OOIDA recently announced honorees in the Association’s Safe Driving Award program. The following drivers have been recognized... Link

The third webcast in the series, "Safety and the Bottom Line," presented by Fleet Owner and the Truckload Carriers Assn. (TCA), was attended by fleets across the U.S. and Canada on May 5 and is now available for viewing online at no charge as are the other webcasts in the series. Link

So you’ve done everything you can as a small business owner to reverse the negative cash flows, such as extending the terms on your... Link

As the  recession forces cutbacks in personnel and hiring, fleets as well as dealerships continue to look for ways to "automate" or at least simplify many common maintenance shop procedures -- from paperwork to truck inspections. Link

YRC Worldwide Inc. has formed a partnership with Women in Trucking Inc., an organization established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize the obstacles they face. Link

Even before the Virginia Department of Transportation announced its rest area closure plan in February, truckers had been troubled by the state’s two-hour maximum parking rule at rest areas. Link

The annual inspection blitz conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is set for June 2-4 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Link

For the Defense Department, the largest consumer of energy in the United States, addiction to fuel has greater costs than the roughly $18 billion the agency spent on it last year. Link

As playwright Arthur Miller once observed, "An era can be said to end when its basic illusions are exhausted." And most of the illusions that defined the late global economic boom... Link

The topic of greenhouse gas pollution continues to gain momentum in recent weeks. The most recent example is a proposed finding issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week, stating that greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health of welfare. Link

The International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA) elected new officers and board members at the recent IARW (International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses)-WFLO (World Food Logistics Organization)-IRTA Annual Convention & Expo. Link

Despite four outbreaks of salmonella illness from peanut products in the past three years, the federal government has not changed the safety measures required of peanut companies... About half a dozen food safety reform bills are pending on Capitol Hill. Link

Using electrical equipment more precisely could help frozen food companies shave up to 15 per cent off their electricity bills, according to a new report from the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) in association with the Carbon Trust. Link

The Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership program, established to save fuel, lower costs, and protect the environment, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Link

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has updated its fleet calculator. The tool is designed to assist fleet owners in determining yearly compliance with the statewide emission regulation requirements... Link

In a series of public meetings that began last week, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reviewed a plan to close 25 of 41 rest areas in the state. This proposal would shut over half of the available truck parking spaces – 412 out of the 770 now open. Link

After nearly two years of resisting the opening of the U.S.-Mexico border to long-haul trucking operations, the Mexican motor carrier association now is taking the U.S. to “NAFTA court.” Link

"Go Green" event in California discussed supplemental federal and state funding to help retrofit older trucks with green technology. Link

The food industry reacts to the massive peanut recall by re-examining safety procedures within each link of the food chain. Link

Denver: Gil Carmichael, founding chairman of the board of directors of the Intermodal Transportation Institute at the University of Denver and a former federal railroad administrator, says the $787 billion economic stimulus package, recently signed by President Barack Obama, is the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program... Link

Joining a trade association is like keeping your business in shape. By joining a trade association, you have access to resources and other industry professionals... Link

Performance Food Group announced today that Progressive Group Alliance, Performance Food Group’s independent purchasing organization, will outsource all of its foodservice business and group purchasing functions to UniPro, based in Atlanta, Georgia. Link

Despite what is being regarded as the worst business in 27 years, foodservice distributors are continuing to be confident that they can survive the recession by eliminating costs along the supply chain and tightly partnering with their customers – especially independent operators. Link

As the distribution industry continues to lobby vigorously against passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, which the Obama Administration has indicated it strongly supports, a new report by the Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS) shows an increase in union workers last year. Link

Smart companies know that the last thing you should do in a down economy is pull back your marketing. Instead, you need to learn how to do more with less – making sure every marketing dollar is working for you. But, how do you do it? Link

Businesses today face the unenviable task of reducing supply chain costs while increasing front-facing service to end customers. Technology and automation help integrate and expedite service, but they don't allay the problems and emotions that befall poor execution or unforeseeable exceptions. Link

The American Trucking Associations Tuesday asked Congress to support the trucking industry's environmental initiatives, which it says will reduce fuel consumption by 86 billion gallons and reduce the carbon footprint of all vehicles by nearly a billion tons over the next 10 years. Link

A final rule that would have mandated electronic onboard recorders for at least some motor carriers is on hold after President Barack Obama's new administration Tuesday ordered all federal agencies and departments to stop any pending regulations until they can be reviewed by incoming staff. Link

California last week received a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that allows the state to enforce emissions regulations on truck and trailer refrigeration units. Concern had been raised that the late in coming waiver would not be granted and therefore the regulations would not be enforceable. Link

The U.S. Department of Transportation signed an agreement with the Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia departments of transportation to relieve congestion and improve mobility on a key stretch of Interstate 95. Link

As Congress considers an economic stimulus bill that includes spending on infrastructure, two groups are touting the ability of infrastructure construction to create jobs faster than many may expect. Link

Hill Bros. Transportation was recently awarded ConAgra Foods 2008 Temperature Carrier of the Year award. "Hill Bros. great service and focus on helping ConAgra Foods take advantage of supply chain opportunities are what makes Hill Bros. such a good partner," said Mike Liebherr. Link

The ATA called for the introduction of several environmental initiatives yesterday before the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which the OOIDA countered as being “irresponsible and ridiculous.” Link

OOIDA says the arguments made before Congress recently by the ATA recently in favor of larger truck and trailer combinations and government mandated speed limiters are “irresponsible and ridiculous.”Link

Penske Truck Leasing customers now have an array of Internet tools available to them with the launch of MyFleetatPenske.com. The site includes practical tools and information Penske account holders can use to maximize fleet efficiency and improve compliance and driver safety, Penske said. Link

Fleet Owner is now on Facebook allowing users to see all the news, blogs, videos and more that are on fleetowner.com in addition to photos from our Flickr page and updates from the staff. Link

Cadec Global has announced that Publix Super Markets, Inc. has purchased and will implement the company’s Mobius TTS on-board computers and software on the more than 600 trucks in its private fleet. Link

In its quest to be the greenest company possible, Seattle, WA-based Essential Baking Co. didn't let one roadblock stop it from trying again. The company... operates a pair of cafés and sells its baked goods wholesale to restaurants and institutions, wanted its fleet of vehicles as environmentally friendly as possible. Link

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood knows a little bit about smooth roads – especially since the one to his confirmation didn’t hit pothole one. Link

Supply Chain managers approaching the end of 2008 may need a paper bag to breathe into. The roller coaster of oil prices, a tanking worldwide economy, and the near-collapse of major American financial institutions have made for tough times... Link

While the run-up in fuel prices, the increase in idling regulations and concern about climate change have caused many fleets to make idle reduction (IR) a priority, there has not been much in the way of scientific, third-party comparisons of idling reduction options to help guide the IR selection process. Link

Over and over again corporations are bombarded with sour news regarding the U.S. economy and how a long and sustained recession is imminent. Is there any good news in this bad economy? Link

News and Trends from Across the Food Supply Chain. Fuel Efficiency Challenge Proves Driver Training Cuts Costs. FMI Develops Seafood Sustainability Guidelines. Link

Companies need to know the true cost of ownership--and upkeep--before deciding. Link

In Seafood, Promote Health, Environmental Benefits; Get Certified to Boost Sales; Healthy Kids’ Meals, Local Produce, Mini Desserts among Hottest Menu Trends. Link

Two new initiatives are in the works, intended to offer small businesses some breathing room. Link

The award acknowledges distributor leadership and overall excellence within the foodservice industry. Link

Experts say you have to resist the fear-driven urge to chop your marketing budget down to the bone. Link

The ability to control costs, drive revenue, attract new customers and assure customer satisfaction while driving revenue will be key determinants of staying in business next year, according to a supply chain consultant. Distributors hold a unique central position in the supply chain... Link

With the country being in the grips of a severe recession, distributors are waiting with bated breath for the latest statistics on how well or bad they actually did this year. Link

Non-manufacturing segments seem more positive for next year than the manufacturing side. Link

Global Transport and Logistics Pilot Program will show end-to-end visibility between Japan and the Netherlands based upon GS1 EPCglobal standards. Link

Every supply chain operational performance objective is one of three types: efficiency; asset utilization; and customer response. A company focused equally on all three is not really differentiating on objectives. Thus, the dilemma... Link

Foodservice distributors can play a crucial role in helping their operators overcome the drop off in business with a combination of less expensive products and love. Link

Relieving traffic congestion and improving vehicle safety are the common themes for a wide variety of advanced technologies on display and under discussion here at the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems. Link

Record fuel prices shifted more freight to the railroads in the third quarter of 2008, according to the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). Link

The U.S. Highway Trust Fund has taken in $3 billion less over the first 11 months of this year as compared to the same time frame in 2007, according to the Dept. of Transportation. Link

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has published a final rule in the Federal Register on hours-of-service regulations that will maintain the 11th hour of driving and 34-hour restart provisions already in place. The final rule will be effective January 19, 2009. Link

Yesterday’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) final rule, which keeps current hours-of-service regulations in place even though the identical interim rule was struck down by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, has met with strong opposition by a number of trucking organizations. Link

Challenging time invite rash decision making. Better to start with strategy -- and data. Link

"Younger consumers grew up in an era of prosperity and have never really known economic challenges to this extent..." said James Russo, vice president of marketing for Nielsen. "There is a pervasive feeling of uncertainty and concern which is clearly affecting spending levels. Link

A new feature on PHH Arval's website allows clients to interact directly with other users to exchange ideas and information and enhance communication, the company has announced. Link

Mack Trucks will be the primary sponsor of American Trucking Assns.’ 2009 Share the Road program, aimed at teaching car drivers the proper way to safely drive around large trucks. Link

“Nearly two out of three restaurant operators reported negative same-store sales and traffic levels in September..." Link

Small businesses are getting hit with another aftershock of the credit crisis: Customers who are delaying payment of their bills for weeks or months. Link

The good news is that there still are options out there, it's just that if you want to find the money to start or expand your business, you may need to look in new places and be more creative. Link

“Nearly two out of three restaurant operators reported negative same-store sales and traffic levels in September..." Link

In the last few weeks, a lot of people have asked us how the current economic meltdown will affect America's restaurants. Many restaurants will weather a bad economy just fine. Link

Declining consumer spending, rising food costs, diminishing lines of credit. Prudent distributor owners, in addition to monitoring and managing their personal financial positions, must now also carefully examine the financial status of their businesses. Link

Foodservice distributors have to be constantly vigilant in their daily operations to ensure that profit margins are not being eroded by rising transportation costs. Link

Lack of close control on working capital is one cause of business failure. The small business owner must be constantly alert to changes in working capital, the reason for them, and any resulting business implications. Link

P&G is using the Internet to sell directly to households. Free subscription required. Link

Maines Paper & Food Service Inc. said it has entered a five-year, $106 million distribution agreement with Boston Market. The increased sales will result in 10 new jobs. Link

Simple changes in driver habits can bring significant fuel economy savings. To prove that point,  Isuzu Motors Ltd. has been holding a series of “fuel economy challenges” around the world to demonstrate the effectiveness of its “eco-driving” techniques. Link

A day after Ike struck, the Houston-based food distributor was operating at full capacity in the Houston area, company officials said. Link

Many small businesses are so fearful of today’s economic turmoil that they’re waiting out the storm. Instead, they should be proactively and quickly adapting to the new economic realities. Link

Ports, communities and businesses across the country have started looking at liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel systems as an environmentally friendly solution to clean air and emissions concerns. Link

So what does the latest not-so-great news from Wall Street mean for deal-making and business lending? I spoke to industry veteran Jon Skelly of PCE Investment Bankers today to gain some perspective on current conditions. Link

A top trucking official Tuesday urged the Bush Administration and Congress to implement a comprehensive energy plan that will ensure an affordable supply of oil and limit the effect of rising fuel costs on the U.S. economy. Link

Of course, when the lovable Kermit started doing his tune, the meaning was very different. It’s only been in recent years that we have been deluged with the terms “global warming,” “carbon footprint” and “hybrid technology.” Much of what we can do stares us in the face every day, yet many choose to ignore it. Link

All truck drivers would likely agree that injury and illness can happen anywhere, anytime. Planning ahead for such medical emergencies can save not only time and money, but also your life. Link

Q&A to help with your accounting or tax questions. Link

The perennial issue of whether to modify the rate of speed allowed for vehicles once again drew debate in several states. Here is a roundup of what lawmakers considered around the country. Link

A former driver for Interstate Distributor Co. has filed a lawsuit against the Tacoma, WA-based company, claiming it failed to pay him and other drivers legally required overtime wages. Link

U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, D-WA, introduced a bill yesterday that would allow small-business truckers to apply for low-interest loans to keep their businesses afloat in the wake of record high fuel prices that have squeezed truckers’ bottom lines in recent months. Link

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) sees a ruling issued on Wednesday as a major win in the battle for transparency in trucking transactions and what motor carriers must reveal to their leased owner-operators. Link

Handheld mobile computers are a common site in the DSD (direct story delivery) arena. That's because today's devices contain a wealth of information and tools, such as GPS and inventory management software, that enable route drivers to be more productive during the day, while reducing costs. Link

The price for a gallon of diesel fuel is high--and there's no relief in sight. This makes running a reefer's diesel motor at the dock extremely expensive, especially when the motor has to be on for 10 hours a night, keeping the box cool as workers load it up for the following day's deliveries. Link

Beating a DOT drug test is getting a lot tougher because of a new final rule issued by the Department of Transportation. The rule was issued in late June, less than a month after the Government Accountability Office released a report calling for improvements to the DOT’s drug testing program. Link

When it comes to finding the right idle-reduction technology, you’d be well served to heed the advice offered by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles – you’d better shop around. Link

With winter right around the corner, many truckers are feeling increasingly desperate, but it doesn’t have to be that way... Properly chosen auxiliary heaters can provide truck operators considerable savings in fuel costs and engine maintenance costs and a comfortable environment when the mercury falls. Link

Just like in Johnny Cash’s song, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” after you have crossed the deserts bare and breathed the mountain air you know you’re going to run into extreme weather and you’d better hope your truck’s insulation is up to snuff. Link

PFG Rolls Out Voice Across Five Facilities; Nestle Waters Reduces Idle Time By 41 Percent; Tips For ReducingFuel Consumption; Coca-Cola To Add Hybrid Trucks To Fleet - from FoodLogistics.com Link

Cost savings holds a certain allure, but it could paint you into a corner. Link

With certain key success factors in place, you can speed the transition from a tactical paper-pushing procurement function to a strategic supply chain organization. Link

An insider's look at the transportation and logistics industry... Such issues as the environment, safety and security remain at the forefront in the industry. Link

A Bush administration plan that promotes tolling and public-private partnerships is not worth much with a federal election approaching in November, critics of the proposal said Tuesday, July 29. Link

Truck drivers who use laptop computers in their cabs apparently won’t hear an official federal opinion on such use after all. Link

The powerful U.S. senator from Alaska whose name is synonymous with “the bridge to nowhere” was indicted Tuesday, July 29, on federal charges of lying to investigators during a public corruption investigation. Link

As U.S. senators on both sides of the aisle debate whether expanded drilling is the answer to the ongoing energy crisis in this country, truckers, who are being punished by high diesel prices, just want relief at the pump – and soon. Link

Second-quarter financial reports have shown mostly negative returns for trucking companies due to challenging conditions in the industry. To counteract heavy losses, carriers promise to increase efficiency in the months ahead to improve bottom line performance. Link

With congestion pressuring most urban and suburban areas in the country and the federal government unable to properly fund normal repairs, no less highway expansion, states and cities recognize that they need to generate new funds for infrastructure. Link

Between the rising price of diesel fuel and the continuous stream of increases from new tire and retread manufacturers, the last thing that fleets need is an arbitrary age restriction on casings. Link

In what federal agencies concede is a preliminary assessment, the Interagency Task Force on Commodity Markets has concluded that fundamental supply and demand provide the best explanation for the recent escalation of crude oil prices. Link

During a visit to the Elyria, Ohio, headquarters of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, the head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration repeated the Bush administration’s call... Link

Growing sophistication in driver comfort research means fewer backaches at the wheel. Link

A bill to help prevent a shortfall in transportation funding won overwhelming approval Wednesday, July 23, in the House of Representatives. Link

Counterfeiters have stepped up efforts to get potentially unsafe materials into the marketplace, as customers often can’t tell the difference. Link

According to the company, the B400T determines if vehicles are safe enough to stay on the road in only 30 seconds. Link

CHEP has unveiled a new Web site that shows the impact of shipping platform choices on the environment and supply chain. Link

A new federal report eyeing the physical fitness of commercial truck drivers is making national headlines for apparently blaming ill truck drivers for highway safety problems – although a close examination shows the report is more critical of the medical examination system than the drivers. Link

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration isn’t doing too hot a job safeguarding the nation’s highways by regulating the motor carrier industry – and the agency isn’t living up to the job according to the report. Link

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Medical Review Board called for all CDL-holders with a body mass index of 30 or greater to be required to take a sleep disorder test... The recommendation could have sweeping implications for America’s truckers. Link

A pair of senators introduced a bill in mid-May intended to lock in the current weight limit of 80,000 pounds for trucks on U.S. roads. Link

Transport Canada has completed its highly anticipated study on speed limiters. Canada’s federal transportation ministry released the study on Friday, July 4. Link

Transportation and Logistics Phase 2 Pilot Program has demonstrated the impact of GS1 EPCglobal Standards on providing visibility of goods on a global level . Link

More and more food distributors are considering leasing as a means to attract and keep good drivers and to deal with the shortage of qualified technicians. Link

Biofuel leaders welcome the thoughtful approach world leaders took at the Food Summit. Link

As companies search for solutions that increase efficiencies-in the face of higher operational issues-on-demand TMS is meeting great expectations. Link

Today’s routing systems help fleets of any size save money on fuel. Link

The rising trend in diesel fuel prices shows no signs reversing.  Fleet owners must consider all methods of boosting fuel efficiency. Link

Suppliers may be more willing than you think to assist you in managing parts and services. Link

This first-ever industry-wide sustainability program identifies ways to reduce fuel consumption and climate change. Link

It's time for everyone who runs a fleet of trucks to reexamine fuel economy strategies, even those you might have rejected in earlier times as too expensive. Link

Given today’s constant technological innovations, the traditional vocational-education model is hopelessly outmoded while an investment in well-trained technicians more than pays for itself. Link

Learn the facts about the varying standards of minimum tread depth – they can be confusing and the slightest deviance can cause you to be ticketed. Link

The second and third generations of biodiesel are addressing performance issues – such as cold-weather performance and lower fuel economy -- found in the first. Link

Canada's largest cold-weather, on-road demonstration of renewable diesel officially launched. Link

Managers of temperature-controlled supply chains, or cold chains, can't afford to take anything for granted. Link

A significant expense for almost any wholesaler-distributor is the cost of commercial automobile insurance. One way of maintaining or lowering this expense is to prevent or minimize motor vehicle accidents. Here are tools and tips... Link

New technologies – such as GPS, RFID and more – make onboard computers more powerful and more fruitful for fleet operators. Link

Advice from the ATA’s National Accounting and Finance Council on how to choose the right way to manage your fuel costs. Link

Consumer goods industry leaders are leveraging real-time data to drive demand-planning accuracy, improve manufacturing efficiencies and reduce obsolete product in the supply chain. Link

Ace Endico has grown their business at an exponential rate, with a significant reduction in overtime and overall transportation expenses. Link

Sysco wanted to gain control over increasing distribution costs while maintaining a high level of customer service. Link

Drivers may feel their jobs are finished with respect to customer interaction when the destination is reached. To the contrary, study results show this is a very critical point. Link