Tork, an Essity brand and the global leader in professional hygiene, announced findings of a global survey of restroom users and cleaning staff that explores attitudes toward hygiene in public restrooms, the hygiene barriers that users encounter, the challenges cleaners face and the consequences of a poor restroom experience. Public restrooms are failing hygiene expectations globally – and it’s costing businesses  The research, which surveyed 11,500 people across 11 countries, shows there are high expectations for hygiene and cleanliness in the public restroom. 74% expect moderate or high levels of hygiene. Yet, only 20% of restrooms deliver on those expectations 1. 40% of the general population is “very concerned” with hygiene and cleanliness of public spaces and that number jumps to 60% for people with conditions like germaphobia. A poor restroom experience can trigger powerful emotions and measurable business consequences. When expectations for cleanliness are not met, users feel disgusted (27%), uncomfortable (26%) and frustrated (22%). And 52% of people take action after a poor restroom experience.

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 1.2% in July after falling 2% in June. In July, the index equaled 109.8 (2015=100) compared with 111.1 in June. “Softness in tonnage over the last few months is due more to supply constraints, rather than a big drop in freight volumes,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Not only are there broader supply chain issues, like semiconductors, holding tonnage back, but there are also industry specific difficulties, including the driver shortage and lack of equipment. For-hire truckload carriers are operating fewer trucks than a year earlier. It is difficult to haul significantly more freight with fewer trucks and drivers. “In addition to these supply issues, retail sales and housing starts, both large drivers of truck freight, retreated in July, although both rose on a year-over-year basis,” he said. June’s reading was revised down to -2% from our July 20 press release. Compared with July 2020, the SA index fell 2.9%, which was the first year-over-year drop since March. In June, the index was flat from a year earlier. Year-to-date, compared with the same seven months in 2020, tonnage is down 0.2%.

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index fell 1.1% in July after rising 0.5% in June. In July, the index equaled 116.2 (2015=100) versus 117.5 in June. “Tonnage declined sequentially in July for only the second time during the last twelve months. Despite the dip from June, tonnage remains at elevated levels and increased significantly from a year earlier,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “While tonnage is much stronger than a year ago, the monthly gains have moderated as the year has gone on. The combination of softer consumption of goods, home construction falling and slower manufacturing activity are the main reasons.” June’s increase was revised down from our July 19 press release. Compared with July 2021, the SA index increased 5.1%, which was the eleventh straight year-over-year gain. In June, the index was up 5.6% from a year earlier. Year-to-date, compared with the same period in 2021, tonnage was up 3.4%.