The Daily Dash: Tanker explosion + PPP scheme = big trouble

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what’s happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, we highlight legal troubles for a California trucking company owner, a rare investment for Lufthansa and more.

The High Five

1. The owner of two California trucking companies is facing wire fraud charges after prosecutors claim he obtained more than $667,000 in funds through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program while awaiting trial in a separate federal case involving an oil tanker that resulted in a fatal explosion. Clarissa Hawes’ report


2. The United Kingdom is dealing with the same squeeze on the driver supply as in the U.S., and its main regulatory agency has just eased its hours-of-service rules for a month to cope. The reaction? The country’s major trucking trade group is not happy with the move. John Kingston’s story


3. Deutsche Lufthansa AG is expanding its cargo capabilities with a rare investment in narrowbody freighters. The German flag carrier will acquire two Airbus A321 passenger aircraft and have them converted into freighters for use on intra-European routes that support growing e-commerce demand. Eric Kulisch with more


4. Amazon’s carbon emissions went up in 2020, but its carbon intensity went down, according to the company’s recent sustainability report. Amazon’s overall carbon emissions increased by 19% in 2020 — not surprising considering the company’s emissions from direct operations alone increased by 67% year over year. Alyssa Sporrer’s report


5. This week’s social media roundup focusing on trucking, transportation and weather includes a funnel spawned by a wildfire; a trucker who drove his rig into a river; and a train honoring the armed forces. Nick Austin’s Hot Shots


Five more to check out

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Cowen expects Electric Last Mile Systems to charge ahead

New motor carrier approvals at nosebleed levels, FTR says

Stranger things: Air cargo becomes value play over ocean freight

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