Local Truckers Face

Truckers Face 'Roller Coaster Ride' Year After Key Bridge Collapse

Heavy traffic and rising costs still challenge Maryland truckers after the Key Bridge collapse. "We're nowhere near financially recovered."

BY Jacob Baumgart, Patch Staff

A wreath laid by family members of the victims who died during the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore floats in the Patapsco River on Tuesday near the remnants of the bridge in observance of the first anniversary of the disaster. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

The loss of the Francis Scott Key Bridge pushed Baltimore trucking companies, and their employees, to their economic and emotional breaking points. The bridge collapse a year ago not only killed six highway workers, it also endangered the livelihoods of truckers.

Shipping volumes are back to normal, but truckers still face an uphill road to recovery. Lost revenue, increased traffic and elevated expenses continue to challenge transportation companies. Travel times have ballooned by almost 60 percent for some truckers, which could cost the industry nearly $450 million until the bridge is rebuilt.

Dawn Speakman's revenue plummeted to zero when the cargo ship Dali crashed into the Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, destroying a pivotal FINISH READING HERE

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