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Northeast Shippers May See Capacity Issues During Holidays Due to Sandy

Wednesday, November 14th, 2012

Hurricane Sandy

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

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Posted in Freight Quotes, LTL Freight Quotes, LTL freight, Northeast Regional Freight Quotes, Services, Trucking Industry News | Comments Off

New Issue Takes Number One Spot in ATRI’s Trucking Industry Survey

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012

ATRI

At an American Trucking Association’s meeting in Las Vegas on Monday, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released its 2012 top ten issues in the trucking industry, displaying ongoing issues while debuting new concerns.

Below are the top ten issues identified by over 4,000 trucking industry stakeholders participating in ATRI’s survey.

1.  CSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s CSA gained the number one spot for the first time as the top issue currently affecting the trucking industry.  In last year’s ATRI survey, drivers and owner-operators listed their concerns over CSA.  These included:

Job Security- With stricter regulations, CSA is predicted to remove 10-20% of drivers from the industry, increasing an already slim driver pool.  When asked how concerned drivers were over their own job security, they had equally diverse feelings, with 35.5% not being concerned at all, 32.5% being somewhat concerned, and 32% being extremely concerned.1

Safety- The CSA has stricter regulations in an effort to improve safety on the road.  But do drivers notice increased enforcement efforts as a result?  When asked if they noticed any changes in the number of times they were pulled over for roadside inspections, 27.2% admitted to a greater frequency, 6.9% to a decreased frequency, and 65.8% to no change at all.1

With the number of roadside inspections believed to be the same, drivers also admit there to be no change in their safety behaviors or vehicle standards, with 75.5% stating that their vehicle standards have not changed and 68.3% believing that their positive safety behaviors are the same.1

As American Trucking Association CEO Bill Graves explains, “This has been one of the biggest changes confronting our industry in the last 25-30 years — probably since deregulation.  CSA still has some serious flaws.”2

2.  HOS

Whereas the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration upheld a driver’s HOS at 11 hours, the group revised the hours of service provision to include two consecutive breaks between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5.am., reducing a driver’s work week from 82 to 70 hours,  which leads to lower wages since many drivers are paid by the mile.

The ATA, along with other groups continuing to oppose the ruling, are seeking changes to the following: 11-hour daily driving limit, 30-minute required breaks, and 34-hour restart provision.3

3.  Economy

Coming in at the number one spot last year, the economy fell to third this year due to continued, yet slow, growth, which the ATA expects to be at 1.5% for the rest of the year.

4.      Driver Shortage

It comes as no surprise that there is a shortage of drivers in the industry, which is expected to increase to 150,000 by the end of 2012 and reach 240,000 by the end of next year.

This shortage is the result of many combining factors including the trouble of finding new, qualified drivers to replace those who have retired, with this problem becoming worse with a 21-year-old age requirement, stricter regulations, and the cost of training, among many others.

5.  Fuel Issues/Prices

Fuel and oil were found to be the second highest carrier cost in ATRI’s Operational Cost of Trucking Survey, with diesel costs increasing 33.7 cents per gallon from October 2011 to September 2012.4

6.  EOBRs

Electronic Onboard Recording Devices ranked a new high since first appearance in the survey in 2007.  As ATRI’s survey states, “Though FMCSA had been working towards a new EOBR/ELD final rule that addressed harassment concerns, the agency’s work was preempted by the inclusion of an EOBR/ELD mandate for HOS tracking in the MAP-21 transportation bill passed by Congress in 2012.  In MAP-21, Congress gave the agency until October 1, 2013 to issue a final rule.”4

7.  Driver Retention

Last seen in ATRI’s top concern list in 2006, driver retention takes a spot again with driver turnover reaching the highest since 2007 in 2012’s 2nd quarter at 106% for large carriers due to “driver pay, driver quality of life, demographics, and workplace environment.”4

8.  Truck Parking

With CSA and HOS changes requiring drivers to take mandatory breaks, parking has become a factor for trucks, making its debut for the first time on ATRI’s list.

9.  Driver Health/Wellness

Along with the debut of truck parking is driver health.  According to the ATRI’s report, “Past research has shown that the nature of the truck driving profession exposes drivers to lifestyle behaviors that can have negative health consequences (e.g. lack of exercise, poor diet).”

10.  Congestion and Highway Infrastructure

Several factors result in congestion on our nation’s roads including avoidance of toll roads, construction, accidents, etc., resulting in loss of time and thus profits for carriers and drivers.

Also tied in the number 10 spot was highway infrastructure, with the signing of a new two-year authorization bill in July.4

To receive a copy of ATRI’s report, visit http://atri-online.org/2012/10/08/critical-issues-in-the-trucking-industry-2012-report-request/.

How would you rate the top ten concerns in the trucking industry?  What would you consider to be your top concerns?  Share your comments!

Below are the top ten issues stated in ATRI’s trucking Survey from 2005-2012.

top issues

Click to Enlarge

1http://www.atri-online.org/research/safety/ATRI_CSA_Driver_Survey_Results.pdf:

2http://www.todaystrucking.com/graves-addresses-industry-concerns-says-embrace-change

3http://www.melodika.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=419974&Itemid=55

4ATRI’s Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry 2012 report

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Low Bridge Accidents Point to GPS Systems, Federal Standards Sought

Friday, September 28th, 2012

video

The video on the right portrays 13 trucking accidents occurring under a low bridge in Durham, NC within a 13 month time frame.

Unfortunately, these accidents are drastically increasing throughout the country and consumer GPS systems are playing a large role.

NY Senator Chuck Schumer addressed the issue last Monday, stating that over 80% of low-bridge accidents in NY were the result of truckers “relying on consumer GPS systems to plan their routes,” with over 200 of these cases occurring in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester County in the last two years.1

Whereas commercial GPS systems contain information for truckers, such as bridge clearances, the consumer GPS systems many truckers are utilizing due to lack of knowledge regarding the differences between these units as well as cost (consumer GPS systems range from $100 to $175 while commercial systems can average between $300 to $400) do not provide the same level of detail and often direct trucks into danger zones.1

showme

Road Scholar’s ShowMe feature allows us to use the Google Maps traffic congestion overlay to see where our trucks are and where traffic may effect delivery in order to choose the best route to avoid delays.

Not only do these crashes result in traffic tie-ups, but damage cost, including the customer’s freight.  According to Schumer, “Repairs on the Long Island Expressway alone due to truck- bridge accidents have cost $4.1 million. In addition, the state has spent $3 million for 300 bridge warning signs.”2

The DOT is currently looking into Schumer’s request to “develop federal standards for truck routing systems” as well as “conduct an investigation into the increased bridge accidents” and for GPS system manufacturers to “include warning systems for truck drivers to prevent them from ever getting on parkways illegally.” 1, 3

In 2011, the state of IL passed a law that went into effect this year that would help reduce low-bridge accidents.  According to the law:

-Local governments would be required to “report road restrictions and designations to the state Department of Transportation, which posts a unified list on its web site.”1

-The DOT is required to “prepare a brochure to educate drivers about the problem by explaining the difference between a consumer and a commercial GPS system.”1 This can be found at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_cdl14.pdf.

-The DOT “includes material about the distinction between consumer and truck routing systems in its curriculum for its commercial driver’s license exam.” 1

“If we have the technology to send a truck to Mars, we have the technology to prevent trucks from crashing into bridges,” Schumer stated.2

Below are the benefits of utilizing a commercial GPS as stated in the IL DOT’s brochure.

  • “Unlike car GPS units, truck-specific GPS devices take into account road restrictions, type of load carried, truck configuration, and other metrics.”4
  • “Truck devices help prevent commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) from getting stuck on roads, under bridges or other inappropriate places, thus preventing traffic incidents.”4
  • “The devices also keep CMVs off of weight-restricted roads and bridges, which in turn protects the integrity of our highways.”4
  • “They also help to keep hazardous loads off restricted roads, further improving public safety.”4

Do you feel that federal standards, including warning systems, for truck routing systems need to be developed in order to prevent access onto illegal parkways and low-bridge accidents from trucking companies using consumer GPS systems?

1http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=78126

2http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-09-24/truckers-directed-by-gps-said-to-hit-new-york-bridges-200-times

3http://newrochelle.dailyvoice.com/news/schumer-bridge-strikes-threaten-scarsdale-drivers

4http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_cdl14.pdf

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Road Scholar Launches ‘Scholar Dollars’ Customer Rewards Program

Monday, September 24th, 2012

scholar dollars

Our customers matter.  That’s why Road Scholar Transport is pleased to announce a new Customer Rewards program that will allow participants to accumulate Scholar Dollars simply for submitting quote requests via the Road Scholar Transport web site. Scholar Dollars will equate to American Express rewards points where participants can view the online catalog and redeem rewards such as IPods, watches, and golf clubs. Reward multipliers for moves serviced and repeat moves serviced are part of the program to accelerate participants towards a rewards level… and look for weekly random opportunities for additional multipliers by frequently visiting the RoadScholar.com website or following us via our Social Media networks.

RULES:

*Customers must first sign up for the rewards program to obtain a unique Scholar Dollars Customer Rewards Code to be used when entering quote requests online. Go to http://www.roadscholar.com/rewardssignup2.php.

*To be eligible, quote requests must be submitted via http://www.roadscholar.com/quote.php.

*Limit of 10 unique quote requests per week. *Unique meaning the same origin to destination, service level, and size of load combination can only be submitted once per week.

*Existing customers who have meet certain business levels in 2012 will be awarded Scholar Dollars in the range of 2,500 to 13,000 for being “Established Valued Customers.”  Contact your Sales Rep for details.

*To qualify for Scholar Dollars, a move for an existing customer must be one that Road Scholar Transport has not serviced in the past six months.

*Both inbound and outbound freight qualifies.  As long as the shipment is handled by Road Scholar Transport.

*The origin and destination in the quote request must be within the Road Scholar Transport Primary Service area.

*Road Scholar Transport reserves the right to block a participant for repeat violations of the rules.

*“Scholar Dollars” is a not a physical currency and has no monetary value. Scholar Dollars will equate to points that can be used to redeem rewards.

SCORING:

Scoring for the Road Scholar Transport Scholar Dollars Program is as follows:

*Each quote request submitted per the rules above is worth 20 $cholar Dollars.

*If pricing is agreed upon, and Road Scholar Transport services the shipment represented in the quote request, a 10x Scholar Dollar Multiplier is applied. (100 Scholar Dollars).

*If the quote is for a repeat shipment, defined as the same shipment occurring weekly for the span of 4 consecutive weeks, a 50x Scholar Dollar Multiplier is applied (500 Scholar Dollars).

*There will be additional and random multipliers offered weekly.  These multipliers will be announced on www.roadscholar.com or via our social network sites Twitter and Facebook.

*Each member of the Scholar Dollars program will receive a monthly update email detailing the number of Scholar Dollars accumulated and distance from reward levels.

PRIZES:

Road Scholar Transport has partnered with American Express to provide rewards. One (1) Scholar Dollar is equal to One (1) American Express reward point. Rewards can be redeemed when a participant’s Scholar Dollars total exceeds 15,000. Participants can view the American Express catalog online:

http://www.americanexpress.com.my/membershiprewards/index.shtml

Participants can select rewards from the 15,000+ level or continue to accumulate points to any of the higher levels matching 1 Scholar Dollar to 1 American Express point.

Examples include:

Food processor = 15,000 points / 15,000 Scholar Dollars

$100 Amazon gift card = 18,000 points / 18,000 Scholar Dollars

Coffee maker = 19,000 points / 19,000 Scholar Dollars

Toaster = 30,000 points / 30,000 Scholar Dollars

16 GB Apple Ipod = 33,500 / 35,000 Scholar Dollars

Portable DVD Player = 34,900 points / 34,900 Scholar Dollars

Sony Mini Hi-Fi Music System MHC-EC79i = 39,000 points / 39,000 Scholar Dollars

Wii Game Console White = 48,000 points / 48,000 Scholar Dollars

Swarovski Ladies Elis – Crystal Mesh Watch = 62,000 points / 62,000 Scholar Dollars

When a participant has enough points to redeem the desired reward they can contact the rewards administrator at scholardollars@roadscholar.com to begin redemption process.

Thank you to all of our loyal customers!

sign up

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Posted in Company News, Freight Quotes, LTL Freight Quotes, LTL freight, Northeast Regional Freight Quotes, Services, Trucking Industry News | Comments Off

Fuel Tax Increase Predicted in 2013

Friday, August 31st, 2012
Click to Enlarge-US Retail Diesel Price Chart

Click to Enlarge-US Retail Diesel Price Chart

Diesel prices have gone up again, increasing 6 cents since last week to a national average of $4.09, 27 cents more than this time last year.  According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, California accounts for the highest diesel cost at $4.41.  And these prices may get worse with talk of a potential fuel tax increase next year.

With the Highway Trust Fund expected to go bankrupt in 2013, Politico published an article that brought up the potential of an increased tax on fuel being added to the next transportation bill to help pay for infrastructure. 1 As Politico explained, “The last time the gas tax was raised was 1993. Now, thanks to inflation, it would take 29 cents in 2012 dollars to purchase what 18 cents (the current fuel tax for gas) did in 1993,” with the federal diesel tax currently being 24.4 cents. 1

Although considered to be a “good tax” by economists in the 1990s through 2000, political members are not expected to show their support towards an increase until after the November elections, when the federal budget deficit is discussed next year, in fear of being exposed to “populist demagoguery and horrid ballot-box results.” 2

“At a time when we are in a recession and gasoline prices are already astronomically high, I don’t see any appetite in the Legislature for a gasoline tax increase – or any type of tax increase,” explained Senate Finance Committee Chairman Joey Fillingane. 3

Although a federal fuel tax increase is on the back burner for now, some states are already looking to increase their gas tax.  These include the following:

-New Jersey:  Currently has a proposal on the table (A 1633) that “would increase the gas tax 8 cents per year for three years, with inflationary increases every year after that.” 4

-Wyoming:  Constructed a draft bill that would tack on 10 cents a gallon tax on diesel and gas, raising the tax to 24 cents. 5

-Iowa:  Is looking towards a 10 cent per gallon increase in 2013.

While an increase in fuel taxes can hurt small businesses, many trucking companies are looking to utilize compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to save money.

Pennsylvania, one of the highest fuel taxed states in the nation, is one of the states looking to increase the number of CNG fueled vehicles on the roads, which is both cheaper and more eco-friendly. 6

The below graph displays the current diesel taxes by state.

diesel tax

What are your comments regarding the potential gas tax increase in 2013?  Do you find this increase necessary?  How would it affect your company?

1http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/08/23/taxes-tolls-and-politics-tolls-gas-tax-infrastructure-roads/

2http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424053111904628504577587422960083552.html

3http://www.wsbtv.com/ap/ap/energy/analysis-higher-fuel-tax-debate-renewed/nP9jg/

4http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times_news/opinion/guest/raising-the-gas-tax-don-t-we-pay-enough/article_9d5e79cc-d8ac-53cc-a30b-07c2c065fb06.html

5http://www.kulr8.com/news/wyoming/167338735.html

6http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/08/27/do-natural-gas-run-vehicles-pay-gasoline-taxes/

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Toll Increases Hit Pockets of Manufacturers/Carriers, Companies Lash Out

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012

NY ThruwayLast June, reports noted the New York State Thruway Authority’s consideration of imposing a 45% toll hike on commercial vehicles, effective as early as September 30th, in an attempt to raise $85 million to repair damage caused by trucks.

The Thruway Authority held three sessions last week in Buffalo, East Syracuse, and Newburgh, accepting public comments on the toll hike which would require trucks with an E-ZPass to pay nearly $40 more and cash paying truckers $42 more for a trip from Newburgh to Buffalo. 1

Attendees, which included shippers, manufacturers, and carriers, lashed out against the tolls, noting the increase as “intolerable,” “unfathomable,” “a lunacy” and “ridiculous.” 2

Although some demonstrated their support towards the hike, including Midlakes Navigation owner Peter Wiles who said that the increase would “cost less than a ½ cent per pound for produce shipped on the Thruway,” several businesses noted the negative affects that the tolls would have on their company, employees, and customers. 2

One issue that came to light among carriers was the great impact the tolls would have on their net profit.  One trucking company acknowledged that they would be hit with a cost of nearly $660,000 due to the polls while another noted that the hike would deduct nearly a third of their profit. 2 As one carrier explained, “This could put us out of business,” expecting the tolls to affect half of his company’s net income. 2

To account for profit deficits, companies in return resort to lowering costs within, including eliminating pay raises for drivers who are in desperate need in the industry.  “I’ve got people in the back of this room waiting three and four years for raises,” one company owner noted. 2

Additionally, trucking companies are choosing to take alternate routes in order to avoid tolls, which could ultimately lead to greater congestion on roads and longer routes, eating up a driver’s hours-of-service.

Still yet, carriers are finding no choice but to raise their costs/fees in order to account for this hike, thus impacting shippers and manufactures.

As Byrne Dairy owner Carl Byrne explained, dairy farmers who pay shipping costs “are going to get squeezed.” 2 He is expecting to pay an additional $200,000 annually due to the toll hike.

But it’s not just the dairy industry that will be affected but all shippers utilizing the Thruway to ship their products.  One farmer made a dramatic impression when he held up an asparagus fern he sells for $2 explaining that he would need to grow 1,800 more to account for the additional $3,600 he would owe if the toll hike becomes affective. 1

Manufactures, especially those in the food industry, are therefore charging more for their products, trickling costs down to wholesalers, and ultimately, to consumers.

Likewise, the state of Maine is facing similar toll increases which would increase rates by 40% ($5 to $7) for those traveling the length of the Maine Turnpike, “$1 at the York toll plaza and by 50 cents at toll plazas in West Gardiner and New Gloucester.” 3

This toll, which the Maine Motor Transport Association deems as “necessary” given that the last increase occurred in February 2009 and would result in an additional $21.1 million annually, would become effective November 1st. 3

Calculate tolls costs for the NY Thruway at http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/tolls/calc/index.html and current tolls on the Maine Turnpike at http://www.maineturnpike.com/Tolls/Cash-Toll-Calculator.aspx.

What circumstances do you foresee toll increases as having on your company?  On others?

In the past we introduced to you “The Perfect Storm for Capacity Shortage,” which correlates health care costs, credit markets, generation-x drivers retiring, CSA 2010, hours-of-service, fuel and equipment costs, and the lingering recession to the factors leading up to capacity shortage.

Do you think that increasing toll prices are the newest contributor the perfect storm?  List your comments below.

Perfect Storm for Capacity

1http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120819/NEWS/208190323

2http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2012/08/opponents_speak_out_at_thruway.html

3http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2012/8/17/HighertrucktollspartofnewMaineturnpikerates.aspx

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15 Industry Groups File Suit Against HOS

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

FMCSAWhen the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revised the hours of service provision to include two consecutive breaks between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5.am., reducing a driver’s work week from 82 to 70 hours and becoming effective July 1, 2013, it prompted many debates.

Last week, fifteen industry groups decided to fight back, filing a suit against the ruling.  These group include the American Bakers Association, Food Marketing Institute, Intermodal Association of North America, International Food Distributors Association, NASSTRAC, National Association of Manufacturers, National Chicken Council, National Grocers Association, National Private Truck Council, National Retail Federation, National Turkey Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Snack Food Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

Among the problems the groups are arguing the provision would result in include higher costs, the reduction of safety on the road, and lead to economic harm for agriculture, manufacturers, and retail supply chains and distributors.

As National Grocers Association President Peter Larkin states, “The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration clearly failed to take into account critical information such as costs on the entire supply chain that NGA and others provided in public comments.” 1

One of these costs reflects back on food manufacturers who need to deliver their products while they are fresh to their customers.  A delayed shipment can mean the difference between an accepted load and one that needs to be destroyed.

“It is the retail industry’s responsibility to get products to market and into consumers’ hands in a safe and timely manner. It is a responsibility that we hold dear. Any new regulation that impedes that ability increases our transportation costs, increases consumer prices and jeopardizes the fragile economic recovery,” the National Retail Federation notes. 2

And with a driver’s work week being reduced, carriers need to recruit additional drivers in an already tight driver pool, to account for lost time on the road.  Joni Casey, Intermodal Association of North America President, explains, “The 34-hour restart change is particularly problematic as it will reduce a driver’s present work week and impede the scheduling flexibility necessary to service…a negative impact that affects one will likely have a ripple effect across the entire supply chain.” 3

In fact, the Food Marketing Institute predicts that their transportation costs would increase between 10% and 20%, and therefore, trickle this increase down to the retail level. 1

The National Grocers Association adds that the restart provision would “add tens of thousands and in some cases millions in new costs on wholesale operations,” not to mention add congestion to the road, increasing safety concerns. 1

With the increasing number of groups stressing their concerns over the FMCSA’s hours of service, we are providing some tips to help you prevent scheduling dilemmas.

*Stop bidding out your business year over year.  No one gets used to the “players.”  Instead, establish and grow your relationship with a specific carrier(s).

*With that being said, work hand-in-hand with carriers to schedule routine shipments.  If a carrier knows that a particular lane will run a specific time each week or month, they can schedule backhaul, cutting back on costs for both the carrier and shipper.

*If you do not have a load that ships on a specific time of week/month, it is best to plan your lanes ahead of time.  Giving carriers a day or more notice can help them position their equipment efficiently.

*It is also beneficial to add additional carriers in cases where your primary carriers do not have the availability.

What changes do see the FMCSA’s HOS provision as having on the entire supply chain?  Are you involved with any of the organizations filing suit?  We would like to hear your comments below.

1http://supermarketnews.com/laws-amp-regulations/retail-groups-challenge-trucking-rule

2http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=77658

3http://www.progressiverailroading.com/intermodal/news/IANA-part-of-legal-brief-filing-in-FMCSA-hoursofservice-rule-case–31905

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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.

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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

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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

OOIDA Files Suit Against FMCSA Over Inaccurate Driver Records

Friday, July 20th, 2012

OOIDAEarlier this week, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association announced that it had filed a suit against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration last Friday stating that the agency has been releasing inaccurate driver records to employers that ultimately lead to negative consequences for drivers.

According to the suit, the FMCSA is accused of releasing driver data to employers conducting pre-employment screening before the driver’s accusation even reaches the court, resulting in sometimes inaccurate data where the driver was not at fault. 1

In addition, OOIDA presented three case examples in which drivers had their violations dismissed in court, however, these violations still remain in the system even after they submitted appeals through the agency’s DataQ.  The FMCSA’s refusal to remove these violations from the system “fails to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, with the Privacy Act, and with mandates governing agency action contained in the previous highway bill, SAFETEA-LU,” OOIDA stated. 1

As a result of inaccurate information being released, drivers are being turned down for jobs.

“By refusing to accept the determination by a court, the FMCSA has in essence made state law enforcement agencies the final judge and jury on all citations.  This can ultimately threaten business opportunities and income,” Jim Johnston, President of OOIDA remarked. 1

And it’s not just the driver that is affected but the trucking company as well.  The group mentioned the impact that the FMCSA’s CSA program has had especially on small carriers remarking, “This is a terrible message to send to a small-business owner, that the survival of their business is beholden to a computer system that is clearly out of touch with reality.” 2

In its suit, OOIDA asks that the U.S District Court for the District of Columbia mandate the FMCSA to remove any data in which a court ruling was not yet determined, those that were found not guilty in court, those that are “not serious driver-related violations,” as well as “enjoin the agency from distributing information without any reference to a dispute and a summary of the dispute, and enjoin the agency from distributing false, inaccurate, incomplete or misleading inspection reports.” 3

Want to view your data and don’t know how?

Carriers can view their safety scores through the following steps:

-1.  Go to the FMCSA website-www.fmcsa.dot.gov

-2.  Click on Safety & Security

-3.  Click on Company Safety Record

-4.  Click on Safety Fitness Electronic Records System

-5.  Click on Company Snapshot

-6.  Enter Carrier’s DOT, MC number, or Name

-7.  Click on SMS Results

Drivers can access their data by the following two ways:

-1.  Requesting the information via the pre-employment screening program site at http://www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Or

-2.  Requesting the information via the Freedom of Information Act site at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/foia/index.htm

Have a complaint to file but don’t know how?  Easy, just go to DataQ’s site at https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/login.asp.  You are then given the option to either sign in or register.  Once logged in, a driver is able to file an appeal.

If you are a driver who was effected by this false information and can prove you exceptional driving record, contact Road Scholar Transport today. We are always looking for talented, dedicated, and customer-obsessed drives to join our team.  Visit http://www.roadscholar.com/employment.php today.

Do you agree with OOIDA in that the FMCSA should not post driver data until it undergoes a court ruling?  Do you know of any circumstances where this has happened to a driver in the past?  List your comments below.

1http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=29742&t=OOIDA-Sues-FMCSA-Over-Driver-Database

2http://m.landlinemag.com/Story.aspx?StoryID=23877

3http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2012/7/17/OOIDAsuesFMCSAoverallegeddriverdatabaseinaccuracies.aspx

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President Signs Highway Bill Part 3: A National Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

Friday, July 13th, 2012

As part of the recently passed highway bill, Congress is mandating that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establish a federal drug and alcohol clearinghouse that would contain a database of positive test results as well as refusals.

According to the bill, “Motor carriers will be required to query the clearinghouse when screening new driver applicants and annually thereafter. Third party service agents will be permitted to conduct these inquiries on behalf of motor carriers.” 1

The agency has 2 years to establish a clearinghouse, however, the FMCSA is said to have already been working on a proposal and is expected to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking this year.

The creation of a federal alcohol and drug clearinghouse has been a topic of discussion for years now.  Concerns over whether truckers are legit when undergoing drug and alcohol testing prior to employment rose in 2008 when the Government Accountability Office conducted an investigation, discovering that drivers were able to dilute and adjust their urine samples so that they would test negative for drugs and alcohol, due to testing sites not following proper protocol.

Safety concerns grew even more by a loophole that permits drivers to disclose certain information on their resumes regarding past occurrences, including prior testing.  In an effort to close this loophole and put safer drivers on the road, Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman proposed The Safe Roads Act of 2011 last year.

That act vowed to do the following:

-Require employers to submit all data on tests in which they conducted or their refusal to take the test into the database. 2

-Employers must make sure that a test was conducted within the last three years and whether or not a driver was willing to partake or not. 2

-Employers must check their drivers in the database annually. 2

-Employers will be notified of any “positive test results that show up during the week after an employer’s inquiry.” 2

-Drivers must give their consent before their information is given out to an employer. 2

-Drivers will be notified of any activity regarding their records. 2

-Drivers need to maintain current/accurate records. 2

-Drivers need to undergo proper procedures if tested positive in order to return-to-duty. 2

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has been encouraging a drug and alcohol clearinghouse for several years in an effort to prevent drivers from switching from one job to the next in an effort to dodge drug and alcohol testing. 3

In his recent letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood dated July 2, American Trucking Associations President (ATA) and CEO Bill Graves stated, “ATA is pleased that both DOT and FMCSA are committed to improving truck and highway safety through stepped-up enforcement and through focused drug and alcohol inspections.  However, I continue to be very disappointed with the lack of tangible progress by DOT and FMCSA on a national drug and alcohol test results clearinghouse.” 3

As Graves notes, the agency recently took action in a sweep that occurred April 30th through May 11th which removed 287 drivers from the road and resulted in an additional 128 companies facing action. 5

Graves continued to state, “In March 2009, shortly after your arrival at DOT, FMCSA initiated a rulemaking project to establish a national clearinghouse which ATA had advocated, at this point, for 10 years.  Subsequently, in 2010, FMCSA submitted another report to Congress concerning the need for a national clearinghouse, and included a timeline for completion of agency rulemaking.  However, FMCSA failed to meet that timeline and, at this point, has not even issued a proposed rulemaking.  Unhappy with FMCSA’s progress in developing a national clearinghouse, Congress just included language in the surface transportation reauthorization conference mandating the development of such a clearinghouse.” 4

The ATA, however, showed their gratitude towards President Obama and Congress after the signing of the highway bill last Friday. “It has been 30 months since we have had a true, long-term highway funding bill,” Graves said, “so today’s bill signing is a good thing for trucking and for our national economy.” 6

What are your views regarding the mandatory creation of a federal alcohol and drug clearing house by Congress?  List your comments below.

Read ATA CEO Bill Graves’ letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood regarding the clearinghouse at http://www.truckline.com/AdvIssues/Litigation/Documents/DOC070212.pdf

Don’t forget to stay tuned for an upcoming article on the effects of the mandatory usage of electronic onboard recorders on all trucks.

1http://www.wvtrucking.com/2012062865/Latest-News/house-senate-conferees-reach-highway-bill-agreement-65.html

2http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=73488

3http://www.overdriveonline.com/ata-seeks-action-on-national-drugalcohol-test-clearinghouse/

4http://www.truckline.com/AdvIssues/Litigation/Documents/DOC070212.pdf

5http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=77316

6http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/06/4614404/ata-congratulates-congress-administration.html

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