisturizer throughout the day. 'This is why I recommend using a dedicated physical sunscreen SPF 30 in addition to your moisturizer or makeup with SPF.' Although sunscreen typically gets the most attention, it isn't the only way to avoid harmful UV rays. There are other steps you can and should take, say experts — namely, seeking shade when the sun's rays are strongest. Typically, that's between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 'But of course this may vary depending on your location,' says Ren, 'so more importantly, seek shade whenever your shadow is shorter than you.' Also, wear sun-protective clothing. This includes tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts and pants with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), wide-brimmed hats and large-framed sunglasses with UV protection, says Ren.

Pandemic flashback: Manufacturers can't get supplies
Pandemic flashback: Manufacturers can't get supplies

Axios

time04-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Axios

Pandemic flashback: Manufacturers can't get supplies

American manufacturers are having pandemic flashbacks: some say tariff disruptions are starting to stack up to the COVID era, with nearly as much difficulty securing critical inputs. Why it matters: Tariffs were supposed to spur a manufacturing renaissance, not bring the manufacturing economy grinding to a halt. The big picture: Factories are reporting increasingly longer delivery times for supplies. Material prices are rising at a faster rate. Automakers are warning of supply disruptions shutting down assembly lines, with at least one carmaker pausing production. This time there is no deadly virus, though trade wars and tariffs are still sending shockwaves through global supply chains, which could leave consumers with fewer options on shelves. What they're saying:"The administration's tariffs alone have created supply chain disruptions rivaling that of COVID-19," an electric equipment manufacturer told the Institute for Supply Management in the group's most recent sector survey. State of play: Supplier delivery times are the slowest in 2 years, that survey showed — a result of companies slowing or canceling shipments in the wake of on-again, off-again tariffs. Suppliers are also struggling to keep up with manufacturers' accelerated requests to get goods into the country before tariffs take effect. It is taking longer for customs to clear shipments newly subject to tariffs. The process is further bogged down by companies "haggling" over who should pay the tariff bill, ISM said. The intrigue: This is an economic data anomaly. Supplier delays typically happen when manufacturers are racing to keep up with consumer demand, like 2021. But manufacturers are seeing new orders dry up at the fastest pace since the pandemic: "It is not normal that you have weak demand conditions, yet lead times are getting longer," Jason Miller, a supply chain management professor at Michigan State University, tells Axios. Tariff disruptions linger Threat level: The longer the disruptions last, the longer it takes to undo — even if tariffs vanish. "If the President wakes up tomorrow and says 'this is over,' you would see a huge boom and delivery times would get longer," Miller says. "That would be like throwing gasoline on fire." "It takes time for supply chains to get knotted up, but once it gets knotted, it takes a long time to get rectified," Miller said. Between the lines: Delivery times are below the peak seen in 2021, the height of the COVID-induced supply chain bottleneck, though auto manufacturers are sounding the alarm over shortages that threaten the type of plant closures last seen during the pandemic. China cracked down on exports of rare earth elements and magnets to hit back at the U.S. for its tariffs. It controls the world's supply of these materials, despite years-long efforts to diversify stateside. That leaves U.S. automakers with no other option for the rare earth magnets that are necessary for critical components, including headlights and steering systems. Ford temporarily closed a Chicago-area factory last month after magnets ran dry, the New York Times reported. An auto trade group warned the White House of a possible "shutdown of assembly lines," Reuters reported. Another manufacturing gauge published by S&P Global found that supplier delays and price hikes spiked to the highest level since 2022 last month. Firms overwhelmingly blamed tariffs. "Smaller firms, and those in consumer facing markets, appear worst hit so far by the impact of tariffs on supply and price," Chris Williamson, an economist at S&P Global, said in a release. What to watch: Trump administration officials say China has been slow to restart rare earth mineral shipments, which they claim violates the terms of the trade truce notched last month. Officials say President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping are due to speak as soon as this week; the minerals issue is sure to be near top of the list. "We do not want to de-couple ... but we do need to de-risk," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS's Face the Nation last weekend of the relationship with China. The bottom line: The pandemic exposed America's supply vulnerabilities.

Crews work around clock after extreme storm damages fish hatchery facility: 'We won't know the total cost of renovation'
Crews work around clock after extreme storm damages fish hatchery facility: 'We won't know the total cost of renovation'

Yahoo

time03-06-2025

  • Climate
  • Yahoo

Crews work around clock after extreme storm damages fish hatchery facility: 'We won't know the total cost of renovation'

A trout hatchery is dealing with the consequences of intense rainfall that left the Arkansas facility with significant damage. According to K8 News, the Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery in Mammoth Spring was flooded after massive amounts of rainfall in April. It's one of five hatcheries operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission that produce millions of fish each year for public waters. Jason Miller, assistant chief of the AGFC's Fisheries Division, said debris was brought into the hatchery during the storm. Crews started their repairs after a damage assessment. "The Commission authorized $500,000 to get us started on both the hatchery recovery and the initial work on other infrastructure throughout eastern Arkansas, but we won't know the total cost of renovation until we can get a few more inspections complete now that we've cleared off a lot of the debris," Miller said, per K8 News. The AGFC said crews removed 26 dump truck loads of silt from the area, per the outlet. About 150,000 rainbow trout remain, but many were killed or escaped in heavy waters. Over a four-day period in April, eight states in the Mississippi River Valley experienced the heaviest spring rainfall on record in the region since 1950. Researchers found that rising global temperatures made the flooding even more intense. Human activities contribute to heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere that increase temperatures and trigger more frequent and powerful extreme weather events. Burning dirty fuels such as coal, gas, and oil affects the climate more than other human activities, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Due to the warming climate, a larger percentage of precipitation occurs during strong single-day events. Extreme weather events can lead to dangerous conditions for communities. In fact, the Climate Risk Index 2025 found that extreme weather has killed nearly 800,000 people and displaced millions over the last three decades. Do you think your home has good insulation? Definitely It's just all right It's good in some rooms Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Experts have issued warnings that extreme weather events will only become more destructive in the future. However, new technological advancements may help anticipate the storms and the aftermath. Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists developed technology using artificial intelligence to predict flooding, and experts at Columbia University created an interactive tool to help governments prepare for natural disasters. While resources to mitigate extreme weather continue to be developed, people can take steps to protect their homes. Installing solar panels with battery storage can help make homes more resilient during weather-related grid outages and lower energy costs. Resources such as EnergySage allow homeowners to compare quotes from local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installation. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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