Trucking news and briefs for Friday, May 29, 2020:
DOT distributing masks to transportation workers
The U.S. Department of Transportation will distribute some 2.1 million cloth masks to trucking companies and drivers as part of a larger initiative to distribute masks to transportation workers across the country. The department will distribute approximately 15.5 million masks to various transportation sectors.
“Transportation workers are on the frontlines of keeping our transportation systems operational during this public health emergency and their wellbeing and safety is paramount,” said Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.
DOT says the masks will be secured by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will be sent out over the coming weeks through the U.S. Postal Service. The breakdown of masks by transportation sector is as follows:
- Mass transit and passenger rail – 4.8 million
- Aviation – 3.8 million
- Maritime – 2.4 million
- Freight rail – 2.2 million
- Highway and motor carrier – 2.1 million
- Pipeline systems – 258,000
Xtra Lease adds 4,000 new trailers in 2020
Xtra Lease has ordered approximately 4,000 new trailers for 2020, which include a mix of dry vans and reefers. New trailers will arrive at the company’s rental facilities throughout the year.
The purchase includes a mix of 53-foot dry vans; 53-, 48- and 28-foot liftgate vans; and a select set of 53-foot reefers and 53- and 48-foot liftgate reefers.
All vans and reefers will be equipped with aerodynamic side skirts, low rolling-resistance tires and trailer tracking units. Dry vans will also be equipped with a cargo sensor.
