Posted by Karen Thomas on Sat, May 29, 2010 @ 06:20 PM
Portland, Oregon conjures many a thought. Rain comes to mind as does endless views of cascading pines, bubbling creeks, stormy beach fronts, and a couple of top notch college football programs. Portland, as well as several other cities in the state of Oregon are well known for their environmental activism. Considering its eco-friendly outlook, what better city for Navistar, Inc. to showcase its own eco-friendly truck, the eStar all-electric.
According to the company website, Navistar, Inc. is, " a leading producer of medium trucks, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles. Our products, parts and services are sold through a network of nearly 1,000 dealer outlets in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico and more than 60 dealers in 90 countries throughout the world," (www.navistar.com.)
The eStar all-electric vehicle, "has a GVWR of 12,100 lbs, with a payload capacity of 4,000 lbs. The front axle is rated at 5,730 lbs with a rear axle rating of 7,053 lbs. Steering is electro-hydraulic power assisted, providing a turning circle of 36 feet. And while doing all this, the eStar doesn't produce a single emission.
Production and the ability to bring the electric vehicles to market happened quickly. It was less than a year ago - last August to be exact - when President Barack Obama visited Navistar's manufacturing plant in Indiana to announce a $39.2 million federal stimulus grant to build electric trucks. A summer later and the city of Portland will be outfitted with 0-emission producing electric trucks that can pull their own weight and then some.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sat, May 29, 2010 @ 12:44 AM
There are times, words speak louder than monetary denominations. In the transportation world - professionals focus on the numbers. Hours driven, hauls completed, money saved, money earned, accidents avoided. While a quantitative analysis are effective - and necessary - human capital can't always be regarded in the same manner. Enter - recognition. The transportation industry is one that recognizes its own - drivers, fleet owners, pilots, captains, and more. The trucking industry, one partition of the transportation industry as a whole, doles out accolades, rewards, and much more.
While recognition can be hard to come by, the trucking industry acknowledges its own and then some. Professional drivers know that driving a big rig is quite a different experience than driving a limousine. That beings said, the regulations and skills required to operate a given vehicle are different as well. As are the awards and recognitions for those that go above and beyond the call of duty.
Take for example the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) Mixer Truck Driver of the Year award program. This particular program recognizes outstanding performers amongst many who must perform in the demanding profession of concrete distribution. The NRMCA wards the mixer truck drivers that can tackle the technical expertise to handle a perishable product amid variable conditions, but also a "can-do" attitude to withstand the pressures of operating heavy machinery - sometimes in the most congested traffic - and coordinating the many tasks required for a successful pour.
It's expected that a truck driver would be on the road more often than not, but like many professionals - once off duty - people head online. The internet is the go to resource for information and entertainment. It's a safe bet every existing industry is represented online to some degree. Trucker-dedicated websites run the gamut. There are trucker advocates though including Truckers Helper that monitor sites and recognize those that are a true benefit to the transportation industry. The Truckers Helper Award of Excellence awards web sites that meet its standards of quality and content needed to aid drivers. The rewards is a pendant that truck driving-oriented sites can then display on their own websites for marketing purposes and recognized industry credibility.
While many trucking organizations recognize their own, there are some that recognize people beyond the industry. The Port of Long Beach (POLB) presented six local high school and 17 college students with scholarships totaling $58,150 to assist them in studies aimed at careers related to world trade and goods transportation," (www.polb.com).
A simple pat on the back - sometimes that's all it takes. When it doesn't though - the advocates within the transportation industry are there for back up.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, May 28, 2010 @ 01:09 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: The Port of Long Beach rewards thousands of dollars in scholarship money to local high school students in Southern California. Trucker advocates such as Truckershelper.com recognize drivers for their exemplary work in the transportation industry. Even niche acknowledgements are doled out to concrete drivers who go above and beyond. The bottom line - the transportation industry knows when to appreciate its own.
County: San Bernardino
Date: May 27th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 1055 North Waterman Ave. and Olive Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: May 27th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 2649 South Waterman Ave., San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: May 27th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 187 North "F" Street and 2nd Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: May 27th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 1110 West Manchester Blvd. and Isis Ave., Inglewood
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.87
Date: May 27th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 9706 Telegraph Road and True Ave., Downey
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.89
Date: May 27th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 5601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.93
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: May 27th, 2010
Date: May 27th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 3498 Central Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.97
Station: 76
Address: 7494 Indiana Ave. and Madison Street, Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: May 27th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 1216 Calimesa Blvd. and Sandalwood Drive, Calimesa
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 Thu, May 27, 2010 @ 12:39 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: Fraud in the transportation industry is often not thought of as something that occurs once inside a vehicle. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration though knows a thing or two about odometer fraud. The NHTSA released an Odometer Fraud fact sheet that provides transportation professionals and consumers with the tools to detect it.
County: San Bernardino
Date: May 26th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 3404 Del Rosa Ave. and Eureka St., San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: May 26th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 1055 North Waterman Ave. and Olive Street, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: May 26th, 2010
Station: Royal
Address: 2300 East Steel Road and South Hunts Lane, Colton
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: May 26th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 9707 Telegraph Road and True Ave., Downey
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.89
Date: May 26th, 2010
Station: Alliance
Address: 7601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Saticoy Street, Canoga Park
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.93
Date: May 26th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 5601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.93
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: May 26th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 19248 Harvill Ave. and Cajalco Expressway, Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.91
Date: May 26th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 23261 Cajalco Expressway and Harvill Ave., Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.93
Date: May 26th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 3498 Central Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.97
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, May 25, 2010 @ 11:31 PM
A
truck driver's life is not always an easy one - but can be a very rewarding one. Driving the open roads, being the point person for on-time deliveries, and essentially living the life of a cowboy - or cowgirl - behind the wheel of a multi-ton vehicle. While the transportation industry spans air, land, and water, truck drivers are involved all the way around. This blog post in particular will provide several resources that new and veteran truck drivers, owner-operators, and fleet owners can utilize to stay compliant, stay safe, and more.
One organization both new and experienced trucking professionals are familiar with is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Here, truckers, fleet owners, owner-operators, and just about anyone considering work in the transportation industry can find information on federal regulations. Take for example the registration and licensing process. This specific section is an overview of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registration process for new USDOT Number and Operating Authority applicants. The site features categories including "What Forms Do I Need?" that help users determine requirements for company registration. This particular determination is based on self-classification of a company's planned business operation using criteria such as cargo, operation, and company type. Online resources designed to help streamline the application process are also briefly reviewed, (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/registration-overview.htm.)
Looking for a job in the trucking industry? You can search jobs - and apply at www.Truck.net. It's here that more than five thousand monthly visitors locate and apply for trucking jobs throughout the United States. Applicants can apply directly online. Applications are available for trucking jobs, company truck drivers, owner operator, diesel technician, and company recruiters. In addition, people can narrow their trucking job searches by state, position, and even trucking company.
Weathering the Weather...
What better source to monitor weather conditions throughout the US that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. The NOAA's warning system covers weather system from tornadoes and thunderstorms to red flag warnings at the beach and fire weather watches. Visit the NOAA's site to receive real time text messages warning of severe weather systems in every state.
Resources for the trucking industry are ready and available. While finding the good ones can take some work, but the Open Road Blog delivered three that can immediately help anyone taking it to the road.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, May 25, 2010 @ 12:10 AM
Watching online videos at YouTube.com, Hulu.com or Vimeo.com could potentially be a full-time job. After all - where else can a person catch up on everything from prime-time shows to spontaneous footage of dancing vermin? But what if your online video tastes are more geared towards the transportation industry, policy, and regulatory enforcements? Head straight to the Department of Transportation's new 'Briefing Room' at www.Dot.gov/briefing-room.html. Here's what you'll find:
Live News
The DOT's briefing room not only caters to the transportation and trucking industry, but anyone with internet access. The latest transportation news is accessible at the click of a mouse. Take for example the latest Click it or Ticket news that came from the DOT. Just today the Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced that while seat belt use is at a record high 84 percent nationwide, 45 million Americans are still not buckling up when riding in motor vehicles. In the brief today, the Secretary kicked off Click It or Ticket, a national enforcement mobilization that encourages all motorists to wear their seat belts - day and night.
Personal Stories
The briefing room also features streaming videos of transportation professionals. Videos include a host of interviews with people directly impacted by the Recovery Act. Like many digital feeds, site visitors can subscribe and upload these promotional pieces that reflect the transportation industry in various parts of the country. (One item to note - the DOT uses YouTube.com to support its video channel.)
An interactive site featuring a host of sticky only features is key to attracting visitors. The DOT combined the latest news, regulatory information, video, and photo galleries, producing not only an entertaining, but informative content that benefits the transportation industry and beyond.
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 @ 11:52 PM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: Get your pre-screening practices in order. Just last week the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration headstarted a pre-screening program that allows commercial motor carrier companies to electronically access driver inspection and crash records as a part of the hiring process.
County: San Bernardino
Date: May 19th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 4095 University Parkway and I-25
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
Date: May 19th, 2010
Station: Shell
Address: 3909 Hallmark and University Parkway, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05
Date: May 19th, 2010
Station: Shell
Address: 2718 South Iowa Ave. near West Main Street, Colton
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.06
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: May 19th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 9706 Telegraph Road and True Ave., Downey
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.97
Date: May 19th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 5601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: May 19th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 20500 Newhall Ave. and Sierra Highway, Newhall
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: May 19th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 23261 Cajalco Expressway and Harvill Ave., Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
Date: May 19th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 350 Stephens Ave. and West La Cadena Drive, Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.06
Date: May 19th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 19248 Harvill Ave. and Cajalco Expressway, Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.07
(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.)
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, May 18, 2010 @ 12:31 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: Diesel prices are dropping like temperatures in Southern California. Weather-wise, what should be around 70 degrees is more like 62. Prices at the pump meanwhile have dropped more than three cents compared to 2010 winter and spring prices. The Energy Information Administration reported that weekly retail on-highway diesel price fell 3.3 cents to $3.094 per gallon today after six weeks of steady increases.
County: San Bernardino
Date: May 17th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 1195 East Walnut Street and South Grove Ave., Ontario
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 17th, 2010
Station: Super 1
Address: 55899 29 Palms Highway and Cherokee Tr., Yucca Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
Date: May 17th, 2010
Station: Shell
Address: 3909 Hallmark Parkway and University Parkway, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: May 17th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 5601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.07
Date: May 17th, 2010
Station: Mobil
Address: 6423 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Victory Blvd., Canoga Park
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 17th, 2010
Station: Shell
Address:4750 West Rosecrans Ave. and Inglewood Ave., Hawthorne
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: May 17th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 19248 Harvill Ave. and Cajalco Expressway, Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.07
Date: May 17th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 23261 Cajalco Expressway and Harvill Ave., Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 17th, 2010
Station: Gas & Go
Address: 8790 Mission Blvd. and Pedley Road, Glen Avon
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sat, May 15, 2010 @ 08:44 PM
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest rule to regulate greenhouse gases comes at a time when climate bills green technology and more are gaining ground with policy makers while becoming causes the American public are genuinely concerned with. Just recently, the EPA made its move to control the significant causes of the most detrimental emissions under the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act The Clean Air Act is the law that defines EPA's responsibilities for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer.
To gain a better understanding on greenhouse gases, here's a primer on the most common as described by the EPA:
Some greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide occur naturally and are emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities. Other greenhouse gases (e.g., fluorinated gases) are created and emitted solely through human activities.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is also removed from the atmosphere (or "sequestered") when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle.
Methane (CH4): Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
Fluorinated Gases: Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes. Fluorinated gases are sometimes used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (i.e., CFCs, HCFCs, and halons). These gases are typically emitted in smaller quantities, but because they are potent greenhouse gases, they are sometimes referred to as High Global Warming Potential gases ("High GWP gases").
The new EPA rule is slated to go into effect in July of 2010. With the new rule, permits will be required for new sources that produce a minimum of 100,000 tons of greenhouse gases a year and current sources that produce 75,000-plus tons annually.
Starting in July 2011, new sources of at least 100,000 tons of greenhouse gases a year and any existing plants that increase emissions by 75,000 tons will have to seek permits, the agency said. It's estimated that seventy percent of greenhouse gas emitters will require permits. The same rule was originally going to require permits at sources emitting 25,000 tons of greenhouse gas each year, however the EPA found it would hurt small businesses, farms, schools, and similar sources that were unintended marks.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Fri, May 14, 2010 @ 11:46 PM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: All things considered, oil prices didn't have such a bad week afterall. Severe weather in the midwest, and spewing oil in the Gulf of Mexico didn't contribute to a spike in prices. Instead, it was what's happening across the Pond that impacted oil prices the most. Unstable economies in Europe caused crude deliveries to drop$2.79, almost 4 percent, ending up at $71.61 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. According to the Associated Press, that's down about 18 percent from the May 3 settlement of $87.15 a barrel, an 18-month high.
County: San Bernardino
Date: May 14th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 1195 East Walnut Street and South Grove Ave., Ontario
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 14th, 2010
Station: G & J
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
Date: May 14th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 4095 University Parkway and I-215, Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.17
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: May 14th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 5601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 14th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 7511 East Rosecrans Ave. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 14th, 2010
Station: QUality
Address: 10740 Vanowen Street and Denny Ave., North Hollywood
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.12
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: May 14th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 23991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Heacock St., Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 14th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 3308 West Florida Ave. and North Sanderson Ave., Hemet
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 14th, 2010
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
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, May 14, 2010 @ 12:37 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: Polluters beware. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is cracking down on major emitters of greenhouse gases. The EPA's definition of 'major' boils down to existing sources that produce upwards of 75,000 tons of emissions and new sources that produce a minimum of 100,000 tons. The cost? Major emitters must have permission to exist as a major emitter, and in doing so, remain compliant with the EPA's and Clean Air Act's policies.
County: San Bernardino
Date: May 13th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 1195 East Walnut Street and South Grove Ave., Ontario
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 13th, 2010
Station: Mohsen Truck Stop
Address: 35680 Daggett-Yermo Road and Yermo Road, Yermo
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.17
Date: May 13th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.19
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: May 13th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 7511 East Rosecrans Ave. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 13th, 2010
Station: QUality
Address: 10740 Vanowen Street and Denny Ave., North Hollywood
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.12
Date: May 13th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 14059 Vineland Ave. and Vanowen Ave., Van Nuys
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: May 13th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 23991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Heacock St., Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
Date: May 13th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 68450 Ramon Road and Avenida Maravilla, Cathedral City
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.19
Date: May 13th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 69123 Ramon Road and Date Palm, Cathedral City
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.19
(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Wed, May 12, 2010 @ 11:48 PM
The transportation industry's focus on safety is omnipresent. Federal organizations including the Federal Motor Career Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation and the Government Accountability Office are the obvious biggies when it comes to motor carrier safety. These organizations are the regulators, and also the organizations that transportation companies and professionals go to when change is needed. The American Trucking Association did just that last month.
In April, the ATA took it to a subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation ("it" being safety.) The purpose - doing more when it comes to safety measures.
Although the transportation industry has made significant strides as far as safety's concerned in the past ten years, there's always room for improvement.
Six years ago the United States Government Accountability Office's Report to Congressional Committees found that, "About 5,000 people die and more than 120,000 are injured each year from crashes involving large trucks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has several enforcement programs to improve truck safety and funds similar enforcement programs in states through its Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP).
FMCSA has made considerable strides in strengthening its enforcement programs and actions. For example, it almost doubled the number of on-site safety reviews (called compliance reviews) at carriers' bases of operations, from approximately 6,400 in 1998 to 11,300 in 2004. Further, it has increased the average civil penalty by about 75 percent (from $820 to $1,400) over the same period. FMCSA generally maintained its firmer approach to enforcement at a time when it took on the additional responsibilities of conducting homeland security-related reviews of hazardous materials carriers and safety reviews of new carriers." (www.gao.gov/new.items./d06156.pdf.)
Fast forward to April of this year and ATA Senior Vice President Dave Osjecki told the he Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on Oversight of Motor Carrier Safety Efforts, "Improving motor carrier and highway safety is about understanding the behaviors that cause crashes and addressing the factors that raise crash risk," (www.truckline.com.)
The FMCSA's Comprehensive Safety Analysis has provided valuable feedback from professionals throughout the transportation industry, using it in conjunction with historical data and expert opinion that will be used to devise future safety strategies and regulations. According to www.truckline.com, the ATA shared three recommendations with the subcommittee, including:
1) Make crash accountability or "causation" determinations on truck-involved crashes before entering them into a carrier's profile so drivers and carriers are held accountable for crashes they cause.
2) Use vehicle miles traveled, not number of trucks, as a carrier's exposure measure.
3) Focus on using actual citations and not unadjusted "warnings" from law enforcement.
At the hearing, FMCSA administrator, Anne S. Ferro, said, "Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, "No carrier wants to have an accident, but strong economic forces sometimes create an environment in which safety is not always every carrier's priority. That is why we need comprehensive and consistent oversight of the motor carrier industry."
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, May 11, 2010 @ 11:32 PM
What does Oprah Winfrey have to do with the transportation industry? Not much. Buth then again, the media mogul, philanthropist, talk show host, and publisher to boot's name showed up on the Department of Transportation's website today. What would a talk show host be talking about that would pique the interest of the DOT? A self-declared national "No Phone Zone" day.
While the DOT carries out its Distracted Driving initiatives, Oprah's "No Phone Zone" day seemed to fit right into the mix of current campaigns that ban texting for example.
The DOT reported, "The Oprah Winfrey Show declared a national "No Phone Zone" day and marked this event with a live broadcast from Chicago and viewing rallies around the nation in Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, Boston, and Washington, DC," (www.dot.gov.)
According to Ms. Winfrey, the campaign is an effort to combat distracted drivers everywhere - from the suburbs to long-haul trips cross-country. Rallies were held around the nation last month when the Oprah Winfrey show kicked off the event with an entire show dedicated to the dangers of distracted driving. Rallies occurred in Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, Boston, and Washington, DC.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Tue, May 11, 2010 @ 12:01 AM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: Torandos in the midwest, an oil slick blanketing the Gulf of Mexico, and Memorial Day weekend is only a few weeks away. What does this mix of events churn up at your local gas station? Higher fuel prices. Diesel prices are at an 18-month high, up by one-half a cent to $3.127.
County: San Bernardino
Date: May 10th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 1195 East Walnut Street and South Grove Ave., Ontario
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 10th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 26492 Pacific Street and Victoria Ave., Highland
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
Date: May 10th, 2010
Station: G & J Mini Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress, Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: May 10th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 15904 Lakewood Blvd. and Alondra Blvd., Bellflower
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.85
Date: May 10th, 2010
Station: Petro Bras Gas
Address: 7515 Alondra Blvd. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
Date: May 10th, 2010
Station: Chevron
Address: 7511 East Rosecrans Ave. and Garfield Ave., Paramount
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: May 10th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 52138 Harrison St. and 52nd Ave., Coachella
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
Date: May 10th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 23261 Cajalco Expressway and Harvill Ave., Perris
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
Date: May 10th, 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)
Return to RSI HOME: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sun, May 09, 2010 @ 12:13 AM
The agency in charge of keeping California's air "clean" (or cleaner than it has been in the past) is the California Air Resources Board - a cabinet of the California Environmental Protection Agency. The Air Resources Board was created more than forty years years ago (1967 to be exact.) Its goal - to establish an agency that regulates air pollution and the direct causes of it. Before CARB exited, California air quality was controlled by the Bureau of Air Sanitation and also the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Bard. The ARB is essentially a combination of the two. Today, ARB offers incentives to companies and organizations including the transportation industry in the form of grants to protect the public from air pollution.
The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are two such operations looking to take part in an ARB incentive, specifically the Proposition 1B Air Quality Grant. The Port of Long Beach's site stated the ports applied for the Proposition 1B Grants, a grant accessible statewide. "A joint application for statewide Proposition 1B grants to reduce air pollution from goods transport is being submitted by the Port of Long Beach, the Port of Los Angeles and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)," (http://www.polb.com/.)
Grant monies are available in the amount of $200 million dollars. The source of the grant funds came from bonds sold throughout the state. The Port of Long Beach reported that both ports - Los Angeles and Long Beach - have access to more than half of the $200 million. Grant money will enable both ports to allow ships to turn off the diesel in favor of electric power when they reach their berths.
Diesel fuel has its share s of health risks including particulate matter that becomes a toxi air contaminant. Diesel engines add their share of fine particulate matter into the California air as well.
The ports are doing a notable job of improving air quality, while other services including California school buses are using Proposition 1B grant money for improvements such as retrofitting old school buses.
Posted by Karen Thomas on Wed, May 05, 2010 @ 11:40 PM
The Open Road Blog Gas Saving Tip of the day: Those who work in the transportation industry rely on the work of those who maintain each an every road travelled. Road maintainence though can be a perilous line of work. On April 29th, the California Department of Transportation held a memorial for more than one hundred and fifty employees who lost their lives while on the job. According to the Ca. DOT, the event showcased the National Work Zone Memorial Wall that features the names of all highway workers who have lost their lives in work zones across the nation.
County: San Bernardino
Date: May 5th, 2010
Station: 76
Address: 1195 East Walnut Street and South Grove Ave., Ontario
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.19
Date: May 5th, 2010
Station: Royal Truck Stop
Address: 2300 East Steel Road and South Hunts Lane, Colton
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.19
Date: May 5th, 2010
Station: G & J Mini Mart
Address: 15515 Bear Valley Road and Cypress, Hesperia
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.20
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles
Date: May 5th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 15904 Lakewood Blvd. and Alondra Blvd., Bellflower
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.90
Date: May 5th, 2010
Station: ARCO
Address: 706 Telegraph Road and True Ave., Downey
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
Date: May 5th, 2010
Station: Valero
Address: 100 West Valley Blvd. and South Del Mar, San Gabriel
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)
County: Riverside
Date: May 5th, 2010
Station: Fastrip
Address: 23991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Heacock St., Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
Date: May 5th, 2010
Station: Thrify
Address: 24991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Perris Blvd., Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
Date: May 5th, 2010
Station: Morongo Travel Center
Address: 49020 Seminole Drive and Apache Trail, Cabazon
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 Mon, May 03, 2010 @ 11:28 PM
Technology and transportation do mix. The transportation industry is regulated by governmental bodies that encourage safety just as much as they do economic stability and overall industry health. The official task force assigned to enforcing and maintaining safety in the transportation industry is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). As many in the transportation industry know, the FMCSA sponsored CSA - or the Comprehensive Safety Analysis - is one program that takes safety to the masses and with the aid of proprietary technology.
CSA is designed to reduce accidents involving commercial vehicles in addition to preventing injuries and worse, fatalities. The CSA initiatives have been formulated based on opinions from transportation industry professionals, gathered at events held around the country. One way the FMCSA and CSA are improving driver safety is through a driver scorecard.
The driver scorecard comes courtesy of the data mining software company Vigillo.
According to the Vigillo company website, it "provides customized scorecards that are tailored to the needs of your organization. Vigillo's software solution creates a consistent, centralized Risk Management Process accessed over the Web. In this environment, managers and employees can perform their functions with more ease, clarity and unity than before as they work toward their common goal: Protecting your company," (www.http://www.vigillo.com/solutions.html.)
In addition, the FMCSA is relying on Vigillo technology to encourage fleet owners and owner operators to use its scorecard that essentially replaces the SafeStat program this November. The SafeStat, or Safety Status Measurement System is an automated analysis system developed for the FMCSA. The system combines current and historical safety performance data to measure the relative safety fitness of interstate commercial motor carriers. SafeStat enables the FMCSA to quantify and monitor the safety status of motor carriers and guides the deployment of resources to focus on carriers posing the greatest safety risk.
Vigillo on the other hand provides everything SafetyStat does plus it's easier to use, provides more analytics and individual driver scoring.
And the industry is responding. According to Fleet Owner, "Data mining software company Vigillo has announced that more than 500,000 drivers at over 1,300 carriers are now using its CSA 2010 carrier and driver scorecard," (http://fleetowner.com/management/news/vigillo-scores-csa2010-0503/.)
Posted by Karen Thomas on Sun, May 02, 2010 @ 03:45 PM
It was a history-making year for the Department of Transportation. The DOT's intense focus on safety lead to a banner year in 2009. The organization released a statement on its site detailing it's accomplishments in the prior year. Even the President, Vice President, and Mrs. Obama were on-hand to acknowledge DOT employees for their efforts. Read on to find out exactly what the DOT did to accomplish such safety feats.
History in the Making
It all started with a revamped infrastructure. The DOT implemented Economic Recovery Act program s within the department and also created the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery team (also known as TIGER) to manage the Economic Recovery Act programs.
Some of those programs include the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) was a quick way to create cash flow for car buying consumers. According to the DOT, within four months CARS, "processed more than $2.8 billion in voucher payments for more than 21,000 automobile dealers who sold nearly 700,000 new, more fuel-efficient vehicles, and took an equal number of gas-guzzling clunkers off the road," (www.dot.gov.)
Ray LaHood, head of the DOT, instituted the inaugural Safety Council group. The Safety Council is responsible for combating distracted driving, banning text messaging amongst transportation professionals, and taking overall aim at improving the safety of national roads via the transportation industry.
Additional safety initiatives included restoring economic health, and promoting sustainability and livability. All together- the positive strides made in 2009 set new benchmarks within the DOT that will benefit the public in years head.