8 reasons why gas will hit $5 a gallon this year

1. Strait of Hormuz

About 20 percent of the crude oil produced in the world is shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has threatened to shut down shipping traffic through the Strait.

2. Iran

Because of the embargo against the nation due to nuclear weapons violations, the U.S. has pressured large oil importers such as Japan to act to isolate Iran by cutting their imports. Japan apparently has agreed to cut its Iranian crude imports by 20 percent. But as the world’s third largest oil importer, Japan indeed will have to get its oil somewhere other than Iran -- which will put more pressure on current production.

3. Refiners raising prices

Many large refineries are owned by public companies that do not have much appetite for posting ongoing losses. To avoid losses, refiners will have to increase gasoline prices

4. Other geopolitical risks

Problems in Nigeria the 14th largest producer of oil in the world, Venezuela the world’s 11th largest producer of crude and across Africa in Bahrain, Libya, Iraq, Nigeria and Yemen could cause rises in gas prices.

5. The EU may save itself

Deepening financial and economic trouble in Europe would drop demand for oil there. However, if leaders in the region can settle on mechanisms to protect nations with financial problems from default, national budgets will not be cut to extraordinarily low levels -- levels that would otherwise kill both consumer demand and business demand for oil.

6. U.S. economic recovery

Demand for oil-based products across the entire economy will pick up with any recovery.

7. Summer

In the U.S., summer vacation driving has historically boosted demand for gasoline.

8. Supply risk

In December 2011, OPEC members produced nearly 31 million barrels a day, cutting the cartel’s spare capacity capability from 3.18 million barrels per day to 2.85 million.

Read the full article here.

More Cross-Border Trucking Issues

Recently the NAFTA pilot program to allow Mexican trucks to cross the border and deliver into the U.S. has begun accepting Mexican applications. There are many restrictions as to how long they can stay and also they have to follow all the same laws the American drivers follow. The moral of the story is the high tariffs will be lifted saving America money but the Mexican drivers will come into the states and steal American jobs costing money.  This was an agreement was made back in 1995 and basically was never honored and now everyone has finally agreed on a program. No matter how you feel about it, it is happening. Personally, I see many problems with this cross border agreement…

·         I think this can have a very costly end result because now Mexicans have another way to get into the states legally and never go home. Also, with trucks being allowed to cross the border, they will have a higher likelihood of stowaways. With illegal immigration already such a big problem, I think this will only fuel the fire.

·         To those who follow the rules, this could also cause a problem for non-English speaking drivers. They could have more problems communicating with dispatch making it more difficult for them to even find work to begin with.

·         And most recently, Mexican drivers aren’t even signing up for the program. So far a minuscule 21 companies have applied and only two have been cleared to operate. Mexican companies complain that the requirements are too complicated, expensive and haven’t brought any benefits.

Hopefully there is a mutually beneficial solution in there somewhere; we’ll see how it plays out. Stay tuned.

Read more here: http://www.truckersnews.com/more-cross-border-carriers-sought/

Problems with Brazilian Orange Juice Concentrate

Recently, the U.S. began rejecting Brazilian orange juice concentrate because of their use of carbendazim in concentrates which is banned in the U.S. Brazil is currently the world's largest exporter and they plan to accelerate efforts to phase out the use of a fungicide banned in the U.S. after losing about $50 million from rejected shipments this year. Although Brazil requested the US Food and Drug Administration raise accepted levels of the fungicide in concentrate, they were rejected.

What this means for consumers – essentially it means the FDA is looking out for us and we can expect safer products from Brazil. This makes me feel better that they are catching these kinds of things before something bad happens, and not after. On the other side, consumer can probably expect to see a rise in the price of orange juices from concentrate as the demand will remain steady and the supply will drop. But for many, we'll gradly pay the small price increase knowing it went up for safety reasons or simply switch to nonconcentrate orange juice.

Read the full article here

Drivers Wanted

Are you a licensed truck driver looking for work? If you are, you’re in luck! As the economy begins to improve the trucking industry is growing rapidly. Drivers are needed all over the country to keep up with the growing demand. This means drivers have the opportunity to make more money per load and you’ll have more loads to pick and choose from. If you’re looking for work and enjoy travelling and want to see the country, you may want to consider checking out a local driving school.

If you already have a Class A CDL and you’re looking for work, ReedTMS has immediate opening for drivers all over the country. Check out their driving opportunities here: http://www.reedtms.com/driver-opportunities.php

And click here to read an industry report on the growing driver demand: http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=76133

Highway Robbery

It happens to me often. I try to go somewhere and hop on the interstate, settle into the groove of driving somewhere, then I spot that dreaded bright green sign: TOLL PLAZA AHEAD.  I immediately roll my eyes, curse my GPS for doing this to me, then begin fishing for change - Center console, floor board and the bottom of my purse. Sometimes it’s just a quarter, which can be easily found in most cases. But I hate it when I hit $1.50 toll (that I don't have) and I can clearly see a state road running parallel to the toll road I’m currently on..

Although I understand the importance of some toll roads. It can keep up the maintenance on the road and only charge those who use it versus taxing everyone in the area. But nothing irks me more than a toll road that used to be a free highway!

Currently the Senate is proposing to do just that: create toll collection sites on many already existing highways. Sixty-eight transportation associations signed a letter to the Senate opposing the use of tolls on the U.S. Interstate Highway System in the Senate's version of the Surface Transportation Bill (S. 1813). But will the Senate listen? That’s anyone’s guess. On a personal note, taking a toll road to and from work every day would cut about 7 minutes from my commute each way, but cost me $3.00 a day, $15 a week, $60 a month ... $720 a year! I just don’t see the benefits. I’ll take the side road and save the cash, and I think there are many people that agree with me. Changing already existing free interstates to toll roads is a bad idea.

Read more here: http://truckinginfo.com/news/news-print.asp?news_id=76100

Valentine’s Day on the Road

I can imagine one of the most difficult challenges a truck driver faces is how to eat healthy while on the road. With so many fast food joints along with quickie marts, it can be almost impossible to maintain a healthy diet. Personally, I am pretty good about maintaining a healthy diet, healthier than most, although I’m not a vegan or anything like that. Every so often I find myself taking “cheat days” so I don't go crazy and Valentine’s Day is definitely a day I cheat! With today being Valentine’s Day, I thought I would give everyone the nutritional information on some of the holiday’s favorites. Hope this helps you choose a better snack to cheat with me! Enjoy J

And Happy Valentine’s Day to all the drivers on the road who can’t be home with their sweethearts.

Candy	Calories	Fat (g)	Sat Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Hershey's Kisses (9 pieces)	230	12	7	25	23	3
Hershey's Solid Milk Chocolate Be My Valentine Kiss (1/5 of 1.4 oz. package)	210	12	8	23	20	3
Hershey's Valentine Marshmallow Heart (2.2 oz.)	240	7	4.5	44	35	3
Hershey's Special Dark Hearts (5 pieces)	220	12	7	25	21	2
Reese's Peanut Butter Heart (snack size)	170	10	3.5	19	8	4
Dove Dark Chocolate Hearts (5 pieces)	210	13	8	24	19	2
Box of Godiva Chocolates (4 pieces)	210	12	7	24	21	3
Russell Stover Box of Chocolates (2 pieces)	150	6	4	24	20	1
Conversation Hearts (12 pieces)	60	0	0	15	14	0
Pink Candy Corns (26)	140	0	0	36	28	0
Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookie With Icing	139	6.7	4.1	18.7	12.8	1.9
Valentine's Day Cupcake (Vanilla With Buttercream Frosting)	202	9	5.4	28	16.8	2.9

Tony the Tiger

Today I want to talk about an article I read about a Siberian-Bengal mix named Tony. Tony the tiger lives at a truck stop in Louisiana and has been an attraction there for passersby for years. The tiger has been there since his owner bottle fed him as a cub and now animal rights groups are trying to remove Tony from his home.  I have many different feelings about this. On the highest level, if the animal is in healthy condition and has an adequate living situation and the owner has him legally, then leave them be.

Should tigers be pets? Probably not. But the guy doesn’t have Tony running around his living room playing with his children calling him safe! He knows the pet is dangerous and treats him with respect. I think people are so quick to jump up and down for pets like this because they don’t see a tiger as a pet one should own at all because you can’t play with it and it can kill you… Well my pet jellyfish sits in that same category.

And for a tiger that has grown up in that environment, what difference does it make to him? He has no idea he lives at a truck stop. And if you move him to a sanctuary, how do you know he won’t miss his owner? As long as he lives in a suitable environment, to me, what difference does it make if people take pictures with him at a truck stop versus a zoo? Apparently “Truck Stop” is a dirty word and automatically means it’s completely unfit for pets. If Tony is healthy, I say let the man keep his cat.

Read the story here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/03/truck-stop-tiger_n_1073640.html

Back That Thang Up

With the increasing number of vehicles on the road, car driving safety has become extremely important. In 2009, there were close to 34,000 highway deaths.

I want to take a minute to talk about one of the most common problems associated with driving - hitting/backing into an inanimate object.

According to the National Safety Council, one of out four vehicle accidents can be blamed on poor backing techniques.

It happens so often. You’re backing out of a parking spot not even thinking and—SMASH! You back right into a shopping cart. The majority of the time these types of accidents are completely avoidable. Here are a few minor precautions you can take to avoid backing into someone or something.

Þ Get to know your vehicles blind spots. Remember that mirrors can never give the whole picture when backing up.

Þ Think in advance. Don’t put yourself into unnecessary backing situation.

Þ Park defensively. Chose easy-exit parking spaces that don’t crowd neighboring vehicles.

Þ Every backing situation is new and different. Even when visiting the same place repeatedly, be watchful of changes and new obstacles.

Þ Use a spotter. Have someone else help you and give hand signals to help with backing up.

Þ Do a walk-around. When in doubt, get out of the vehicle and completely walk around it. Walking around a vehicle can give a firsthand view of the backing area and any limitations. Check for children, soft or muddy areas, potholes, tire hazards and other dangers. Remember GOAL! Get Out And Look!

For here driving safety tips click here http://www.carinsurancequotes.net/resources/car-driving-safety-tips/

ROAD RAGE!

Driving on the road you see all types of drivers: the Sunday driver, the road rage driver and even the lollygagger in the fast lane. Personally, my mood normally dictates how fast or slow I drive. I’d like to take a minute and talk about the most hated driver on the road – Mr. Road Rage.

You know exactly who this driver is. He speeds for no apparent reason, tailgates anyone who isn’t going 95MPH, and will honk and flash his lights if he gets stuck between cars. I’d like point out a few obvious things that many impatient drivers seem to forget. Semi-truck drivers have HUGE blind spots all over! When you tailgate the back of a semi, he cannot see you at all. He is completely unaware anyone is behind him! Slow down and back up a bit. And come on, where’s the fire? There is no reason to be that close to the back of a semi. And obviously it is very dangerous!

Aside from the back blind spot - semi-trucks are so massive their blind spot on the side is just as large! It’s unlikely they will even see you gaining speed then whipping around to get in front. And what if traffic stops? Did you know it takes a semi-truck travelling 65MPH ¾ of a mile to come to a complete stop!?!! Granted, the brakes in your tiny Beemer may be able to stop on a dime, but the semi that you just cut off is going to plow through you!  I know we all get impatient or run late from time-to-time, but take a deep breath and think about it. Being five minutes late and driving safe is far better than risking your life driving like a Mad Man through traffic over a clock.

Looking for a Job in Logistics?

Reed Transport, a ReedTMS Company, is looking for talented professionals interested in a career the logistics field.  They’re currently hiring to fill entry-level positions for their office in Brandon, Florida. Reed Transport is a family-owned freight broker and has been in operation since 1996. Reed brokers freight in all transportation markets such as: dry van truckload, flat bed, step deck, over dimensional, reefer and many others.

Available Positions (pulled from the website):

Logistics Coordinator: Responsibilities include regular contact with customers and carriers, continual follow-up on service delivery, data entry and price negotiations. This is an entry-level position; therefore industry experience is not required or expected. The goal of this position is to teach the industry through detailed training, with opportunities to grow into a Senior Logistics Coordinator role or internal/external sales role. Candidate must have the ability to multi-task and possess strong relationship building and people skills. Familiarity with Microsoft and related software is a plus. Bachelor’s degree required.

Carrier Sales: Purpose is to strengthen operational coverage and to provide an account management training ground for future Senior Logistics Coordinator staff. Essential duties & responsibilities include: negotiating with carrier partners, daily load volume coverage targets, creating regular carrier partners, periodic dispatching, check calls & order entry. Will have flexible work hours – Afterhours assignment will periodically occur based on opportunity and coverage need. Should have attention to detail with accuracy, a team-oriented attitude, strong problem solving and analytical skills. Candidate must be goal oriented, self-motivated and possess strong negotiation skills. Outgoing personality and competitive attitude is a must. Familiarity with Microsoft and related software is a plus. Bachelor’s degree required.

Check out the website for more information and to apply. http://www.reedtms.com/Careers-ReedTMSLogistics.php

What is Logistics?

When I tell people I work in logistics, the most common follow up question is, “What in the world is logistics?” Luckily the UPS commercials have helped me out a little when explaining what I do. (See the commercial here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCh6HnXHKRc). But what is logistics?

The simplest way I can explain it, what my logistics company does is we move freight from point A to point B. when you go to Target to buy random stuff, how do you think the product gets to the shelf? They certainly don’t make it in the back then walk it up to the front. Everything is made in a factory, many factories all over the country and world. It’s packaged and shipping in a train, plane or semi-truck and delivered to the store itself. Then you get to purchase it and take it home. Logistics: The coordinating and movement of stuff from one place to another. A simple yet commonly overlooked aspect of business.