P.M. Executive Briefing -- May 31
Editor's Note: Transport Topics Online is proud to offer Executive Briefing - a quick read on the day's trucking news. These summaries are produced by Information, Inc., which scours over 1,200 publications - from local newspapers to trade publications - and summarizes what they dig up. The result is the most complete trucking coverage anywhere. And only TT Online has it!Refrigerated Carriers Call for Higher Rates Truck Accident at Canadian Border Prompts Calls for Faster Entry Modesto, Calif. Forum Calls for Better Routes for Delivery Trucks Company Offers Device to Keep Moisture Out of Tires
eorge Ryan. In open court, Durkin quoted from secret government papers in which former license-facility manager Mary Ann Mastrodomenico said a trucking company bought fundraising tickets and sometimes called her to tell her they were sending in prospective truck drivers to be fraudulently passed in exams. Although Durkin did not say the name of the company, unnamed sources say Mastrodomenico said it was Marina Cartage, of Bridgeport, Ill., which is run by Michael Tadin. Tadin is a friend of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, and a bailout Tadin gaveto his business associate Patrick Huels, onetime floor leader of the Chicago City Council, led to an ethics scandal that prompted Huels to resign from the city council. Chicago Sun-Times Online (05/31/00) ; Simpson, Cam
This Afternoon's Headlines:
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Trucking Company Linked to Scandal
In the first trial related to the Illinois bribes-for-licenses scandal, defense attorney Thomas A. Durkin said Tuesday that he may question a prosecution witness about her statements that she was given $3,000 or more in campaign contributions for Gov.
Refrigerated Carriers Call for Higher Rates
Refrigerated carriers, hit hard by the skyrocketing diesel prices of the past winter, all say they need to raise rates -- otherwise, shippers may have to go back to private trucking. Analysts and carriers say refrigerated carriers have worse operating ratios than dry van carriers do, and they also have a tougher time retaining drivers, in part because the job of a driver for a refrigerated carrier is more complicated. The cost of refrigerated equipment all but precludes refrigerated carriers from using drop-and-hook operations, and Arctic Express President Richard Durst complains of customers keeping loaded trailers in their yards for "free warehousing." Carriers disagree on how much of the rate hikes should be passed along to drivers and how much the carrier needs to keep to return to profitability; they also disagree on whether to be concerned about a rate hike contributing to inflation. Although many carriers advocate rates of at least $1.25 a mile for trips of 1,000 miles or more, some carriers manage to operate at much lower rates; Durst speculates that this is because they operate used equipment and do not have much new technology. Another way to alter rates in the refrigerated sector could be coming in the form of consolidation, with KLLM Transport Services and Dick Simon Trucking both apparent acquisition targets. Carriers may end up having to abandon some customers. Refrigerated Transporter (05/00) Vol. 37, No. 12; P. 14; Macklin, GaryTruck Accident at Canadian Border Prompts Calls for Faster Entry
The Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce, near New York's border with Canada on Interstate 87, has been calling for an updated, streamlined commercial crossing at the site, which was the site of a fatal, fiery crash Monday. This accident, similar to one that took place in November, is renewing the calls for a new Port of Excellence that would reduce the miles-long lines of trucks there -- like the line of trucks, waiting to enter the United States, that was struck by another truck this week. Interim federal funding for the port was announced in March, and the port will be getting a third truck lane this summer. It has also had its parking spots reconfigured to allow more parking, and signs have been installed to tell trucks waiting in line to pull well off the road. Associated Press (05/31/00)Modesto, Calif. Forum Calls for Better Routes for Delivery Trucks
Most of those attending a regional transportation forum in the Modesto, Calif., area agreed that some future transportation money should be earmarked toward helping delivery trucks get through Modesto's congested streets. According to Don Smith, vice president of trucking company Mountain Valley Express, his company's truckers currently have to go out of their way to evade congestion, which adds to the air pollution. The Stanislaus Council of Governments, which held the forum Tuesday, tried to address the truck-traffic situation in 1997, but there was little consensus at that time. The forum also dealt with the matter of commuter rail. Ten more forums are set for the next 18 months, before the council submits its transportation plans to the state for approval. Modesto Bee Online (05/31/00) ; Chrismer, EllenCompany Offers Device to Keep Moisture Out of Tires
International Marketing Inc. is marketing a new device called Block that is designed to keep moisture from entering truck tires when they are being filled with air. The small device can be kept in the truck for use at fuel islands or to get air from the tractor's air supply without having to worry about damage from moisture or debris. The pressure drop created by a new Block is under 2 psi, although this increases as the replaceable Block-Ade filter element inside the Block becomes clogged. Owner Operator (05/00) Vol. 30, No. 4; P. 24; Conte, Frank© copyright 2000 INFORMATION, INC. Terms of Service
