~~ 2010: A Year in Review ~~

2010 has been an eventful year for the trucking and produce industries. In particular, there have been many factors that have affected truck movement, availability and capacity this year more than ever. We wrap up our 2010 editions of Blogging the Road Ahead with a discussion and review of these factors below:

 The Economy: The number of trucks on the road has declined significantly. Many drivers and entire carrier companies have disappeared from the system, decreasing the overall availability of trucks in the industry. During the recession, 4,493 trucking companies failed, and 174,000 trucks were taken off the road. Many experts see driver shortage as becoming the trucking industry’s biggest problem.

 La Niña: Drivers in the PNW are being warned to be prepared for potentially severe winter driving conditions with the arrival of what is predicted to be one of the strongest la Niña winters since 1955. Drivers are also being warned that the mountain passes in particular will be severe; so remember, preparedness will be key!

 Broker Legislation: Many carrier companies have been left with outstanding balances from unscrupulous brokers who continually take advantage of small business truckers. There has been proposed legislation sent to the US Senate to increase the broker bond from $10,000 to $100,000, a proposition UWC fully supports. However, the issue still exists as the legislation is not to go before the senate until Spring 2011.

 CARB Regulations: Excessive restrictions and regulations are a continual bane for the trucking industry, and that’s particularly true in California, where the California Air Resources Board recently postponed its requirement for upgraded trailer refrigeration units; these regulations, however, have not been taken off the table. Stay tuned for more on this issue.

 Entry into US Ports: It has been difficult for companies that service the ports to hire new drivers because of tougher screening of operators, who must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential issued by the Transportation Security Administration. Driving records, criminal records and legal residency problems have made securing a card difficult for some drivers.

 CSA 2010: Increased monitoring of individual drivers and carrier companies. The BASICs that are measured: Fatigued Driving (HOS), Vehicle Maintenance, Cargo-Related, Crash Indicator, Unsafe Driving, Driver Fitness, Controlled Substances. CSA 2010 will put further pressure on carrier companies to follow regulations as the penalties for non-compliance are severe, a problem that is intensified by the lack of qualified drivers under this new system.

Any thoughts on these highlights?? Feel free to share!

UWC wishes you and yours a Happy New Year!

The Commercial Vehicle Pass System

What is the Commercial Vehicle Pass System?

Keeping freight moving during major transportation disruptions is essential to supporting the economy and jobs, and to ensure that the public’s needs are met. Therefore, the Washington DOT is introducing the new Commercial Vehicle (CV) Pass System intended to support freight moved by authorizing emergency, essential, and other goods delivery throughout affected areas during a highway disruption of two to seven days. This will become an important service that is available during this year’s expected La Nina winter.

When will the CV Pass System Be Active?

Washington State will activate the CV Pass System when major freight highways are closed or severely restricted, and a limited-capacity detour is available nearby. CV passes, also referred to as Detour Passes, will be issued based on the highway detour’s capacity and the priority of goods carried, as determined by the State Emergency Operation Center. Category A goods are defined as Emergency Supplies; Category B goods are defined as Essential Supplies and include food, water, and perishable goods; Category C goods are defined as all other goods and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Detour Passes will not be used until the Washington State DOT has determined the detour route to be safe, potentially on the second or third day after the highway closure.

Need More Info?

Shippers and trucking companies can request and receive CV Passes online at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/CommercialVehicle/detourpass.htm.

For more assistance in obtaining more information regarding winter driving conditions and the CV Pass System, please feel free to contact UWC toll free at 1.877.273.7400!!

Are You Ready For La Nina??!!

* Image source: www.farmersalmanac.com. Accessed on Oct. 14, 2010

Weather forecasters are predicting a La Niña winter this year, and have suggested it is building into the strongest one since 1955. La Niña will bring weather conditions such as increased rainfall, snow, and colder temperatures. Storms are expected to grow more severe in winter months as the La Niña climate phenomenon strengthens.

In particular, drivers in the Pacific Northwest are being warned to be prepared for the potential heavy flooding this year, with November predicted to be the wettest month. Drivers are also being warned that the mountain passes are predicted to have severe conditions this winter.

As with any other year, drivers need to be prepared for winter travel!! Starting soon, drivers must be sure to carry chains, check road conditions and weather reports before travelling. It is also critical to drive for conditions. Delays due to flooding, ice, snow, and general winter conditions should be anticipated and it is critical to keep UWC updated should these circumstances arise.

Remember, take it slow in ice and snow.. and know before you go!

Do you have any tips to share for preparation for winter driving?? If you do, we encourage you to leave a comment!!!