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Schneider Transportation Increases Visibility with Trucker Tools

Schneider Transportation Increases Visibility with Trucker Tools

Trucker Tools’ carrier management and shipment tracking software services has been officially selected by Schneider Transportation Management to provide additional support one of the industry’s largest freight brokerage operations.

The company will implement Load Track and Smart Capacity – two of Trucker Tool’s cloud-based software applications to support and improve operational processes while providing increased visibility to its carriers.

“We are growing our capabilities with Trucker Tools to deliver a better experience for carriers and easier access to the high-quality loads they expect from Schneider,” said Erin Van Zeeland, Schneider’s senior vice president and general manager of Logistics Services. “With Load Track, our carriers have an easy-to-use platform for delivering quality information on the progress and status of loads in transit as well as visibility to available loads.

“This allows us to more efficiently connect the right loads with the right carriers while enhancing the visibility shippers want. Trucker Tools is also a big selling point, especially with the small and micro-carriers, because of the popularity of its mobile app,” Van Zeeland added.

Additionally, the company announced the implementation of a predictive freight-matching tool for brokers called the Smart Capacity platform.

“We are honored to be selected by one of America’s most respected transportation companies to help them drive further efficiencies and quality improvements into its brokerage operations,” said Prasad Gollapalli,” founder and CEO of Trucker Tools. “Our goal is to enable our broker customers to leverage next-generation technology to improve their competitiveness and increase their ‘stickiness’ with carriers. Through Smart Capacity, Load Track and our mobile driver app, we’re giving them unprecedented, trusted visibility into where and when those trucks are available – today, tomorrow and into next week.”

 

Source: Trucker Tools 

CTB Certification: Why it Matters for 3PL

BR Williams is the latest company to receive the Certified Transportation Broker certification from the Transportation Intermediaries Association. The certification is a game changer for 3PL. Three team members from the Alabama-based supply chain company completed the complex course to leverage the competitive advantage it provides. The team of newly certified members consists of TK Bardwell, Kenton Sprayberry, and Chris Nester.

“The CTB course was challenging but rewarding. The material provided insight into many industry topics that I had encountered but never fully understood,” said Kenton Sprayberry.

The CTB certification takes more than just a fee, however, as the Transportation Intermediaries Association describes the home study and exam program as “rigorous.” Those who attempt the exam must pass three sections covering principles for brokerage, traffic management and contract services, as well as legal and regulatory issues in a four-hour, multiple choice testing setting. If the test is failed, candidates have opportunities four times a year to re-take it (tianet).

When a company boasts the CTB Certification, the level of professionalism, industry expertise, and integrity that places them in an advantageous position over competitors and provides customers with assurance needed to develop life-long business relationships, especially for third party logistics companies. As explained by the TIA, holding this certification provides marketing advantages, professional recognition, and career advancement.

To learn more about the program, visit: TIA.net

Source: EIN Presswire, Transportation Intermediaries Association 

Maximizing Logistics and SCM Costs Before 2019

While many companies are determining what tips and tricks would benefit them for 2019, your company can implement improved practices to eliminate wasted resources and redundant costs now, maximizing the time left before the new year comes around.

There is no need to wait for January, according to BR Williams Trucking.  BR Williams specializes in identifying the immediate and long-term needs within supply chain management and provides several immediate tips on how to effectively manage and reduce costs. These techniques can also provide a competitive advantage when implemented correctly.

-First, consider consolidating shipments. This technique maximizes shipping costs and provides an opportunity to partner with importers.

-It might come as a surprise, but if you can eliminate Carrier’s Insurance, BR Williams encourages that you do when the circumstance presents itself.

-Use unpredictable tariffs as an opportunity to implement key strategies. Rather than dreading tariffs, create a strategic approach your company can leverage specifically for those instances.

Automation is key for compliance processes. Not only does automation provide an error-free solution, but it minimizes the chance of excessive costs to get back on track in the case of processing mishaps.

As you consider areas of improvement for 2019, consider the core of all business initiatives first: logistics and financials. At the root of all successful companies is a well-oiled machine that take into account all areas of operations while carefully evaluating cost efficiencies.

To view the full list of tips and to read how BR Williams can help manage your supply chain costs, visit: BRWilliams.com

Source: BR WIlliams Trucking

 

Women and Transportation: “We are just getting started”

Women’s increasing involvement in the trucking industry reveals the diversification and opportunities available beyond a traditional employee model. The Women in Trucking Association’s publication Redefining the Road takes the role of women in the transportation industry seriously while considering what makes a company great for females in not only driving, but also professional roles.

Through the “Top 50 Companies for Women to Work for in Transportation” awards by the publication, companies are analyzed and featured based on five key features, including a company culture that promotes diversity as well as competitive compensation and flexible hours. This year, YRC Freight took the top spot for women to work for in transportation.

“‘WE at YRC Freight’ is an employee resource group focused on meeting women where they are in their careers, providing the support and resources needed to reach their goals, and cultivating strong relationships across our entire network, so no woman in our company feels like the only woman in our industry. Melissa Tomlen, YRC Freight SVP Accountability & Performance and “WE at YRC Freight” executive sponsor said. “‘WE at YRC Freight’ is about women’s enrichment, empowerment, entrepreneurship, engagement and excellence. We are proud to be driven women driving forward together. WE drive, WE lead, WE engage.”

“Being able to connect directly with the women in our organization, hearing their ideas, and building on their passion for our industry is driving our programming,” says Tomlen. “We are just getting started.”

Source: EIN Presswire 

‘Tis the Season for Theft

Cargo theft statistics reported for the third quarter prove a substantial decrease compared to earlier reports that showed an increase for the second quarter, according to Commercial Carrier Journal. With Christmas two days away and 2019 kicking off, increased demand for retail products is paired with the risk of theft. Here are tips for industry players to consider to reduce the risk of theft risks and decreasing the chances for loss.

Technology continues to grow, tying loose ends within global trade, economic  development, and maritime operations. Utilizing automation and digitization to reduce risk through theft is a no-brainer, according to an article highlighting prevention methods from the Logistics Bureau.  Consider technology solutions that allow for greater visibility and cargo monitoring to tighten security. Implementing a system that provides security for employees and products creates an environment of safety and risk mitigation.

For trucks carrying cargo and making frequent stops, Logistics Bureau encourages drivers to consider parking tail-to-tail or parking against hard surfaces to increase the difficulty of breaking into the truck. Additionally, consider the use of common solutions that don’t require high-end technology such as locks and seals provide. Thieves only need about 40 seconds to successfully break in and hot wire an engine according to Work Truck, emphasizing the need for increased communication and tracking for cargo deliveries.

Simple practices such as these can make a drastic difference in seasonal freight deliveries. It’s about staying one step ahead of the crime through the use of technology, alarm systems, and streamlining communications.

Sources: Truck World, Logistics Bureau, CCJ 

One-Million Pound Success

With the help of three heavy-haul Kenworth trucks, Omega-Morgan of Oregon hauled a combination of nearly one million pounds on a two-day, 47 mile journey from Washington’s Klickitat County to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Rock Creek substation.

Among the three heavy-haul trucks utilized to pull this off were two Kenworth T800 heavy haulers with a Kenworth C500 in the lead. A fourth heavy hauler was eventually added to the C500 truck in an effort to ensure adequate traction was provided.

“For this transport, there were quite a few obstacles we had to plan for, not to mention two-lane roads that had to be closed,” said Troy Tallent, vice president of operations at Omega Morgan. “For instance, we had to widen the gravel road from 16 feet to 20, and reduce the grade by the rail head (where the transformer was lifted off the railcar and placed in the trailer-cradle) from 16 percent to 15 percent.”

The original plan and final execution of the haul took several months in order to best deploy efforts without sacrificing the quality of the roadways encountered.

“This operation got a lot of attention because of its enormous size,” Tallent said. “What we do is about as heavy as heavy transporting gets. Kenworth trucks are built for these applications, which is why we only run Kenworth trucks in our heavy duty fleet. Nothing can deliver like a Kenworth.”

Kenworth is The Driver’s Truck™. For moe information. visit  www.kenworth.com/drivers.

Source:  SiefkesPetit Communications

Penske Logistics Appeals to U.S. Supreme Court Over New Driver Rules

Reading, PA – Penske Logistics has filed a petition seeking to have the United States Supreme Court review the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the matter of Dilts et al. v. Penske Logistics LLC and Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. 

The crux of the case is whether a long-standing federal transportation law that seeks to promote lower rates and better service by ensuring that rates and services are determined by competitive market forces rather than a patchwork of varying state laws preempts California’s state laws requiring mandatory meal and rest breaks.

California’s meal and rest break laws directly impact the routes, services, and prices of trucking companies, such as Penske, operating in California.

Penske maintains the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994, which prohibits states from enacting laws related to prices, routes or services of a motor carrier, preempts California meal and rest break laws as applied to motor carriers.

In 2011, the U.S. District Court ruled in Penske’s favor on this issue, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals later overturned this decision in 2014.

Penske argues that the Ninth Circuit’s decision is at odds with Supreme Court decisions in other preemption cases.

The company  is seeking Supreme Court review because this case has sweeping impacts on how the trucking industry operates and disrupts competitive market forces.

“Safe drivers are a top priority at Penske and we already encourage our drivers to take their necessary safety rest and meal breaks while driving their routes and serving our customers’ delivery needs,” said Michael Duff, senior vice president and general counsel for Penske.

“This case is about federal law preempting state laws that relate to rates, routes, and services offered by trucking companies. We’re asking the Supreme Court to resolve this issue for our company and the trucking industry. The Ninth Circuit’s decision significantly impacts the entire transportation industry as well as the flow of commerce and ultimately impacts consumers.”

Penske is being represented in the Supreme Court appeal by Latham & Watkins LLP of Washington, DC and Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C. of Indiana.

01/07/2015

Livingston International Launches New Cross-Border Trade App

Toronto, Canada – Truck drivers delivering commercial shipments across the Canada-U.S. border have a new ally to reduce their wait time at Customs: the Livingston International Tracker app.

The app is specifically designed for carriers, giving drivers the information they need on the clearance status of their shipments as quickly as possible.

Both the U.S. Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) and the Canadian Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) are optimized for mobile on Livingston’s Tracker app, keeping drivers informed of their shipment’s status no matter where they are.

Livingston’s Speed Scanner functionality enables truck drivers to use a simple barcode scan to check shipment status, with no need to type in barcodes.

For shipments without a barcode, the driver simply keys in the shipment information to find the shipment status. There is no longer a need to phone a dispatcher and wait for them to check the status.

The app also features “set and forget” functionality for shipments entering Canada, so truckers can get PARS shipment alerts with the click of a button.

For even more speed and convenience, carriers can also opt for SMS and/or e-mail shipment updates.

The Tracker app is available for download on iOS, Android and Blackberry. Livingston has also updated their tracking web pages so they are fully optimized for mobile.

In addition to offering Customs clearance and trade compliance services, Livingston International also offers trade consulting, global trade management and international freight forwarding.

Livingston employs over 3,200 staff at 125 key border points, sea ports, airports and other strategic locations across North America, Europe and Asia.

12/10/2014

US, Mexico Border Truck Program Expires

Washington, DC – The three-year program giving Mexican long-haul truckers access inside the US beyond the designated commercial border zone has officially expired, but the border will remain open to the 13 Mexico-domiciled carriers that were granted authority to participate in the project.

As required by statute, the Department of Transportation has completed a three-year trucking pilot program with Mexico,” the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) agency responsible for conducting the pilot project, said Tuesday in a prepared statement.

The controversial cross-border program, strongly opposed by the US trucking industry, was created in 2011 to evaluate the safety of cross-border long-haul operations, with 13 carriers participating in the program.

“Prior to making any additional determinations regarding cross-border trucking issues or specific carriers, the department will await expected reports on the pilot program from the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee and the DOT Inspector General,” the agency said.

“In the interim, based upon successful completion of the program, as well as a review of safety and inspection data collected during the program, the department has converted the 13 participants to provisional or standard operating authority, allowing those carriers to continue to operate in the United States.”

The 13 carriers will reportedly continue to undergo regular border inspections and be subject to all US motor carrier laws and regulations, the DOT said.

In addition, it said that there were no fatalities or major accidents involving Mexico-domiciled trucks during the current pilot or the previous pilot program that ended in 2009 when it was scrapped by Congress.

10/15/2014

Amerijet Expands Domestic US Logistics Footprint

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Amerijet International Inc. is gearing up for its domestic US freighter operation by awarding its East and West Coast road feeder bid to its ITS Logistics.

The contract connects nine US cities to Amerijet’s new domestic air cargo hubs at Reno‐Tahoe International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus utilizing dedicated 53 foot ‘air-ride’ trailers.

Amerijet has begun daily B767 freighter operations between its new hubs providing long‐haul air freight service for intercontinental and domestic freight.

Dedicated road feeder services between Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Reno on the west coast and Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Newark, Atlanta, Miami and Columbus on the East Coast will allow the company to provide its customers with a 1‐2 day service coast to coast.

Amerijet International, Inc. is full‐service multi‐modal transportation and logistics provider, offering US domestic and international, scheduled all‐cargo transport via land, sea, and air.

The company connects over 30 major cities in the US with more than 600 destinations worldwide, providing global transportation solutions for customers throughout the Americas, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

07/31/2014