Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, Apr 30, 2010 @ 12:54 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: In the wake of an oil tragedy, it's important to recognize the recovery strategies in place - designed to respond to disasterous situations such as what's happening in the Gulf of Mexico. The Department of Transportation's National Transportation Recovery Strategy is one such program. The NTRS is designed to help transportation industry stakeholders and local, tribal, and State government officials prepare for and manage the transportation recovery process following a major disaster. While national organizations join forces to combat the oil slicked waters off the Gulf, there are a host of additional Federal departments and organizations throughout the country that exist to prevent - and confront if necessary - man-made harm.
County: San Bernardino
Date: April 29th, 2010
Station: G & J Mini Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress, Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.16
Date: April 29th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.19
Date: April 29th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 3008 North East Street and 30th Street, San Bernardino,
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.19
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: April 29th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 857 East Arrow Highway and Sunflower Ave., Glendora
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 29th, 2010
Station: Mobil
Address: 19304 Saticoy Street and Tampa Ave., Reseda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: April 29th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 14509 Oxnard Street and Hazeltine Ave., Van Nuys
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: April 29th, 2010
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: April 29th, 2010
Station: Thrify
Address: 24991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Perris Blvd., Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
Date: April 29th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 23991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Heacock St., Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
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Posted by Karen Thomas on Thu, Apr 29, 2010 @ 12:00 AM
As smoke plumes soar into the skies in the Gulf of Mexico, oil prices adjust as BP's offshore oil rig burns away. Environmentalists, the National Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are fighting along with BP to curb the environmental catastrophe that lies ahead. As oil continues to leak into the Gulf of Mexico, oil prices fluctuate as one of the world's largest oil suppliers deals with major PR repair and also a shortage in supply.
According to Steve Goldstein of Market Watch, "BP on Tuesday reported a more than doubling of its first-quarter profit as the oil giant, battling an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, benefited from a recovery in prices as production was steady. BP (NYSE:BP) (LSE:UK:BP.) said its profit rose to $6.08 billion from $2.56 billion during the same period of 2009," (www.marketwatch.com.)
As Coast Guard crews battle blazes on the damaged oil rig, U.S. drivers face a potential upswing in fuel prices. Truck drivers who rely on diesel fuel would've seen a slight increase in fuel prices in most regions, but nothing too disturbing. Market Watch though, reported that, "BP's profit came as it sold liquids -- basically, oil -- for $71.86 a barrel on average, up from $68.02 in the fourth quarter and $41.26 in the prior-year period. Natural-gas prices, at $4.26 per thousand cubic feet, were 17% ahead of last year's depressed levels," (www.marketwatch.com.)
The estimated cost to provide relief to the stricken Gulf of Mexico exceeds $100 million. Efforts are being made to seal off the damaged pipelines that are spewing oil into the ocean from thousands of feet below sea level. The NOAA predicts relief efforts will go on for months.
While fuel price fluctuations were modest this past week, the transportation industry will be keeping close tabs on prices at the pump.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Mon, Apr 26, 2010 @ 11:20 PM
Back in 2004, the Bush Administration established the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, controlled by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety is the Federal safety authority for the transportation of hazardous materials by air, rail, highway, and water. Several products are transported through pipelines including natural gas, liquid petroleum (oil) and also some liquefied gases, including carbon dioxide. Liquid petroleum includes crude oil and refined products made from crude oil, such as gasoline, home heating oil, diesel fuel, aviation gasoline, jet fuels, and kerosene.
The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety is your information hub when it comes to...hazards. Whether those hazards exist on land, air, or sea, operators in each environment can access information pertaining to hazmat safety and compliance within this federal organization. Transportation professionals, especially those that transport hazardous materials know certain permits are required, certain penalties exist, and certain precautions must be taken when operating in this space. The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety is the source for being prepared, safe and compliant.
The only probelm with Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has been its antiquated technology. Unlike filing for taxes, filing for hazardous material permits involved snail mail versus online applications and approval. Until now. As of May 1st, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration will provide online applications for hazardous material special permits. The benefit? Speed of processing. Online applications are received instantly and can be reviewed much quicker than the current process.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sun, Apr 25, 2010 @ 05:32 PM
New controls for habitual Hours of Service (HOS) violators. On April 10th, the U.S.Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a new rule that will require interstate commercial truck and bus companies with serious patterns of hours-of-service (HOS) violations to install electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) in all their vehicles. Nearly 5,700 interstate carriers will use EOBRs after the final rule's first year of implementation.
HOS violations result in greater on-road risks including fatigued drivers handling hundreds of thousands of pounds of cargo. Carriers and drivers are responsible for complying with HOSs regulations which means writing down hours driven and ensuring trucks are put into park when the time comes. Some carriers and drivers though operate big rigs beyond the HOS limits to save time, and ultimately money. The FMCSA though is relying on technology to curb violations for repeat offenders.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, "We are committed to cracking down on carriers and drivers who put people on our roads and highways at risk," (www.fmcsa.gov.)
The technology those certain carriers and drivers will have to place in their fleets are called electronic on-board recorders, or EOBRs. They automatically record the number of hours drivers spend operating a given vehicle. What deems a carrier or driver a chronic violator? The new rule will require that carriers found with 10 percent or more HOS violations during a compliance review will be required to install EOBRs in all their vehicles for a minimum of two years.
The EOBR rule is slated to go into effect June 1st of 2012.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sun, Apr 25, 2010 @ 12:07 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: A General Notice from the FMSCA : Withdrawal of Proposed Improvements to the Motor Carrier Safety Status Measurement System (SafeStat) and Implementation of a New Carrier Safety Measurement System (CSMS) The FMCSA will replace its Motor Carrier Safety Status Measurement System (SafeStat) with an improved Carrier Safety Measurement System (CSMS) on November 30, 2010
County: San Bernardino
Date: April 24th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
Date: April 24th, 2010
Station: Thrifty
Address: 1945 South Tippecanoe Ave. and East Rosewood Drive, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
Date: April 24th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: April 24th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 909 North Citrus Ave. and East Cypress Street, Covina
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 24th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 6761 Vineland Ave. and Vanowen Street, North Hollywood
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
Date: April 24th, 2010
Station: Food 4 Less
Address: 6700 Cherry Ave. and East 68th Street, Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: April 24th, 2010
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
Date: April 24th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
Date: April 24th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 23991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Heacock Street, Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Thu, Apr 22, 2010 @ 09:27 PM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: Turning 40 isn't so bad after all. Earth Day officially joined the forty club today, and like anything in its fourth decade, has made significant strides, affected many lives, and learned a lot along the way.
The transportation industry has taken strides in reducing fuel consumption, emissions, wrong turns, and so much more. With Earth Day comes new commitments as well. The Federal government announced that 25 communities across the country have been selected for "Retrofit Ramp-Up" awards through the Recovery Act. This program will create thousands of jobs and allow these communities to retrofit hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses while testing out innovative strategies that can be adopted all over the country. We'll wait and see what strategies transportation-related companies bring to the table this time around.
County: San Bernardino
Date: April 22nd, 2010
Station: G & J Mini Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress, Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.12
Date: April 22nd, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
Date: April 22nd, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: April 22nd, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 857 East Arrow Highway and Sunflower Ave., Glendora
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 22nd, 2010
Station: Mobil
Address: 19304 Saticoy Street and Tampa Ave., Reseda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: April 22nd, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 14509 Oxnard Street and Hazeltine Ave., Van Nuys
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: April 22nd, 2010
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
Date: April 22nd, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
Date: April 22nd, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 6002 Van Buren Blvd. and Cypress, Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Mon, Apr 19, 2010 @ 11:52 PM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: The theme this week...green. Today's blog highlighted green-inspired efforts within the transportation industry. One of those organizations, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, are providing accolades for the Third Annual CAAP Air Quality Awards. The LA and LB ports will recognize the outstanding efforts of port operators who go beyond the requirements of the CAAP.
County: San Bernardino
Date: April 19th, 2010
Station: G & J Mini Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress, Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.12
Date: April 19th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
Date: April 19th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: April 19th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 14059 Oxnard Street and Hazeltine Ave., Van Nuys
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 19th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 857 East Arrow Highway and Sunflower Ave., Glendora
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 19th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 6761 Vineland Ave. and Vanowen Street, North Hollywood
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: April 19th, 2010
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
Date: April 19th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 26925 Newport Road and Bradley Road, Menifee
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.11
Date: April 19th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 26980 McCall blvd. and Bradley Road, Sun City
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.11
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Mon, Apr 19, 2010 @ 11:33 PM
A clean truck is much more than a polished and buffed spectacle these days. No - a clean truck is equipped with fuel-efficient technology, aerodynamic fixtures, and emission reducing engines. These trucks are also equipped with a support group comprised of eco-conscious people who care not only about maximizing efficiency, but setting new environmental standards that the industry can adopt and succeed in. Earth Day is this week and while several companies and organizations that operate in the transportation industry make it a point to be green each and every day, it's important to acknowledge the efforts.
Southern California ports are known for their economic importance (after alll -Los Angeles and Long Beach are the nation's one-two punch when it comes port imports and exports) they should also be recognized for their contributions and successes regarding air quality improvement. In 2006, the ports adopted the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), Clean air initiatives were not only implemented, they succeeded, and surpassed expectations. The ports reduced emissions from all port sources including ships, locomotives, terminal equipment, trucks and harbor craft so much that it plans to adopt new "San Pedro Bay Standards" that will set ambitious and comprehensive air quality and health risk goals according to the Port of Long Beach website.
Meanwhile, big-rig manufacturers like Daimler Chrysler are improving truck technology that is not only impressive to the IT department, it will catch the eyes of environmental regulators. Daimler Chrysler's "Predictive Cruise Control" maintains a steady speed to save gas and also channels maps and satellite directions to ensure the most efficient, real-time route is traveled. According to FastCompany.com, the trucks also have, "cameras replacing rear-view mirrors to improve aerodynamics--along with redesigned farings on the trucks underbelly and cowling up top--electronically controlled tire pressure, so that the truck rides lower with less drag at cruising speed," (www.FastCompany.com.)
And the eco-efforts continue. NASA's even involved this time around. According to EnvironmentalLeaders.com, "Navistar is working NASA's Ames Research Center, the Lawrence Livermore National Lab and the U.S. Air Force to develop methods for reducing the drag coefficient of big rigs," (www.environmentalleaders.com.)
So while Earth Day isn't everyday, that doesn't mean the transportation industry isn't making strides each day to improve air quality, fuel-efficiency, and awareness in eco-improvement - every single day.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Mon, Apr 19, 2010 @ 12:45 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: It's official! Earth Day is days away. With so many ways to 'green' your big rig, why choose just one? Long haul tractor-trailers that are not only enviromentally-friendly are generally cost-friendly as well. GPS can help navigate one's way, and also provide drivers, fleet owners and owner-operators with advance notice of the quickest - and most fuel-efficient route in advance. Properly inflated tires preserve hundreds of dollars worth of fuel in the long run and technology has advanced far enough to produce electronically controlled tire pressure that enables trucks to ride lower with less drag at cruising speed. There are even aerodynamic side mirrors designed to maximize speed. Whether it's one or ten changes made to a vehicle that reduces fuel consumption and air pollution, it's a step in the right direction.
County: San Bernardino
Date: April 18th, 2010
Station: G & J Mini Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress, Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.12
Date: April 18th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
Date: April 18th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: April 18th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 857 East Arrow Highway and Sunflower Ave., Glendora
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 18th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 6761 Vineland Ave. and Vanowen Street, North Hollywood
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
Date: April 18th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 341 North Victory Blvd. and West Magnolia Blvd., Burbank
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: April 18th, 2010
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.01
Date: April 18th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
Date: April 18th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 8283 Arlington Ave. and Lake Street, Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, Apr 16, 2010 @ 03:45 PM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: The weekend will start with oil priced at $83 dollars a barrel. Spring-time price drops won't last forever though according to analysts. Summer will come soon enough, bringing hot weather, vacationers, and traditionally higher gas prices. The low prices of late though are to be appreciated though and also prepare fleet owners and owner operators to accomodate higher prices in a few months.
County: San Bernardino
Date: April 16th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 2649 South Waterman Ave. near Barton Road, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.15
Date: April 16th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 1055 North Waterman Ave. and Olive Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.15
Date: April 16th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 906 North Waterman Ave. and 9th Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.19
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: April 16th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 608 South Barranca Ave. and Rowland
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.23
Date: April 16th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 857 East Arrow Highway and Sunflower Ave., Glendora
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 16th, 2010
Station: Dream
Address: Park Ave. and Monterey Ave., Pomona
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: April 16th, 2010
Station: 7-11
Address: 23021 Sunnymead Blvd. and Frederick St., Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: 3.01
Date: April 16th, 2010
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.01
Date: April 16th, 2010
Station: Sam's Club
Address: 34220 Monterey Ave. and Dinah Shore Drive, Palm Desert
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.04
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, Apr 16, 2010 @ 12:03 PM
A day after taxes were due and a discouraging report that shows the California jobless rate surpassed 12%, positive news regarding our state's economy is needed. Enter stage left - Exports.
Considering last year ocean freight carriers lost about $22 billion dollars internationally, positive signs from ports, and especially local ports, bodes well for 2010. According to the Los Angeles Times, "March exports jump at Los Angeles, Long Beach ports
Exports rise 15.8% and 10.9%, respectively, helped by the dollar's weakness," (www.latimes.com.)
Federal reports furthered news of economic gains in exports. The Department of Commerce U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis February 2010 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Report , U.S. exports of goods and services increased by 0.2 percent in February.
The southern california ports are well known as the nation's busiest. The same Los Angeles Times article indicated, "scrap paper, scrap metal, agricultural products and finished manufactured goods," accounted for the boost in exports.
The recent Pulse of the Ports event acknowledged that while signs of economic recovery are apparent, a miraculous turnaround is unlikely and unemployment and conservative spending are likely to keep any signs of growth slow but hopefully steady.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, Apr 16, 2010 @ 12:06 AM
It can be argued that as human beings, we may not be hard-wired to multi-task. It's fight or flight - not fight while making a list of that day's tasks, preparing the kids' meals and keeping score of the baseball game. Despite our instinctual odds though, we still try. Even in the car. Moving vehicles aren't the best environments to try and to accomplish too many things at once, but yet, we still drum up the ambition to text, change the radio station, give the evil eye to the tailgater following a little too close, and eat that jelly doughnut all on a fifteen mile commute to work. Multi-tasking while driving though can also be called being plain distracted driving - and unsafe. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is taking stance against drivers who try do too much besides what they should be doing - focusing on the road ahead.
Distracted Driving Campaigns are taking force in Hartford, CT and Syracuse, NY as the DOT officially fights against distracted driving. The DOT reported, "As part of its continuing effort to combat distracted driving, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is kicking off pilot programs in Hartford, Connecticut and Syracuse, New York to test whether increased law enforcement efforts can get distracted drivers to put down their cell phones and focus on the road," (www.dot.gov.)
The effort is funded by the Fed as well as individual states ( $200,000 in federal funds matched by $100,000 from each state.) Look out for advertisements (PSAs) warning against the dangers of text messaging, talking on phone, checking email - pretty much anything involving any sort of smart phone, wireless device, or even those flashy new iPads.
It'll be up to local law enforcement to ticket drivers who are distracted on account of cell-phone use. And by distracted, the DOT means physically holding a cell phone.
DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said, "It's time for drivers to act responsibly, put their hands on the wheel and focus on the road," (www.dot.gov.)
The reason behind the campaign is obvious to anyone who's been cut-off, endangered, or plain irritated by an obviously distracted driver. Let alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that in 2008 alone, nearly 6,000 people were killed and more than a half million people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver nationwide.
To learn more about the DOT's distracted driver campaigns visit www.distraction.gov.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Thu, Apr 15, 2010 @ 01:18 AM
It's history in the making. Do you remember the first car you drove? Well - most of us do. But - do you remember, or even know who created that road you drove on? Or what about that stoplight you first stopped at (or last stopped at)...who invented that? As drivers, we seldom think who invented the resources we've become so used to to the point we almost think they're born by nature. This blog provides some long overdue recognition of road inventions that have impacted where the transportation industry is today.
The California Department of Transportation recognizes Garrett Morgan, the African American inventor of many things including the original three-way stop signal. The California DOT backs the Garrett Morgan Program, which exists to increase middle school students' awareness of transportation issues, interest them in careers in transportation, and motivate them to take the math and science classes in high school needed to prepare for management and engineering majors in college.
While stopped in rush hour traffic this morning, or elementary school gridlock - did you happen to notice how clean the surrounding streets were? If so you can likely credit your city's street sweeper. The gas powered cleaning machine is no recent creation. The street sweeper dates back to 1896, when Charles Brooks invented the machine. The revolutionary vehicle wasn't immediately accepted though. According to reports, Brooks was denied financial backing several times before the American Tower and Tank Company hired Brooks to bring his invention to fruition.
Not so fast. At least says the speed-bump. While often a nuisance in reduced-speed zones, speed-bumps do prevent as many accidents as they do dings to low front bumpers. Reports indicate the first speed bump slowed traffic down over 100 years ago in 1906. According to Answers.com, "The New York Times reported on an early implementation of what might be considered speed bumps in the U.S. town of Chatham, New Jersey, which planned to raise its crosswalks five inches above the road level: [to stop] automobile speeding discussed by different municipalities," (www.answers.com.)
It can take a lot to distract one from the general responses we all have towards driving whether it's nostaliga, scenery, road rage, or reader boards. The roads we travel on - and the way we ride - are all man-made inventions. Next time you honk your horn, think twice about the roots of this electric klaxon.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Wed, Apr 14, 2010 @ 12:03 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: The click of a safety belt can be the smartest and safest thing to do in a vehicle. According to the NHTSA using a lap/shoulder belt can prevent fatalities by 45%. Amongst commercial drivers, safety belt usage significantly increased to 74 percent in 2009 from 65 percent in 2007, according to new data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
County: San Bernardino
Date: April 13th, 2010
Station: G & J Mini Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress Ave., Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.08
Date: April 13th, 2010
Station: Thrifty
Address: 25717 East Baseline Ave. and Sterling Ave., Highland
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: April 13th, 2010
Station: Thrifty
Address: 1400 East Main Street and Mountain View, Barstow
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: April 13th, 2010
Station: Xtra Fuel
Address: 1945 East Pacific Coast Highway and Cherry Ave., Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.97
Date: April 13th, 2010
Station: V&G Auto Service
Address: 13755 Francisquito Ave. and East Garvey Ave., Baldwin Park
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 13th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 857 East Arrow Highway and Sunflower Ave., Glendora
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: April 13th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 290 North Highland Springs Ave. and 5th Street, Banning
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.29
Date: April 13th, 2010
Station: 7-11
Address: 23021 Sunnymead Blvd. and Frederick St., Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: 2.99
Date: April 13th, 2010
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.01
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, Apr 13, 2010 @ 10:52 PM
Volvo vehicles are synonymous with safety. The brand has built its super-safe reputation, manufacturing fleets of passenger, commercial, aero, and water vehicles that set benchmarks when it comes to operational protection. Economic resourcefulness and energy efficiency are two more characteristics Volvo is taking as well.
According to FleetOwner.com, "Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) is adding several new features to its 2010-compliant highway tractors, among them an engine torque "boost" under specific conditions in order to simultaneously preserve vehicle performance and fuel economy, while another assists drivers with the pre-trip inspection process," (www.fleetowner.com.)
Volvo has spent the last several years taking note of economic changes, fuel consumption patterns and available resources and developing manufacturing strategies that would benefit both consumer and the world at large. Volvo.com reported it's, "investing in a solution that is financially sustainable and that may form a bridge between fossil and renewable fuels: diesel engines running on methane gas," (www.volvo.com.)
The Eco-Torque technology Volvo added to its 2010 tractor fleet that ensures the vehicle performs to standard while preserving fuel economy at the same time. Volvo's focus on energy and economy is shared by other manufacturers as well. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Durability Compliance Program is one motivating factor behind the new designs.
According to the EPA, "The goal of the Durability Compliance Program is to ensure that manufacturer durability programs accurately predict in-use emission levels and deterioration rates for vehicles they wish to certify. The predictions must reflect in-use vehicle field data and engineering knowledge of the emission control system. The following information is designed to assist manufacturers as they demonstrate compliance with emission standards for the intermediate and full useful life of a vehicle," (http://www.epa.gov/oms/regs/ld-hwy/durability/index.htm.)
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, Apr 13, 2010 @ 12:37 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: Living in the Sunshine State, one doesn't often associate April with showers despite the well-known expression. Springtime in California this time around though has brought more than a sprinkle. Cold weather systems resulted in blasts of rain and snow throughout the state as recent as today. Driving a big rig in this type of weather can be anxiety-ridden, if not treacherous. Even in the midst of a season synonmymous with sun and fun, it doesn't hurt to double check tire tread, wiper functionality, brake pads, and general truck maintenance to ensure your rig's safe during the next Spring squall.
County: San Bernardino
Date: April 12th, 2010
Station: G & J Mini Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress Ave., Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.08
Date: April 12th, 2010
Station: Thrifty
Address: 25717 East Baseline Ave. and Sterling Ave., Highland
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: April 12th, 2010
Station: Thrifty
Address: 1400 East Main Street and Mountain View, Barstow
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: April 12th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 909 North Citrus Ave. and East Cypress Street, Covina
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 12th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 857 East Arrow Highway and Sunflower Ave., Glendora
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 12th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 14059 Oxnard Street and Hazeltine Ave., Van Nuys
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: April 12th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 450 East First Street and Beaumont Ave., Beaumont
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: April 12th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 23991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Heacock Street, Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: 3.09
Date: April 12th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sat, Apr 10, 2010 @ 10:55 PM
A boost on Wall Street doesn't always mean higher fuel prices. Despite the good week it was for stocks, oil prices still fell this past Friday in a contrary move to where they were just a week ago. A What caused the drop in price this time around? (especially at a time when all other economic happenings pointed to what should have been an increase in price) Simply put - the cause was a lack of need.
Is it energy conservation? Or has consistent unemployment lead to less people on the road? Did the severe storms that paralyzed parts of the US including New York City and Washington D.C. leave a surplus of fuel at the pumps?
According to The Trucker, "The U.S. is still storing more oil than usual. And while gasoline demand has increased 2 percent since last year, overall petroleum demand, including jet fuel and diesel fuel, has tumbled. The four-week average for U.S. petroleum consumption dropped for the third week in a row to just over 19 million barrels a day," (www.thetrucker.com.)
While lower prices are the current reality, summer is right around the corner. The next season will draw out vacationers, road-trippers, hot weather, and parents driving kids to and from summer-related activities. The next season is also anticipated to bring higher gas prices. The EIA forecasts that the national average will hit $3.00 per gallon this summer.
The good news - gas saving tips are at your fingertips! Explore The Open Road Blog for ways you can save before spending the money to refill your tank.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, Apr 09, 2010 @ 12:19 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: The much awaited Comprehensive Safety Analysis conducted by the FMCSA will be pushed back at least five months. Despite progress made from recent meetings in the past year, more time is needed to assess the input from industry professionals and legislators. Findings were originally supposed to be released this June, however, a Fall release is more likely.
County: San Bernardino
Date: April 8th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.09
Date: April 8th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 16337 Main Street and 3rd Ave., Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 8th, 2010
Station: G & J Mini Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress Ave., Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: April 8th, 2010
Station: Xtra Fuel
Address: 1945 East Pacific Coast Highway and Cherry Ave., Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 8th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 909 North Citrus Ave. and East Cypress Street, Covina
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 8th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 7564 Santa Monica Blvd. and Curson Ave., West Hollywood
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: April 8th, 2010
Station: Gas and Go
Address: 8790 Mission Blvd. and Pedley Road, Glen Avon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 8th, 2010
Station: 7-11
Address: 15020 Perris Blvd. and John F. Kennedy Drive, Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 8th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 23991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Heacock Street, Moreno Valley
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 Wed, Apr 07, 2010 @ 11:48 PM
Most wanted. Could be good - could be...not so good. When it comes to safety - the most wanted safety improvements generally lead to good things. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) maintains a most wanted list that includes several highway improvement initiatives.
Survey transportation industry professionals on what technology they feel could improve safety on the road and the new Apple iPad won't be the likely answer. Instead, technological advances such as adapative cruise control (ACC) and collision warning systems (CWS) come to mind.
According to the NTSB, "As of 2001, the DOT had established an Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI) as a major component of the Intelligent Transportation System program. The goal of this initiative was to improve significantly the safety and efficiency of motor vehicle operations by reducing the probability of motor vehicle crashes. As part of the IVI, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluated the performance of CWS and ACC by participating in field operational tests of vehicles equipped with advanced safety systems," (http://www.ntsb.gov)
As of now, no standards are in place concerning enhanced vehicle safety technologies. The recommendation was added to the NTSB's list three years ago and remains open to comment.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Wed, Apr 07, 2010 @ 10:52 PM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: Spring clean your way to gas savings. Get rid of gas tank gunk, change out old oil, invest in new tires if warranted, and buff those hubcaps to show the rig a little appreciation. Not only will you save money in the long run - consistent maintenance improves the long-term performance of commercial vehicles - you'll save the next time you're at the pump.
County: San Bernardino
Date: April 6th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 1055 North Waterman Ave. and Olive Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
Date: April 6th, 2010
Station: Thrifty
Address: 1945 South Tippecanoe Ave. and East Rosewood Drive, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
Date: April 6th, 2010
Station: G & J Mini Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress Ave., Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.08
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: April 6th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 857 East Arrow Highway and Sunflower Ave., Glendora
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 6th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 1350 West Florence Ave. and Normandie Ave., Los Angeles
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 6th, 2010
Station: Xtra Fuel
Address: 1945 East Pacific Coast Highway and Cherry Ave., Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: April 6th, 2010
Station: Thrifty
Address: 24991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Perris Blvd., Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: April 6th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 23991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Heacock Street, Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: April 6th, 2010
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.01
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sat, Apr 03, 2010 @ 08:49 PM
Truck driving positions are available to most, depending on a few pieces of criteria. Generally speaking, most drivers must:
- be at least 18 years old to get a class A commercial driver's license (CDL).
- be at least 21 years old to drive most commercial vehicles for hire outside the state where your CDL was issued
More than 1.6 million people call truck driving their job, and the number of women who account for those positions surpasses the 100,000 mark. Several support groups ranging from governmental to local grass-roots support help female truck drivers succeed in a mostly-male industry.
The federal government's Women Procurement Assistance Committee (WPAC) is a Department of Transportation program that provides forums, workshops and best practices in order to contribute to the growth and economic development of women. In addition, the Committee enhances awareness of women-owned businesses and works to ensure that WOSB are afforded the opportunity to participate as both prime and subcontractors on transportation-related contracts. Contact the OSDBU Women's Business Advocate for more information.
Several non-governmental organizations exist as well to support the female truck driver. Facebook fan pages such as Women Who Drive Big Rigs provide forums for those in the industry to share stories, experiences, job openings, driving tips, route information and more.
Women In Trucking is another support system that, "was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry," (http://www.womenintrucking.org/.)
Driving a truck involves controlling heavy tractor-trailers, loading, unloading, transporting livestock, packaged goods, long hours, and weeks away from home among other things. The appeal of the road is individual however, and both male and female drivers are supported and encouraged by several organizations and resources.