Spot Freight Rates are Higher than Previous Year

September 23, 2014

August 2014 was a record setting month in the spot freight market with a 32% increase over the same month last year. Freight availability also remained constant. Spot freight increased 32% Van load availablility increased 36% Refrigerated freight increased 31% Flatbed volume increased 56% These numbers were released on September...

Appreciating the Truck Driver

September 17, 2014

As Truck Driver Appreciation Week rolls around, it’s time to look closer at what this country’s truck drivers actually do for us. Many times when we are at the supermarket, or ordering something from Amazon, we don’t appreciate how these goods find their way to us. All of the products...

Trucking Drives America Forward: Taking Pride in Our Industry

September 15, 2014

Truckers are an integral piece of the U.S. Economy. In honor of Truck Driver Appreciation Week, check out this video from Trucking Moves America Forward.

Breakdown of Electronic Logging Device Mandate

September 12, 2014

On March 12th, 2014, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA announced a change to the 2010 mandate for Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs). The old rule required certain fleets to use EOBRs for hours-of-service compliance. The new rule requires more technologically advanced Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to be used in...

Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

September 11, 2014

We take a break from our regular posting to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Each year on this day, American flags are flown at half-staff to honor and commemorate those lives lost. Fellow Americans are asked to observe a moment of silence...

Changes to Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers

September 9, 2014

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recently re-evaluated the minimum levels of financial responsibility for motor carriers, and a new minimum will likely be announced soon. This task was delegated to them by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary, who was assigned the task by Congress. There is...

Heavy Vehicle Speed Limiters: The Debate

September 4, 2014

The Department of Transportation (DOT) will soon mandate the use of speed limiters, also known as speed governors or Electronic Control Modules (ECM), on large trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds. The rule targets trucks that typically travel on roads with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher. No speed...

New Mandate Prevents Truck Driver Harassment with Electronic Logging Devices

September 2, 2014

Preventing driver harassment is a focal point with the latest Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. The old rule, made in 2010, did not stop carriers from harassing drivers into breaking hours of service (HOS) rules. The purpose of ELDs is to improve road safety for truck drivers and the public....

Tough New Regulations Proposed for Crude Oil Transport

August 28, 2014

The Department of Transportation (DOT) released details of new proposed rules for the transport of flammable material by rail - particularly crude oil and ethanol. The proposed rules cover seven different areas associated with crude-by-rail transport. There is less than one month left to comment on the proposed rules. If...

eCommerce consumers willing to pay extra for sustainable shipping

August 26, 2014

Would you be willing to pay 5% more for products ordered online if they are shipped sustainably? A recent survey titled “Need for Green or Need for Speed Survey" conducted by the consulting firm West Monroe Partners revealed that 54% of eCommerce consumers are willing to pay the extra money....