For the transportation industry, Kansas City is one of the most important in the Midwest if not the Union. Not only is it a great place to find trucks at great deals and a crossroads for haulers of all countries, but also the Kansas City Smart Port is an innovative invention for the transportation industry, making the city one of the most popular for transportation jobs. Whether you’re looking for a new job, or just keeping up on new moves in the transportation industry, if you’re in the Kansas City area, a visit to the port might help you catch a glimpse of transportation’s future.

Called a SmartPort, the port is run by a non-profit organization and was created to serve two main objectives: improving Kansas City’s economy in the area of transportation and logistics, and increasing the ease with which goods are transported. The brain child of a 1998 Mid Content TradeWay Study, the SmartPort was instituted in order to serve as a single hub through which all international commodities that were already being transported through Kansas City were routed. Located near several major highways, an international airport, two railways, and the Mississippi and Missouri River, the port is situated in order to easily expedite the trade industry.

For truckers, the port and state is an important destination. According to the port’s website, the state has more miles of freeway per capita than any other state, and is one of five U.S. states where three major interstates intersect. From flatbeds to reefers to vans and more, trucks service the port every day, and several trucking companies contract with the port. In 2003, the port was given funds via an act of congress to further integrate the city’s highway system with other modes of transportation such as rail and sky. The Federal Highway Administration funds will be used to conduct research, in addition to making needed changes in the high way system, allowing it to operate more efficiently for transportation professionals.

In addition to shipping, the port provides warehousing services, and government offices.

Because the port represents a large number of positions within the transportation industry, the Workforce Career Center has teamed up with the port for employment purposes. The career center is part of the port’s education group, which teams up with port administrators to conduct relevant research in regards to the port.

Kansas city has a long history of excellence in the transportation industry. Since its earliest years, the city’s location along the Mississippi River made it a price place for the transportation industry to flourish. With the SmartPort, the city has taken another innovative approach to nurturing that industry. Whether you’re looking for a new place to work, or just wanting to get a glimpse of the innovation that is revolutionizing the industry, The SmartPort is a great place to stop when you’re in Kansas City.

Students, seniors, children, small business owners, and government employees. Whether they’re buying a ticket to a movie or a meal at a restaurant, this group seems to get discounts wherever they go. Shouldn’t there be discounts for truckers too? They might be hard to find, but many companies offer discounts to employees in a range of business, and trucking is one of them. Doing some research will help you determine if you’re eligible for a discount at your favorite retailer or service company, but here are some places where truckers can find discounts.

1. Hotels

Though all hotels, even those with a national chain, are different, many hotels offer discounts for people who are frequently on the road. As one of those groups, truckers can often claim a trucking discount on their room bills. For example, the Gray Plaza Motel in Benton, Illinois gives a discount for truckers. Additionally, check your insurance company. Many companies give discounts to holders of certain big name auto and health insurances.

2. America’s Independent Trucker’s Association Mall

A branch of the America’s Independent Trucker’s Association website, this shopping center is chalk full of discounts for truckers. Whether you’re looking for fuel additives, insurance, or trucking software, AIDA has negotiated discounted deals for truckers via their website. Visitors do not have to be a member of the AIDA to shop, and discounts change periodically, so visitors should return.

3. Toll Roads

For truckers driving on off-peak hours, some toll roads offer toll discounts to reduce congestion and the amount of loads on roads. Though the idea has been proposed to a number of legislative bodies over the years, some states with private toll ways may also offer similar discounts.

4. Unions

Unions like the Teamsters and the OOIDA provide a variety of discounts to their members. Teamsters can buy a new automobile at a discounted price, and some trucking software and accessory companies offer “percent off” discounts to truckers who are members of certain unions.

5. Employers

For new cell phones, tickets to amusement parks, and other amenities, companies often contract with other employers to offer special discounts for employees only. As some of the largest employers, trucking companies offer a host of these details, especially for on-the-go items. For example, FedEx offers a cell phone discount for ATT and Sprint.

As the cost of almost every necessity rises, looking to save a few bucks any way you can is both smart and necessary. Most companies hide the discounts that they offer, assuming customers will not dig deep enough and will end up paying full or more than full price for a variety of products and services. Check with each company you patronize, your insurance company, union, and employer to determine what discounts are available for you to use.

We all know times are hard, gas prices are hitting record highs, cigarettes have gone up to almost $7.00 per pack in New York and Winter is fast approaching, meaning insane fuel oil prices.

It seems the pressure is too much for some to bear, causing both minor and major thefts across the region.  Recently, a new car lot experienced the theft of over 100 catalytic converters when theifs used a forklift to hoist up the vehicles and cut the converters out.

Several transport companies have reported thefts of Aluminum boxes taken right off of units.  Other companies have reported entire roll-on dumpsters of aluminum, copper or Steel being emptied by hand for re-sale. 

I have purchased a locking gas cap for my automobile, as I can forsee this being a major problem in the near future.  Prices aren't expected to see a decrease for quite some time, despite comments made by politicians and officials.

The bottom line is keep an extra eye on anything and everything of any value and make sure you lock down all your dumpsters.  If possible, install cameras and surveillance to insure optimal protection.  For those guys on the road, trust no one and make sure you don't leave anything of value on the outside of your Tractor or Trailer.  Make sure your load(s) are locked up tightly, especially if they have a good resale value.

Times are tough but they will most likely be getting tougher before they get better.

 

 

The increase in diesel and gas prices planned for July 1 in Connecticut is about over as the state legislature will abandon the automatic increase, at least for this year.  The HartfordCourant is reporting that action will take place when the law makers meet next week.  It was good to see that the OOU took some action to support the drivers in Connecticut and New England. 

For those truckers it was just another additional struggle with the angst that is present in all of us as we seek to make a living.  Be well.

JOBehaviors - Discover Your Dream Job For Free!

 Do you dread going to work everyday?  Is your job boring to you? Have you ever thought about getting into the Transportation Industry and becoming a Long Haul Truck Driver? If this is even slightly the way you feel, then look no further - JOBehaviors is the place to go, and best of all it is free! JOBehaviors scientifically proven job-specific compatibility assessments can help you decide if being a truck driver is the right job for you. They have chosen questions that are pertinent to each job description and when you finish the questionnaire, they will tell you if you have what it takes to be a Truck Driver.  This website is designed to assess your likes, dislikes and your special talents, to help you train for if needed, and decide on a job that will make you feel good about going to work every day. 

Now, let me show you how easy this website is to navigate. Once you are on the home page, all you need to do is to click on the green button that says FIND THE BEST JOB FOR YOU and it will automatically take you to the page titled Select Job Industry where you will pick out the job category you are interested in, and Long Haul Truck Driver is listed under Transportation.  Look around while you are there, just to see all of the other job possibilities listed under transportation such as Charter Bus Driver, School Bus Driver, Delivery Driver and even Diesel Technician if you should decide you don't want to drive. Okay, go back to Long Haul Truck Driver and just click on the job title. This brings you to the Home page which explains what is involved in driving a big truck, and once again another green button to click.  This button takes you down to the nitty gritty and the questions that need to be answered to receive your free assessment.  All you do is register by giving you first and last name, and an email address, hit  "register"  and you are on your way. There are approximately one hundred questions and there is no right or wrong answer, just the one that you think suits you the best. When you are finished, JOBehaviors gives you your assessment immediately, by giving you from one to five stars and explains why or why not you would make a good Truck Driver. It really is easy and when you are finished with your assessment and have passed, they will even help you down the right path to getting your CDL license which you will need. 

 I think the questionnaire is easy to read and the questions are very understandable. My husband has been in the trucking business for many years and I really thought I knew a great deal about being a driver so I took the test. Well friends, I don't think you will be waving to me in my Big Rig anytime soon. I received a total on one star on the test, so I proceeded to take a couple of tests in other areas and found that I was much better suited for a position in Home Health Care. There are many different job titles to choose from, but I think I might give School Bus Driver a chance next.  How about taking a chance today to discover your dream job with help from JOBehavior.

 

There is a lot of information out there today with regard to what can be done about high fuel prices.  I am sure that a lot of you are aware of this information, but for those of you who are not, here is an email that I received this morning.  The more people who know about this proposed bill the better; if you are like me, you think that our taxes are high enough.  It is my position that the government should practice what they expect from every business owner in America, establish a budget and stick to it.  Just because the government can’t keep a budget does not mean that the only answer is to raise taxes to bail them out.  Also included in this email is a link to www.AmericanSolutions.com read up on the DrillNow section.  Again, I think that you will find some really good information there.

The Boxer-Warner-Lieberman Gas Tax Hike bill is being debated in the Senate.

If adopted, this bill will lead to an increase in gas prices by as much as $3.00 per gallon in the next two decades.

Call the Senate switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and urge your Senators to vote against the Boxer-Warner-Lieberman Gas Tax Hike.  Tell them that gas prices are high enough and we need real solutions, not more taxes.

Thank you for your help to keep our drive to lower gas prices alive.

Visit www.AmericanSolutions.com/DrillNow for more ways you can help.

US Truck Rally Scheduled for Bloomington, Illinois – May 10-11 

If you're in the area this might be worth a look.  Besides the show events there will be two FREE Trucking Seminars on Saturday May 10th (1:00pm and 5:00pm) in pavilion number 1.

Successful Independent Truck Drivers W. Joel Baker and Stephen R. Florie will share their secrets to operating a profitable and compliant trucking business.  

W. Joel Baker is President of Partners in Trucking, LLC. He will discuss a variety of topics including how to get your authority without paying an agent, find your own direct customers, negotiate contracts, set and include fuel surcharge rates, unloading charges, tarp fees and detention time. He will also explain how IFTA fuel taxes really work. 
 
Stephen R. Florie is President of SRF Transportation Services. Steve is an expert on DOT compliance and performs specialized consulting throughout the mid-west. He will provide information on how to avoid DOT audits, how to keep your company organized for DOT auditors in the event you are audited as well as information on drug screening  compliance and other topics.  

It is advertised that both Joel and Steve will be available for one on one consulting at the conclusion of the seminars for those who would like more specific answers to questions about running a successful trucking Business.  

Click and ticket! Your next ticket might come from the 'puter posse. More cities and states are turning to surveillance cameras to nab speeders and red light-runners. Called "photo-enforcement technology," the strategically placed cameras catch you red-handed, taking a picture of your license plate as you speed through the intersection or down the highway. The ticket arrives some weeks later in the mail, long after you've already forgotten that little infraction you thought you got away with.

Gas Tax Holiday – Will it Lead to Unintended Consequences? 

I quickly jumped on the bandwagon for this one, but I've reconsidered and now I'm not so sure.  As a temporary measure it might provide some relief for the troubled trucking industry, but over the long term some critical analysis is necessary.  Secretary of Transportation Peters has posted an interesting blog on Fast Lane which proposes discussion and debate on the topic. She suggests “It is time for our country to embrace a far more efficient, clean, and technology-based approach to charging for road use.”  She further states,  “Through the broad deployment of high-speed, open road tolling technologies coupled with hundreds of billions of dollars of private sector capital, we can begin eliminating our dependence on a failed gas tax-based transportation model.”   

The fact is that our road infrastructure needs to be funded and paid for.  The how part is the issue that will garner the most attention.  The reality is that most people would say we need to have a well-defined road construction and maintenance program, but I don't want to pay for it - or at least it must be fair.  So what's fair?  Peters seems to be suggesting tolls as well as private sector capital.  Tolls I understand, but private sector capital needs definition.  Does that mean trucking companies, truck and automobile manufacturers, tire producers?  We're all dependent on our transportation infrastructure either directly or indirectly, so exactly how will the money be acquired for construction and maintenance from private sector capital?  And private sector capital really means the individual citizen, because ultimately all taxes are paid by individuals.  The cost of a tax is part of the cost of goods sold or services provided,  no matter how you disguise it.  

Dan Little, CEO of Owners Operators United Inc. addressed the issue briefly in a recent CNN interview.  He expressed concern about “pork barrel” legislation that brings road construction projects to many areas where the project may not be necessary.  He also suggested that many highway infrastructure dollars are diverted by our legislators to other non-road projects.   

The rising cost of fuel has focused attention on this issue.  It's an important topic for discussion, but no simple answer may be revealed.  You can weigh in with your thoughts at Fast Lane.

Or post your thought here.

With all the problems that have beset truckers this year, it was refreshing to run across a piece of good news. I read about A. Duie Pyle Cos. of West Chester, P.A. on the Business & Money website. Founded 84 years ago, this family-owned trucking company is flourishing where others are floundering. They still haul for their first customer, Mittal Steel and boast an enviable driver turnover rate of less than 7%.

It has come to our attention that some guy is calling telling trucking companies listed on our site that
Dan Little & uscattlehaulers is endorsi'ng a product called DPS.

This is a lie, neither Dan Little or any staff member at uscattlehaulers has ever or ever will endorse
this product.

If you get such a call please log as much info as you can from this call complete with phone #s and salespersons name , time of call, any any reference to either Dan Little or uscattlahaulers & forward this info to our office  at dlittle@uscattlehaulers.com

If you have purchased this product as a result of the sales person saying we endorsed it please call me as soon as you can
at  1-660-322-0783
 
Thank you
Dan little

Capitalism is Tough – Survival Depends on Many Factors

I feel like I've been consumed by issues involving the trucking economy.  I've read hundreds of articles and thoughts by folks that are much more knowledgeable than I am.  I've read the stories from the perspective of the trucker as well as from the perspective of the economists that are evaluating issues.  What's to be learned?  These are general observations, there will be exceptions, but the overall picture is valid. 

The news isn't good.  The high cost of diesel fuel will be around for a while.  Even a 25% decline would only bring it back to around $3 per gallon.   I'm not sure that the price of diesel is really the problem.  Even if it was $10 per gallon and truckers were making a profit, I don't think they would be concerned.  The real issue is profitability.  This applies to a company with a thousand trucks as well as to a single owner/operator.   

So what is happening to profitability?  It's down the tubes for many.  Even large companies are cutting the number of trucks they are using.  Why?  It is reported that there are just too many trucks for the freight that needs to be moved.  If that's true, it explains why a broker can offer a ridiculously low amount.  Even if one trucker refuses the load, another will do it.  Some will go out of business.  That's good news and bad news.  I read a recent report which said there are almost 90,000 trucks that are in excess to the demand for movement.  I have also read a report that freight requirements have decreased.  Commentary is everywhere, but it doesn't appear as if the issue has been fully analyzed. 

Truck transportation operates on supply and demand.  We all know that.  If truckers are vying for loads the price will go down.  If there were less trucks to move commodities the price per load would go up.  It is also a function of the amount of freight to be moved.  As the amount of freight vacillates so to do the prices paid for truck loads. 

The answer is really about survival, especially for the small firm or owner/operator.  It's about waiting for the excess trucks to disappear as companies and individuals go out of business and the number of available trucks aligns itself with demand as well as the demand for freight which needs movement to increase.   In economic terms -  market equilibrium needs to be restored.  The high price of fuel has exacerbated the problem. 

This is going to be tough – in fact it will be devastating for many.  The same freedom that enables us to start or operate a business also presents risk – that's capitalism.   

Can the government help?  Certainly they can.  The proposed TRUCC Act will insure a level playing field to prevent unscrupulous brokers from taking advantage of the present situation.  There are a number of other areas that can insure fair opportunity for all and there are many in the trucking community that are working toward that end.  That is a critical calling. 

Dan Little,

has started an organization called Owner Operators United (OOU) which is dedicated to protecting the interests of owner/operators.  The price of diesel can be reduced somewhat by eliminating some taxes.  But, the overriding issue appears to be is that there are just too many trucks right now combined with less freight to be moved.  That may not always be the case. The swings of the economic pendulum are often hard to predict until after the event.  Right now small trucking companies and owner/operators are the most challenged group. 

So how can one survive?  The innovative, creative and perceptive will make it.  There is no one solution.  Look for a niche, watch to fill in for those that drop out, pay attention to industry news, look for particular gaps that may exist in specialized trucking, stick together and help each other whenever possible, conserve resources and support the efforts of Dan Little and others that seek to make the playing field level.   

TruckerToTrucker will provide news and suggestions whenever possible.  This is our world too and we want success as much as anyone else. 

Your comments and observations are invited. 

Mary Peters Secretary of Transportation Starts New DOT Blog

Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters began the DOT blog today.  In part she said, “This new opportunity will allow me and others here at the Department to speak with you and engage in an earnest conversation about our nation’s transportation system…and, I hope, have a little fun while we’re doing it.”

The new blog will enable comments from the public and serves as another avenue to contact officials about transportation policies.  Links to every DOT agency are available at this site.

As if life wasn't tough enough already, now truckers are being set upon by thieves! Thieves in Central Florida are stealing the ECMs (engine control module) from trucks in a bizarre crime wave that has truckers across the state reeling. Small but very pricey, ECMs are the computers that control a truck's entire engine. Without the ECM, the truck just sits there. The growing number of ECM thefts has stunned police and angered sidelined truckers.

Heavy Duty Truck Parts
Truck-Parts-Auction.com 
  
For any of you out there who have not looked into http://www.truck-parts-auction.com/ now is the time to do so. They have just recently extended their free sign up for an additional ninety days and may extend it even further. This is a Website you just can't imagine! They are allowing anyone to sign up for ninety days free and during those ninety days you can sell anything and everything you don't want or need anymore. You just list your item or items, put in a description, add some pictures, promote them, highlight them, you can even feature them on the front page if you like, then just sit back and wait for the bids to roll in. I know everyone of us has some trucks or truck parts laying around collecting dust. What about that extra set of tires out in the barn or those old golf clubs? Well now is the time to finally clean up the barn and make some space. You can list anything you have to sell and sell it to another trucker. How nice is that? I also heard someone the other day say they were looking for a good transmission. One store Pro gear and Transmission Inc. has several Transmissions listed on auction at TPA. There is a Fuller 18 speed on auction priced at $3650.00 fully rebuilt with a one year guarantee, you can place a bid on it and be notified daily of how the auction is progressing. Looking for a crane truck or parts? One featured store Robert’s Diesel Works Inc. has a huge selection of trucks and crane parts listed already. http://www.truck-parts-auction.com/  is also a great place to set up a “want ad” for that part you have been having a hard time finding. Just go to wanted ads and either search or submit your own wanted ad. It is so simple and all want ads are free for the next ninety days too. Truck-Parts-Auction also has started new forum and blog pages just for you. This is the ideal place to pick up all the news items related to the trucking industry, post anything you may have and if you have any gripes about the industry, then it is the place to let them be known to all. There is even a section for anyone with a great joke, so, head on over and share one, be sure to also check out “Redneck Ricky while your there. There is also a contest for “Truck of the Month” that will be featured on the home page every month, so, submit your pictures now for a chance to have your Big Rig featured. Just click the forums link at the top right of the TPA home page and your there. There is some great information to be found, so don't wait. Remember the next ninety days are free for all auctions and want ads! So, what are you waiting for? Go sell something already!

Good News For Our Environment

The Post Office is going to help us get rid of junk for free. Free is the key word here! Do you have old cellphones, printer ink cartridges, broken Ipods, MP3 players or old digital cameras hanging around?

The Post Office is providing free mailing envelopes in over 1,500 facilities and their new “Mail Back” program lets you send your electronic junk to an Ottawa, Illinois company called the Clover Technologies Group who will recycle the items into new stuff or break it down for some other uses.

Landfills across the nation are filled with stuff like this and it is a good thing to dispose of these items in a responsible way. There is no limit to the number of envelopes a customer may take. It sounds like a great idea to have a few envelopes around the house to help us get rid of this stuff.

Right now the program is available in about 10 large cities across the nation. They include Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego. If the green postal program is successful a nationwide campaign will be started later this year.

Send us a bag, we've gotta get rid of some of this stuff!

American Trucking Associations Chairman Ray Kuntz was in Washington this week to lobby the U.S. Senate for improvements to federal surface transportation programs that would allow truckers to move freight more efficiently. Testifying before the transportation and infrastructure subcommittee, Kuntz said fundamental changes to federal transportation programs are necessary to reduce fuel consumption, lower vehicle emissions and improve the ability of America's trucking industry to compete in the global market.

TravelCenters of America LLC Encountering Rocky Road 

George Wilkins is always looking for opportunities and is it possible he may have stumbled onto something?  Or perhaps it's just another good idea gone bad.  I need some advice from the road. 

TravelCenters of America LLC (AMEX: TA) has experienced dramatic losses in operations.  The stock in TA which traded at almost $47 per share last summer is now at about $2.50.  What was once a company valued at almost $1 billion is now worth about $50 million. 

In January 2007 TravelCenters of America LLC (TA) became a public company.  TA was a spin-off from Hospitality Properties Trust (HPT) who then distributed TA shares to it's shareholders.  In May, TA purchased Petro Shopping Centers, L.P., or Petro for $630 million.  HPT still retains most of the land which is leased to TA.  It appears as if their timing could not have been worse.  The rise in fuel prices has reduced their revenues from sales of all services and commodities and they reported a loss of almost $5 per share in the last quarter.   

TA is popular for RV's, buses and motor travelers as well as trucks and has restaurants and other amenities available for travelers.  It operates in excess of 225 travel centers across the United States under the TA or Petro names. 

Amongst all this bad news, is there an an opportunity?  About $250 dollars buys 100 shares that might rebound.  On the other hand the whole thing could tank.  It's hard to imagine the whole thing collapsing.  On the other hand – bad things do happen.  Is it possible for a takeover by some other company looking to take advantage of the depressed stock price? So many questions and so few answers.     

Several hours were spent on research to find out if there was any value in investing a few dollars in TA.  One item of note was that a fellow named Nader Tavakoli the founder of  Eagle Rock Capital Management LLC owns about 5% of TA (at least that was true as of 1 April).  Tavakoli is a lawyer that has earned some fame and fortune in making money.   

I think I'll buy a few shares – probably better than Texas Hold'em.  But wait maybe it's not such a good idea – hmmm, I dunno.

IdleAire – Good Idea Gone Bad? 

IdleAire provides electrical power, Internet connections, satellite television, pay per view and long-distance phone calls at a number of truck stops.  The idea is to cut down on idling and save money for truckers. 

Now, after spending millions of dollars, most of which appears to be in the form of government grants they are now once again reporting huge losses.  In 2007, the reported losses are about $93 million and that is after a reported $55 million in federal grants over several years. 

IdleAire has reported on it's web site that it has 132 locations with 70 at Travel Centers of America and 39 at Petro locations (both owned by same company), and one or more located at Pilot Travel Centers, Love’s Country Stores, Flying J Travel Plaza as well as a Sapp Brothers Truck Stop. 

Sounds like they had a great idea – what went wrong?  Apparently drivers are voting and saying it's not so good.  Why?

The American Trucking Associations is the first to join the U.S. Army Reserves new Employer Partnership program. The program aims to guarantee reservists a civilian job based on their military specialty. The program will provide all training, licensing and certifications necessary to help reservists make a successful transition back to civilian life.

Bulk Tank Transport

TAMPA, Fla. — Quality Distribution Inc. reported Monday that it has reduced its workforce. Most of the reductions occurred at the company's Tampa headquarters where approximately 17 percent of the positions were eliminated. The company eliminated approximately sixty positions and expects a reduction in payroll related cost in excess of $5 million dollars annually.

"This was a very difficult decision, but one that was necessary in light of our recent financial performance,” Chief Executive Officer Gary Enzor stated. “We are focused on further cost reductions driven via procurement, increased loaded ratio and improved productivity. …We believe we have the access to capital necessary to not only weather the current economic cycle, but also to pursue our growth plans.

The company also announced that first quarter revenues excluding fuel surcharge were approximately $177 million, an 11 percent increase over last year.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., QDI, through its subsidiaries, Quality Carriers Inc. and Boasso America Corporation, and through its affiliates and owner-operators, provides bulk transportation and related services. QDI also provides tank cleaning services to the bulk transportation industry through its QualaWash facilities 

The Company also announced that first quarter revenues excluding fuel surcharge were approximately $177 million, an 11% increase over last year. Excluding the impact of our acquisition of Boasso, which closed in December of 2007, revenue for the quarter was flat with last year, as we continued to be impacted by the softness in the housing markets as well as 10% fewer work days in March this year as compared to last March.

Move over boys, the gals are on the move! Women in Trucking named former chairwoman and founder Ellen Voie its first president. "The ability to now hire a president is such a testament to our growth," said new chairwoman Leigh Foxall of Internet Truckstops. "In a year we have grown to 1,000 members, but equally important, we are getting the support from many corporations that believe in our mission."

Indiana truckers plan to convoy to the state capitol in Indianapolis Friday, April 18, to protest high diesel prices. The convoy is being organized by Dennis and Darrell Breeden of JT Express Trucking of Washington, IN. A family-owned company, JT Express operates a fleet of 28 trucks. Dubbed Convoy to Circle City, the goal of the protest is to call political and media attention to the fuel crisis and its effect on small trucking companies.

I'm sure you've all heard of New York's proposal to tax vehicles traveling into New York City during working hours. I have a daughter who lives in Brooklyn, so I've spent some time navigating the streets of Manhattan and the neighboring boroughs. It's like crawling through a parking lot filled with rejects from the local high school driver's ed class! I can appreciate NYC's concerns about traffic congestion and exhaust pollution, but saddling truckers with a congestion tax just isn't right. We pay more than our fair share of fuel and road taxes, and we don't get to choose our delivery times. We work the same hours as everyone else. It's just not fair to single out truckers. Fortunately, the NY State Legislature agrees. This week they rejected a proposal that would have charged truck drivers $21 to enter the city between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. The decision was applauded by the American Trucking Associations.

With sporadic trucker protests continuing across the country, legislators appear to be listening. The Vermont state senate directed the Attorney General to conduct "an aggressive" criminal investigation of major oil companies, charging possible price-fixing and consumer fraud.

"At the same time that we are paying $3 and $4 a gallon for gas and oil, the oil companies are making record profits, billions and billions of dollars," Senator Peter Shumlin told the Associated Press. "It's puzzling to us that so few politicians both on a state and national level are saying enough is enough."

In the first of several planned shutdowns, truckers scattered across the country sidelined their rigs or crawled down the highway in tight caravans to protest high diesel fuel prices and low freight-hauling rates. Another nationwide shutdown, Enough Is Enough, is planned for May 1-8.

"The gas prices are too high," trucker Lamont Newberne of Wilmington, NC told the Associated Press. "We don't make enough money to pay our bills and take care of our family." Newberne was one of 200 drivers protesting at a New Jersey Turnpike service area. During the noon-hour rush a convoy of big rigs turned the heavily travelled NJ Turnpike into a virtual parking lot by crawling along in tight formation at less than 20 mph.

ATA Urges Federal Government to Help Bring Down Fuel Prices

The American Trucking Association sent a letter to President Bush, the Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Treasury requesting that immediate steps be taken to address this crisis situation. 

While a letter such as this is to be expected, the timing is interesting as talk continues about a possible truck shutdown scheduled to occur throughout April or early May.   

There were 12 specific demands, but among the most interesting were: 

Release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; 

Suspend the collection of the 12 percent federal excise tax on motor carriers’ purchase of auxiliary power units , which cut the consumption of fuels in idling truck engines; (clink link for some government savings info and financing program) 

Require states to grant a weight exemption for APUs;  

Continue to fund EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership Program, which encourages fuel-saving strategies; 

Truckers feel like we're caught between a rock and a hard place and we're angry. We carry the bulk of the nation's goods but are getting an ever-smaller piece of the pie. We're not making enough to feed our families. Many of us are teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. There's talk about a shutdown May 1-8 to protest fuel costs but problems in the trucking industry go much deeper. It's time to call attention to the plight of independent owner/operators and small trucking companies.

I've been checking through the comments readers have posted on Trucker to Trucker. Here's what you say you want. (Thanks to Chris@c.p.farms and Brian Cunningham for getting the list started.) Feel free to add your thoughts.

• Reasonable diesel fuel prices with a cap to prevent price gouging.
• Temporary relief from federal and state fuel taxes.
• Mandatory fuel surcharge.
• No lumper fees.
• Limit on broker percentages.
• End to price gouging on equipment insurance.
• Stop the cross border pilot program and get Mexican trucks off U.S. highways.
• Mandatory time limit on broker and shipper payments to truckers.
• Fair treatment by DOT.
• Shippers supply their own pallets.
• Receivers pay for unloading.
• Payment for down time while we wait for loads or loading.

 

There's a lot of talk going around  truck radio, CB channels and the blogosphere about a possible nationwide truck shutdown May 1-8, dubbed Enough Is Enough. High diesel prices are the catalyst for growing trucker dissatisfaction over a wide range of issues that are pushing independent truckers and small firms to the brink of extinction. Trucker to Trucker readers have been hot and heavy with their comments on both ends of the debate. Here's what truckers on the front line are saying:

"This movement is to call attention to the plight of ALL of trucking. Fuel prices are just the icing on the cake. The threat of Mexican Trucks, addition of toll roads, increasing taxes, low freight rates. The trucking industry has been getting hit from all sides." - Shoestring 1 

Truckers are caught between a rock and a hard place. In business we're being crushed by rising fuel prices and a sluggish economy and at home we're struggling to make our mortgage payments and put food on the table just like everyone else. The Feds are throwing money at Wall Street and Investment Banks but I don't see anyone throwing us a lifeline.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Has Suggestions to Save Fuel Costs

Sometimes you have to spend money to save money.  I know that doesn't sound right and I'm not sure it is the same as when my wife shows me several bags of purchases and then tells me how much she saved me. But this suggestion may in fact be worthy of investigation for the potential savings.  We all know it's about the cost of fuel, so anything that can reduce that expense is money in your pocket.

Two improvements which  are recommended are the Idle Reduction Device – bunk heater and the  Idle Reduction Device – Axillary Power Unit (APU).  These devices cost an estimated total of $1,500 and $8,500 respectively.  The return on the bunk heater alone is almost $178 dollars per month based on fuel costs of $2.75 per gallon according to the figures provided by the EPA.  The APU returns saving of $118 per month.  They have other recommendations for savings as well, if these are not applicable to you.

They provide other data to support these figures and it's always up to the individual to insure their particular circumstance fits the calculations, but the specific information is available as well as
info on financing at  http://www.epa.gov/smartway/swresources.htm#fuel – click on "Smartway Innovative Financing Program for the Trucking Industry."

If you haven't visited this Website, it is worthy and while government frequently puts obstacles in our way sometimes they do provide good info.

Diesel fuel edged over the $4 mark today on both the East Coast ($4.035/gallon) and West Coast ($4.018/gallon). The national average edged ever closer to $4, reaching a new record high of $3.974, according to the Department of Energy. Jumping 15.5 cents, it's the fourth week in a row that diesel's national average cost has climbed to a new record high. Diesel is now running $1.293 per gallon more than the same week last year, according to the DOE. Highest pump prices reported were $4.177 in Central Atlantic states, $4.119 in New England and $4.083 in California.

Will buyouts and mega-mergers create a few trucking behemoths that will force owner-operators and small family firms out of the trucking business for good? Trucker to Trucker wants to know how you guys and gals out there in the trenches feel about private equity firms sticking their fingers in our financial pie. (See our March 10 and 12 posts.)

Ten years ago local banks accounted for about 75% of trucking company financing and nonbank investment handled the other 25%. Today, those figures are reversed with private equity firms controlling the lion's share of financing in the trucking industry. Private equity firms offer a valuable alternative for trucking company owners who want to sell, asserts Richard Mikes, a former executive for Ruan Transportation Management Systems, now a mergers and acquisitions consultant. "It's given trucking more liquidity," he said. Mikes says the industry is reaching critical mass, that thousands of small and midsize carriers "have reached a plateau." He asserts that private equity gives owners more options.

The problem is there's a major difference in financial philosophy that could have major repercussions for the trucking industry.

The growing number of private equity buyouts in the trucking industry is threatening the livelihood of small family-run carriers. With the push of private equity firms, the trucking industry seems to be moving even more quickly toward large, professionally-managed corporations.

"Private equity is raising the bar," said Benjamin Gordon of BG Strategic Advisors, a Boston transportation and logistics consulting firm. "Companies who compete against private equity-backed companies are going to find it tougher to succeed because capital is flowing to the best companies and giving them the resources to accelerate their growth."

Rising diesel prices are on the verge of forcing independent truckers out of business. Over the past four years, the cost of diesel fuel has doubled. For independent trucker Robert Griffith of Tennessee, it's meant a drop in take-home pay from $50,000 to $11,000. In the past 8 months, the heavy-hauler has spent $64,000 on fuel. It's necessitated a dramatic change in lifestyle for Griffith and his family. Gone are the family nights out, weekly truck wash, even health insurance. "It hurts," Griffith told the Associated Press. "I'm a man who's trying to make a living for my family and I'm not succeeding."

Mark your calendars now. The U.S. Truck Rally is set for May 10-11 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington, Illinois. "Business seminars" is the reason you tell the IRS you need to go, but we all know it's the thrilling truck rodeo we're looking forward to!

This is not as inflammatory as it sounds initially, but New Jersey State Revenue Agents did hold a truck and its boat cargo in transport to Massachusetts until the boat company paid back revenue taxes that the state said it was owed.

This all happened in July last year and the boat manufacturer ended up paying a whopping $46,000 to the State of New Jersey to get the shipment released. At issue was from New Jersey's point of view the fact that the Stingray Boat Company based in South Carolina had a dealer in New Jersey and so owed corporate taxes.

"Stingray Controller Barry Godwin disagreed, since the dealer was an independent business that already paid taxes to New Jersey. But he wired the state the money anyway, because that was the only way he could free his boats.

"I didn't have a choice," Godwin told the House Small Business Committee at a Feb. 14 hearing. "It was show me the money and I'll let you go, or you're stuck."

New Jersey is just one of the several states that claim that out of state business owe them back corporate income tax even if they don't have a branch there and simply do business in their state. The impact for truckers is huge, especially owner operators. Do you now need to "vet" firms for whom you will transport products for to make sure that they have paid up - so you and your rig won't go into a "hostage situation" while Revenue Officers wrangle with your freight owner?

Anyway you look at the situation, truck owner operators should beware. Many simply can't afford the downtime that a situation like this would cause.

Just this morning February 20th the Indy News reported on a new "Trucker Hero".  It happened in Michigan City, Indiana...

"Indiana State Police say a truck driver rescued a Gary man from his submerged car after a crash left it upside down in a water-filled ditch."

This trucker who has not been named as of yet is a hero and a real one at that.  We've all heard and read many stories of truckers looking out for others on the road; helping with accidents, fixing flat tires for stranded motorists, and in this case even saving a life!

Quick thinking truckers have helped many a stranded motorist and other Trucker Buddies. As in this case, it shows that truckers are keeping us safe on the road and actually looking for ways to help when it appears that no other help is around.

I'm sure that this man and his family are thanking their "lucky stars" that a "trucker-angel" just happened to see the accident and decided to stop and help instead of thinking that someone else may have seen the accident and was better suited to help.

Thanks anonymous trucker, you are our "Trucker Hero" for today!

In Utah on February 13th, a trucker was killed in a freak accident from ice flying off of a trucker and crashing through his windshield. In this case, the trucks were heading in two different directions on a highway and one trucker was killed in the accident. The other trucker did not even know that he had caused an accident until later in the day when he heard it reported on the news. He then called in to the Police to say that he may have caused the accident.

Just how can you prevent accidents like this from happening? It is the responsibility of every professional trucker to make a reasonable effort to remove ice and snow from their vehicle especially in their field of vision, but to climb 13 feet up to the top of the trailer and shovel snow off the top of the trailer may be going to far. Or even for that matter, to stop every 50 miles or so and check for snow and ice buildup may simply be asking too much.

It is a terrible tragedy for both families of truckers, but just one more reason why when you stop for a break to check out your own rig, keep it clean, carry a snow brush, and shovel, and where you can use a truck wash to remove debris and snow, without making more ice use it.

If you have a tip on how you personally keep your trailer and rig snow and ice free in the winter, take a moment and share it with us. We certainly don't want more accidents of this nature and want to keep family and friends of all truckers and all drivers safe for that matter.

The feds are tightening the noose on truckers with the new focus on what judges may do with trucker traffic violations. In essence the Feds are letting the state's know that when a Judge allows a trucker to pay a fine and not have a violation appear on their driving record, that they don't like it and want it to stop.

Why are the Feds getting involved in state business this way? Doesn't that strip a Judge of their ability to make a decision when the case is brought before them? I don't think that Judges are getting soft on truckers but rather that the Fed is sticking their nose where it simply doesn't belong.

Yes, I do believe that truckers with poor driving records should be pulled from the road for the safety of everyone, but when the Fed tries to micromanage what State Judges have decided to do in a case by case basis, it just rankles me. You can read the full article here and then click comment below and leave your two cents on this issue that is sure to bring out some interesting comments and experiences.

I feel that the Federal transportation officials should leave Judges alone when it comes to deciding what a fine or violation is deserved in each situation.

In laying out his massive $3.1 trillion budget for 2009, President Bush has earmarked $68 billion for the federal Department of Transportation, a $1 billion increase over last year’s request from the perennially strapped agency. If it makes it through Congress unscathed (doubtful), the budget will provide funding for critical safety programs and congestion relief for both roads and airways. The budget also includes a record $10.1 billion for transit programs.

Seems like just yesterday that I sent my right arm into the IRS with my quarterly tax coupon, but my accountant is already bugging me for my year-end tax info. It’s like that saying about the postman: "Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow…" Well, April 15 is coming and nothing’s going to keep the tax man from sticking his hand into your pocket. The best you can do is make sure you claim all the deductions you’re entitled to.

If you haven't applied for a passport yet, you better get on it. It won't be long before you'll need a passport to drive across the U.S. borders into Mexico or Canada and, most importantly, come home. (It's already required if you fly.) In a precursor to coming changes, border crossings got a little tougher yesterday when new regulations went into effect at both our northern and southern borders. Drivers (trucks and cars) are now required to produce proof of citizenship when entering the U.S.

In another milestone, the trucking industry hauled an all-time record number of goods in 2006. According to the American Trucking Associations' recently released annual report, American Trucking Trends 2007-2008, truckers delivered 83.8% of America's freight amounting to a carrying load of 10.7 billion tons and $645.6 billion in revenue. That's a good year's work!

In January, it seems like everyone's talking about their weight and the trucking industry is no exception. Maine just passed a temporary weight increase for loggers in an effort to help counteract high diesel prices. Taking the opposite tact, New Hampshire is considering tripling fines for overweight trucks. And farmers are pushing for uniform weight regulations for interstate ag haulers.

Whew! Looks like that proposed 40 cents per gallon gas tax increase is on hold. With diesel at a record $3.50 a gallon and gas prices expected to hit $4 a gallon by summer, we sure don't need an increase in fuel taxes. (We're already paying 18.4 cents in federal tax for every gallon of fuel we buy!) But that's just what the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission recently proposed. Adding insult to injury, the Federal panel recommended that states add their own 40 cents per gallon tax increase to fuel prices. If this baby ever sees the light of day, that's nearly a buck more per gallon just in taxes! (Didn't our forefathers revolt over something like this?) Fortunately, it's an election year and no politician in his right mind wants to vote to raise taxes. So we're safe, at least until next year.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has thrown its support behind the interim Hours of Service rules -- 11-hour driving day and 34-hour restart -- and is urging U.S. carriers to follow suit. In December, the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an interim final hours of service ruling and plans to issue its final ruling in 2008. The ATA, carriers, truckers and the public have until February 15 to file comments. On its website, the ATA has posted a sample support letter, filing instructions and background information. Click here for information and to download ATA documents.

Groan. With the cost of fuel at record highs, the last thing we truckers need is a hike in fuel taxes. Yet that is just what the brainiacs in Washington are suggesting. A 40 cent per gallon increase in the fuel tax is being proposed by a federal commission as the best way to fund federal infrastructure improvements. Adding insult to injury, the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission (what a mouthful!) is suggesting that states also increase fuel taxes by an equal or greater amount to fund improvements to state-maintained roads, bridges and tunnels. The report, to be presented in Washington next week, recommends phasing in the fuel tax increase over a five-year period. Following the initial phase-in, the report recommends annual inflation-based increases to the fuel tax.

If you drive construction rigs, it's time to practice up on your driving skills. Mack Trucks is sponsoring the Driving Skills Safety Challenge during the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas later this month. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from January 22-24 at the Orange Lot outside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Each day of competition, there'll be a reception for daily contestants from 3-5 p.m. in the registration tent, courtesy of Mack Truck and Allison Transmission. The competition is open to any driver at least 18 years of age with a valid CDL who completes an application form, shows proof of operator training, and is registered for the show. There are contest categories for individuals as well as two-operator teams.

Safety advocacy groups were back  in court yesterday attempting to block the Hours of Service 11-hour limit. Current Hours of Service (HOS) regulations dictate that truck drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour period without a mandatory break. Twice since the Bush administration increased the HOS limit from 10 to 11 hours in 2003, advocacy groups led by Parents Against Tired Truckers have  persuaded federal courts to reject implementation of the extended hours. Their bone of contention is driver fatigue.

I'll take my diesel shaken, not stirred! New advances in the field of biometrics are bringing James Bond style gadgets to the trucking industry. When you hear about some of the technology in development, you'd think Q was back in the lab tinkering away. Personally, I can't wait. I wonder if the new technology comes with a Bond girl? (Well, I can dream, can't I?)

Truckers will start lining up this weekend in Harrington, Maine for the start of what has become the country's longest Veteran's Day parade. Wreaths-Across-America aims to transport nearly 14,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery and  more than 200 state and national veterans' cemeteries across the country. On Saturday, December 15, volunteers will place the wreaths on the graves of the fallen to honor our nation's heroes. Nationwide ceremonies and a Moment of Remembrance are scheduled for 12 noon EST on December 15. Wreaths-Across-America is still seeking drivers to transport wreaths from Maine to Michigan, Ohio, Georgia and Florida. Click here to find out more and volunteer.

The holidays are about giving, not getting. (Something my kids seem to forget the minute the Toys R Us catalog arrives in the mail!) This week truckers have a chance to give to our troops and all it takes is a phone call -- well, OK, and a little green.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is playing Santa this week to help the men and women who serve our country. Beginning today and running through Friday, December 7, OOIDA will conduct a recruitment telethon. To help our troops, OOIDA will match 10% of the membership fees collected  to provide and ship care packages to US troops stationed in Iraq. This is a good deal. During the telethon, new memberships will be discounted from $45 to $25, so you save and help our troops. Renewal memberships will also be matched dollar for dollar. For details, tune into OOIDA's Land Line Now radio show on XM Satellite Radio, channel 171, from 7 to 8 p.m. (EST).  To participate, call OOIDA's telethon hotline at 800-444-5791.

Tough EPA emissions standards will go into effect in 2010. The trucking industry is sprinting toward the deadline with a host of new green technology in development. Some early entries are already on the highway. Here's a round-up of some of the more interesting new technology expected to change the face of trucking as the industry goes green.

Starting December 1, 2007, trucks entering the adjacent ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will have to be fitted with TruckTags. TruckTags use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology similar to that used at interstate truck scale sites and toll roads. The new program is a proactive attempt to meet heightened homeland security requirements while maintaining cargo-handling efficiency at the two ports.

Sounds like an ongoing point of contention here - shipping and receiving operations are not efficiently set up to ship and/or receive. Can the contract between the receiver and shipper be made any clearer?
Truckers are not responsible for loading or unloading. The recipient or shipper is. That is, or should be, spelled out in each and every contract, and highlighted. Companies need to get the word out to their dockhands. It is not the trucker’s responsibility to unload, or to suffer the results of the recipient’s or shipper’s personnel problems.

Why should a driver be forced to spend his or her time and energy doing the work that shipping department employees should be doing? Being delayed by mismanaged or under-managed shipping departments costs drivers in time and rest, and ultimately money. The stress of dealing with uncooperative or unprepared shipping departments is down right unproductive. Recipients or shippers need to be aware that results of their inadequate management will only result in higher shipping costs. Imposing fines or adding surcharges might be one way to deal with this.

In light of the planned decrease in driving hours and increased rest times, drivers are being increasingly stressed. There is no good reason for drivers to be delayed for hours because the receiving preparations are not adequate. Simply, it doesn’t make sense to waste hours, energy and money doing someone else’s job.

December 27, 2007 is the deadline for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to decide changes for the hours-of service regulations.

Earlier this month Federal Court dismissed the increased driving time changes (11 hrs reduced to 10) and the 34 hour restart provision, citing death and injury statistics. OOIDA and the ATA were unsuccessful in their requests for a new hearing on hours-of-service. Also, the OOIDA and ATA requests for implementing new rules in 8 or 12 months, rather than in December 2007 were denied.

FMCSA has less than 90 days to decide on options for further action.

And now, in light of the well publicized and awful disaster, the 15 rig pileup in the Newhall Pass Tunnel between Santa Clarita and Los Angeles, California  tunnel disaster it would be surprising if the OODIA and ATA would ever get much agreement or cooperation from federal regulators concerning any increase of driving hours. This one disaster will have repercussions for years to come on many levels. The trucking industry, of course will be affected, but so will traffic control, road construction, fire fighting techniques, etc. Experts will be rethinking things for a long time. Hopefully something good will come of it.

Meanwhile, our hearts go out to the loved ones and friends of any truckers who were involved. A disaster of this magnitude will be long remembered.

Have you heard about this bad boy? It's The Hulk of the trucking industry, a big, green, drivin' machine. TerraMax is a SELF-driving vehicle designed to navigate and obey traffic rules. Kind of like that old ad, "Leave the driving to us,"  you hop in the truck, tell it where to go, and the TRUCK does the driving! 

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. made the national news last week when it posted a third quarter loss. J.B. Hunt is the latest of a number of industry players, including larger YRC Worldwide Inc., to report financial losses. The 18% rise in fuel prices isn't helping the trucking industry's bottom line, but the real problem is falling freight volumes, one more fallout of the disastrous subprime lending fiasco that has decimated the housing industry. The burst of the housing bubble has been sending ever-expanding shock waves through the economy since last year. Repercussions have finally hit the trucking industry.

We're talking about the new hours of service (HOS) rules this week. The federal court struck down new FMCSA regulations that would allow an 11-hour driving day followed by 10 hours of rest with a 34-hour reset. The court justices don't think that's safe enough. They want to go back to 10 hours of drive time followed by an 8-hour rest. The FMCSA has 3 months to change their minds. You're doing the driving. What do you think? Click the comment link below and give Trucker to Trucker your two cents.

The US Court of Appeals has just granted a 90-day stay of changes to the hours of service (HOS) regulations that dictate the number of daily hours that truck drivers can drive and work. In a closely divided July ruling, the court ordered hours of service regulations changed to limit long-haul truckers to a daily driving time of 10-hours followed by 8 hours of rest with no weekly reset allowed. Current rules will remain in effect until December 27, 2007, when the issue will again come before the court. 

Truckers carry dangerous cargoes every day of the year, usually without mishap. When things go wrong, though, they don't usually entail being chased by an angry swarm of bees. That was the unfortunate scene last week when a truck carrying bee hives from North Dakota to California ran off I-94 and overturned near Huntley, Montana, just northeast of Billings.

It seems that American truckers aren't the only ones up in arms about the NAFTA cross-border trucking program. According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, Mexican long-haulers look upon the pilot program with as much disfavor as their US counterparts.

"The Mexican government has not negotiated the conditions that will permit freight haulers to compete on equal terms with its counterparts in the United States.

A victory! (We hope.) Just days after its implementation,  the US Senate slammed the breaks on the US-Mexican cross-border trucking program. Arguing that Mexican trucks and drivers would seriously endanger American drivers on US highways, the Senate voted 75-23 to block funding for the newly initiated NAFTA pilot program.

It's time to put your money where your mouth is. Comments to our recent posts about the NAFTA Mexican cross-border trucking program nearly doubled over the weekend. Out of 128 comments posted since our August 29 blog, only one was not opposed to the pilot program, and that comment was more fatalistic than anything else:

"Canada has full access already. US trucks have full access to Canada and now we will have full access to Mexico. That's called free trade." -nik 

The rest of the comments posted have been vociferously against the cross-border trucking program. Truckers and other American citizens expressed:

The newly launched NAFTA US-Mexican cross border trucking pilot program continues to draw fire. Here's what politician, industry leaders and your fellow truckers are saying:

Teamsters speak: "Dangerous trucks should not be driving all the way from Mexico to Maine and Minnesota," said Teamsters president James Hoffa. "What is it about safety and national security that George Bush doesn't understand?"

"We have a beef with the American government lying to the American people that these people [Mexican truckers] are under the [DOT] rules and regulations,” said Teamsters national VP Jim Santangelo. “We've got too much research and documentation that these people are not drug-tested. These trucks aren't being inspected like you and I are when we come across here. It's simple to put anything on these trucks. This is not about unions organizing these guys, it's all about homeland security and the safety of America's highways.”

Congress circumvented: In an end run around an uncooperative Congress, President Bush issued an executive order to initiate the cross-border pilot program. Sponsored by Representatives Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., Nancy Boyda, D-Kan., Gary Miller, R-Calif. and Duncan Hunter, R-Calif.,  in July the House had passed an amendment to a transportation budget bill that denied funding for the pilot project, effectively delaying its implementation for at least a year. At the time DeFazio said, "We feel that the Mexican system of regulating the trucking industry is totally incompatible with the U.S. system,' adding that the cross-border project "would jeopardize the safety of the American public. While Mexico is a country where corruption is rife and there is no respect for the rule of law or regulation, we will not consider backing this project.' The bill is scheduled for debate in the Senate this month. It's anyone's guess what impact, if any, Congress can have on the program now that it has been implemented.

DOT counters: "This long-awaited project will protect public safety on American highways as we work to both save consumers money and help our economy," said John H. Hill, administrator of DOT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which is charged with overseeing the pilot program.

OOIDA files suit: “While some of the safety shortcomings of trucks from Mexico have seen improvement . . . many others have not,” warned OOIDA executive VP Todd Spencer. OOIDA filed a suit against the government this week seeking an injunction to halt the pilot program. “We feel [DOT] is overstepping its bounds with the pilot program, and they may very well be overstepping congressional mandates.”

Safety advocates wary: Questioned about the success of the Canada-US cross-border program which has been in effect for decades, Jackie Gillan, VP of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, warned, "'The regulatory environment of the United States is much, much closer to that of Canada than it is to the environment in Mexico. It's not an apples to apples comparison, it's apples to oranges.'

Environmentalists worried: "Before providing unconditional access throughout the country to tens of thousands of big rigs we know little to nothing about, we must insure they meet safety and environmental standards," said Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club.

Truckers picket: Carrying signs reading NAFTA Kills and Unsafe Mexican Trucks, a few dozen protesters circled the hot tarmac at California and Texas border crossings on Thursday. As trucks roared past, they chanted, "What do we want? Safe highways. When do we want them? Now!"

"There are no means to regulate these guys," warned Teamsters organizer Hugo Flores as he marched. "Bush has opened up highways to unsafe trucks. I don't want them sharing the roads with my family." Flores echoed the worries of fellow truckers when he said, "Now they're trying to export all our driving jobs to Mexico. That's one less American job."

Omar Nunez, a 34-year-old driver from Pecos, said he worries that freight prices will drop as shippers turn to cheaper Mexican trucking companies. "As it is, I'm barely making it right now," he said.

Many Texas truckers said a large percentage of their business comes from picking up loads that Mexican drivers had to leave at the border before the pilot program was implemented. "That's my business," said veteran Texas trucker Gerald Fernow. "What am I supposed to do? I'm screwed."

A suggestion from Mark on what to do about mexican trucks crossing u.s. borders.

This latest US approval of Mexican truckers is unbelievable. First off Im not a trucker but have a good respect for the people who are. My suggestion is when the mexcian truck start hauling. Every truck in the USA to put the brakes on and stay there. The effect would trhow a wrench in the whole process. It seems our goverment wont listen to the people but if 100,000 of trucks stop and stay put. The money the corporations and buisness would lose would be huge. The pressure from them calling to fix the problem would be also just as large. Get together and find agree on a time to just put on the brakes and stay put. FInd the buisiest roadways and come to a complete stop. Can you imagine LA, PHX, SAN FRAN, NEW YORK, CHICAGO with 100s of trucks just stopped.

Our recent posts on implementation of the NAFTA Mexico/US cross-border pilot trucking program sure have struck a chord with Trucker to Trucker readers. Response to our August 29 and September 4 posts has been hot and heavy. Readers have made many pointed comments and come up with some interesting ideas. Keep reading for an earful from our readers.

"The Clinton administration ran this down our throats (NAFTA). Now the Bush administration is trying to cut our throats. Is the government trying to eliminate the middle class!" -Pat

Like it or not, Mexican trucks will be rolling on American highways this week. A federal judge denied a request by the Teamsters, Sierra Club and non-profit Public Citizen to halt the Bush administration's pilot program (see our August 29 post). The NAFTA program, which is scheduled to start this Thursday, September 6, will allow 100 Mexican trucking companies to haul their cargo anywhere within the US for the next year. Fortunately, the ruling came too late to impact Labor Day weekend traffic. Many US truckers fear that Mexican drivers and trucks will not be held to the same stringent standards Americans have to meet.

Trucker to Trucker readers responded angrily to news of the new program:

If a child is missing, an Omaha-based trucking company has put a lot more eyes on the road to help find them. Whenever an Amber Alert is issued, truck drivers for Werner Enterprises are on the lookout. Joining forces with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Werner drivers receive instant notice every time an alert is issued.

The Feds are poised to open America's highways to Mexican trucks this weekend. The Transportation Department's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said the first Mexican trucks are scheduled to cross our southern border on Saturday, September 1.

"What a slap in the face to American workers, opening the highways to dangerous trucks on Labor Day weekend, one of the busiest driving weekends of the year," said Teamsters President Jim Hoffa.

Living up to its slogan The World's Best, Kenworth Truck Company swept the Class 8 truck rankings, earning the highest customer satisfaction rating for Over the Road, Pickup and Delivery, and Vocational segments from J.D. Power and Associates. The recently released J.D. Power 2007 Heavy Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study was based on interviews with 2,677 owners of Class 8 trucks.

In South Bend, Indiana a court case is brewing that could have serious repercussions for the trucking industry. In federal district court, 150 Indiana drivers are suing FedEx for full-time employment status. Their argument is that if they work full-time hours, they should be paid as full-time time employees -- with benefits. Similar suits have been filed by drivers in 29 other states. The federal court hearing the case will decide later this month whether to consolidate all of the claims into a single class-action lawsuit.

US efforts to monitor Mexican drivers and trucks on US highways are causing some concern among our neighbors to the north. The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is keeping an eye on new efforts to enforce cabotage rules. The US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is asking local and state law enforcement agencies to crack down on cabotage enforcement.

Cabotage is not some weird form of truck cab vandalism. Cabotage is the movement of foreign drivers and equipment between two points (locations) within a country. Cabotage regulates the rights of one country to trade or transport goods in another country. While it originally regulated shipping in coastal waters, cabotage now applies to ground transport and air traffic. Politically, cabotage regulations restrict trade to domestic carriers in the interest of national security, public safety and -- lets be honest -- to give the hometown boys an advantage.

Most countries regulate cabotage. What worries Canadians is a statement recently made by FMCSA administrator John Hill: "This is not just training people about Mexican cabotage. This is training all enforcement officers about issues involving both northern and southern borders." Cabotage regulations in the US and Canada were overhauled in the late 1990s making them more similar and more liberal and, in effect, limiting them to US-Canadian border crossings. However, Canadian drivers complain that enforcement has been stricter in the US than at home. "Any mention of even tougher enforcement of the rules in the United States has the Canadian trucking industry worried that Canadian trucking companies may be placed at a competitive disadvantage in doing business across the border," said David Bradley, CTA president. "We question the need for a nationwide policing effort away from the border, and wonder whether Canadian carriers and drivers will be sideswiped as a result of concern in some quarters in the US over the possible opening of the southern border."

The current effort to tighten cabotage regulations could create an unfortunate Canadian backlash that might wind up impacting US truckers.

At the 2007 National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis last week, Alphonso "Al" Lewis won the gold. Lewis' knowledge of transportation and truck safety info, coupled with his superior driving skills, earned him the Grand Champion title. A Roadway driver from Montgomery, Alabama, Lewis beat out 377 other drivers from across the U.S. in his drive for the title.

Sponsored by the American Trucking Associations, the 70th annual Super Bowl of Safety, as the annual competition is dubbed, showcased drivers from all 50 states. State champions in eight truck classes competed for the overall honor. Collectively, the drivers had logged more than a half billion accident-free miles. The first African-American to win the competition in its 70-year history, Lewis has driven for 21 years without accident or injury. An amazing accomplishment. We salute you, Al!

Jason Matte was named Rookie of the Year. A 5-axle driver for FedEx Freight out of Pearl, Mississippi, Matte has driven for 9 years, logging more than 700,000 without an accident.

Other winners included:

• Individual Four-Axle: Al Lewis (Montgomery, Alabama)
• Straight Truck: Scott Watts, FedEx Express (Anchorage, Alaska)
• Three-Axle: John Hazlett, ABF Freight System (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• Five-Axle: Kevin Scott Harris Sr., ABF Freight System (North Greenbush, New York)
• Five-Axle Sleeper: Warren Lewis Jr., Hannaford Trucking Co. (Lewiston, Maine)
• Twins: Dennis Day, Con-way Freight (Lawrenceville, Georgia)
• Flatbed: John Smith Jr., FedEx Ground (Tupelo, Mississippi)
• Tank Truck: Dale Duncan, Con-way Freight (Chula Vista, California), 2006 Grand Champion

Arizona fielded the highest scoring team, with Washington second and South Dakota coming in third. Congratulations to all!

It's bad enough that the price of gas is over the $3 mark, but now just finding the darn stuff has become a real challenge in some Midwestern states.

Things have gotten so bad in North Dakota that this week Governor John Hoeven issued an emergency order allowing commercial gasoline haulers to search for the precious commodity in neighboring states. To help deal with fuel shortages at pipeline terminals, last week fuel haulers were granted extended service hours to search for fuel within the state. The expanded order enables them to cross state lines to obtain fuel in South Dakota and Minnesota. North Dakota's order runs through Saturday but is expected to be extended. Similar orders in South Dakota and Minnesota are in effect until July 19. Approved by US DOT, the orders allow truckers in all three states to travel freely across borders in search of fuel.

It is hoped that the measure will help ease fuel shortages in the Great Plains states. Due to refinery slowdowns in the region, truckers have been forced to wait at pipeline terminals for excessively long periods before obtaining fuel. At the root of the problem is the virtual shutdown of the Coffeyville, Kansas refinery due to flooding problems. It is feared that the crisis may cause gasoline shortages at service stations throughout the region during the summer travel season.

"Giving people a chance to move around the Midwest a little bit to find product is certainly a plus for our marketers," said Mike Rud, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association. "Everybody in the three-state area is in the same boat."

Ahhhhh! Sunday is Father's Day. Hope all you dads out there have a relaxing day doing whatever you like best. After the brats on the grill and the post feed siesta, lean back in your easy chair and tune into the History Channel Sunday at 10 p.m. (repeating at 11 p.m.).  You won't want to miss the debut of Ice Road Truckers.

The new series profiles six drivers who routinely risk their lives driving big rigs across the world's most dangerous highway -- Canada's desolate 350-mile ice highway. Hauling supplies and equipment hundreds of miles to isolated diamond miners, these adrenaline junkies maneuver their giant 18-wheelers over the frozen lakes and tundra of northern Canada.

Global warming isn't a debatable theory for these guys. This year's unprecedented Arctic warming meant their highway was melting right out from under them! It takes steel guts to drive across open ice for hundreds of miles, totally alone, with no shoreline in sight in below zero temperatures, knowing the ice could crack under you at any minute and dump you and your rig into the icy depths. I can think of much easier ways to make some quick cash!

Ice Road Truckers repeats Tuesday at 10 p.m. and Friday at 11 p.m. For the full schedule, check the History Channel website; click here.

Hot fuel has become a hot issue with truckers. Expanded (or hot) fuel is fuel sold at retail pumps where the fuel temperature is above 60F. Higher pump temperatures cause fuel to expand, resulting in a significant loss of usable fuel energy. The bottom line is we get less bang for our buck!

Representatives of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) recently appeared before the House of Representative's Sub-Committee on Oversight and Reform to lobby against hot fuel. Arguing that hot fuel has less measurable energy, OOIDA told congressmen that hot fuel reduces the number of miles per gallon a truck can travel. For example, filled with 200 gallons of fuel, a truck averaging 6 mpg will travel 36 miles less if the fuel is dispensed at 98F compared to 60F.

With both temperatures and the cost of fuel rising this summer, the hot fuel issue is heating up. The trucking industry loses $2.5 million per year to hot fuel, OOIDA told the committee. Truckers want Congress to mandate the installation of automatic temperature compensation kits on all retail pumps in the US. It's already standard in Canada. It's about time we followed the lead of our fellow truckers to the north.

Michigan may pull out of its agreement to help fund a new bridge linking Michigan and Ontario. In making the announcement, State Senator Alan Cropsey said an amendment calling for funding to be withdrawn could pass the state legislature within 60 days. Legislators feel their money -- Michigan's portion of the cost is estimated at $1.5 to $3.5 billion -- could be better spent elsewhere now that the Canadian owner of the Ambassador Bridge has expressed interest in building a new crossing.

"There is a huge concern that many of us have in the legislature about whether the state of Michigan should be funding another crossing," Cropsey said in an interview with the Toronto Star.

In response, Gerald Fedchun, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association said, "It puts the new bridge for completion by 2013 in jeopardy. This would be a very serious setback."

Another bridge would mean easier transport of goods to Canada, particularly automotive goods from the Motor City. Reversals in the auto industry have put an added strain on Michigan's economy and I'm sure budget dollars are tight. Let's just hope the Michigan legislature isn't shooting itself in the foot. Without the state's funding support, the bridge project is in jeopardy. 

With gas prices expected to rise into the stratosphere this summer, it was good news when Peterbilt Motors Co. announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show that it is developing trucks that will run on green fuels. Peterbilt expects to produce "a full range of vehicles equipped with advanced hybrid technologies that increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and improve service requirements," Overdrive Magazine reported in its May issue.

Peterbilt is developing hybrids for both medium- and heavy-duty platforms and for highway and vocational applications, announced Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager. Four distinct platforms are under development:

• Heavy-duty electric hybrid for long-haul trucks
• Heavy-duty hydraulic hybrid for vocational and stop/go applications
• Medium-duty electric hybrid for pickup and delivery vehicles
• Medium-duty electric hybrid for stationary PTO applications

The heavy-duty hybrid, which is being developed in cooperation with Eaton and Wal-Mart, should be available in 2010, just in time for gas prices to reach the moon!

The US House of Representatives put the brakes on the cross-border trucking program that would allow Mexican carriers a free ride on American roads. Limiting implementation of a pilot program that would open American highways to Mexican trucks, the "Safe American Roads Act of 2007" passed the House by an overwhelming majority of 411 to 3. The bill now goes to the Senate.

The vote was applauded by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) which has been critical of the proposed program. "This bill will inject some sanity into a program that still has far too many questions that have not been answered," said Todd Spencer, OOIDA executive VP. He accused the DOT of providing "nothing but rhetoric when asked exactly how it will implement this program." Members of the House agreed.

The 3-year DOT pilot program they approved restricts the cross-border program to 100 Mexico-based carriers and a maximum of 1,000 vehicles. The newly passed bill specifies the criteria that must be met before implementation of the pilot program and charges the inspector general with insuring that all driver and vehicle safety and inspection requirements are met. The bill also requires that an independent panel be established to evaluate the pilot effort. The DOT estimated that compliance with Congress' criteria will take 6 months to a year, most likely moving the start date into 2008. The Bush administration had wanted immediate implementation under its commitment to the North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA) treaty.

In an NBC interview, lawmakers expressed concern for safety and American jobs: "We do not need 90,000-pound unguided missiles on our highways," said Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC). "We need to ensure that this program only takes place after the Mexican companies meet the same conditions that American companies do," added Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI). "You can get a Mexican truck driver to work for a heck of a lot less than a Teamster in the United States ... and that's what this is ultimately designed to do," charged Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

Representing owner/operators in the US and Canada, OOIDA's criticism of the cross-border program focuses on safety concerns. If they are going to be allowed to travel on US roads, Mexican drivers and trucks should be required to meet the same safety standards as US truckers, the organization argues. Seems only fair. American truckers have invested too much time and money in bringing both their drivers and their trucks up to tough US standards to allow the government to make an exception just to gain political favor with Mexico.