Posts Tagged ‘shipping’

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Road Scholar Makes Shipping Quicker and Easier on RoadScholar.com

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

Road Scholar Transport is dedicated to providing quality transportation, immediate customer service, and making shipping fluent and stress-free to our customers.  That’s why we’ve built our website with a wide variety of tools and services that provide shippers with a quick and convenient way to communicate and gather information regarding their shipments with just the click of a button.  Let’s take a tour of the options you have available at www.roadscholar.com.

Live Chat with a Transportation Expert: Have a question about a shipment?  Need to get a quote ASAP?  Then use our live chat to get answers to your questions instantly.

chat

Access to Documents/Certifications: Including our liability insurance, hazmat credentials, SmartWay Certification Certificate, and much more.

Instant Rates & Quotes Online: Get rate quotes in a matter of minutes through our quote form (http://www.roadscholar.com/freightquote.php) or via the live chat option.

quote

Online Tools: Sign up to gain access to:

-Real time satellite tracking of your freight anywhere via your computer or mobile device!

-Scheduling a pickup online

-Retrieving documents online

-Printing a BOL

-And much more!

Sign up today at http://www.vlmtools.com/trucking/login.php?a=19.

Company News/Blogs: Stay informed with the latest news in the trucking industry, awareness campaign articles, and company news at http://www.roadscholar.com/blog/.

blog

Live Mapping of Equipment Availability Areas so you know where are vans and reefers are currently located at http://www.roadscholar.com/equipmentavailability.php

Employment Opportunities: Want to become part of a winning team that strives for excellence?  Then visit http://www.roadscholar.com/employment.php.  Here are some things Road Scholar has to offer:

-A reputable carrier

-Excellent pay and benefits

-Flexibility in your work schedule (both part-time and full-time positions available)

-Home time

-A great work environment

-Excellent equipment

-And the chance to make a difference

apply

Testimonials-Don’t take our word for it.  View testimonials from freight and auto hauling customers just like you about our service at http://www.roadscholar.com/freighthaulingtestimonials.php

Join our Mailing List so never miss contests, special discounts, and trucking industry news.

mailing list

Verify Driver ID Badges via Regiscope

Contests and Games: Check back often for new contests and games to be posted for your chance to win prizes!  Featured right now is Road Scholar’s NFL Challenge.  Whether you are a die-hard NFL fan or just trying to learn more about and get involved with the games, this is the contest for you.  Just  pick the winner of each game.  It’s that easy!  http://www.roadscholar.com/nfl/ Other popular annual contests include the NASCAR Challenge, PGA Challenge, and March Madness.

football pool

Quick access to our social media sites by clicking the blog, Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, and LinkedIn icons at the bottom of the page.  Follow us regularly to be informed of contests, special discounts, and trucking industry news.

Awareness Campaign: Road Scholar has vowed to travel ten million miles, spreading awareness of the many diseases/conditions battling lives today, through the use our trucks’ rolling billboards.  View pictures of our awareness trailers and learn more about Road Scholar’s Ten Million Miles to a Cure Campaign at www.roadscholarawareness.com.  Our awareness trucks currently include:

-Alex’s Lemonade

-Autism Speaks

-American Breast Cancer Foundation

-Children’s Tumor Foundation

-Prostate Cancer Awareness

-International Rett Syndrome Foundation

-St. Joseph’s Center

-American Foundation for the Blind

-Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

-Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN)

-The Flight 93 National Memorial

-The American Red Cross

-Clayton’s Hope (benefiting epilepsy)

-Children’s Craniofacial Foundation

-Make a Wish Foundation

-Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation

-Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (Rock on Judi H)

-Stop Bullying

-Parkinson’s Disease

-Marley’s Mission

-9/11 Rolling Memorial

-Miracle for Ava…a Cure for Brain Tumors

-Lyla’s Hope-Spina Bfida

awareness campaign

While your at our Awareness site, don’t forget to play our Awareness Matching Game at http://www.roadscholar.com/contestgames.php and send an awareness e-card. There are times in everyone’s life when something unfortunate happens to someone we love and we wish we could have done something about it.  Show someone you care by sending them an awareness e-card, demonstrating to them how much they mean to you and reminding them to get a check-up.  Currently, there are awareness e-cards for the following organizations:  American Foundation for the Blind, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Autism Speaks, American Breast Cancer Foundation, Children’s Tumor Foundation, Prostate Cancer, St. Joseph’s Hospital, International RETT Syndrome Foundation, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Flight 93 Memorial.  Send one today at http://www.roadscholarawareness.org/awareness-campaign/tell-a-friend/.

We are constantly working on building our site to reflect the needs of our customers so check back often for new tools and options!

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Posted in Awareness Campaign Articles, Company News, Freight Quotes, LTL Freight Quotes, LTL freight, Northeast Regional Freight Quotes, Services, auto hauling | Comments Off

FMCSA Takes Action Against Chameleon Carriers, Publishing Revision to Unified Registration System Proposal

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

FMCSAIn May of 2005, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a proposal that would require motor carriers, freight forwarders, and brokers who were registered with the DOT under 49 CFR 390.19 or 49 U.S.C. 13901 to “register with the FMCSA and periodically update registration information provided on a newly proposed registration form” (www.fmcsa.dot.gov).

But as more and more chameleon carriers (existing carriers who register as a new carrier in order to hide poor safety records) are coming out of the woodwork, the FMCSA is seeking solutions by revising their Unified Registration System (URS) proposal.

As thetrucker.com explains, the FMCSA has been under pressure lately over how effective they are in preventing chameleon carriers from entering into the system under a new DOT number.

The FMCSA’s Anne Ferro stated, “It is so easy to get an extra DOT number; it is too easy to get operating authority if you are not in the motor coach or household goods category,” thetrucker.com reported.

In response, the FMCSA published a new set of revised rules last Wednesday which include “certain screens a carrier must answer before they get to the next question” during the front-end application process, with “ behind-the-scenes checks that match other activities in which the principals of that company have been involved,” as well as “replacing four current identification and registration systems with a single, online system to consolidate and simplify current registration processes and to increase public accessibility to data about motor carriers and motor coach companies”

(http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2011/10/26/FMCSAmakesmovetopreventoperationofchameleoncarriersbuscompanies.aspx).

This system would get rid of the ICC MCC number and provide carriers with a single USDOT number, the article explains.

Road Scholar Transport provides a convenient site on their webpage where shippers can access our DOT Motor Carrier Safety Certificate, DOT Hazmat Authority, Liability Insurance, and other permits/certifications that you need to ensure that you are shipping with a qualified carrier and not a chameleon trucking company.

Although the FMCSA revised their proposal, issuing a supplemental notice, thetrucker.com notes that there still needs to be a comment period, pushing the proposal back a minimum of two years before a rule could be put in place.

What do you think of the FMCSA’s proposal?  What do you think needs to be done to prevent chameleon carriers from operating?

want a safe carrier

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Road Scholar Has the Services You Need to Make This Halloween “Spooktacular”

Friday, October 14th, 2011

Read this post at

http://www.roadscholarawareness.org/road-scholar-has-the-services-you-need-to-make-this-halloween-%E2%80%9Cspooktacular%E2%80%9D/

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Road Scholar Has the Services You Need to Make This Halloween “Spooktacular”

Friday, October 14th, 2011

pumpkinThis Halloween, you don’t have to be scared that your products are going to become tainted, ruined, or stolen during transport.  Road Scholar Transport has all the services you need to transform this Halloween from horrific to spooktacular!

With temperature regulated reefers, Road Scholar closely monitors your cargo to ensure that Halloween treats are transported under the right conditions, keeping them safe from melting and preventing contamination.

And what about those decorations that will surely make any house boo-tiful?  Whether it be a 10-inch mechanical bat or a 7-foot Frankenstein figure, Road Scholar offers both 48’ and 53’ vans for hauling your LTL and Truckload fright…I mean freight.

Need to ship those costumes yesterday?  Road Scholar offers expedited shipping to transport those last minute outfits and accessories in speeds as quick as a broom.

CCR

We won’t trick you about our services; we only want to treat you to luxuries including satellite tracking of your freight, temperature monitoring, courteous and uniformed drivers, security features, and much more.

We’ll even ship your products in our black Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation awareness truck!

Now that’s something to scream about!

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Retailers’ Expectation of Slow Consumer Spending for Holiday Season Could Backfire, Benefitting Trucking Companies

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

presentsRetailers are holding off on stocking up for the holiday season due to current consumer spending statistics which, looking at past seasons, is one move that could prove detrimental as the holiday season approaches.

After gaining a smaller than predicted increase of 0.3% last July, U.S. consumer spending reached an unexpected halt in August, according to an article in Providence Business News.

A reason for this, the article explains, comes from a lack of consumer confidence, which has increased to its “second lowest level this year” as “the number of households saying it was a bad time to spend was the highest in three years.”

In return, the two largest ports in the U.S., Los Angeles and Long Beach, have seen a 9.4% decrease in volume coming into the U.S. when compared to last year’s statistics due to retailers being cautious of weaker holiday sales (http://www.pbn.com/Retailers-cautious-on-US-consumers-risk-holiday-shipping-rush-,61298).

The problem with this is that retailers now face the chance of being undersupplied as a result of being unprepared, as was the case back in 2009 when consumer spending took a drastic turn for the positive.

If the same situation arises this year, trucking companies could greatly benefit as retailers will pay more to get their freight expedited to their stores to account for the holiday rush.  In cases like these, shippers rely on Road Scholar Transport for delivery of their products the next day or even same day!  Just go to http://www.roadscholar.com/mileage/index.php?to_zip=&=Calculate&from_zip to quickly calculate your expedited shipping time.

Not only will retailers rely on quick transportation means, but trucking companies could expect to see an increase in shipments as well which, despite capacity issues, can cause carriers to outperform.

Road Scholar

If you find yourself in need of shipping your freight in the securest, most efficient way, all you have to do is remember three words: Road Scholar Transport.  Road Scholar offers 48’ and 53’ trailer availability, van and reefer service, expedited shipping, hazmat certified drivers, and reliable service.

Visit www.roadscholar.com for all your seasonal shipping needs.

Do you forecast consumer spending for the holiday season to be muted or do you foresee a surge?

want your freight there fast

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Shipments Drop 3.7% in July as Carriers Increase Rates and Regionalize Shipping Areas to Deal with Capacity Issues

Friday, August 5th, 2011

The Cass Freight Index released its monthly freight activity report for July, showing a decrease in both freight shipments and freight volume costs.

Cass Freight Index

According to the report, freight shipments experienced their first decline last month by 3.7%, which the Index takes as a sign of a further weakening economy.  Not only that, but freight costs dropped 2.1% as well.

Although there was a notable decline in July when compared to previous months, the number of shipments was still 11% greater than last year’s, an article in thetrucker.com explains.

But the increase in freight shipments also came with an increase in capacity issues as well, with companies being affected by a number of issues including driver shortages, new rules/regulations (HOS, CSA 2010), and increasing prices (fuel/equipment).  As thetrucker.com notes, “The trucking industry has lost more than 16 percent of its capacity during the last three years.”

Companies are being forced to turn down shipments for the above reasons, especially due to a shortage of drivers.  The CK Commercial Vehicle Research’s Fleet Sentiment Q3 Report acknowledged that 40% of fleets admitted to having a driver shortage problem that is currently affecting their operations, while 25% claim that the shortage is preventing their company from growing.

The report continued to explain that out of the fleets experiencing problems with driver shortages, 63% say that it is preventing their company from expanding/adding capacity while 42% state that they are limiting their shipping areas to more regionalized/local moves instead of long haul (http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=74354).

Road Scholar Transport

As a result, shippers who must get their products moved are facing higher spot rates.  As analyst Rosalyn Wilson notes, “The rate picture for the rest of the year could be confusing, as costs are rising for fuel and labor, pushing up carrier expenses” (http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2011/8/5/CassShipmentsslipinJulycapacitystilldrivingrates.aspx).

If you among those dealing with capacity issues, visit www.roadscholar.com and let Road Scholar Transport handle your LTL and truckload freight.  With van, reefer, and hazmat certified drivers, Road Scholar can handle all of your shipping needs.

Are you currently seeing changes due to capacity issues?  Place your comments below.

want quality service

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Trucking Companies Running Carrier/Brokerage Arms Under Same Name are at Risk, Lawyers Explain

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

Andrew Light and Gregory Feary were just two lawyers who spoke at a recent conference held by the American Trucking Associations.

As an article in Transport Topics notes, a panel of attorneys advised those trucking companies who ran a ATAbrokerage in addition to their own transportation services, to keep the two separate by giving them different names.

Many trucking companies choose to add a brokerage arm onto their current business, finding it easier and cheaper than to create a whole new division with its own legal representation, the site notes.  But that comes with a risk.

As Attn. Light stated, “The motor carrier’s assets are at risk if the brokerage and carrier names are the same” (http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=27055).  But when classified as two different organizations, it would be the carrier and/or shipper held responsible for any liability and the broker gets off, acting as strictly a channel between the two.  For this reason, many shippers require that the carrier have full liability; however, some states have in place “anti-indemnification laws that prevent shippers from fobbing off liability onto other parties,” Feary furthered.

Now consider the fact that most shippers do not know who is handling their freight when shipping via a broker, who often finds the cheapest rate, and thus, the cheapest quality service.  This comes at a high risk of your products being transported by an unsafe and unqualified carrier, which, in return, leaves the shipper at a higher risk of dealing with liability issues than by shipping with an asset-based carrier such as Road Scholar Transport.

So what do the lawyers in attendance at the ATA conference recommend?

First, professionals agree that trucking companies should give their brokerage service a name that is distinguishable, yet similar to their carrier name, Transport Topics continues.

Although Attn. Feary recommends that brokers continue to use the “pass-through” method, he explains that some take it upon themselves to “seek out risk and responsibility,” doing so “as a selling point to shippers.” With that in mind, he also encouraged that carriers be on alert for “contracts and supporting documents that conflict with each other,” and “not to give back in ‘backdoor transaction documents’ what they were careful to claim in the primary agreements on service commitments, rate and payout terms, indemnification and restrictive covenants” (http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=27055).

Road Scholar Transport

With Road Scholar Transport, shippers can always expect that a uniformed, qualified driver with a safe CSA rating will be pulling up to their docks, eliminating the middle man and stress of who is transporting your freight.  And in the unfortunate event of an accident, Road Scholar has liability insurance to protect your freight.  View Road Scholar’s certifications and request a rate today at www.roadscholar.com.

What are your comments regarding the lawyers’ suggestion for trucking companies to keep brokerage separate and give it a new name?

news on the trucking industry

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2-Story Luxury Camper has Truck Drivers Retiring in Style

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

A recent chain e-mail has people’s jaws dropping as they leave their old occupation to pursue career in truck driving.

The Heat

Labeled “A Retired Truck’s Camper,” the chain message depicts several images of one of the most stylish, 2-story luxury campers that you will ever see.  But who exactly is the mastermind behind creating such a vehicle that has every truck driver wishing he/she was behind the wheel?

Their name is Anderson Mobile Estates and creating luxurious vehicles is something that is second-nature to them.

Will Smith

Founded in 1999, Anderson Mobile Estates has been creating spacious trailers for businesses, singers, even Hollywood stars including Will Smith, whose 1,050 square foot trailer priced at nearly $1.8 million caused disputes earlier this year by the amount of space it took up in a neighborhood where Smith was shooting his next film…speaking of films, did I mention the 100-inch flat screen television in the trailer’s movie room (http://ballerwives.com/2011/05/13/will-smiths-1-8-million-dollar-1050-sq-feet-movie-trailer-causing-controversy-in-new-york/)?

But they come bigger than that!  According to Anderson Mobile Estates’ website, they can customize trailers up to 1,200 square feet – that’s nearly 6 times the size of a traditional mobile trailer!

And that’s not all.  These trailers open up into a second story in less than 30 seconds, along with “expanding or contracting all ‘pop-out’ rooms in less than 10 minutes” (http://www.andersonmobileestates.com/).

Amenities within each depend on the type of trailer desired.  The one shown in the chain letter above is known as “The Heat,” but there are many others that stand out in their extravagance, including the one used by Will Smith called “Studio One.”

Anderson Mobile Estates

So what can you find inside of these trailers?  Here are just a few features provided by the website:  a full kitchen, master bedroom, spare bedrooms, deck, some contain third-stories, multiple living rooms, mini bars, play pens, bathrooms, recording studio, and much more.

What better way to retire from being a truck driver than to ride in style, the way that your freight travels when shipping with Road Scholar Transport?  With air ride capabilities, extensive security features, temperature protect trailers, and qualified drivers, your cargo will be transported in luxury.  Apply for a truck driving job today at http://www.roadscholar.com/employment.php.

What necessities would your dream truck contain?

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Second Annual World Wish Day Will Commemorate Foundation’s First Wish

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Make-A-WishApril 29th will mark World Wish Day, an event started by the Make-A-Wish Foundation last year in memory of Christopher James Greicius.

7-year-old Christopher James Greicius was granted Make-A-Wish’s first wish when he dreamed of becoming a police officer. Christopher who was diagnosed with leukemia, had his wish granted on April 29, 1980 when he flew in a Department of Public Safety helicopter, was sworn in as the first honorary DPS patrolman in Arizona state history, and even had a DPS uniform made especially for him.

Now, for the second year in a roll, Make-A-Wish affiliates from around the world will be granting wishes on the same day it all began, demonstrating how widespread the foundation has grown from just one wish.

36 countries (including Italy, Pakiston, Taiwan, and India) as well as over 100 affiliates will be participating in the event and granting at least one wish throughout the day, hopefully topping last year in which more than 275 wishes were granted.  That’s a lot of dreams come true.

The World Wish Day’s website (worldwishday.org) allows access to a live countdown until the event kicks off.  Those wishing to participate can donate via the website as well spread the word through Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail.

You can also show your support towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation by shipping with Road Scholar Transport.

Road Scholar Transport is traveling the nation, spreading awareness with our Make-A-Wish awareness trailer.  By transporting your LTL and Truckload freight with Road Scholar, you will be helping us keep spreading awareness while showing your support for a foundation that helps dreams become reality and put a smile on a sick child’s face.

Visit www.roadscholarawareness.org to learn more about Road Scholar’s awareness campaign and get a quote today!

Make-A-Wish Truck

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Autistic Boy’s Poem Prompts Kate Winslet to Raise Money for Treatment

Monday, March 28th, 2011

This boy had a golden hat.

The hat was magical.  It could talk.
The boy did not have any voice.  He had autism.
His hat was always with him.
His hat was lost one day.
Now he had no way of telling them his stories.
His mom and dad became sad.
They taught him spelling on a letterboard.
It was hard.
end

The above poem entitled “The Golden Hat” was written by 14-year-old Keli Ericsdottir, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of four.  With his mother’s persistence, Keli began using his letterboard to write poetry like the one above, eventually being able to conquer his non-verbal ability and verbally communicate.

The Golden Hat Foundation was soon created, dedicated towards helping children with autism learn to communicate like Keli.

kate winslet

A documentary entitled “A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism” was released last year featuring Keli’s story and narrated by Kate Winslet, known for her star role in Titanic.  It was after this documentary that Kate wanted to help.

“After watching A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism with my daughter, she turned to me and asked, “What if I wasn’t able to talk to you mummy?” As I thought about what that meant, for a mother not to be able to talk with her own child, I realized that I had to lend my voice to raise awareness of this rapidly increasing disorder.” (http://www.goldenhatfoundation.org/index.php)

Kate created a photograph book depicting self-portraits of various celebrities including Maryl Streep, Christina Aguilera, and Ben Stiller, wearing the golden hat from Keli’s poem.  Next to each celebrity’s photo, the celebrity shared what their first words would be if they could finally speak after years of nonverbal communication (http://www.ecorazzi.com/2011/03/28/kate-winslet-to-author-portrait-book-for-autism-charity/).

Kate’s book will be published in November by Simon & Schuster with proceeds being donated to The Golden Hat Foundation.

Did you know that autism affects 1 in every 110 children?  Road Scholar Transport does and is doing their part to help spread awareness with our Autism Speaks awareness trailers.  Help keep the freight moving and spread awareness by shipping with Road Scholar today.  Visit www.roadscholar.com to learn more.

What would your first words be if you were finally able to talk?

autism speaks

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