7-inch trucking-specific GPS

Garmin International has announced the 7-inch dezl 760, the company’s newest trucking-specific GPS. A key difference between the 560 and the 760 is that the new model functions as a “digital assistant,” said Johan-Till Broer, media relations specialist with Garmin. Though its main purpose is still navigation, the 760 offers…

Health walk served as Driver fitness

The owner-operators of the Trucking Solutions Group have taken an active role in promoting the health and wellness of drivers around the nation for three years now, since their first 61+ Health Awareness Walk at the Great American Trucking Show. The walk, named for the average life expectancy age for…

TIFIA: Transport bill yields up to $17 billion in road projects

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the availability of up to $17 billion in loans for critical infrastructure projects across the country as a result of the recently enacted surface transportation bill. LaHood encouraged states and cities across the country to submit letters of interest for the…

Mexican Carrier Safety Improving

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has reported Mexican-domiciled commercial vehicles entering the United States from 2008-2010 had a significantly improved safety record over previous years. Last month, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration agency posted summaries of major safety activities, such as inspections conducted on Mexican trucks and buses…

Truck Replacement Program Expanded by Tacoma Port

The Port of Tacoma announced new eligibility criteria to allow more diesel engine trucks to qualify for a voluntary program offering truck owners a financial incentive to purchase newer lower-emissions trucks to improve regional air quality. The broader criteria aim to increase participation and help truck owners meet the Port…

DOT Standards for Fire Extinguishers

The United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates what items trucks transport and how they transport them, for the safety of everyone on the road. The FMCSA’s Shippers General Requirements, Packaging and Exceptions rules and regulations include Part 173.309: Fire Extinguishers and Part 393.95: Emergency Equipment…

Big Rig Risks & Hazards

Big Rig Risks & Hazards: Not following the law when you have an accident in your big rig will leave you open to tickets, fines and lawsuits. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial transportation and maintains records of all accidents involving…

Freight Broker Versus Freight Broker Agent

Freight Broker Vs Freight Broker Agent: Commercial transportation is conducted by brokers and agents who facilitate the moving of physical goods from one location to another. You need to know the difference between brokers and agents so you can determine the level of expertise you receive in your transportation booking….

Logistics Coordinators: Average Salary

Logistics is a process which involves management of the flow of goods as well as services from the place of production to the place of consumption. Logistics involves taking care of several aspects to make sure that customers get the desired goods. Logistics coordinators are required to supervise and oversee…

Freight Rates Estimate

Freight Rates Estimate: If you need to ship freight to another business or if you are ordering something that comes as freight, you may want to estimate the freight charges ahead of time. Getting a freight estimate is a fairly simple process. The process is similar to gettting a rate…

Broker’s Surety Bond Information

Surety Bond Information: Freight broker surety bonds are purchased from authorized bond dealers by freight broker companies. A freight broker is a person who serves as a liaison between an authorized freight carrier and a company that wants to ship goods. A freight broker purchases surety bonds, as a form…

Negotiate Freight Contracts

Freight Contracts: If your business ships large amounts of products over a wide geographic area, you’ll need to rely on transportation that goes above and beyond parcel delivery. A contract with a freight carrier is a necessity if you plan to get products to your customers in a timely and…

FMCSA Leased Truck Insurance Requirements

Truck Insurance: Some drivers may consider leasing a vehicle instead of purchasing. Although you do not take ownership of a leased vehicle (unless you decide to purchase it at the end of the lease period), you are still responsible for obtaining and paying for insurance coverage. According to the Federal…

Truckers Terminology

Truckers Terminology: Many groups around the world have a special language – a way to communicate that only their members understand. The trucking industry is no different. Although it may sound funny to the average person, driving an ‘18 wheeler’ or a ‘rig’ are everyday activities in the world of…

Drug & Alcohol Policy of FMCSA

[box type=”shadow”]Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious problem and an occupational safety risk. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), many drug and alcohol users are employed and bring their addictions to work with them. Workplace policies prohibit the use and possession of drugs and alcohol…

Truckers Hands-Free Device Laws

[box type=”shadow”]Drivers will not be able to use hand-held phones while temporarily stopped due to traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays, but they will be able to use them after moving the vehicle to the side of, or off, the highway and stopping in a safe location….

FMCSA New Rules for Truckers To Get Enough Rest

[box type=”shadow”]Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has set several new rules in place to ensure truck drivers get enough rest to safely drive during their shifts. A new study undertaken by the National Sleep Foundation compares workers in the transportation industry – pilots, train operators, bus, taxi and limo drivers…

DOT Regulations on Hazardous Materials

[box type=”shadow”]The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is one of the agencies that regulate the transportation of hazardous materials. The DOT refers to infectious substances as those materials capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce. These regulations are necessary to prevent any accidents…

Peterbilt Trucks

[box type=”shadow”]Peterbilt was founded in 1938, when T.A. Peterman purchased the former Fageol Motors Company (Oakland, California) from Waukesha Motor Co. & The Central Bank of Oakland – the two practically kept Fageol alive after its declared bankruptcy in 1932. The Denton, Texas-based Peterbilt Motors Company builds tractor-trailer big rig…

DOT Regulations on Conspicuity

[box type=”shadow”]The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which regulates the Department of Transportation (DOT), published a new federal law requiring reflective tape on all trailers and semi trucks that are at least 80 inches wide and weigh more than 10,000 pounds. The law is intended to cut down on accidents…

Customs Broker Qualifications

A  Customs broker assist importers and exporters in meeting federal requirements that regulate the movement of merchandise across the United States border. A customs broker supplies the necessary documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection along with the appropriate fees to ensure that the client’s materials are moved across the…

Lift Trucks Regulations

[box type=”shadow”]Lift trucks pick up supplies and transport them across industrial sites. So the truck operator and other construction workers don’t get injured during this process, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration–OSHA–regulates the design, maintenance and use of lift trucks. OSHA also restricts who is allowed to drive a lift…

Freight Forwarders: Advantages

[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…

Rates for Freight

[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…

Regulations on Hazmat Placards

[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…