Posts Tagged ‘new jersey’
Wednesday, November 14th, 2012
The 4th quarter proves beneficial to retailers nationwide, accounting for nearly 40% of their yearly profits. But this year, profits may decrease as businesses attempt to recover from the damaging affects of Hurricane Sandy.
Before Hurricane Sandy touched down on the east coast last month, sales were down 10% this year but with closures, damaged goods, and outages resulting from the storm, sales are now down 15%. 1
In addition, with the northeast accounting for around 20% of the nation’s GDP (an estimated $3 trillion), nearly 0.5% of the 4th quarter’s growth is expected to be lost, a significant consequence being this year’s annual GDP was expected to reach 1-2%. 2
Over 8 million people lost power from the storm, along with significant flooding which led to the total destruction of several warehouses as well as closing of New York and New Jersey ports, resulting in delays, cancellations, and insurance claims for damaged/lost freight. 2
As one online retailer (Wayfair.com) noted, between “1,300 of its 4,000 suppliers were hit by everything from loss of power to flooding,” closing their doors for several days, even weeks. 2
And with Black Friday (the busiest shopping day of the year) less than two weeks away, retailers are now facing a shortage of orders as the ports are expected to have delayed shipments by several weeks as well as capacity becoming even tighter. As Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers’ president Jeff Bader states, he had “heard of numerous small trucking companies that are ‘totally destroyed,’ when the water got into their trucks, and are no longer able to operate as a business. That is a reduction that could create a shortage in vehicles to carry the goods.”3
In addition to the impacts of Hurricane Sandy, the trucking industry faces a 3.4% increase in tonnage in October compared to last year, which the American Trucking Associations notes as “the smallest year-over-year increase since December 2009.” 4
A change in consumer spending accounts for this small increase as more people turn towards gift cards for the holiday season rather than the hassle of choosing gifts. This change provokes a greater retail spending post-Christmas rather than prior as gift cards are traded in to capture the after holiday sales.
As the ATA’s Bob Costello notes, “Retailers used to stock up stores and we would be hauling it now and even earlier. Instead, they’ll ramp up and put in a last-minute push — pushes that can throw the supply chain in for some havoc,” which then turns into higher costs as trucking companies charge for premium service that often lead to higher prices for consumers. 4
Are you experiencing carrier issues since the storm? Road Scholar Transport has van and reefer capacity along with fully operational terminals in affected areas such as New York and New Jersey. Learn more at http://www.roadscholar.com/.
1http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/money/could-hurricane-sandy-affect-toy-sales
2http://www.cnbc.com/id/49698652
3http://www.northjersey.com/news/business/177418711_Ports_scramble_to_get_back.html
4http://www.omaha.com/article/20121111/MONEY/711119939/1697
Tags: Black Friday, capacity, freight quote, holiday shopping, Hurricane Sandy, new jersey, new york, reefer service, retailers, road scholar transport, trucking company, trucking industry, trucking news, van service
Posted in Freight Quotes, LTL Freight Quotes, LTL freight, Northeast Regional Freight Quotes, Services, Trucking Industry News | Comments Off
Monday, November 5th, 2012
Hurricane Sandy blew its way through 10 states last week, sending forceful winds and rain whose damaging effects killed over 110 people. Among those most devastated were New York (48 fatalities), New Jersey (24 fatalities) and Pennsylvania (14 fatalities). Some people lost everything, winding up homeless, as family, friends, and shelters took them in.
In desperate need of the little things we take for granted everyday-electricity, water, pajamas, food-people across the nation joined together to help in the relief effort. Road Scholar Transport was one of them.
With the cancellation of the 3rd annual Ryan’s Run, a marathon occurring in New York City raising funds for individuals with disabilities being treated at Allied Services in Northeastern Pennsylvania, due to the storm, “Ryan’s Run 3” became “Ryan’s Recovery.”
Ryan’s Recovery took place on Sunday at Allied Services in Scranton and Allied Heinz Rehab Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, collecting relief supplies to be distributed to Hurricane Sandy victims in New York and New Jersey.
Supplies that included flashlights, batteries, games, blankets, cleaning supplies, towels, T-shirts, and more, were loaded onto Road Scholar’s trucks, which will then be sorted and delivered during the week to New York and New Jersey churches and community drop off points.
Road Scholar Transport will be transporting over 80,000 lbs. of supplies. 
One of Road Scholar’s trucks taking part in the effort is our Red Cross Awareness Truck, which picked up one of these truckloads at Allied Heinz Rehab Hospital and will be delivering it into Staten Island.
To help donate to the Red Cross’ Hurricane Sandy efforts, visit http://www.redcross.org/hurricane-sandy.
Tags: Allied Heinz Rehab Hospital, Allied Services, awareness trucks, Hurricane Sandy, new jersey, new york, pennsylvania, Red Cross, road scholar transport, Ryan’s Recovery, Ryan’s Run, trucking company
Posted in Awareness Campaign Articles, Freight Quotes, LTL Freight Quotes, LTL freight, Northeast Regional Freight Quotes | Comments Off
Friday, December 30th, 2011
For many truckers, the New Year will bring forth many challenges, such as new regulations and capacity issues. To add to the fire, numerous truckers will now face rising toll costs in several states.
Effective January 1st, drivers traveling in states which include New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, among others, will be facing some significant toll hikes in order to keep the flow of goods moving.
New Jersey will be raising their tolls for the second time in three years as part of former Gov. Jon Corzine’s two-phase increase established in 2008, rising tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway by nearly 50%, according to Transport Topics.
As the site notes, 5-axle trucks traveling the length of the turnpike, will now have to pay an additional $15 via E-Z Pass, bringing the total to $43.20 (http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=28376).
In other states such as Ohio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, truckers paying cash will be affected the most, with many of the E-Z Pass rates remaining the same.
Ohio truckers haven’t faced an increase in over two years but as of Jan. 1st, will be paying an additional $6 to travel the length of the turnpike at $61 (http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/3ea19b42977c479ba619236fab87bc6b/OH–Ohio-Turnpike-Tolls/).
Maryland 5-axle or more truck drivers paying cash will face “$6-$8 per trip, depending on the number of axles, at the Fort McHenry (I-95) and Baltimore Harbor (I-895) tunnels and the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695), $6-$7 per trip at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95) and Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40), and $9-$12 per trip at the Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US 301) and the Bay Bridge (US 50/301),” with Baltimore expecting another bridge and tunnel toll increase within 18 months (http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=75652).
The Pennsylvania turnpike will be increasing cash tolls as well by 10% but will keep the E-Z Pass rates the same.
There have been arguments over the decision to raise these toll prices, believing that truck drivers, especially owner-operators, will avoid these toll roads due to costs and instead, travel on secondary roads, congesting traffic, and thus, causing delays.
Road Scholar Transport uses real time traffic overlay to see if traffic may impact your shipment, choosing the best route for delivery. Visit www.roadscholar.com to learn more about Road Scholar’s on-time delivery guarantee for your LTL and Truckload freight.
List your comments regarding the toll increases and what effects you believe these will have below.
Tags: Baltimore Harbor, Bay Bridge, E-Z pass, Fort McHenry, Garden State Parkway, Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge, John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, Jon Corzine, LTL freight, Maryland, MD, new jersey, New Jersey Turnpike, New Year, NJ, OH, Ohio, pa, pennsylvania, road scholar transport, shipment, Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge, toll increases, truck driver, trucking news, truckload freight
Posted in LTL freight, Services, Trucking Industry News | Comments Off
Friday, October 14th, 2011
I have worked for Road Scholar in sales now for the last three years and loved every minute of it!! One of the best stories I have is how I came to work for Road Scholar. I moved here from Iowa and was previously a professional recruiter. When I moved, the job market 
was not in the best shape and I applied for several recruiting jobs in various industries. I realized in order to get a job, I would need to put my skills to the test. So, I went to a recruiting firm and explained to the owner that I would work at 100% commission. He already had a medical recruiter, so I decided I would recruit in another industry.
There was a point in time where I was just looking for a great candidate in any industry and I found one…in trucking! He was a Director of Operations and I decided to take him to a company ran by Mr. James Barrett.
In my first meeting with Mr. Barrett, he ended up recruiting me in the process and that is how I came to work here!! I have to say it was the best move I have ever made! I love the people I work with, my customers, and our charity programs!
Before you start your day in sales, make sure you have a cup of coffee! That is my motto. You never know what the day is going to bring. For example, I had a meeting in Jersey City, New Jersey over the summer. It was a clear, sunny beautiful day UNTIL…I was on my way to a meeting and my customer informed me there was a tornado coming that way. Growing up in Iowa, I am pretty used to these monstrous storms, but I did not see a drastic change in the weather and informed my customer that I would be fine. As I was crossing the bridge that went over the ocean in a huge line of traffic, I saw the weather change before my eyes. I started to assess the situation and prepare myself for what I believed was about to occur.
Unlike Iowa, there were no tornado sirens to warn you of the oncoming threat. I was also on a bridge and in Iowa when a tornado came and you were driving I was always taught to pull over and get in a ditch. So I thought to myself, great, do I get out of my car and jump in the water??? Luckily, the traffic eased up and I was able to get off of the bridge and the storm passed.
This is why I am always prepared with that little cup of heaven and the caffeine that is in it as you never know what your day is going to bring!
Tags: awareness trucks, charity programs, Jen Garrison, Jersey City, new jersey, professional recruiter, road scholar transport, sales rep
Posted in Trucking Industry News | Comments Off
Friday, September 30th, 2011
Last Tuesday, over 2 million AAA members announced their decision to sue the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey in response to a recent hike in toll costs, calling the Port’s action illegal.
AAA New York and North Jersey groups urged the Port Authority to revert back to prior tolls, which increased on September 18th from $40 to $65 for 5-axle trucks paying in cash and $50 for E-Z pass users.
According to AAA, the “toll increases are being illegally used to subsidize the rebuilding of the World Trade Center” (http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-09-27/aaa-sues-port-authority-to-reverse-new-york-toll-increase.html). For that reason, AAA explains that the Port Authority is in violation of the Federal Highway Act of 1987 and the Commerce Clause which state that the tolls must be “just and reasonable and invested in transportation,” an article in Business Week states.
On top of that, the Port Authority has ignored AAA’s request for a plan that explains what the money from the increased toll rates would be used for, NorthJersey.com notes.
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, however, considers AAA’s argument to be “without merit.”
Even before the increase, New York was known to have high tolls and with 90% of NYC inbound freight relying on trucks as its means of transport, the price of goods and service is expected to get costly.
For example, APL Limited, which is responsible for 37% of the New York Container Terminal’s business, has decided not to renew its lease, stating toll hikes as a reason (http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/08/new_york_container_terminal_lo.html).
Likewise, higher tolls will affect trucking companies as well, as many will not be able to compete with increasing tolls, causing some of them to go out of business or cut back on their service areas, leading to tighter capacity issues.
Shippers delivering into or out of these areas will, in return, experience higher transportation costs to account for these toll increases.
Road Scholar Transport has the ability to move your LTL and Truckload freight 24/7 and at competitive rates. Visit www.roadscholar.com to view our primary and extended service area map and to get an instant rate on your van and refrigerated freight today!
What do think of the AAA’s decision to sue the Port Authority? Do you feel that what the Port Authority is doing is illegal or do you agree that the AAA’s argument is “without merit?” List your comments below!
Tags: 5-axle, AAA, APL Limited, Commerce Clause, Federal Highway Act of 1987, lawsuit, LTL freight, new jersey, new york, New York Container Terminal, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, refrigerated freight, road scholar transport, toll increase, tractor-trailer, trucking company, trucking news, truckload freight, van, World Trade Center
Posted in Services, Trucking Industry News | Comments Off
Monday, August 22nd, 2011
Last Friday, authorities approved a proposal that would double bridge and tunnel toll costs for New York and New Jersey ports, causing many trucking companies to become irate.
According to the NY Post, 5-axle trucks paying with cash will be charged $65 instead of $40, with this number hitting $105 in a 5-year time frame. As truckinginfo.com explains, these trucks will owe $3 per axle, paying “a total of $40 during peak hours, $35 during off-peak hours and $27.50 during overnight hours on weekdays.”
Those trucks employing an E-Z pass will have a small cost break, paying $2 per axle, with that number increasing by $2 every December from 2012 to 2015, equaling a grand total of $50 for a five-axle truck, the site states.
With port authorities unable to receive tax revenue, and with costs due to the recession, authorities will use the money from the tolls for aiding projects including, “George Washington Bridge suspender ropes, Lincoln Tunnel Helix rehabilitation, Bayonne Bridge roadway raising, New Goethals Bridge with both Port Authority and private investment, PATH Car, signal, and station modernizations, airport runway and taxiway modernizations, security enhancements at all facilities, port infrastructure improvements to rail and roads in the port, and completion of the World Trade Center,” which is said to be a great expense, so much as preventing PA from repairing its own roads (http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=74487). Authorities predict $15 billion to go towards theses projects by 2015.
New York is already known to have the highest tolls in the state and with 90% of NYC inbound freight relying on trucks as its means of transport, the price of goods and service is expected to get costly.
Higher tolls result in higher rates from trucking companies, who are already charging delivery fees as a result of the tolls. Shippers, in return, will up the prices of their products to account for higher transportation costs, affecting consumers.
Not all trucking companies will be able to compete with the higher tolls however, causing some of them to go out of business or cut back on their service areas, leading to tighter capacity issues.
Road Scholar Transport, however, has the ability to move your LTL and Truckload freight 24/7. Visit www.roadscholar.com to view our primary and extended service area map and to get an instant rate on your van and refrigerated freight today!
What do think of the Port Authorities decision to double tolls in order to support projects such as the World Trade Center? List your comments below!
Tags: 5-axle truck, Bayonne Bridge, consumer, E-Z pass, George Washington Bridge, instant rate, Lincoln Tunnel Helix, LTL freight, New Goethals Bridge, new jersey, new york, NJ, NY, pa, PATH Car, port authorities, reefer, road scholar transport, shipper, toll rate increase, tolls, trucking company, trucking news, truckload freight, van, World Trade Center
Posted in LTL freight, Services, Trucking Industry News | Comments Off
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
The nuclear crisis in Japan has prompted many U.S. counties to conduct water and air tests in order to detect raised 
radioactive levels, with two states testing positive.
Pennsylvania and Massachusetts residents were notified over the past week of higher than normal levels of the radioactive isotope Iodine-131 in rainwater.
Gov. Tom Corbett of PA announced that small amounts of the isotope were found but that levels were still “25 times below levels considered dangerous to humans and animals” (http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/03/pennsylvanias_governor_says_th.html). Furthermore, samples from drinking water in six different regions were conducted and found to be free from radioactive elements, the site notes.
The same goes for Massachusetts, who reported low levels of Iodine-131 and no affects to their drinking water, as they continue to monitor the situation.
Why is it that traces are found in rainwater but not in drinking water? The simple answer is the process that rainwater goes through before becoming drinking water. As pennlive.com explains, “Rainwater is filtered as it seeps into the ground, diluted as it enters streams and is further treated at public water facilities.”
Other states, such as New Jersey and Maryland, have not detected any Iodine-131 in their rainwater as of yet, leading some to question if the traces found in PA and MA are not fully due to Japan but instead the location of the samples.
PA is being attacked with arguments stemming from the Marcellus drilling process, believing that the radioactive element Radium-226 from waste resulting from the gas wells are being released into streams (http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/03/pennsylvanias_governor_says_th.html). Although PA has detected Iodine-131 in its rainwater, there are arguments that the same tests should be conducted for Radium-226 as well. Corbett refused to comment on the Marcellus situation.
Others are claiming that the higher than normal levels found in MA rainwater are due to the “close proximity to the Vermont Yankee and Plymouth Pilgrim nuclear power plants,” in which case it would be understandable that a small amount of radioactive elements be found (http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/politics/Low-level-radiation-found-in-rain-water).
States continue to test water and air samples to ensure the safety of the public’s health.
In the meantime, Road Scholar Transport will continue to transport your purified water via our awareness trailers.
Visit www.roadscholarawareness.org to learn how Road Scholar is spreading awareness nationwide and request a quote today.
Do you think PA and MA should worry about the slightly higher levels of Iodine-131 in their rainwater, even though it is still classified as being below the “dangerous” level?
Tags: awareness campaign, awareness trucks, drilling, drinking water, gas well, Iodine-131, Japan, Marcellus, Maryland, Massachusetts, new jersey, pennsylvania, Plymouth Pilgrim, quote, radioactive elements, Radium-226, rainwater, road scholar transport, Tom Corbett, Vermont Yankee
Posted in Awareness Campaign Articles | Comments Off
Monday, February 28th, 2011
Mustangs, Camaros, BMWs, Jaguars, Ferraris, Porsches…so you finally got your dream car and will do anything to 
protect it. Right?
Just like the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds,” thieves strive to steal an automobile in 60 seconds or less. That gives you less than one minute to catch them before they take off, waving to you from behind the wheel of your 1964 Aston Martin DB5.
Take last month for instance, when nineteen BMWs were transported to an auto show in Detroit. After the show, the cars were set to be transported back to New Jersey via an auto hauling service, who had been in the process of loading them when the driver stepped away, leaving the car (and keys) easily accessible.
What happened next? Let’s just say that two thieves are now enjoying their new 7 Series BMW.
Imagine taking a trip only to find out that the carrier transporting your vehicle was inattentive, causing your car to be stolen.
With Road Scholar Transport’s auto hauling service, you won’t have to worry that your “baby” will be taken from you.
With competitive rates, shipping 24/7/365, and professional drivers, Road Scholar can provide you with service in as little as 48 hours.
Air ride equipment, enclosed car carriers which provide protection from elements, lift gates, and state of the art equipment will ease your worries about getting even the slightest scratch on your brand new car.
Enjoy your trip without worrying if your car was “gone in 60 seconds.” Road Scholar’s auto hauling service provides personal care and attention to your vehicle with security features including satellite tracking, so you know exactly where your vehicle is at all times.
Don’t take our word for it; check out our auto hauling testimonials at http://www.roadscholar.com/autohaulingtestimonials.php.
Here’s what one customer had to say, “My experience in using Road Scholar to transport my “baby” (Mercury Convertible Street Rod), next to my wife and children, one of my most cherished possessions, was excellent. From the early telephone calls to arrange the hauling of my custom car and your assistance in getting the job done on a short delivery schedule was an absolutely great job. Of course, I must mention the courtesy and care taken by your delivery driver who treated my car as if he were the owner. Your company has my endorsement, not only as a quality organization but one that is very qualified to handle these PRICELESS vehicles for this particular group known as car people.”
Go to http://www.roadscholar.com/autohauling.php and let us “babysit” your car.
Tags: 1964 Aston Martin DB5, auto hauling, auto hauling testimonials, BMW, Camaro, car carrier, Detroit, Ferraris, Gone in 60 Seconds, Jaguar, Mercury Convertible Street Rod, Mustang, new jersey, Porsche, road scholar transport, satellite tracking, stolen car, thieves
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Friday, February 25th, 2011
FreightWatch recently released its Feb. 2010 to Jan. 2011 theft report.
Graph provided by FreightWatch
Based on FreightWatch’s graphs, electronics ranked in at the number one spot for the most common type of product stolen, accounting for 21% of all thefts. Food/drinks came in at a close second with 20% of all thefts recorded throughout the past year. Tobacco landed in the last spot at only 1%.
Pharmaceuticals, a high value target, only accounted for 5% of stolen goods thanks to pharmaceutical companies switching to Road Scholar Transport’s high security transportation services. Whether it be LTL freight, truckload, or auto hauling, your cargo is safe from theft when in the care of Road Scholar.
Graphs also reported theft via state, the highest being California with over 200 cases and New Jersey ranking second at a little over 100.
Graph provided by FreightWatch
The most common target location were trucks stops with over 120 reports throughout the year, followed by terminals which had slightly less than 100 reports. (None of Road Scholar’s terminals encountered theft due to 24/7 surveillance.) Driver theft was the least source.
As the site notes, although the number of thefts between Dec. 2010 and Jan. 2011 decreased, monetary loss skyrocketed from $351,616 in Dec. to $671,336 in Jan. (http://www.freightwatchintl.com/?q=webfm_send/37).
Don’t let your freight be included in these numbers. Protect your cargo from theft by shipping with Road Scholar Transport at www.roadscholar.com or calling 800-542-2301.
Tags: auto hauling, california, cargo, electronics, FreightWatch, LTL freight, new jersey, pharmaceuticals, road scholar transport, shipping, theft statistics, tobacco, truck stop, truckload
Posted in Services, Trucking Industry News | Comments Off
Friday, February 11th, 2011
Imagine driving down the interstate at 60 mph behind a mountain of snow just waiting to come crashing down on your vehicle.
That’s what happened earlier this week to one driver.
Under the codename “FREEFALLER25,” this individual took a video as he or she was driving on the Illinois interstate. The tractor trailer in front of the vehicle contained 4 ft. of snow on its roof, but it didn’t stay there for long.
The tractor trailer drove under an overpass, pushing the snow off and sending a white out to the vehicle(s) behind…an accident waiting to happen.
Luckily, the blinded driver managed to stay on the road without hitting anyone in the process.
In some states, such as New Jersey, it is illegal to drive with snow on the roof of your car and this is one reason why. Imagine the danger the driver could have experienced if there were more cars around.
That’s why Road Scholar Transport practices safe procedures, not only in winter, but all year round, maintaining a 0.0005% damage and loss rate. Visit www.roadscholar.com to learn more.
Tags: Illinois, Interstate, new jersey, road scholar transport, snow, tractor-trailer, video, weather conditions, winter
Posted in Trucking Industry News | Comments Off
