March 20, 2024 - Page 2 of 2 - Norfleet Transportation

trucking

Dead Truck Batteries? Solar Panels Charge Up the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry faces constant challenges, with tight margins leaving little room for unexpected costs and downtime. One major culprit for both is dead batteries, often caused by parasitic drains – small but continuous energy draws that deplete batteries over time, especially during cold weather or extended idling. Traditionally, carriers have accepted these dead batteries as an unavoidable expense. However, innovative solutions are emerging to combat this issue, and solar panels are leading the charge. The Silent Drain: Understanding Parasitic Drains Imagine your truck battery as a bank account. Small, regular withdrawals (the parasitic drain) can slowly deplete your funds over time, leaving you stranded without enough “power” to start the engine. This drain can come from various sources, like faulty wiring or accessories like GPS trackers. While individual drains might seem insignificant, their cumulative effect over long periods can be devastating for fleet efficiency and costly to repair. Mitigating Risks with Solar Power Instead of spending time and resources pinpointing every tiny drain, fleets can mitigate the risk by introducing an additional energy source: solar panels. These panels act like mini power plants, capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity that continuously charges the battery, counteracting the parasitic drain. Beyond Dead Batteries: Fuel Efficiency and More The benefits of solar panels extend beyond preventing dead batteries. They can also contribute to increased fuel efficiency. Studies have shown that solar panels can save carriers up to 0.09 gallons of diesel per hour, especially during cold weather when starting a cold engine consumes more fuel. Furthermore, solar panels can enable the use of additional productivity-enhancing technologies. Telematics systems, for example, can drain batteries significantly, especially on idle trailers. A small solar panel can ensure these systems function smoothly, even during extended downtime, preventing dead batteries and potential cargo spoilage. Investing in the Future: The Bottom Line While the initial cost of acquiring and installing solar panels exists, the long-term benefits outweigh the investment. When you consider the potential costs of: Refrigeration technician calls: At $90 per hour, a single visit can significantly eat into your profits. Lost cargo: Spoiled cargo due to a dead battery can cost thousands of dollars. Jump-starts: Even the cost of a simple jump-start service can add up quickly. The return on investment for solar panels becomes evident. They are a cost-effective and proactive solution that can save fleets money, improve efficiency, and ultimately, keep their trucks running smoothly. Conclusion: In conclusion, the trucking industry is embracing innovation by harnessing the power of the sun. Solar panels are not just a fad, but a viable solution to combat parasitic drains, extend battery life, and ultimately, empower fleets to operate more efficiently and profitably.

March 20, 2024 No Comments

Uncategorized

Teamsters, Anheuser-Busch Avoid Strike with New 5-Year Contract

No beer strike! Teamsters and Anheuser-Busch reach a deal, keeping your fridge stocked and workers happy. Learn more about the new 5-year contract and its benefits for both sides! Cheers to Collaboration! Brewery Workers Secure New Deal Great news for beer enthusiasts and the folks who brew our favorite beverages! The union guys and gals (Teamsters union) and Anheuser-Busch just shook hands on a brand new five-year contract, dodging a potential strike that could have left us all feeling dry. Announced on Wednesday evening, the deal secures job security and a significant pay bump for the roughly 5,000 Teamsters working at Anheuser-Busch breweries across the country. This agreement is a victory dance for everyone involved. It keeps the production and distribution of popular Anheuser-Busch brands like Budweiser and Michelob flowing smoothly, ensuring our fridges stay stocked and our taste buds happy. Talks had been bubbling for a while, with the previous contract expiring on Friday and raising concerns about a potential work stoppage. Thankfully, both sides found common ground. The new deal brings a hefty eight bucks per hour raise for brewery workers over the next five years. That’s right, folks, an extra four bucks per hour right away, putting more money in the pockets of these hardworking individuals. On top of that, each Teamster member gets a sweet $2,500 bonus just for saying “aye” to the contract. Now that’s something to celebrate! But it’s not just about the green. The contract also prioritizes job security for Teamsters across various roles, from brewers and packagers to warehouse workers. This stability provides peace of mind for employees and ensures the smooth operation of Anheuser-Busch breweries nationwide. This positive outcome is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Teamsters and Anheuser-Busch. Open communication and negotiation on both sides led to a mutually beneficial agreement that prioritizes the well-being of employees, ensures job security, and paves the way for continued success in the brewing industry. Conclusion: In the end, everyone can raise a glass to this new deal! The Teamsters and Anheuser-Busch managed to avoid a strike and hammer out a five-year agreement. This means more money in workers’ pockets, job security, and continued production of your favorite brews. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, from the folks who make the beer to the folks who enjoy it!

March 20, 2024 No Comments

trucking

USPS Contractor Oversight: Safety Concerns & Potential Solutions

The U.S. Postal Service, a cornerstone of American life, is under fire for potentially putting people at risk. A recent report reveals the organization might not be properly overseeing the trucking companies it hires, leading to concerns about more accidents and even deaths on the roads. This lack of oversight could also lead to delays in your mail and a decline in people’s trust in the USPS. The report suggests that the Postal Service needs more resources, clearer safety rules for these trucking companies, and better cooperation with other government agencies to ensure everyone’s safety and keep your mail flowing smoothly. Lax Oversight Clouds USPS Trucking Network Lax oversight of trucking contractors by the US Postal Service (USPS) raises concerns about accidents, fatalities, and damage to public trust. A recent OIG report highlights the lack of data on contractor accidents and the potential for limited resources, unclear safety protocols, and inadequate background checks to contribute to the issue. The consequences are severe. Unsanctioned practices can lead to increased accidents and fatalities, jeopardizing public safety. Furthermore, delays and disruptions in mail delivery can occur due to safety-related issues with contractors. The most significant impact, however, might be on public trust. A tarnished reputation for prioritizing efficiency over safety could significantly damage the USPS’s long-term viability. Solutions involve a multi-faceted approach: Increased funding: Additional resources are crucial for thorough contractor vetting, stricter enforcement of standardized safety protocols, and potentially mandatory driver training and vehicle inspections. Stricter safety regulations: Implementing clear and enforceable safety standards can significantly mitigate risks. Enhanced collaboration: Working with regulatory agencies can help establish guidelines and streamline oversight processes. Addressing this issue requires immediate action. By prioritizing safety, implementing stricter regulations, and fostering collaboration, the USPS can ensure the well-being of drivers, the public, and its own future. Conclusion: In closing, the loose reins held on trucking companies by the USPS raise a red flag. This lack of oversight not only puts people at risk on the roads but also threatens the efficiency and public trust in the mail service. The answer lies in a multi-pronged approach. More funding, clearer safety rules, and working hand-in-hand with other government agencies are all essential steps toward ensuring a safe and reliable future for the USPS and its vital role in American life. By prioritizing safety and taking decisive action, the USPS can win back public trust, protect drivers and the public, and safeguard its long-term future.

March 20, 2024 No Comments

trucking

Demurrage & Detention: Who Pays Now? Understanding FMC’s New Billing Rule

The shipping industry has been shaken by the newFMC rule on demurrage and detention charges. Understand who’s paying now, assess potential challenges for different stakeholders and discover key considerations on how to navigate this new landscape. The FMC’s New Billing Rule A recent ruling by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) on allegations of negligence sent ripples through the shipping industry. The new legislation, which came into effect in October 2023, specifically targets those who are paid these fees, and raises controversy over the potential impact on waterway passengers in particular Before and going further let us establish a clear understanding of demurrage and containment in container shipping. Demystifying Demurrage and Detention: Understanding the Charges In the complex world of freight shipping, demurage and detention play an important role. These conditions represent fees paid by shippers and port operators when vessels exceed their “due date.” These breaks can be used for essentials such as loading, unpacking and free transportation. Traditionally, demurrage and detentions are covered not only by the beneficial owner of the cargo (BCO) – the ultimate buyer of the cargo but also by the dredge truck driver responsible for transporting the container to port and between those inland In general, if a container port exceeds its scheduled useful life due to delays beyond the control of the truck driver, they will still be financially liable for that amount on the side of the BCO. The FMC Steps In: A Shift in Responsibility The FMC’s new decision significantly changes this established payment model. Under the new guidelines, charges cannot be directly assessed for passenger trucks, except in exceptional circumstances that may cause delays This shift in responsibility places the burden of recovering costs solely on the pilot and operator of the airport. They are now responsible for directly billing BCO for any demurrage and protest charges. The changes are designed to address concerns about unfair practices, where hitchhiking drivers were previously held financially responsible for delays beyond their control Supporters of the legislation say it promotes fairness and efficiency in the supply chain by making shippers and airport operators more accountable for packaging time This can encourage them to streamline the process and minimize delays while minimizing savings to avoid loss of revenue due to non- . the receipt of goods Not So Simple: Potential Challenges and Concerns The new regulations from the FMC aim to address issues that mining truck drivers face. However, they’ve also caused worries among others in the supply chain. Shippers and airport operators are concerned about collecting demurrage withholding fees from BCOs. Unlike truck drivers, BCOs may be overseas or financially strained, complicating operations and adding financial strain, hindering infrastructure and business growth. Exporters and importers face potential challenges too. Managing power costs becomes trickier due to shifting responsibilities. Clear contractual agreements with dredge service providers are crucial for understanding cost allocation and funding. Initial reactions to the new law vary. Some see it positively, while others worry about its consequences. It’s crucial to note that the regulation is new, and its long-term effects remain uncertain. Legal challenges and ongoing discussions about its implementation and effectiveness are ongoing considerations. Navigating Uncharted Waters: The Road Ahead The FMC’s recent billing rule has caused quite a stir in the shipping world. With this big change on the horizon, it’s important to approach the unknown path ahead in a thoughtful way. We need to keep a close eye on how the rule affects things. Understanding its impact fully will help us see if it’s doing what it’s supposed to—making things fairer and more efficient. We also need to watch out for any unexpected problems that might come up. Everyone involved in the supply chain—like truckers, carriers, terminal operators, forwarders, and BCOs—needs to talk openly and work together. By discussing issues and finding solutions, they can make sure the new rules don’t cause too many problems and that the switch goes smoothly. Being able to adjust and stay flexible is really important for everyone. The new rule means we might have to change the way we do things and how we run our businesses. Being open to these changes and trying out new ideas will help us succeed in the changing shipping world. Even though things might seem uncertain right now, if we all keep an eye on things, work together, and stay flexible, we can make the future of shipping fairer and more sustainable for everyone involved. Conclusion: A Complex Puzzle with No Easy Answers The new billing rule from the FMC about demurrage and detention charges has sparked a heated debate in the shipping industry. While it aims to make things fairer and more efficient for drayage truckers, others have valid concerns. The global supply chain is complex, and we need to approach it carefully, considering everyone’s viewpoints and challenges. There’s no easy fix to this problem. We need to keep an eye on how the rule is working and be ready to deal with any unexpected issues. Everyone involved, from truckers to BCOs, needs to work together to find solutions. Being flexible is crucial as things change under the new rules. For people in logistics and supply chain management, staying informed and seeking advice from experts can help navigate the complexities of the new billing rule. As the industry evolves, we hope to find a fair and sustainable solution that benefits everyone involved and keeps the global supply chain running smoothly.

March 20, 2024 No Comments

trucking

Optimize Your Private Fleet | Norfleet’s Comprehensive Solutions for Success

Are you facing difficulties managing your private fleet? Norfleet offers advanced technological solutions that tackle cost, driver, and operational challenges. Our goal is to help you simplify operations, enhance safety, and cut down expenses. Explore Norfleet’s complete platform and embark on a smoother path to success. Modern Solutions for Today’s Private Fleets Managing a private fleet is always challenging. Fleet managers have to deal with various tasks such as controlling expenses, ensuring drivers’ safety, and meeting regulatory requirements. They are under constant pressure to improve operations. Fortunately, there are advanced technology solutions like Norfleet that can help ease their burden. Norfleet is tailored specifically for private fleets. It offers a complete set of tools to tackle the specific challenges these fleets encounter. But before we look at how Norfleet can help, let’s first examine the typical problems that private fleet managers face. Navigating the Rough Waters of Private Fleet Management Operating a private fleet is like sailing through rough waters. There are three main challenges that always threaten to disrupt operations: managing costs, managing drivers, and ensuring efficiency. Cost Management: Rising fuel prices, unexpected maintenance costs, and the financial impact of accidents can all overwhelm the budget. Fleet managers work hard to find ways to use fuel efficiently, reduce maintenance expenses, and prevent accidents. Every penny saved is crucial to keeping the fleet running smoothly. Driver Management: Finding and keeping skilled drivers is difficult in a competitive market. Fleet managers must provide thorough training, conduct safety checks, and monitor driver performance to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Operational Efficiency: Simplifying daily operations is essential for success. Dealing with paperwork, optimizing routes, and staying compliant with regulations can be challenging. Fleet managers strive to automate tasks, use technology effectively, and maintain compliance to avoid delays and legal issues. Private fleet managers face constant pressure to overcome these challenges and ensure their fleets succeed in reaching their goals. Norfleet: Tailored Solutions for Smoother Sailing Norfleet steps in as a guiding light, offering a comprehensive suite of tools specifically designed to help private fleets navigate the challenging waters described above. Their solutions address each key area, empowering fleet managers to operate more efficiently and achieve their goals. Pre-hire Solutions: Streamline the recruitment process with tools for driver qualification management, background checks, and drug testing, ensuring you hire qualified and reliable individuals. Onboarding Solutions: Eliminate the hassle of paperwork with electronic document management and efficient driver training modules, preparing new hires for success. Post-hire Solutions: Enhance safety and compliance with driver behavior monitoring, accident prevention tools, and automated compliance management. Additional Features: Norfleet goes beyond core functionalities, offering features like GPS tracking for route optimization, fuel management tools for cost savings, and communication platforms for seamless collaboration. By leveraging Norfleet’s solutions, private fleets can take control of their operations, improve efficiency, and ensure a smoother journey towards success. Reaping the Rewards of a Modern Fleet: Benefits of Norfleet Implementing Norfleet’s solutions unlocks a treasure trove of benefits for private fleets, allowing them to weather the storms and reach calmer waters. Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: Say goodbye to tedious tasks. Norfleet automates processes, streamlines workflows, and provides valuable data insights, leading to increased efficiency and productivity across all aspects of fleet operations. Improved Driver Safety and Reduced Accidents: Norfleet empowers you to prioritize safety with driver behavior monitoring, accident prevention tools, and proactive risk management, ultimately reducing accidents and lowering insurance costs. Lower Operational Costs: Norfleet’s route optimization, fuel management tools, and automated compliance features help you tighten your belt by minimizing fuel consumption, reducing paperwork, and avoiding costly compliance fines. Simplified Compliance and Reduced Risk: Navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape with ease. Norfleet’s automated compliance management system ensures your fleet stays compliant, minimizing the risk of penalties and legal issues. Improved Driver Engagement and Satisfaction: Streamlined processes, efficient communication, and recognition programs fostered by Norfleet lead to happier and more engaged drivers, boosting morale and contributing to a positive work environment. Gaining a Competitive Edge: By optimizing operations, enhancing safety, and reducing costs, Norfleet equips your private fleet to compete effectively in the market, giving you a crucial edge over your competitors. With Norfleet, private fleets can not only navigate the challenging seas of fleet management but also reach a destination of success, profitability, and a competitive advantage. Embark on a Smoother Journey: Start Your Norfleet Experience Today Now that you’ve delved into the challenges encountered by private fleets and how Norfleet offers customized solutions to overcome them, it’s time to think about mapping out a new direction for your own operations. Norfleet’s advanced technological solutions can enable your fleet to navigate through difficult situations and reach smoother, more productive waters. Are you ready to take the initial step? Here’s how to begin: Explore Norfleet’s website: Take a detailed look at their wide range of solutions and find the perfect match for your specific requirements. Get in touch today: Their committed team is prepared to address your queries, discuss your obstacles, and illustrate how Norfleet can assist you in attaining your objectives. Uncover success stories: Dive into case studies and feedback from other private fleets that have effectively integrated Norfleet’s solutions and witnessed the beneficial effects on their operations. By leveraging Norfleet’s modern technology and proficiency, your private fleet can embark on a smoother journey toward enhanced efficiency, heightened safety, and ultimately, sustained success. Don’t delay any further; set course toward a brighter future with Norfleet as your dependable companion. Conclusion: Navigate the Future with Confidence The realm of managing private fleets is always changing, offering fresh challenges and chances. By embracing modern tech solutions like Norfleet, you can arm yourself with the tools and knowledge necessary to move through the shifting landscape with certainty. Norfleet offers a complete set of solutions that tackle the main hurdles encountered by private fleets, covering cost control, driver recruitment, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Through automating tasks, delivering valuable data-based insights, and promoting a culture of safety and compliance, Norfleet enables you to streamline your

March 20, 2024 No Comments

Trucking Industry Faces Prolonged Downturn | Insights from Leading Providers

March 20, 2024 No Comments

Explore the latest insights from major trucking industry players, revealing a prolonged downturn expected until mid-2024. Discover the factors contributing to this trend and how trucking companies are adapting to navigate the challenges. Trucking Heads Kick Can Further into 2024 The trucking industry is facing a prolonged downturn, with little change in demand expected until at least mid-2024. This is according to comments made by heads of some of the largest publicly traded truckload (TL) providers at the Stephens 25th Annual Investment Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The sentiment aligns with a recent report from freight payments platform Cass Information Systems (NASDAQ: CASS), which said October produced a cycle low for shipments. Landstar System (NASDAQ: LSTR) Freight broker Landstar System said the market is a little softer than it was at the end of October when it reported third-quarter earnings and provided fourth-quarter guidance. The company said it doesn’t expect a peak season this year. “There’s no excitement out there — whether it’s the parcel carriers, the shippers — or anybody who thinks this thing is going to turn anytime soon,” said Jim Gattoni, Landstar president and CEO. He said sequential seasonal patterns have been lower than normal in every month of 2023. He reiterated the company’s fourth-quarter outlook but now expects results to shake out closer to the middle or the lower end of the range. He doesn’t see spot rates stepping materially higher until next year and said that it usually takes better demand versus capacity attrition to move the market. Turnover among Landstar’s business capacity owners, a proxy for truck capacity, is 39% this year, which is in line with the 36% rate recorded during the 2019 downturn. “We’re continuing to pull down,” Gattoni said about spot rates. “But I think by the time we get into 2024, maybe midsummer, we’ll start seeing regular seasonal patterns again.” Werner Enterprises (NASDAQ: WERN) Management from TL carrier Werner Enterprises noted a “fairly muted” peak season. It said volumes have been steady to slightly better than last year’s peak but pricing has been weaker, resulting in lower revenue year over year (y/y). The company has seen “no surprises to the negative” since its Nov. 1 earnings report. However, it noted the next four weeks are very important to the fourth-quarter result. Werner didn’t provide a pricing outlook for next year but said that its contract rates have already fully reset lower and an elevated cost structure means “there isn’t much to give” even as inflation moderates. Werner’s fourth-quarter outlook calls for revenue per total mile in its one-way segment to be flat to slightly down from the third quarter but off 7% to 9% y/y. Revenue per truck per week in its dedicated unit is expected to finish 2023 flat to up 3% y/y. Werner said it will continue to focus on cost control but didn’t provide a time frame for an eventual turnaround. “History has indicated that it won’t take much of a blip in demand along with the ongoing decrease in supply … . The ‘when’ is hard to say,” said Craig Callahan, Werner’s chief commercial officer. J.B. Hunt Transport Services (NASDAQ: JBHT) Multimodal provider J.B. Hunt Transport Services provided a more upbeat tone, at least for its intermodal segment. The company said it expects intermodal volumes to grow in the fourth quarter and that it has seen some improvement in pricing. However, J.B. Hunt also noted that the trucking market is “still soft” and that it is “not seeing a lot of demand growth.” The company said it is “cautiously optimistic” about the future but that it is “not expecting a V-shaped recovery.” Conclusion The trucking industry is facing a prolonged downturn, with little change in demand expected until at least mid-2024. This is due to a number of factors, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes, and the global economic slowdown. As a result, trucking companies are being forced to cut costs and reduce capacity. This is leading to lower spot rates and contract rates. It is also making it more difficult for trucking companies to find and retain drivers. The trucking industry is expected to eventually recover, but it is unclear when this will happen. In the meantime, trucking companies are being forced to adapt to the new market conditions.

News

Dead Truck Batteries? Solar Panels Charge Up the Trucking Industry

Teamsters, Anheuser-Busch Avoid Strike with New 5-Year Contract

USPS Contractor Oversight: Safety Concerns & Potential Solutions

Demurrage & Detention: Who Pays Now? Understanding FMC’s New Billing Rule

Optimize Your Private Fleet | Norfleet’s Comprehensive Solutions for Success

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Trucking Industry Faces Prolonged Downturn | Insights from Leading Providers

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