Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Average Business Mileage Reaches 65% of Pre-Pandemic Levels

Average business mileage across the U.S. has increased to 65% of pre-pandemic levels, and overall field activity is 85% higher than the week of April 5, the lowest level of business mileage in 2020, according to data from Motus.

October 22, 2020
Average Business Mileage Reaches 65% of Pre-Pandemic Levels

 

Photo: Motus

2 min to read


Average business mileage across the U.S. has increased to 65% of pre-pandemic levels, and overall field activity is 85% higher than the week of April 5, the lowest level of business mileage in 2020, according to a new mileage trends flash report from Motus.

Ad Loading...

The report covers business mileage – an indicator of field activity levels—and presents a current view of economic growth and recovery for different regions and industry sectors, according to Motus. The report measures business activity in three periods: pre-pandemic, stay-at-home (measuring activity from the start of COVID to May 2020), and WorkForward, the latter of which measured activity from the middle of May to now.

Ad Loading...
  • The food and beverage industry is at 79% of pre-pandemic levels.

  • The construction and building materials industries are at 73% of pre-pandemic levels.

  • Business services are at 60%, which is 24% above the average.

  • Hospitals and healthcare are at 60% of pre-pandemic levels, 7% above the average.

  • Pharmaceutical/Biotech & Medical Devices industries are at 56% of pre-pandemic levels, which is 29% above the average.

  • Retail is at 55% of pre-pandemic levels, 9% above the average.

  • Energy and environmental is at 45%, 22% above the average.

  • Manufacturing is at 44%, which is 36% above the average.

Mileage trended upward rapidly in most industries in May and June – most likely due to widespread reopening efforts and pent-up demand, according to data from Motus. Recent months have seen more volatility in mileage in different industry sectors—illustrating how business activity trends differ depending on where and how companies operate.

Regionally, meanwhile, the Western U.S. is trending at about 67% of pre-pandemic levels, business mileage in the South and Midwest has grown to 66% of pre-pandemic levels and Northeast mileage activity has grown to 60% of pre-pandemic levels.

More Operations

A transparent blue background of a hand stamping a paper is the background of text that says "What about fleet policy exceptions?" with the Automotive Fleet logo in the bottom right corner.
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 20, 2026

Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy

Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.

Read More →
A hand writing on an ipad with a transparent AI graphic over it
Operations•October 20, 2026

AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?

Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.

Read More →
Chevin 2026 Buyes Guide cover
Sponsored•October 14, 2026

A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027

Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An overhead image of a freeway system with no vehicles
Sponsored•by Shelley Mika•October 13, 2026

What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?

EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.

Read More →
A Cox Fleet technician working on the left with the rear view of a military man saluting a flag on the right
Operations•October 8, 2026

How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles

Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.

Read More →
A transparent toll background with the Automotive Fleet logo and Neology logo on top.
Operations•October 5, 2026

Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands

Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
wedding album, car, and car keys
Operations•by Chris Brown•October 2, 2026

Fleet Personal-Use Charges Edge Higher in 2026

Nearly eight in 10 surveyed fleets allow personal use of company vehicles, while just over half of respondents report charging employees for the privilege.

Read More →
AF news recap thumbnail
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 2, 2026

The Future of Fleet + What’s Changing Right Now | AF News Recap

Could developments overseas offer a preview of what’s coming for U.S. fleets? This week, we’re looking at the future of AI, autonomy, and electrification, plus Ford Pro’s new certified pre-owned program, smarter vehicle offboarding, and a new way for fleets to manage toll expenses.

Read More →
blue text over top of the top view of cars in a parking lot
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 1, 2026

How to Handle Vehicle Offboarding

What do fleet managers need to do when a driver leaves?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Motorq Whitepaper Cover - Fleet Managers Ultimate Playbook
Sponsored•October 1, 2026

Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity

Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.

Read More →