[box type=”shadow”]International trade runs on several timetables; there are ships entering and leaving ports and planes taking off and landing in cities across the globe. Trucks roll day and night to pick up and deliver freight. Managing these shipments is the job of freight brokers and forwarders. Freight forwarders arrange…

[box type=”shadow”]Shipping companies charge different rates for freight, based on the types of items and any special handling that may be necessary. The transportation distance also may factor into the freight charges. For the most accurate estimate, use the shipping company’s freight cost calculator. Many companies offer these tools on…

[box type=”shadow”]The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates the use of hazardous materials placards–diamond-shaped labels attached to shipping containers, trucks and train cars–to identify the cargo. Placard regulations have come a long way from the days when people traversed city sidewalks wearing message-bearing placards, covering front and back.[/box] [box type=”shadow”]Transport Transporting…

[box type=”shadow”]Traveling on interstate highways can be a hassle for a regular car, but for an oversize load or over-dimensional load, the trips are twice as slow, twice as dangerous and twice as legally complicated. There are several important regulations to follow when transporting an oversize or over-dimensional load on…

Careers: Logistics according to the Council of Logistics Management is ” the process that deals with planning, implementing and controlling the efficient flow of goods, services and information from the point-of-origin to the point-of-consumption in order to meet the customers’ requirements.” The activities in logistics include transportation, warehousing, freight, delivery…

[box type=”shadow”]Interstate trucking authority, also called an operating authority, is a permit held by truck drivers who deliver goods between states. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration along with state transportation agencies in 38 states oversee interstate trucking licenses through a single state registration system (SSRS). This authority is only…

Brake Regulation: The Department of Transportation-issued regulations detailing requirements for certification of electronically controlled pneumatic brakes used on trains. The ECP brake system, which is a new design, reduces the risk of runaway trains because it continuously recharges the brake pipe. In older brake systems, a brake pipe cannot be…

[box type=”shadow”]Federal government laws on handicapped parking were established in order to provide guidelines to the states when they passed their own state laws. The aim of the federal government was to lay the groundwork for a uniform system for handicapped parking. The Americans with Disability Act, enacted to provide…

[box type=”shadow”]Driving isn’t always as easy, and without the help of road signs, drivers would often find themselves uninformed, confused and even lost. Some of the most important traffic signs are those involving warnings. Warning and caution signs warn drivers about potential upcoming dangers or hazards. Hundreds of warning and…

[box type=”shadow”]Selling via a drop shipper means you don’t have the product you are selling on hand but instead use the manufacturer or a distributor to ship the product for you. Using a drop shipper in the Internet marketplace, which is often done on sites like eBay, can be a…

Freight Charges: If you are planning a business venture that will require you to ship your products by truck, the freight charges to do so will be one of the major expenses you need to plan for. Without properly calculating those charges, you won’t be able to put together a…

[box type=”shadow”]Full exhaust systems are made of multiple components including the exhaust manifold, front pipe, catalytic converter, muffler and tailpipe. Exhaust gases travel through piping of varying size before released into the air. Exhaust pipe specifications determine flow, gas velocity and back pressure.[/box] [box type=”shadow”]Location of Exhaust System and Discharge…

[box type=”shadow”]Underglow lights are neon lights attached to the undercarriage of a car, motorcycle or truck. These lights provide a colored glow under the vehicle and make it appear as if the vehicle is floating. Adding underglow lights is a popular feature on customized cars. Underglow lights are sold in…

DOT Trucks: The U.S. Department of Transportation, via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, regulates most commercial trucking in the United States, while allowing individual states and jurisdictions to set truck regulations on most state roads. All large trucks which includes the Interstate system and hundreds of other U.S. highways,…

[box type=”shadow”]Lemon laws are put in place by the federal government to protect consumers from buying cars that do not live up to the promise that was made when the car was purchased. These cars fail to meet standards and are considered “lemons.” The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is responsible…

Changing Large Truck Tires by Hand: The other issue involved is that the lug nuts on a large truck are generally harder to loosen than a car’s. In most cases you will need an air impact wrench to loosen the stubborn lug nuts. Depending on the truck you can break…

[box type=”shadow”]Highway laws and regulations include maintenance and traveling through turnpikes, bridges, ferries, rivers and roads. Highway traffic regulations are enforced by highway officers to ensure the general safety of the public. This means following road signs and traffic control devices. Violations to traffic regulations can result in warnings, tickets,…

The windshield of your car protects you from the elements. If keeps you from being exposed to rain, heat, snow and wind. It acts as a shield against debris and bugs and can even support the framework of your car. Damage to the it may present a danger to you…

Railroad Departments: Since the 1800s, railroads have shipped goods from one end of the United States to the other. Additionally, passenger trains ferry people coast to coast every day of the year. Scenic railways take passengers on limited excursions through countryside known for its natural beauty while intercity rail takes…

Brake Lining: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the thickness of brake liking and pads in trucks pursuant to Title 49 CFR § 393.47 (Brake actuators, slack adjusters, linings/pads and drums/rotors.) These regulations are located in Subpart C of the parts…

Safety Audit: The U.S. Department of Transportation regularly audits commercial vehicle operators to ensure they comply with regulations. Attention to detail and thorough record keeping, are the keys to making sure that your business passes each and every safety audit by the DOT. The best way to prepare for a…

[box type=”shadow”]In simple terms, logistics is the process of the product being sent from its origin to the point of consumption. Reverse logistics is exactly the opposite. Anything that involves products being transferred from the point of consumption to the point of origin is known as reverse logistics. This most…