Posted by Karen Thomas on Mon, Dec 28, 2009 @ 11:32 PM
Testing Factors...
If you're in California and work within the transportation industry you're likely going to be familiar with the state's Air Resources Board (ARB). It's the ARB test methods that mandate formal written procedures for measurement of physical parameters related to air pollution including pollutant emissions concentration and mass flow rate, materials properties such as asbestos content of solids and volatile organic content of wastes, and various aspects of the performance of vapor recovery systems at service stations, bulk plants and terminals.
Fleet owners and owner-operators know full well that the state as well as the federal government issue a number of rules and regulations including:
FHWA - Vehicle Size & Weight
Federal Size Regulations for Commercial Motor Vehicles
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Rules & Notices
Code of Federal Regulations: Title 23, Part 658, Truck Size & Weight, Route Designations - Length, Width & Weight Limitations
Code of Federal Regulations: Title 49, Part 390, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
U.S. Code: Title 49, Section 31111 - Length Limitations
Some of the testing procedures affecting fleet owners and owner-operators include:
Fuel Test Method
Vehicle Exhaust Test Method
Ambient Air Monitoring Laboratory Analytical Procedures
Tests are not something enjoyed by many, yet must be taken and passed if your going to run a business in most states. Some of those tests that transportation industry professionals must take include:
Procedure for the Determination of Alcohols and Ethers in Gasoline by Gas Chromatography 32k
Analysis of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Total Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Diesel Fuel by Supercritical-Fluid Chromatography 33k
Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis of Gasolines by Single Column High Efficiency (Capillary) Column Gas Chromatography 87k
Benzene and Total Aromatics in Gasoline by Gas Chromatography 32k
Procedure for Receiving, Handling, and Blending Fuel Samples 62k
Procedure for the Determination of Sulfur in Fuels by Ultraviolet Fluorescence
Determination of Inorganic Lead Emissions from Stationary Sources 729K
Determination of Total Fluoride Emissions from Stationary Sources (SPADNS Zirconium Lake Method) 152K
Determination of Total Fluoride Emissions from Stationary Sources (Specific Ion Electrode Method) 42K
Determination of Particulate and Gaseous Mercury Emissions from Chlor-Alkali Plants - Air Streams
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sun, Dec 27, 2009 @ 08:08 PM
RSI's Gas Saving Tip of the Day: Winter weather woes aren't only affecting those travelling in airplanes - road closures, dangerous ice, and other perilous conditions are afflicting road warriors throughout much of the U.S. The Associated Press reported that, "A storm has dumped as much as a foot of snow from Texas to the Upper Midwest. Officials have closed interstate highways in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakotas and Wyoming. Some highways are reopening as the storm subsides, but blowing and drifting snow is hampering visibility. Meanwhile, freezing rain in New England is expected to turn to rain. Flood warnings are in effect for parts of New Jersey," (AssociatedPress.com) In any event, if you're on the road and the weather is just too treacherous to bear, take cover, stay off the road and in contact with our homebase. The good news is - Spring is just around the corner!
County: San Bernardino
Date: December 27th, 2009
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.77
Date: December 27th, 2009
Station: G&J Food Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress Ave., Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 27th, 2009
Station: G&J Food Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress Ave., Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.81
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: December 27th, 2009
Station: V & G Auto Service
Address: 13755 Francisquito Ave. and East Garvey Ave., Baldwin Park
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 27th, 2009
Station: ARCO
Address: 3401 Long Beach Blvd. and Wardlow Road, Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
Date: December 27th, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 14949 South Garfield Ave. and Somerset, Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: December 27th, 2009
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 27th, 2009
Station: Valero
Address: 69123 Ramon Road and Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.85
Date: December 27th, 2009
Station: Fastrip
Address: 104006 Arlington Road and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.85
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sun, Dec 27, 2009 @ 01:24 PM
With three days left in 2009, much of what you read online, on paper, and on your new Kindle or Sony Reader will touch on what was over the last 362 days in an effort to wrap up an entire year's worth of news in a few paragraphs. And while there's no need for another 2009 synopsis, the RSI Open Road Blog will instead look ahead to 2010 over these next fuel days, starting with diesel trends to expect as we move into the New Year. Compared to 2008, this past year showed some relief with lower fuel prices at pumps throughout the nation. In addition, fuel-efficient improvements in technology were seen across the board, making their way into manufacturers 2010 fleets.
The following report is direct from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), providing a snapshot of fuel price expectations in 2010:
EIA expects the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil will average about $76 per barrel this winter (October-March). The forecast for the monthly average WTI price dips to $75 early next year then rises to $82 per barrel by December 2010, assuming U.S. and world economic conditions continue to improve. EIA's forecast assumes that U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) grows by 1.9 percent in 2010 and world oil-consumption-weighted real GDP grows by 2.6 percent.
Rising crude oil prices contribute to an increase in the annual average regular-grade gasoline retail price from $2.35 per gallon in 2009 to $2.83 in 2010, as pump prices approach $3 per gallon during next year's driving season. Projected annual average diesel fuel retail prices are $2.46 and $2.96 per gallon, respectively, in 2009 and 2010. Average household expenditures on heating oil this winter are expected to increase to $1,911 from $1,864 last winter. Projected average household expenditures for propane of $1,700 this winter are almost 13 percent lower than last winter's $1,950.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, Dec 25, 2009 @ 05:14 PM
RSI's Gas Saving Tip of the Day: Merry Christmas from RSI! If you're on the road today, we wish you safe travels - and low fuel prices! Fortunately - and considering fuel prices peak around holidays due to packed highways and increased demand - pump prices are lower than they were even two days ago. Today even Riverside stations boasted diesel prices below the $2.40 mark.
County: San Bernardino
Date: December 25th, 2009
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.69
Date: December 25th, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson St., Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.73
Date: December 25th, 2009
Station: G&J Food Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress Ave., Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: December 25th, 2009
Station: Food 4 Less
Address: 6700 Cherry Ave. and East 68th Street, Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
Date: December 25th, 2009
Station: Valero
Address: 9800 Alondra Blvd. and Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
Date: December 23rd, 2009
Station: Castaic Truck Stop
Address: 31611 Castaic Road Castaic
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.87
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: December 25th, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 8283 Arlington Ave. and Lake St., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.38
Date: December 25th, 2009
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.75
Date: December 25th, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 6002 Van Buren Blvd. and Cypress Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Wed, Dec 23, 2009 @ 11:44 PM
RSI's Gas Saving Tip of the Day: In January, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Office of Analysis, Research and Technology (ART) along with the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) 89th Annual Meeting will merge to dicuss the following topics and issues directly affecting the transportation industry:
Pre-Employment Screening Program
Driver Distraction Study in Commercial Vehicle Operations
Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 New Safety Measurement System Shows Promise in Operational Model Test
Evaluating the Safety Benefits of a Low-Cost Driving Behavior Management System in Commercial Vehicle Operations
Employer Notification Service National Deployment Options
Analysis and Information Online Website Redesign
County: San Bernardino
Date: December 23rd, 2009
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.69
Date: December 23rd, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson St., Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.73
Date: December 23rd, 2009
Station: Valero
Address: 1055 North Waterman Ave. and Olive Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.81
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: December 23rd, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 7511 East Rosecran Ave. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.77
Date: December 23rd, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 1120 Foothill Blvd. and Damien Ave., La Verne
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 23rd, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 7751 Beverly Blvd. and Genese Ave., Los Angeles
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: December 23rd, 2009
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.75
Date: December 23rd, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 8283 Arlington Ave. and Lake St., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 23rd, 2009
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Tr. Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, Dec 22, 2009 @ 11:58 PM
RSI's Gas Saving Tip of the Day: Around the holidays, everyone is slightly sentimental about a tune or two. Especially if you're on the road for any duration of time. While Christmas tunes can become limited, there are a few stations that ring true to both short and long hauls. Expeditors.com reported a few of their road favorites including:
Dave Nemo
Open-Road", Channel 171
XM Satellite Radio
Weekdays 7am - 12Noon ET
As well as "The Truckin' Bozo Show" which was syndicated and in 2001, program reached even greater heights when his show became the first to be broadcast on XM Satellite radio's new Open Road Channel.
County: San Bernardino
Date: December 22nd, 2009
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.69
Date: December 22nd, 2009
Station: Thrifty
Address: 1945 South Tippecanoe Ave. and East Rosewood, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.69
Date: December 22nd, 2009
Station: Valero
Address: 1055 North Waterman Ave. and Olive Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.81
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: December 22nd, 2009
Station: Petro Bras
Address: 7515 Alondra Blvd. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.75
Date: December 22nd, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 7511 East Rosecran Ave. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.77
Date: December 22nd, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 6810 East Slauson Ave. and Garfield Ave., Commerce
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: December 22nd, 2009
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.75
Date: December 22nd, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 8283 Arlington Ave. and Lake St., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 22nd, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 68450 Ramon Road and Avenida Maravilla, Cathedral City
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, Dec 22, 2009 @ 07:44 PM
Greenhouse gases are bad for the environment and the world at large. While this may seem like common sense it often takes years and years of research and scientific data to prove that something such as diesel fumes wreaks havoc on air quality among other things. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) though has confirmed that "After a thorough examination of the scientific evidence and careful consideration of public comments, (the EPA) announced [today] that greenhouse gases (GHGs) threaten the public health and welfare of the American people," (www.epa.gov.)
A second note on that subject was that the EPA also finds that GHG emissions from on-road vehicles contribute to that threat.
What exactly are the referenced GHGs? The main GHGs in the Earth's atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
Among the harm GHGs can induce are climate change. When climate changes consistently trend as a rise in mercury, the results can be devastating. Prolonged heat waves are known to threaten the sick, poor and elderly. Any oxygen-consuming entity is at risk when GHGs factor in increases in ground-level ozone pollution that are linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
Many industries as well as individuals have taken action against GHGs - some even decades ago. While on-road vehicles are considered a major contributor to GHGs, the transportation industry has done a significant job of carbon-offsetting. While there's always work to be done to improve emission levels, accolades should've be given for improvements and overall efforts.
As we near the end of 2009, those who work at the Port of Long Beach and especially with its Clean Trucks Program should be recognized for improving local air quality and becoming a benchmark of success. The POLB reported that, "As of the New Year, the Clean Trucks Program will have slashed air pollution from trucks in the Port by nearly 80 percent from just more than a year ago, by requiring the replacement or retrofitting of the Port's trucking fleet," (www.polb.com.)
NOx - or Nitrogen oxides are various nitrogen compounds like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO). These compounds These compounds affect atmospheric reactions that create harmful particulate matter, ground-level ozone (smog) and acid rain - and can flow through the tailpipe of a big rig. The good news is, major players in the transportation industry are investing in the technology to improve the release of NOx into the air.
Perennial maker of quality commercial vehicles Navistar, announced its latest effort to lower emissions in its trucks. In a FleetOwner.com article, it was revealed that Navistar and Amminex (provider of a metal ammine-based NOx reductant delivery system that can help reduce NOx emissions in truck engines) reached an agreement that means Navistarts future outpout will pollute less NOx.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sun, Dec 20, 2009 @ 06:49 PM
After two weeks in Copenhagen, the World (or the representatives from 193 participating countries) has a new objective - reduce emissions. Climate issues threaten us all and by the end of last week, multiple nations including the US, India and China all made commitments to reducing emissions or making improvements on current emissions standards. While the accords that took place in Denmark are not legally binding, they produced a number of benchmarks the US will aim to achieve over the next forty years.
From Copenhagen, President Obama remarked, "From the perspective of the United States, I've set forth goals that are reflected in legislation that came out of the House that are being discussed on a bipartisan basis in the Senate. And although we will not be legally bound by anything that took place here today, we will I think have reaffirmed our commitment to meet those targets," (www.whitehouse.gov.)
Those targets include curbing greenhouse gases and introducing new ways to enforce compliance. Those in the transportation industry know full well the benefits that come from controlling emissions. The Port of Long Beach's Clean Trucks Program is expected to lower truck-related emissions by as much as eight percent, and all this coming two years ahead of schedule. The Clean Trucks Program achieved this by replacing old, polluting trucks, and enforcing stringent emissions standards.
Just recently, the POLB was honored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Justice Achievement Award, which is the nation's highest honor for reducing the impact of pollution on low-income and disadvantaged communities. It's programs like these that have the Department of Transportation believing that pollution from trucks will drop sharply in coming years. In its VMT forecasts the DOT reported, "results show truck emissions are expected to drop steeply over the next two decades, despite more than 50 percent growth in VMT. Total NOx emissions from freight trucks in 2020 will be one-tenth the level in 2002. PM-10 emissions in 2020 will be one-quarter current levels," (www.dot.gov.)
The replacement of older trucks as well as adopting new, clean fuel options play a major role in our nation's and the World's environmental plan. The transportation industry has shown that foresight, commitment, and innovation can all significantly impact - and improve - a host of environmental goals.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Wed, Dec 16, 2009 @ 09:33 PM
RSI's Gas Saving Tip of the Day: New Rules in town! These laws are courtesy of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Transportation's FMCSA began enforcing its New Entrant Safety Assurance Process rule, which requires newly registered truck and bus companies to meet stricter safety requirements. Read tomorrow's Open Road Blog to learn the details...
County: San Bernardino
Date: December 16th, 2009
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.73
Date: December 16th, 2009
Station: Valero
Address: 1880 Mountain View Ave. and I-10, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 16th, 2009
Station: Mohsen
Address: 35680 Daggett-Yermo Road and Yermo Road, Yermo
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: December 16th, 2009
Station: Petro Bras
Address: 7515 Alondra Blvd. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.71
Date: December 16th, 2009
Station: Food 4 Less
Address: 6700 Cherry Ave. and East 68th Street, Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.71
Date: December 16th, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 7511 East Rosecran Ave. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.73
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: December 16th, 2009
Station: Shell
Address: 41735 East Florida Ave. and Stanford Street, Hemet
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 16th, 2009
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 16th, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 3498 Central Ave. and Riverside Ave., Riverside-Central
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sat, Dec 12, 2009 @ 09:11 PM
Stocking stuffers are generally easy to come by. Socks, chocolate, hand cream, maybe a video game or tickets to see the local team. Truck drivers need unique holiday gifts though, many of which can fit conveniently into a cab - and stocking. This holiday season, it may be difficult to come through with every item on a truck driver's wish list, but there are several products that are affordable and make great gifts.
Taking the wintery weather into account, gifts that keep on warm while on the road may be greatly appreciated. While a Snuggie could be difficult to drive in a fleece pullover or even a heat pack are nice ways to stay warm and easy to take with.
Need a jolt? Get one that plugs directly into the cigarette lighter. The MPAT-970 "Quick Brew" Portable 12-Volt Coffee Pot not only brews fresh coffee in minutes (three to be exact), it has a see-through water gauge that is convenient for drivers to moderate the water level. Plus - the coffee pot features a sure-grip handle to ensure the liquid stays still in bumpy ride.
GoTruckStop.com offers a bevy of holiday gifts for truckers. The site features 12-volt accessories including the Burton Stove-to-Go, cab curtains, and GPS systems to make sure getting lost is not an option.
Trucker hats - a mainstream fad and still a nice gift for road warriors.
Know a wannabe trucker? A great gift would be a guide to getting the CDL (Commercial Drivers License). How to Prepare for the CDL: Commercial Driver's License Truck Driver's Test (Barron's Cdl Truck Driver's Test) by Mike Byrnes and Associates can be purchased at Amazon.com for less than $15.00.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, Dec 11, 2009 @ 10:31 PM
RSI's Gas Saving Tip of the day: As World leaders convene in Copenhagen, Denmark, environmental issues at home gain steam. Today, the focus was on American business, new jobs and the economic opportunities for Americans and people across the globe. Those jobs focus on in building a clean energy. As part of the $80 billion worth of clean energy investments in President Obama's Recovery Act, a third is still allocated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
County: San Bernardino
Date: December 11th, 2008
Station: Valero
Address: 1880 Mountain View Ave. and I-10, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.79
Date: December 11th, 2008
Station: Mohsen/Vegas Truck Stop
Address: 35680 Daggett Yermo Road and Ghost Town, Yermo
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.83
Date: December 11th, 2008
Station: Chevron
Address: 4095 University Parkway, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.85
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: December 11th, 2008
Station: Petro Bras
Address: 7515 Alondra Blvd. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.77
Date: December 11th, 2008
Station: V & G Auto Service
Address: 13755 Francisquito Ave. and East Garvey, Baldwin Park
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 11th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 7511 East Rosecrans Ave. and Garfield, Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: December 11th, 2008
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 11th 2008
Station: 76
Address: 19248 Harvill Ave. and Cajalco Expressway, Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.81
Date: December 11th 2008
Station: Chevron
Address: 8283 Arlington Ave. and Lake Street, Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, Dec 08, 2009 @ 10:12 PM
Southland storms - a bona fide Storm Watch segment? If you were on the road at all yesterday...for sure. Snow, rain, sleet, and of course wind hit Southern California with force leaving behind closed roads, snow dusted mountains and debris. Although the sun shone today, more rain (and snow) is expected in the Southland forecast through Sunday. Truck drivers who've traversed the Grapevine and other weather-affected roads in California know full well the precautions one must take as well as the ability to adapt - and communicate.
The Los Angeles Times reported, " Hundreds of truck drivers and commuters were sidelined in Castaic overnight after freezing temperatures forced officials to close Interstate 5 at the Grapevine. Officials expect the freeway to be reopened at 10 a.m.
Many drivers spent a cold night sleeping inside their vehicles, and there was more at stake for truck drivers worried about the financial strain the delay would cause." (www.latimes.com).
If snow is in your forecast in the next few days, it's important to take a refresher on how to prepare for those frozen encounters (especially considering it was only a week ago it felt like summer in the Southland.) Snow and ice can accumulate on top of trailers and present a danger on the road many are not aware of. Large chunks of ice and snow that fly off the tops of cars and trailers can hit other cars on the road, or even pedestrians. Take a look while at the staging area of a lot or whenever stopped and use a long soft brush if you have one to wipe the snow off. It's not a good idea to climb up on top of the trailer as it'll be icy, making it easy to slip and fall. If you don't have a long brush, use two poles or similar devices (even tree branches) to get the snow off.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Mon, Dec 07, 2009 @ 11:47 PM
RSI's Gas Saving Tip of the Day: Blustery weather isn't easy to drive around for even the lowest sports car, let alone big rigs with 16-foot trailers. While it's the responsibility of all drivers to maintain safe speeds and control in windy weather, truck drivers have to take even more precautions due to the size and structure of their vehicles. Newer trailers are built aerdynamically - sending winder over the top and underneath instead directly into the side of the trailer. Also, it's easier to navigate in windy weather when hauling a heavy load rather than a light one (basic physics). Despite the trailer's cargo and configuration though, speed is always one thing a driver can control - and use as a safeguard in windy weather. Slow and steady winds the race.
County: San Bernardino
Date: December 7th, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 4095 University Parkway and I-215, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.89
Date: December 7th, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 501 Inland Center Drive and East Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.89
Date: December 7th, 2009
Station: Shell
Address: 3909 Hallmark Parkway and University Parkway, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.01
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: December 7th, 2009
Station: V & G Auto Service
Address: 13755 Francisquito Ave. and East Garvey, Baldwin Park
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
Date: December 7th, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 6810 East Slauson Ave. and Garfield Ave., Commerce
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
Date: December 7th, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 7511 East Rosecran Ave. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: December 7th, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 40648 California Oaks and Jackson, Murrieta
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.81
Date: December 7th, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 2730 West Lugonia Ave. and Alabama, Redlands
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.81
Date: December 7th, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 1065 West Holt Blvd. and Mountain Ave. Ontario
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, Dec 04, 2009 @ 07:59 PM
RSI's Gas Saving Tip of the Day: Job creation - according to reports from the Job Summit held in Washington D.C. this week - is highly dependent on the transportation industry. Former American Trucking Associations Chairman Charles "Shorty" Whittington let the nation's President know that investing in highway infrastructure is the quickest way to create jobs and restore the economy. Bloomberg News reported that President Obama will lobby for initiatives in federal infrastructure spending as a way to create more jobs.
County: San Bernardino
Date: December 4th, 2009
Station: Thrifty
Address: 1945 South Tippecanoe Ave. and East Rosewood Dr., San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
Date: December 4th, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 3610 South Riverside Ave. and Agua Mansa Road, Bloomington
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.85
Date: December 4th, 2009
Station: Mohsen/Vegas Truck Stop
Address: 35680 Daggett Yermo Road, Yermo/Barstow
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.85
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: December 4th, 2009
Station: Petro Bras
Address: 7515 Alondra Blvd. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.81
Date: December 4th, 2009
Station: Chevron
Address: 7511 East Rosecran Ave. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
Date: December 4th, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 6810 East Slauson Ave. and Garfield Ave., Commerce
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: December 4th, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 40648 California Oaks and Jackson, Murrieta
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.75
Date: December 4th, 2009
Station: 76
Address: 3308 West Florida Ave. and North Sanderson Ave., Hemet
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.77
Date: December 4th, 2009
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Thu, Dec 03, 2009 @ 11:03 PM
While good news came from the job summit held today in Washington D.C., several industries are still trying to figure out how to close 2009 on a positive note. With only three weeks and a few days remaining, many company heads are monopolizing their accountants' phone lines with queries for line-by-line analyses. According to reports, trucking companies are in luck. Tax-savings are prospects are available and ready for the taking this December.
TransportTopics.com reported, "Nine tax and accounting professionals identified more than two dozen potential savings methods in interviews with Transport Topics.
These options include new tax-cutting strategies, faster depreciation opportunities and favorable tax treatment of assets. Experts also highlighted key state and employee tax issues," (www.transporttopics.com.)
While the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is not always discussed with flowery terms and charming comparisons, there is good news to report. According to IRS Code Section 179 a sole proprietor, partnership or corporation can fully expense tangible property in the year it is purchased. That holds true to many in the trucking industry that may have purchased high priced (and even low priced) equipment in 2009.
Code Section 179 actually took effect back in 2003 and is now impacting - in positive ways - business expenditures made through 2009.
Bankrate.com reported what's eligible:
Eligible property
Property that may be written off in the tax year of purchase, rather than depreciated over the asset's useful life, includes:
Machinery and equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Most storage facilities
Single-purpose agricultural or horticultural structures
Also, the definition of eligible section 179 property was expanded by the 2003 legislative changes to include off-the-shelf computer software. Previously, it had to be written off over three years.
The IRS says ineligible property includes:
Buildings and their structural components
Income-producing property (investment or rental property)
Property held by an estate or trust
Property acquired by gift or inheritance
Property used in a passive activity
Property purchased from related parties
Property used outside of the United States
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, Dec 01, 2009 @ 11:49 PM
Comfort, temperature control, cost-effective are appealing to truck drivers when it comes to - wardrobe. Rarely discussed, the proper road-wear is key to an efficient trek be it two hours or twenty. While what to wear while on the road is not on the forefront of most minds in the transportation industry, it should be, especially when the weather cools off and drivers head towards the mountains and frosty roads that traverse the country. The following information will cover the basics and apparel that even ice trucker will find comfortable and functional.
Sweats vs. Jeans
Sweat pants are great for lounging and are the least constraining pair of "pants" one can wear. The pluses - they're easy to pack. Roll an extra pair or two up for the long haul and have extra space in your cab for important things like first aid kits and food!
Jeans are classic and durable. So durable one pair can last several days of wear (although sometimes it's best not to tout the timestamp.) Jeans are great for warm and cold weather as the fabric is breathable. The downside of jeans is not really the pair of jeans at all, but how they feel after a big meal or long, long...long interim between truck stops.
What about cold weather wear? Temps are dropping all over the United States and truck drivers from Seattle to Syracuse must deal with sleet, snow, and wind chill factors for days at a time. While most big rigs come equipped with heaters - they take time to heat up. To stay warm and not overheat, it's important to have outwear that's insulated yet keeps in enough heat to ensure one's comfortable as he or she drives. Down vests are popular amongst outdoor sportsman and can also be comfortable in the cab worn over a long sleeve cotton t-shirt or sweatshirt.
At the end of the day - what's worn on the road is up to the driver and whatever he or she feels most comfortable in. With that in mind the most important advice for the road? Check the weather report before packing.