Innovative Transportation

Advanced technology solutions help to offer door to door freight services

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How Freight Shipping Services Prevent Cargo Theft

While cargo theft certainly isn't a new crime, it is a growing concern for freight shipping services today. With the current economic conditions, more and more people turn to a life of crime to make ends meet. Unattended trucks can be an easy target for thieves, and along their long journeys, drivers need to make many stops for food and rest. There are many types of freight thieves. Some thefts occur on the spur of the moment; thieves notice an opportunity to strike and steal cargo with no prior planning. But many thefts are highly organized and meticulously planned. Small groups of criminals, gangs and organized crime groups all target cargo shipments. More organized criminals exercise extreme patience before acting. They carefully track shipments to target the most valuable cargo. Thieves even go as far as researching freight shipping services' insurance policies to determine what a truck is carrying. Thieves will follow a truck for hundreds of miles to observe the driver’s habits and find the best time to act. They take note of the driver’s favorite stops—where he likes to eat, where he refuels and where he stops to rest. Armed with this information, the criminals determine where the truck will be left unguarded for the longest period. According to Landstar agents, precious metals like copper are among the most desired loads to steal. Copper prices are constantly rising, making it a highly valued target for thieves. Unlike other goods that can be tracked back to their place of origin, copper can be melted down, so there is no way to identify the stolen goods. A sturdy lock may be enough to stop the casual thief, but more sophisticated criminals are capable of cutting though the sides, floor or roof of a trailer. Security features like reinforced doors, steel locking pins and metal, rather than fiberglass, roofs can help deter these thieves. Driver education is one of the most effective ways to prevent theft. The driver is the most important person when it comes stopping theft. Drivers should carefully check their trailers for signs of tampering every time they stop in addition to inspecting security measures and locks before leaving the truck. Landstar agents suggest parking in a secure lot. If a secure lot is not available, backing the truck up against a wall or fence can block access to the doors. Parking in well-lit areas with many people and areas with security cameras can also deter thieves. Trailers should not be left unattended for long periods of time, and drivers should never tell anyone about their cargo. Thieves are always on the lookout for information on valuable loads. Drivers should be on the lookout for any suspicious cars that may be following them. If a driver suspects a car is tailing them, they can slow down and see if the car passes them. If the driver believes they are being followed, they should radio their home base immediately and find a secure place to park. Although freight theft is a serious concern, with the right precautions, the risk of theft can be dramatically reduced. If drivers keep an eye out for specious activity, park in a safe place and secure their trucks, they can keep both their cargo and themselves safe from harm.

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Landstar Agents and Auto Makers: A Symbiotic Relationship

One of the strongest symbiotic business relationships is between the automotive industry and trucking companies. Trucking companies move nearly every part, material and piece of equipment necessary to manufacture a car. This relationship has grown over time as trucks have proven to be reliable, fast and efficient. Automakers have reciprocated by providing trucking companies with consistent business and technological improvements for decades. Trucking companies performing freight delivery are an essential part of the automotive industry in a number of ways. Importing The auto industry relies heavily on trucks to move raw materials and imported components from shipping ports around the country to manufacturing facilities in different states. Landstar agents can dispatch trucks to ports to pickup shipping containers or pallets of supplies that are then quickly delivered to fabricators and large auto plants. The regular need for imported materials helps to keep trucking companies busy throughout the year. Trucking companies are an essential link that appears very close to the start of the supply chain for the auto industry. Parts Delivery A large portion of the automotive industry involves small businesses and manufacturers that produce specific parts for different vehicles. These range from simple bolts to entire transmission assemblies. Parts manufacturers rely on trucking companies to deliver parts to automakers and to transport goods between locations. A regular freight quote helps parts manufacturers to budget and stay in business. The trucking companies maintain a large and efficient network moving between parts plants located in every corner of the country. Parts manufacturers would be unable to remain part of the auto industry supply chain without trucking companies. Speed and Flexibility The auto industry largely relies on the speed and flexibility of trucking companies in order to make deadlines and reach isolated locations. The trucks can navigate many different types of roads in nearly every type of terrain. This makes it possible to complete important deliveries to auto manufacturing and assembly facilities located in rural areas that are inaccessible to other forms of freight transportation. Additionally, Landstar agents provide flexibility to automakers. This allows for more efficient scheduling so that a plant never runs out of supplies during production. Vehicle Shipping The auto industry relies very heavily on trucking companies to ship vehicles to dealerships and other retail locations. The trucking industry has even developed special carriers designed exclusively to meet the needs of automakers. New vehicles coming off the final assembly line cannot be driven to dealerships. Trucking companies must load these vehicles and then take great care delivering them to the final destination in the timeframe defined in the freight quote. These same trucking companies deliver completed cars to ports where they are loaded into containers and sent overseas as exports. Equipment One final way that the auto industry as a whole relies on trucking companies is with equipment delivery. Nearly every piece of heavy machinery from welding robots to forklifts and automated guided vehicles in an auto plant must be delivered by a trucking company. Landstar agents need to dispatch trucks whenever a piece of equipment breaks. The fast pickup and delivery of equipment is what keeps the auto industry running smoothly. Automakers would face long delays and uncertain production schedules without the flexibility and reliability of trucking companies.

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What to Look for in a Freight Quote?

When obtaining a domestic or international freight quote, it may seem like nothing more than a laundry list of exorbitant charges. In fact, if you don’t use professional Landstar agents, you may be wondering what charges aren’t included. So, what are the actual costs associated with a quote and what should you look for? The simple truth is that a freight quote includes every single detail involved with shipping freight from one place to another. Let’s take a closer look at the costs, so you can make an informed decision. Let’s begin by talking about how a freight quote is established. Shipping today is much different than it was only fifteen years ago, when a freight company had specialists devoted to preparing quotes. Today, forwarding agents and shipping brokers use specialized freight calculation software that produces accurate quotes in no time at all.  Obviously, the main costs are going to depend upon the weight or volume of your freight and the distance it must travel to reach its destination. However, there are many other details that affect the overall cost. Generally, a trucking company or rail carrier will cost less than a boat or air cargo shipment. However, if speed is the name of the game, then an air cargo carrier may be worth the added expense. After choosing the ideal mode of transportation, there are more options for you to choose from. If you are using rail or ocean transportation, Landstar agents will determine your load volume and suggest the size and amount of containers you will need. For instance, many transporters use both 20-foot and 40-foot containers. Of course, the smaller the container, the less the quote will be. Many times, your shipment will not fill a whole container. In these cases, they are classified as Lcl or Ltl, which stand for less than container and less than truck. If you are shipping internationally and your load is not sizable enough to fill an entire container, transportation brokers will often arrange the shipment with an Lcl company that will consolidate and palletize the shipment with others. The details of your load and its volume will then be entered into the freight calculation software, after which the freight forwarder will contract with an Lcl carrier to transport your shipment. Your shipment may also be subject to a fuel surcharge that is based upon the weight of your load and the current fuel cost. Beyond volume, your shipment is also priced on the class of your freight. Understandably, some freight is more costly to ship than others. The density of the load is another factor that can affect the transportation quote. For instance, a container of rebar will be more expensive to transport than a container full of Persian rugs. Additional pricing factors include any special handling instructions, the fragility of the items, and whether or not the load contains hazardous materials.  Of course, insurance is also included in the quote. You may take out limited liability insurance, but this is often not enough to cover the value of the shipment. Conveniently, the Landstar agents that arrange your shipment can handle the insurance aspect of the shipment as well.  There are other variables, such as whether you need the freight to be picked up, whether warehousing is required, and whether the shipment will be unconsolidated and shipped to multiple locations, that can also affect the quote that you receive. It may seem complex, but the entire process is simplified by the professional freight forwarders who handle these transactions on a daily basis. ​

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The Importance of Fuel Rebate Programs for Freight Shipping Services

The services and companies that ship freight across the country and throughout Florida are essential for many different industries. They carry food to distribution centers, equipment to construction companies and consumer goods to retailers. Operating a successful business means balancing service with cost. With companies like Landstar Jacksonville Florida, freight shippers can receive logistical support and expertise to help meet goals for success. One area where it is difficult to control costs is fuel. Many  freight shipping services that maintain a fleet of vehicles rely on fuel rebate programs to help control costs. These programs are run by large truck station chains, major fuel producers and some other businesses with an interest in the industry. The programs allow a business to sign up for an account that will provide a set discount on each gallon of diesel or gas purchased. The discounts usually increase based on how much fuel was purchased during a single billing cycle. This reduces operating costs. Some advanced fuel rebate programs have a suite of online and billing tools that help a business to track purchases and usage at a very granular level. Some of these tools include instant invoicing, security protection for the account and detailed reports showing how, when and where an employee purchased fuel. This gives a company the ability to track expenses in real-time based on completely accurate data instead of handwritten logs and piles of receipts. Fuel rebate programs are very important for freight shipping services. They help to offset unpredictable fluctuations in fuel prices. They simplify the logistics of purchasing and billing fuel for an entire fleet. The programs can scale upwards as a fleet grows. It reduces costs, increases stability and allows companies to focus on capital investments or service improvements. Rebate programs also benefit the stations and fuel producers offering the discounts. They increase the volume of sales and reward loyalty to the brand. With the added help from companies like Landstar Jacksonville Florida, freight shippers benefit greatly from the reduced fuel costs. All these benefits rely on trust between the company offering the rebates and the shipping services. Unfortunately, at least one company has violated this trust. The Pilot Flying J chain of truck stops was recently investigated because of inconsistencies and complaints about the fuel rebate program. The successful $40 billion a year company was found to have been skimming from the rebates. The money that was stolen was used to inflate reported profits. The skimming appears to have been occurring since 2005. Freight shipping services affected by the skimming filed 22 class action lawsuits against Pilot Flying J. Further investigations revealed that the company actively encouraged the skimming and even rewarded employees with a percentage of the amount stolen from clients. It was also discovered that the company used the rebate program to punish troublesome clients by quietly increasing the price of fuel. Many of these billing irregularities went unnoticed by larger clients. The company specifically targeted clients who might not notice. The lawsuits resulted in the approval of a settlement offer. The affected clients would receive all of the money that should have been paid in rebates, plus all attorney and administrative costs as well as 6 percent interest accrued from the dates of the original purchases. Not all affected businesses have accepted the settlement. At least one plans to reject the offer and sue separately. The fallout is continuing from the Pilot Flying J lawsuit. Nine employees have been fired or put on leave. The chain of truck stops has stopped the fuel rebate program. Additionally, there might be other consequences because the chief executive officer of the company also owns a professional football team and is the brother of the governor of Tennessee. This means there could be further fines from the football league and political problems for the governor.​

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New Florida Legislation Promotes Safety in Freight Shipping Services

Starting July 1, 2013, trucking and commercial bussing industries rolling through the state of Florida will need to disconnect. Under a new legislation, law enforcement officials will be begin handing out tickets with potentially heavy fines to interstate bus drivers and truckers using hand-held devices. The new law signed recently by Gov. Rick Scott puts some teeth into regulations banning the use of hand-held devices by interstate transporters that took effect in January 2012. Using those devices is a priority offense now meaning officers spotting such activity don't need any other reason to pull over the person engaging in the forbidden act. In fact, penalties are even stiffer than those for non-commercial motorists engaging in similar behavior. Motorists have to be pulled over for another offense to be ticketed for using a hand-held device as a second offense. The big rigs and tourist busses rolling through the state have to be wary of the new regulations. Freight shipping services such as Landstar in Jacksonville, Florida are aware of the importance of following the newly enforced law. Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, who carried the legislation in the Florida House, pointed out the new penalties affected not only drivers but the companies employing them, a maneuver designed to make sure everybody was on the same page with improving road safety. First violations could cost drivers $500 along with $2,750 for the company due to failure of the driver to comply with the law. Fines go up after that to as much as $2,750 for the driver on a third, or subsequent, violation as well as a 120-day suspension of their commercial driving privileges. A third violation rests in a penalty of as much as $11,000 for the company employing the driver. The new regulation has a few exemptions. Truckers can use a cell phone if they are stopped and pulled over off the side of the highway or road. Bluetooth and other non-hand-held devices may be used while driving, and government employees are not affected by the new enforcement standards. While penalties are what they are, all agree that safety is paramount when it comes to logistics and commercial transportation in the trucking and bussing industries. Landstar Jacksonville, Florida and Innovative Transportation Solutions follows all safety standards as outlined by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration, or OSHA, when it comes to freight shipping services. OSHA sets a series of standards that are comprehensive and key to maintaining transportation safety. The standards cover everything from highway driving, loading and unloading and transporting hazardous material to vehicle maintenance and safety and health care. It's important to keep track of these numerous rules and regulations as well as possible.  Innovative Transportation Solutions employ safety measures in every aspect of their freight shipping services following OSHA standards faithfully and effectively. Education is key in providing the most reliable and safest transportation services anywhere. Drivers and employees in all divisions participate in dynamic orientations and training, and undergo an extensive safety training program exceeding even OSHA standards.​

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Looking for Reliable Freight Shipping Services? ITS and Landstar is the Team for You!

In every industry across the world, some companies rise to the top, while others lag in the background. The trucking industry is no exception, and if you are looking to ship products, equipment, or other goods across the nation, you need to choose a reliable carrier with the tools and experience to get the job done. One such company is none other than Innovative Transportation Solutions, an independent contractor with Landstar Jacksonville Florida. For years, ITS has used its partnership with Landstar to benefit customers large and small. But how do you find a reliable provider of freight shipping services? Let’s find out. Word-of-Mouth Regardless of which field of work your business is in, you likely have contacts with other members of your industry. These companies have likely dealt with freight shipping services in the past and will be able to provide you with information about the best trucking companies in your area—companies that have proven themselves over the years to effectively deliver goods without damage, on time, and to the right destination. But even if you cannot obtain such information from industry contacts, there are other options available to you. The Internet Although the internet is a soup of both good and bad service providers, it is simple to find those companies that provide good service. By simply looking up reviews of freight shipping service providers in your area, you can easily spot the best and the worst. Companies whose reviews show consistent provision of quality, customer-oriented service are likely the best to choose from. And if you are looking for an even more reliable source of business ratings than personal company reviews, the Better Business Bureau is the place to go. Companies that rise to the top of the BBB lists do so for a reason, typically because they provide excellent service, respond quickly to customer concerns and charge a fair price. Industry Associations As a final method of finding a reliable shipping service provider, you should visit the sites of trucking industry associations. While nearly anyone can join such a group, those who want the publicity that comes with such membership will likely furnish higher quality service than a company that avoids such listings. All in all, whatever company you choose, make sure that you select the best of the best. Innovative Transportation Solutions Although the methods previously mentioned will help you in your search for a reliable shipper, Innovative Transportation Solutions is your one-stop source for heavy haul, LTL, and dry van freight transportation. Not only does ITS have a capable and effective staff that you can rely on to transport your goods across North America, but its contractual relationships with Landstar Jacksonville Florida allow ITS to offer even more to its customers. If your load requires more equipment than ITS has currently available, it can turn to Landstar Jacksonville Florida for the rest, and as one of North America’s largest trucking companies, Landstar has the tools to get any job done. Trust your next shipment to Innovative Transportation Solutions, and let them put the power of Landstar behind your operation.​

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Landstar Earns Best in Security Award

Landstar is a logistics company that specializes in custom, integrated supply chain solutions. Safety and security are vital components of the services it provides. On May 7, 2013, the company announced that CargoNet had recognized it with the Best in Security award in the Intermediary class. CargoNet is a division of Verisk Crime Analytics, which specializes, among other fields, in supply chain security. Best in Security Award CargoNet uses the Intermediary category to distinguish facilitators from end-providers. Security and safety from an intermediary is crucial because it exists at a fundamental level in the supply chain, a level that the end-provider has no control over. In other words, if a shipper uses a Landstar broker and that broker were to provide an unsafe, unsecure service, then the service delivered by the end-provider is inherently flawed. CargoNet chose this company because of a consistent track record in regard to security and safety but also because of a commitment and eagerness to innovate and refine the security and safety aspects of its services. A System of Independent Agents It’s impossible to discuss Landstar without also discussing the network of Landstar brokers. This company is a non-asset based logistics provider. Therefore, it’s made up of a diverse network of independent agents, or brokers. A supply chain solution can be either asset based or non-asset based. Each format has advantages and disadvantages, and a common drawback to being non-asset based is that the company has much less control over its individual moving parts. In other words, it’s generally very difficult for a non-asset based company to be this effective with security. This company, however, is not just any non-asset based logistics provider, and this award is a testament to the companies like Innovative Transportation Solutions, companies that are on the street level of this network. About CargoNet CargoNet is a subdivision of Verisk Crime Analytics, which is a subsidiary of Verisk Analytics. CargoNet’s highest-profile product is TruckStopWatch, which focuses on security at truck stops. Truck stops are a chink in the armor for many supply chains because they’re a common target for thieves because they’re target-rich environments with low levels of awareness. The TruckStopWatch product includes awareness training, compliance audits, driver incentives, ticker-board alerts, recovery benefits, thief prevention benefits and more. About Landstar This logistics company is a provider of integrated supply chain solutions and provides its services throughout the world. Through a diverse network of independent transportation contractors, independent warehouses and independent sales agents, this company is able to overcome any supply chain challenge. In addition to standard over-the-road shipping, services include heavy hauling, airfreight, ocean freight, border crossings and customs brokerage. About ITS Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS) is a Saint Augustine, Florida based transportation company and one of the largest and most important Landstar brokers in the network. ITS specializes in shipping throughout North America, including Canada and Mexico in addition to the United States. It also offers a full range of transportation modes, including road, air and train. ITS also employs a wide range of sophisticated technology, including EDI and satellite tracking. For more information about ITS, please visit www.innovativetrans.com.​

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The Ultimate Hauling Solutions by Landstar in Jacksonville FL

Landstar is a Jacksonville, FL based leader in domestic and global logistics and transportation services. The Landstar Network Landstar has a massive network of resources and independent contractors who provide transportation and warehouse services. This vast network is what allows Landstar to overcome any supply chain challenge regardless of how complex and global it is. Landstar’s agents and BCOs are the most important factors in its success, but the safety-first culture that it fosters it plays a crucial role. Landstar sets the standard for safety, security and compliance, and it has the leading-edge technology needed to manage and optimize your transportation needs on the fly. Transportation Services Landstar provides the full range of transportation services. Although it handles the bulk of its hauling via highways, it can also provide rail, air and ocean freight. Landstar specializes in custom solutions and regularly handles expedited shipments, heavy hauls and specialized hauls. The network supports border crossings, customs brokerage and warehousing, including unplanned-for storage that is required due to an unexpected event beyond the control of the Landstar transportation network. North American Trucking Operations Landstar in Jacksonville FL can handle any supply chain need in the entire world, but the majority of its hauling duties take place in North America: the United States, Canada and Mexico. In North America alone, Landstar has more than 8,500 power units, 14,000 pieces of trailing hardware and 25,000 certified, regulated independent capacity providers. Landstar can handle your North American supply chain needs down to the granular level, including providing door-to-door services. Landstar’s Agents & BCOs Many transportation companies simply cannot keep up with the growing needs of the modern business. The reason for this is that they hold tight to an outdated approach and try to own as well as control every aspect of their network. What sets Landstar apart is that it does not need to own an aspect of the network to have full control over it and be able to rely on it. In other words, Landstar’s network is fluid, and the key to that fluidity is the many agents and BCOs that make up the network. Innovative Transportation Solutions One of the most important agents and partners of Landstar in Jacksonville FL is Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS). Based in Saint Augustine FL, ITS is an independent Landstar agent and a full-service logistics and transportation provider. ITS also handles many modes that other transportation companies do not, including open deck, intermodal and multimodal. ITS has over 75 years of combined industry experience, and the company is a proven innovator that has led to real change in the industry. The Landstar & ITS Advantage Whether its basic hauling or a modern supply chain solution, the Landstar advantage is its partners like ITS. Through these agents, Landstar can outsource any aspect of your supply chain or it can handle the entire chain regardless of how large or multilinked it is. The Landstar advantage is also Landstar’s track record for safety, security and compliance and its ability to refine its logistics solutions on the fly. For information about Landstar and Innovative Transportation Solutions, please visit www.innovativetrans.com.​

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Heavy Haul Secure Transport by Double Drop or Lowboy

Freight transport is a global industry that makes the modern world go round. Without it, the ordinary items needed by individuals and businesses would be more expensive and difficult to come by. Secure transport is also necessary for products and materials that are not so ordinary, such as items that are so large that they require special permits in order to move them through public and commercial transportation channels. Heavy haul is a type of freight transport specifically designed to move these products and materials that businesses could not otherwise relocate. Double Drop Shipping Double drop shipping is one of the most common ways of moving heavy haul freight. Double drop trailers are typically standard trailers that have been legally modified to support an over-dimensional item. One of the most common types of double drop trailers is a standard flatbed modified so that it can support taller freight, such as cargo containers. However, there are many different types of drop frame trailers. It is possible to adjust frames to support freight that is longer or wider, and in many cases, it is necessary to design a double drop trailer for a specific item. A downside to a double drop trailer is that it requires a specialized, and often difficult, loading procedure. Lowboy Shipping Lowboy shipping is a type of heavy haul secure transport that is as common as double drop shipping. A lowboy trailer, also called a low loader, low-bed or float, is a flatbed that has been lowered so that there is very little clearance between the road and the frame. This lowered ride height allows the trailer to carry tall loads, such as bulldozers and industrial equipment, without a specialized double drop trailer. The advantage of a lowboy trailer is that it is generally much cheaper than a double drop trailer. The disadvantage is that it is only suitable for certain reliable environments, such as interstate highways. Specialized Equipment, Skill and Experience Heavy secure transport is not something that every freight company can handle. In fact, most can’t, and it requires specialized equipment, a unique set of skills and a wealth of experience. The drivers and loaders must have special training, and the company requires an intimate understanding of the freight and transportation laws in each state or province that the trailer will pass through. The best freight companies will design a specialized plan for each load that will maximize the efficiency of the job for both them and the client. Innovative Transportation Solutions One such company is Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS). ITS is a national freight shipping and logistics company based in St. Augustine, Florida. The company also specializes in oversized hauling throughout North America, and it has a vast network that includes air, sea, rail and warehousing mechanisms in addition to road-based ones. ITS will increase your efficiency and help you control your costs associated with heavy freight by developing a plan that is uniquely suited to your company. ITS is a leading provider of global logistics because of an unwavering commitment to its clients. For more information, please visit www.innovativetrans.com.​

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ITS and Landstar Rank No. 1 Among Freight Shipping Companies

​Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS) is an independent agent for Landstar Systems, Inc. Both ITS and Landstar provide a wide range of transportation and logistics services, and Landstar recently announced that they had earned the 2013 Best Overall Fleet for Owner-Operators award. This honor is awarded via a survey of owner-operators by CarriersEdge and the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).

Excellence in Freight Shipping Henry Gerkens, the CEO of Landstar, said in a press release that Landstar and its agents, like ITS, are proud of the great freedom, diverse opportunities and wide array of support services that they are able to offer their business capacity owners (BCOs). Their continued commitment to providing these benefits is what had made Landstar and its agents the best fleet for owner-operators. Landstar also has a unique business model that allows independent contractors within the transportation and logistics field the best chance of success. A Lengthy Process The process by which this honor is awarded is neither short nor simple. It began last year, and both CarriersEdge and TCA were immediately overwhelmed by the responses in favor of Landstar. One trucker surveyed said that the pay was the highest in the freight shipping industry in his area, the company went out of its way to ensure his success and they were always there with answers or support. The president of CarriersEdge remarked that he was impressed by the level of engagement demonstrated by contractors working through Landstar and its agents. This was a clear indication that Landstar had developed a model that worked for them, its agents and, most importantly, its BCOs. A Multi-Angle Approach After the nominations were made, both TCA and CarriersEdge evaluated each one based on a number of categories related to transportation and logistics. These included professional opportunities for owner-operators, dispute resolution methodologies and track record, the user of driver feedback in policymaking, the annual turnover rate and the fleet’s safety record. The feedback for each company was also quantified and then compared against each other for a final score. A Shortage of Truckers An interesting angle to this year’s award is that it highlights a freight shipping company that is growing while so many others struggle to do so. It is no secret that the trucking industry is suffering from a shortage of professional drivers, and it has been for some time. One thing is clear from the success of Landstar and ITS; if all fleet companies could serve there BCOs as well, then the industry would not be facing the deficit of professional drivers that it currently is. Career Opportunities at ITS ITS is thriving and hiring. Despite being one of the most popular destinations for owner-operators, it still is not able to meet its demand. If you’re a current owner-operator or a person who is considering a start in the field, then ITS has some attractive opportunities for you. Innovative Transportation Solutions is based in Saint Augustine, Florida, is an independent agent for Landstar Systems, Inc. and is a full-service logistics and transportation provider that is able to handle all transportation modes. For more information, please visit www.innovativetrans.com

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OnlineAVL2 Upgrades Door to Door Freight

​Since the advent of reliable GPS systems, nearly all national transportation companies have employed some form of tracking system to manage, evaluate and refine the delivery of door to door freight. Using GPS, a fleet management company can locate and maintain contact with a fleet vehicle in real time. This allows for optimal time management and resource allocation now and over the long term. OnlineAVL2 by Navman Wireless Since 1986, Navman has been a leader in the commercial GPS industry, and Navman Wireless is the arm of the company focused on better using GPS and SaaS technology for the real-time capture and application of location data as well the real-time capture and analysis of diagnostic and behavior data of both people and resources. The flagship product by Navman Wireless is OnlineAVL2, which has become an industry standard for what comprehensive vehicle tracking software should be. Built using Microsoft’s .NET framework, the system can handle thousands of vehicles simultaneously on-highway and off and is versatile enough to integrate with nearly any other platform. New Features a Leap beyond Standard Tracking In the latest iteration of OnlineAVL2, Navman Wireless has added a host of features that have again raised the bar and separated this platform from the run-of-the-mill tracking solution. The two main upgrades that all national transportation companies that manage door to door freight can take advantage of is the Dynamic Dashboard and the Driver Scorecards. The Dashboard is a completely customizable tool that allows the business to monitor the most critical GPS data in real time using performance metrics, which it can react to via push notifications and alerts. Driver Scorecards Driver Scorecards measure the behaviors of individual drivers, including idling, speeding, hard braking, high RPMs and a wide range of user-defined habits. The system tracks these habits over an extended period, which allows the fleet management company to identify positive and negative trends as well as view that information through filters, such as a particular vehicle, job type, time of day and so forth. The system is proactive and works to identify those drivers that are underperforming compared to the company-wide averages. By targeting overachievers, companies can identify their most valuable personnel. Reports by Driver Group and Vehicle Type Additionally, the new feature set can produce comprehensive, on-demand reports by vehicle type and driver group. Users can create groups based on service type, business unit, region, experience and a wide range of user-defined characteristics. Reports by vehicle type are similar, and this kind of report allows the company to identify the individual vehicles and vehicle groups that are underperforming. Through such efforts, a company can improve fuel usage and maintenance costs. Innovative Transportation Solutions Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS) is large transportation and logistics company based in St. Augustine, Florida. www.innovativetrans.com ​

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Trucking and Technology: How Tech Is Making Long-Haul Routing More Efficient

With the price of fuel gradually making its way towards five dollars per gallon, long haul fleets across the country need to adapt and come up with new ways to manage their transportation logistics more efficiently. This used to mean overworking drivers and overloading trucks. Today's technology, however, provides management with more flexibility to get the job done quickly, safely, and at the best possible price.

The Goal

The transportation logistics industry still has the same goals that it always has. Freight needs to be delivered as soon as possible while using the smallest amount of fuel required. To accomplish this, long haul fleet managers in the past have had to manually put together a route, hand it over to the driver, and hope that all of the pieces fell into place. Obviously, things don't always work out that way.

The Problems

Unforeseen problems, such as breakdowns, weather conditions, construction, or heavy traffic, have hindered the goal for as long as the trucking industry has been around. New technology that is currently available greatly reduces the impact that these problems have on a route and may even eliminate them.

How Tech Helps

Stronger and faster computers, more effective programs, and mobile communications have changed the face of long haul fleet management. Where experience and luck used to be the most valuable commodities when planning and dispatching a route, up to date information is now available and calculated into the route with the click of a mouse. Current systems are now capable of planning based on the specific goals that the dispatcher wants to meet, such as traveling the shortest distance or making as many stops en route as possible, while taking into account variables such as cost of fuel and real time traffic information.

This gives managers the unprecedented ability to calculate costs and accurately predict a truck's time of arrival. Increased use of mobile devices and on board computer systems give the driver the ability to communicate problems to dispatch mid-route. The benefit here is that the customer can be immediately notified that a delivery will be late, or an available driver in the area can be dispatched to take the load the rest of the way. Although some older drivers may find this high level of communication somewhat overwhelming, customers love knowing exactly when their order will arrive.

Other programs that have been developed integrate routing with loading. Communicating to warehouse personnel the order that freight needs to be loaded into the trailer is invaluable to the driver later on. An organized, appropriately ordered truck will greatly reduce the time your drivers will spend unloading or searching for a small parcel at any given location. Without having to offload other items before reaching the parcel intended for a stop, the risk of driver injury is also greatly reduced, making it even more likely that work will be completed on time and increasing the health of your workforce.

For long haul fleets, technology has killed the days when a route was out of your control as soon as the truck left the dooryard. You can now prepare for and deal with unforeseen problems remotely in less time than it takes to go from zero to sixty.

Innovative Transportation Solutions is a leader in transportation & logistics in North America, and is a Landstar Agent in St. Augustine, FL. www.innovativetrans.com

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Avoid Getting Squashed in the World of Freight Shipping

Most people dislike being stuck behind 18-wheelers in traffic. They want nothing more than to take the very first opportunity to pass the truck and go full speed ahead. No matter if the truck is doing the speed limit or moving more slowly to ensure safer travel, there just seems to be something about these giant trucks that brings out our worst when driving. However, those trucks are bigger than you. They’re also tougher than you. Why risk your life and the lives of other people on the road just to pass that truck? Learn how to share the road responsibly and avoid getting squashed by big rigs.

Respecting the Truck

Like it or not, those 18-wheelers and tractor trailers make the world turn. Imagine a world where our goods couldn’t be transported by worldwide shipping trucks. Tons of businesses would halt their work, factories would have to shut down production and without door to door freight service, you wouldn’t be able to get anything within a reasonable time frame. They have to transport these items as quickly and safely as they can. All of their work is for your benefit, so respect them while on the road.

Make Room for the Turn Signal

See how that truck is big and long? That means the truck is very difficult to maneuver. When you see that turn signal, give the truck as much room as you can. Making sharp turns in a large truck is difficult enough without worrying about hitting a nearby car.

Left Lane versus Right Lane

Passing on the right is annoying even when there is no giant truck involved. If a freight truck is in the left lane, there is most likely a very good reason for that. These trucks tend to keep to the right lane in order to maintain a safe speed and allow other vehicles to safely pass them. If a truck is in the left lane, it’s most likely to pass a very slow moving vehicle, avoid an obstacle in the opposite lane or make room for an emergency vehicle. Your safest bet is to wait just a moment and allow the truck to get back into the travel lane instead of you passing on the right.

Your Blind Spot Doesn’t Compare to Theirs

Everyone has to deal with a blind spot in their cars. Freight trucks deal with that same problem, only theirs is much larger. They have specially made mirrors to try to make up for this, but they still have to deal with large blind spots. It’s a common saying amongst truckers that if you can’t see their faces in their mirrors, they can’t see you. Even if you can see them, assume they don’t know you are there and drive predictably until you are in plain sight.

Big Rigs Have Big Stops

There is so much weight in a freight truck that stopping can be a big hassle. You may think that you’re safer in front of a truck than behind, but that’s not necessarily true. If you find yourself in front of a freight truck, give them as much room as you can without tailgating or speeding. This can prevent you from suddenly finding your back bumper in your front seat.

Side by Side with a Semi

Even staying beside a freight truck can be dangerous. Truck tires exploding on the highway is fairly common due to the mileage they cover every day. An exploding tire can cause massive damage to your car and you don’t even want to know what it could do to you. In addition, staying beside a large truck leaves it nowhere to go if it needed to change lanes. Try to avoid staying beside a big rig and give them as much room as possible.

Whether it’s taking care of worldwide shipping or door to door freight services, these trucks should be seen as your friends not your enemies. Respect these trucks, give them enough room to maneuver and always stay safe around them to avoid being squashed out on the road.

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New Technology Could Reduce Managed Freight Truck Engine Idling

Why do truck drivers idle their engines when they are sleeping in the cabin during off hours? The truck engine has two functions: 1) running the vehicle to make it move, and 2) providing power to the internal electrical system. While sleeping, the truck driver still needs the engine to idle to supply power to the internal cabin.

New technology from IdelAir enables truck drivers to turn off their engines to save energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This eco-friendly technology is being supported by Chevrolet. This is a welcome tool for helping companies, like Innovative Transportation Solutions, to support eco-friendly, energy-conscious drivers of door to door freight.

Government Regulations for Truck Driver Rest

If the government did not enforce mandatory resting periods, then some truck drivers would push it too far. They would become fatigued and get in more accidents. This could lead to injuries, property damage and highway destruction.

Thus, truck drivers must intersperse off-time rest with their on-duty hours. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has outlined the following rules for truck drivers:

Drivers can drive up to 11 hours

Duty period maximum of 14 hours

Off-duty period must be at least 10 hours

Managed freight requires the most experienced and well-run organization to ensure the highest service. Innovative Transportation Solutions is the premier door to door freight company.

IdleAir Reduces Pollution and Energy Loss

Chevrolet has led the world in finding viable eco-friendly solutions for automobiles and trucks. Chevrolet supports the IdleAir program, which is a carbon offset program to reduce the emissions from idle trucks.

In the modern era of door to door freight service, a trucker must have a comfortable temperature in his cabin. There must also be power for lights, microwave, radio, television or computer. The electricity demands are high.

The challenge has been to find an efficient, economically feasible system using green energy. Chevrolet is close to achieving its goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 8 million metric tons.

IdleAir is a space at the rest stop where the truck driver can link to electricity outlets. A reusable plastic window adapter is used. The truck engine is turned off so there will be no carbon dioxide emissions.

The truck does not idle with this new program, and its cabin provides a comfortable living environment for the driver always on the road.

Excellence in Managing Freight

The first-class managed freight company, Innovative Transportation Solutions, searches for the best solutions to satisfy all customer needs. This includes protecting the environment. Innovative Transportation Solutions provides global and domestic transportation services.

The IdleAir technology is a great system for providing safety, pollution reduction and lower energy usage. This eco-friendly solution is great for reducing engine idling. Truck drivers will have more fuel to increase the efficiency of the fright moving operation.

Chevrolet's support only confirms the viability of this green technology. Cross country trips can be a challenge. With this technology, all parties win and truck drivers can help with conserving energy to make the world a cleaner place.

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The Choice Between LTL and FTL

Businesses often need to ship goods across the city or the country, so they hire a reputable transportation & global logistics company to take care of the shipment. There are two main options to consider when shipping something via truck: LTL and FTL. LTL stands for less than a truck load, and FTL is the opposite – full truck load. Your choice will depend on the type and size of your shipment. Below we will explain what LTL and FTL are, and how they're different.

LTL is a fairly common term in the shipping industry, and it means that the shipment doesn't fill up the entire truck. But the shipping company will put other client's property in the truck fill it, and the costs of the shipment are shared among everyone. On the other hand, customers who send out large bulk shipments typically choose FTL because they need the space and the large shipment offsets the expense of the entire truck’s costs.

LTL loads are usually between one hundred and 10,000 pounds each. This is a fairly wide range, but shipments are loaded in a way that maximizes the available space and ensures that there's a full load among all of the customers’ cargo. LTL options are best for small businesses that don't have a large shipping volume.

Because there is more than one customer's shipment in an LTL load, delivery can take longer than that of an FTL shipment. Once an LTL load is picked up, it's brought to a terminal where it's weighed before being transferred to a larger truck. From there, the shipment makes its way to a terminal in the destination city.

Shipments are then divided amongst smaller trucks, which can happen more than once before delivery. With FTL shipping, there aren't any redistribution stops between departure and destination cities. In this case, FTL shipments can go directly from origin to destination.

The main advantage to choosing an LTL shipper is the savings it can offer when compared to an FTL carrier. In the majority of cases, LTL is cheaper because you only pay for the truck space you're using. However, when time and budget are factors, each option has pros and cons that should be weighed accordingly.

For more information about LTL, FTL and Landstar global logistics, visit www.innovativetrans.com

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Global Logistics Jobs Are Growing Rapidly in the New E-commerce Economy

A recent report put out by the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics is full of good news for those individuals seeking employment in the area of global logistics in the next few years. Their study indicated that around 270,200 jobs in the freight logistics field will become available starting in 2012. This number should increase to about 1.1 million in 2016 and continue to grow for the next few years after that. Why is this important for anyone considering a job in logistics? The answer to that question is found when looking at how many certified, degreed and formally trained people come out of schools with expertise in logistics. The study indicated that only 75,280 individuals fit the criteria. This indicates a huge opportunity for those people thinking about a career in a freight logistics job in the near future.

The increase in available jobs is really no surprise to experts in the field. The logistics and supply chain engineering industry is growing fast. When the economy grows, there is a need for more ways to move freight from one spot to another. The increase is due to a number of factors. Government regulations in the industry require more people to handle stipulated rules and ensure that shipments are being sent and received within proper guidelines. New technology has streamlined the way freight is being shipped but requires experts to learn and implement it. Also, more goods are being bought online. Customers expect their packages to be sent and received fast. This has put more pressure on logistics companies to find solutions and hire employees that have the skills needed to work in the logistics industry.

For many years, logistics was considered a job where a person would learn the skills needed as they went along. This on-the-job training isn't a good match anymore. Technology has rapidly changed the way that many processes are completed at logistics centers. Fulfillment processes are being revamped and many centers now require people that have technological skills. New types of software play a key role in meeting the demands of the fast growth of e-commerce. These types of technological jobs require extensive training and expertise in order to run new types of logistics software.

Professionals involved in the area of logistics are aware of the large gap of jobs that will need to be filled in the coming years. They are speaking to the Labor Department about the challenges that are facing the industry and attempting to have them fixed. Currently, the Labor Department does not consider freight logistics to be its own unique industry. Hopefully, this will change in the near future.

Representatives in the logistics field are also trying to relay the message to the general public that logistics is a thriving industry and many jobs are becoming available. Some high schools are now offering courses that show how the logistics industry runs. Supply chain engineering programs are also popping up at top universities in the nation. Penn State and Georgia Southern University are two colleges that have implemented specific programs in the area of logistics.

For individuals considering a career in freight logistics, it seems like there has never been a better time to get into the field.

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Expert Landstar Heavy Haul Agents Deliver Every Time

The helpful people at Innovative Transportation Solutions, a Landstar agent, specialize in moving any type of freight across the country. No matter what size the load is or special challenges involved in moving it, ITS does it with finesse. ITS takes pride in keeping a 100% customer satisfaction rate. This nationally recognized Landstar heavy haul company delivers throughout the country and globally with an intense focus on always delivering on time.

If you have a load that is wide, exceptionally heavy or tall, Innovative Transportation Solutions has access to over a million trucks with experienced drivers who can get the job done. The job will be done right the first time,every time. One of the premier national transportation companies, this heavy haul Florida Landstar agent won't stop until the job is completed to the customer’stotal satisfaction.

ITS has access to many types of configurations of equipment to get any freight moved in the most cost-efficient and timely way. They can use equipment like blade, beam or perimeter trailers, multi-axles, extendables and double drops,and can configure them into any combination needed. No job is too difficult for this expert heavy haul company.

Whether you need a simple single load hauled, or a complicated move of an entire project, you can trust the services of ITS to always get the job done right. In fact, many companies rely on ITS to be an extension of their logistics team when it comes to handling all shipments. This allows companies to stay focused on production of products and the daily operations of the company and not on the requirements of hauling freight and logistics concerns.

Having all freight moving service charges together on one bill makes things easier and less complicated. Every business owner knows that less complicated is always the best way to go. There is no longer a need to deal with many carriers or to shop around for the best national transportation companies. Innovative Transportation Solutions is the only provider needed.

Offering unique and custom tailored services for companies large and small is the specialty of Innovative Transportation Solutions. They can use technology like satellite tracking and web-based applications along with all the most technologically advanced software to make sure that all logistics services are provided with the professionalism expected from a leading national transportation company.

Taking pride in being a superior Landstar heavy haul agent, ITS uses the diversity and exceptional abilities of its team members to always supply the best services. They take the time to get to know their customers and take every concern into consideration. Customers can rest assured that they will always have just one point of contact, their account manager, to express their concerns to and to meet the needs of their company.