Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, Aug 27, 2010 @ 12:37 AM
RSI Insurance Brokers is now available in one touch. The RSI iPhone App was introduced yesterday – providing iPhone users with instant access to appointments, RSI news, customer information and much more. It's the iPhone App for fleet owners, owner operators, truck drivers, insurers and pretty much anyone affiliated with the transportation industry. While thousands of iPhone Apps are available for download – the RSI iPhone App is one that's specifically geared towards transportation professionals.
If you didn't receive the news yesterday from RSI, you'll be pleased to note the iPhone App offers the following features:
Directions to our locations
Click to make an appointment
List of our services
Take/send us a picture
RSI News
Customer Forums
And we're welcoming your opinion! Give the APP a test run and see if it fits your needs. If not – let us know and we'll do what we can to improve its capabilities.
The iPhone-specific specs are as follows:
Free
Category: Business
Released:Aug 25, 2010
Version:1.0
1.0
0.2 MB
Language:English
Seller:PTAJ Marketing, Inc.
© 2010 PTAJ Marketing, Inc.
Rated 4+
Requirements:Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.
Chances are – if you're an iPhone owner – you downloaded a bunch of applications when you first purchased the phone. And while several of those applications may go untouched – there's a useful, industry-specific App at your disposal. To obtain the RSI iPhone App, please click here: http://itunes.apple.com/app/rsi-insurance-brokers/id387262634?mt=8
Posted by Karen Thomas on Wed, Aug 18, 2010 @ 11:15 PM
It was only a few years ago, renewable energy and fuel alternatives were all over the place. Fleet owners, independent operators, and regular car owners were hitting up their local Chinese restaurant for excess corn oil, and spending thousands of dollars retrofitting their vehicles (including sixteen wheelers) to burn fuel more efficiently. While major corporations including Wal-Mart and FedEx have incorporated hybrid vehicles into their fleet – renewable energy isn't the norm in the transportation industry. Oil spills and oil dependencies in general though have renewed interest in renewable energies.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy was created with the intention of, “Recognizing the need to reevaluate the way the United States spurs innovation, the National Academies released a 2006 report, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm”, that included the recommendation to establish an Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy (ARPA-E) within the Department of Energy (DOE). The America COMPETES Act (PDF 39 KB), signed into law in August of 2007, codified many of the recommendations in the National Academies report. Authorized but without an initial budget, ARPA-E received $400 million funding in April 2009 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA),” (http://arpa-e.energy.gov/About/About.aspx.)
Today, the New York Times posted/printed an article detailing the ARPA's $400 million dollar budget dedicated towards the transportation industry and improving the use of renewable energies.
According to the New York Times article, a number of renewable energy projects are already in the works. Lighter batteries, (the article stated a pound of gasoline holds about 35 times more energy than a pound of lead-acid batteries and about six times more than lithium-ion batteries) that automatically shut down when a vehicle stops is just one type of ARPA-funded project. The battery spoken of is intended to ultimately be no larger than the size of a flashlight battery.
“ARPA-E invested $3.2 million in a battery developed with a materials genome in a start-up company, run by Professor Ceder, that is exploring magnesium. In batteries today, whether they are lithium-ion or old-fashioned lead-acid, an atom shuttles between the positive and negative terminal, carrying a single electron, as the battery charges and discharges. But a magnesium atom would carry two electrons, so a battery storing a given amount of energy could be nearly halved in size and weight,” (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/19/business/energy-environment/19fuel.html.)
Posted by Karen Thomas on Mon, Jul 19, 2010 @ 11:58 PM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: What's the Department of Transportation's lucky number? 10,000. Well - the figure is at least a marker. This summer, the DOT and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act rang in its 10,000th roadway project.
County: San Bernardino
Date: July 19th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 2649 South Waterman Ave. near Barton Road, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: July 19th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 1055 North Waterman Ave. and Olive Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: July 19th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 1195 East Walnut St. and South Grove Ave., ontario
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: July 19th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 24020 Newhall Ave. and Arch St., Newhall
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.97
Date: July 19th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 6700 Cherry Ave. and East 68th St., Downey
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.97
Date: July 19th, 2010
Station: Food 4 Less
Address: 6700 Cherry Ave. and East 68th Street, Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: July 19th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 6002 Van Buren Blvd. and Cypress Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: July 19th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: July 19th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 8283 Arlington Ave. and Lake Street, Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.97
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Brandy Alvarado on Mon, Jul 19, 2010 @ 12:12 AM
Gas guzzling news is nothing new. Summer temperatures often equate to higher pump price – often as a result of increased consumption as vacationers hit the road for vacation. This past Spring/Summer brought about unique circumstances including a catastrophic oil spill. Seasonal circumstances though have not affected fuel prices as most would expect them too. Case in point – diesel prices have remained steady.
Today, FleetOwner.com, reported, “
According to the Dept. of Energy’s latest Energy
Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Retail On-
Highway Diesel Prices report, as of July 12th the
average diesel price was $2.903-- down 21 cents from
the $2.924 posted the week before. And since the May
17th EIA report, the national average price has
dropped each week,” (www.fleetowner.com.)
Giving the current economic and environmental climate not just in the United States but throughout the world, logical thinking would presumably lean towards higher fuel prices. The opposite is true however. The two year slow down in world-wide economies has lead to a decrease in demand for fuel. Barrel price are heavily influenced on supply and demand, and the drop in immediate need has lead to a drop in prices as well
FleetOwner.com also associated the drop in diesel prices to , “Second, U.S.
refining capacity is working at full tilt with no
major outages,” (www.fleetowner.com.)
Transportation industry forecasters predict steady diesel prices will remain intact at least till 2011 when the economy is expected to gain ground.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sat, Jul 10, 2010 @ 08:51 PM
The transportation industry may be hiring, but even so, there's a lot of work to be done to bolster the economy back to 'normal'. The current administration has used stimulus money, environmental initiatives, and bailouts to promote spending, job creation and ultimately improve economic conditions for most Americans. Whether those efforts have worked or not is subjective. In the meantime though, transportation-related progression continues. According to the Department of Transportation, new transit solutions will lead to more jobs for both the short and long term.
This past week, the DOT reported that under President Obama's livability initiative, "$290 million in new transit funding for projects," will be available, (www.dot.gov.) The $290 million allows for fifty three grants that will go toward the funding of new streetcars, buses, and transit facilities from Manchester, NH, to Albuquerque, NM, through FTA's Urban Circulator and Bus Livability programs.
The reaction across the country has been positive. Several cities see the transit projects as a boon to their individual economies. While Southern California has seen its share of transit projects, many other metropilitan cities such as Portland, have made a successful go of bus systems, light rails, and subways. The DOT said, "For $130 million in urban circulator grants, we received more than $1 billion in applications. And for the $160 million in bus grants, we received over $2 billion in applications," (www.Dot.gov.)
That's a sign that America is ready for better connectivity, more transportation choices, and greater livability.
One of the initiative's goals is to re-introduce the streetcar to major cities. A nostolgic project? Perhaps. But the modern streetcar project is seen as one that could prove to be an effective transportation artery. In addition, any new mode of transportation requires skilled professionals to see it through, meaning more job creation in those markets.
In addition to streetcars, many cities are looking to sustainable and eco-friendly transit options including fleets comprised of hybrid and zero-emission vehicles. Ultimately, the initiative's goal is to provide better ways to move around the ciites we live and work in - and create jobs via new transit projects.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, Jul 06, 2010 @ 10:25 PM
One's weight can be a very personal subject matter. Some may say it's even rude to ask. If your weight happens to hover above the eighty thousand pound mark though, chances are you'll be asked a few questions. Oh – and it's also likely your a commercial truck and even likelier – an eighteen-wheeler.
The great truck weight debate.
In the transportation industry sometimes it's better to be on the heavy side. After all, it's often cargo that one, contributes to the truck's final weigh in, but also the reason why the truck's on the open road. In the United States, a commercial license is required to drive any type of commercial vehicle weighing 26,001 lbs. In California, the maximum weight of a commercial vehicle is 80,000 lbs.
Across the country though, weight standards differ. For example, in Florida, transportation advocates are pushed for a bill that would allow 88,000-pound trucks on the road. Florida previously had the same weight limit as California, but allowed for the extra eight thousand pounds when the bill passed last week on July 1st. The bill was backed by many including American Trucking Association President and CEO Bill Graves. According to thetrucker.com, Graves said would allow more productivity, lessen traffic congestion, save fuel and contribute to less harmful emissions.
Those who are against allowing heavier trucks on the road argue that the weightier the truck, the more unsafe it will become while the roads it travels on will absorb more damage.
Last year the ATA supported legislation (H.R. 1799) that will allow states to authorize the operation of more efficient commercial trucks, stating it would result in safer highways, cleaner air and less costly freight transportation. The request – increasing the truck weight maximum to 97,000 pounds. The ATA's site, Truckline.com reported, “Improving the productivity of the trucking industry by shipping more freight in each vehicle will lower the number of trips needed and the number of miles trucks put on the road. This will reduce the trucking industry’s chances of being involved in a crash, lower energy needs and reduce the output of pollution. The legislation introduced by Reps. Michaud and Schmidt will also reduce the country’s freight transportation costs, making U.S. businesses more competitive and consumer products less expensive,” (www.truckline.com)
The pounds per truck argument will continue to persist. As the economy, and transportation industry, do their best to recover, those in favor of heavier trucks may gain support. Those in favor of a leaner vessel have their backers as well – making for a great weight debate.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Mon, Jun 07, 2010 @ 10:58 PM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: One of the transportation industry's biggest shows is just around the corner. The Great West Truck Show will be held June 17th thru the 19th at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. RSI will be there - will you? Let us know!
County: San Bernardino
Date: June 7th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 2649 South Waterman Ave. near Barton Road, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: June 7th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 1055 North Waterman Ave. and Olive Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: June 7th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 3368 South Riverside Ave. and Agua, Bloomington
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: June 7th, 2010
Station: Castaic Truck Stop
Address: 31611 Castaic Road, Castaic
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.89
Date: June 7th, 2010
Station: Pilot
Address: 31642 Castaic Road near Fantastic Lane, Castaic
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.89
Date: June 7th, 2010
Station: C&J
Address: 2829 North Main Street and Griffin Ave., Los Angeles
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.89
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: June 7th, 2010
Station: Spirit
Address: 703 East 6th Street and East Grand Blvd., Corona
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.85
Date: June 7th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 796 Ramona Expressway and Webster Ave., Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: June 7th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 41240 Kalmia Street and Madison Ave., Murrieta
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sun, May 23, 2010 @ 01:01 PM
It's time to talk tech. Technology and the
trucking industry are interconnected in several ways. While commercial trucks were able to operate decades ago without sophisticated software, the industry advancements have produced more efficient vehicles and processes. This Open Road post will discuss various types of
trucking software used today.
While the standard operating systems in big rigs don't generally involve Microsoft or other well known software providers, there are a number of software programs available that aid in dispatch, accounting, mileage, routing, driver logs, maintenance records and so much more.
Prophesy Transportation Software is one company with not only a 20 year industry track record, the one with a full line up of products. Its freight management software products, "offer reliable control over daily trucking operations, yet are easy for growing trucking companies to implement, integrate and afford," (www.mile.com.)
Companies such as TMW Systems provide software services that transcend the truck and extend products to shippers, brokers, and any aspect of freight movement.
With all the trucking software products to choose from, how does a fleet owner, or owner-operator select the right one? Cost, implementation, and an understanding of the services provided are a good place to start. For example, an owner operator with a small technology budget could benefit from software that provides fuel saving and accounting services, saving time and money.
Meanwhile, a large fleet owner with hundreds of trucks can benefit from truck software that audits driver logs and tax assistance.
A majority of businesses utilize software specific to an industry. The trucking industry is no different and pushes tech firms to provide more as there's always room for progression on the open road.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, May 21, 2010 @ 01:53 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: A little publicity can go a long way when it comes to gas savings - and fuel efficiency. National Public Radio aired a feature story (during peak hours) highlighting the efforts of trucking professionals who've made environmental strides. Read today's full length RSI blog for the details on how the trucking industry has quietly outfitted US roads with hybrid, electric, and all around green vehicles.
County: San Bernardino
Date: May 20th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 1195 East Walnut Street and South Grove Ave., Ontario
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: May 20th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 12080 Amargosa Road and Bear Valley Road, Victorville
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
Date: May 20th, 2010
Station: Shell
Address: 3909 Hallmark and University Parkway, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.01
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: May 20th, 2010
Station: Petro Bras
Address: 7515 Alondra Blvd., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: May 20th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 5601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.97
Date: May 20th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 1400 West Florence Ave. and Normandie Ave., Los Angeles
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: May 20th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 19248 Harvill Ave. and Cajalco Expressway, Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.97
Station: ARCO
Address: 23261 Cajalco Expressway and Harvill Ave., Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: May 20th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Wed, May 19, 2010 @ 11:38 PM
According to its website, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is an honorific society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare.
The NAS produced a potentially groundbreaking report on climate change leaving many to believe that their general welfare will be at stake if nothing's done to reduce greenhouse gases. In keeping with the focus on general welfare, the NAS suggested taxing carbon emissions to decelerate the damaging effects caused by their proliferation.
As described the NAS, its study is, "part of its most comprehensive study of climate change to date, the National Research Council today issued three reports emphasizing why the U.S. should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop a national strategy to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change. The reports are part of a congressionally requested suite of five studies known as America's Climate Choices," (www.nasonline.org/site/PageServer?/pagename=NEWS_main.)
As far as petroleum is concerned, the US not only produces one fourth of the world's oil supplies, but according to the Energy Information Administration, consumers nearly 23% of the world's supply.
Petroleum products themselves emit toxic byproducts into our air including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and lead to name a few. These emissions are known to harm most living species (including humans) not to mention several layers of the atmosphere.
While federal laws enacted over the last few decades have resulted in ‘cleaner burning' fuel options, greenhouse gases persist. The NAS report identified multiple causes of greenhouse gas emissions, and solutions to help slow the resultant damage. Furthermore, it's up to people -specifically those in the government - to enact new regulations to control the real source of the problem - ourselves.
According to the Los Angeles Times, "the panel recommended that the United States restrict its carbon emissions to a total of 170 to 200 billion tons of greenhouse gases during the period 2012 to 2050, which would represent as much as an 80% reduction of carbon compared to current projections," (www.latimes.com.)