Suddath

For nearly a century, Suddath has been the mover of choice for both families and many of America's Fortune 500 companies. Whether you are moving yourself or you are a corporation looking to relocate your employees or offices, Suddath is your single-source provider for all of your warehousing, household goods moving, facility moving and corporate relocation needs.

[suddath]

Re-evaluating your company’s storage plan

Constructing an effective and efficient logistics plan for your company helps productivity and ensures daily operations run smoothly. As time goes on, things can change that may affect how your business runs. This makes it very important to periodically re-inspect the storage plan that your company has in place. When discussing logistics with a potential storage provider it can be extremely advantageous to take advantage of relocation opportunities as well as the creation of a customized plan to perfectly fit your company’s needs. So what should you do first?

Assess your current operations

Completing a close review of the logistics plan that is in place can reveal areas that are due for improvements. This makes it easy to come up with an attainable action plan with reasonable timeframes included.

Assess your current storage services

While reviewing your internal operations, take the time to look over the amount of storage space that is currently being used. Your inspection may reveal the need for more space, or the need to downsize. The objective is usually to project growth for your company. If you place an effective and efficient plan in place, productivity should see an increase which will have to be taken into consideration for warehousing. When it comes to storage, utilizing the proper size and location not only makes the most sense, it saves the most money.

Assess fluctuation in fuel price

Cost, in regards to relocation and storage, is based on a wide range of factors, one of the most important being fuel prices. It is because of this you will want to leave some room for these changes.

Assessing potential providers

Growing your company means taking the information that has been accumulated and making decisions that lead to more opportunities. These are considerable undertakings, although with the right storage and relocation provider, an ease and confidence in the process can help things move forward smoothly. In your search for the right storage and relocation provider you may find quickly that they are not all the same. A full-service relocation and storage facility will most likely have the years of experience and expertise to provide you with the highly trained and knowledgeable customer service before, during, and after all of your needs are met and your future terms are agreed upon. Not every relocation and storage company is able to offer the type of full-service options that your business may be looking for. That is why it is of the up-most importance to seek a provider that is able to customize a plan that meets your specific needs.

[suddath]

The impact of port labor disputes upon the shipping industry

Global and international shipping can be a complex and complicated industry often times involving numerous departments and factors working together to orchestrate relocation services for commercial and private goods. When a problem occurs anywhere along the line it can cause a major disruption effecting the logistics and efficiency of freight services everywhere. A recent example of this took place between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The nearly year-long labor dispute brought global relocation services to a grinding halt impacting manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, transporters, and the economy as a whole. This ripple effect can be seen in many different ways, and some that may not be so noticeable to the common consumer.

Impending strikes

One outcome that is always a concern is the possibility of a strike. Whenever a labor dispute is ongoing, if negotiations take a turn for the worse, the call for a strike is a decision that can result in the loss of business for thousands all over the world. Even a short strike can mean shipment containers sitting untouched for weeks on end.

Impacts on supply

During an ongoing dispute the supply chain can be slowed down for a number of reasons. Trucking companies cut hours due to the lack of products being produced which causes increased delays in the shipment of freight. Sometimes alternate routes of delivery are considered to meet demands and ensure the inventory of stores are not depleted too far.

The chain reaction of delay

It is estimated that a one day strike can create a two week delay in normal operations. Shippers attempting to get their freight into the U.S. can have their containers held up on vessels waiting to dock and unload. Port labor disputes can be damaging and unpredictable, although they can be managed if you are dealing with a broker that knows how to navigate around these potential situations.

Choosing the shipment provider that’s right for you

When you entrust the movement of your goods to full-service movers that are experienced in coordinating multiple details in global relocation, you needn’t concern yourself with the impact of port labor disputes, because your freight will ship regardless of the problem. A quality global relocation service will utilize a variety of networks specializing in logistics and freight shipment. They can provide a wide range of options available to you including tracking information and shipment security for your goods.

[suddath]

How does international piracy affect the shipping industry?

Cargo ships play a huge role in the international shipping industry. In fact, nearly 90 percent of world trade occurs over the high seas. International piracy, though, threatens to raise the cost and risk of doing business internationally.   International piracy, brought to public attention by the 2013 film Captain Phillips, causes international corporations to lose money every year. Each ship must be insured against a possible attack by these rogue elements. If they succeed in their mission to steal a ship’s cargo, the company loses all of that merchandise.

Some companies choose to take the long way around areas which present an increased risk of piracy. These detours cause some shipments to be late, resulting in unhappy customers. If the cargo is perishable, the company runs the risk of losing the contents of the entire ship.

Thankfully, the Internal Maritime Organization has led the way to reduce acts of piracy against ships. With their firm leadership, the number of attempted and successful attacks plummeted to its lowest level ever during 2014. 

International shipping, storage and moving companies too, do their part to reduce the number of attacks on their ships. Companies take precautions to make sure that their customer’s shipments arrive safely and on time.

• Taking alternative routes If customers are flexible about arrival times, companies may choose an alternative route to steer clear of troubled waters. Customers need to confirm the route in advance so they can make adjustments if needed. Last minute changes of direction are always a possibility to avoid pirate attacks, so customers need to be open to sudden changes in shipping plans.

• Safety is top priority Shipping companies put their crews’ and cargoes’ safety at the top of the priority list. If confidential information or closely guarded technology is aboard, shipping companies will increase onboard security. A top quality alarm system, barbed wire fences and armed guards provide an extra degree of security that will keep crews and cargoes safe from harm. Some ships also have GPS navigation to help them avoid high risk waters.

• Marine insurance provides extra security Even with the best of intentions, the unexpected sometimes happens. Companies who ship cargo on the open seas often choose to purchase marine insurance. Various policies help safeguard customer investments in case an attack occurs. Companies should consult their insurance agent for the best policy for their needs.

Because maritime shipping contributes so much to the world’s economy, companies whose business it is to transport goods across the sea take many precautions to avoid international maritime piracy. If you need to ship cargo overseas, take the time to find a reputable company that puts your cargo and its crews’ safety topmost on its priority list.

[suddath]

How to make your international move a success

Perhaps you have just heard some great news. Your organization has given you your dream job—a position in a nation that you have always wanted to visit. Now you’re not only going to visit there, but you will soon be moving to this developing nation. How will you handle all of the challenges that face you in the nation that you will soon call home? With careful research about global relocation services and a little preparation, you can make a seamless transition to living in a new country. To help you in the process, you may want to take advantage of the expertise of an international moving services consultant to help you prepare.

First of all, locate global relocation services that have years of experience serving those moving to the country to which you are moving. Every international moving services company is different. Not all have the same depth of experience in relocating people to your new country. Look into the global relocation services of each company to see if they are a good match with your needs. Once you have selected your relocation partner, relax and start learning about the cultural nuances that will make you a welcome visitor in the nation you will call home for a while. Learning the language is a good start. Check out any warnings issued by the government of your home nation, since security is often a challenge in developing countries. A little street smarts can go a long way toward ensuring your safety.

Learn about the differences in the local culture

Street gear smarts Don’t pack items that will mark you as a tourist. Learn what the local people wear and try to fit in. Respect their customs in dress, and you’ll get off on the right foot. Make sure that your choice of clothing will not offend the permanent residents of your host city or village. What works in the nation’s large population centers may not work for residents of rural areas. Do your homework and use the experience of experts in your chosen international moving service to help you choose your clothing.

Expat blogs and social media posts are a good source of information Many travel sites and blogs that focus on the challenges of expats living in your new country can help you figure out how to get around and deal with the stuff of everyday life once you have arrived in your new country. If you can connect with some locals before you go through social media or through teleconferences, you will be ahead of the curve. Sites such as Independent Traveler and Lonely Planet can also help you know what to expect when you arrive in your host nation. Don’t forget to ask your global relocation service for even more resources to help you adjust.

Learn about local traditions, festivals and holidays Living in a new country can be lonely unless you can celebrate time off with some of your hosts. Most countries have holidays that are very different from those in your native country. If you learn about them, you can help the local population celebrate their special days while getting some needed down time. Your hosts will appreciate that you are paying attention to their traditions and will have more respect for you and for the company or organization you represent. Wikipedia has plenty of information about national and local celebrations in a wide variety of countries around the world. Most international moving services can give you plenty of information about the holidays in your new country to help you enjoy the traditions in your new home.

Learn about local food customs Sampling the cuisine of your host country is an adventure in itself. Not every culture uses knives, forks and spoons to eat their food. Sometimes food is better enjoyed in the way the locals do. Try it. If you have food allergies or are unable to eat certain foods because of religious or cultural restrictions, do your homework before you set out in search of local cuisine. Check labels on food you purchase in the markets. You can also ask your global relocation service about whether you should drink the tap water, or whether you should order bottled tap water to drink.  

Security precautions

Because your safety and that of your family is so important, this should number among the first topics you research. Ask questions, look for various sources of information and consult your international moving service about security tips to help you stay safe in your new home.

Your native country’s embassy is your most important resource Keep contact information for your homeland’s embassy in your host country on your person at all times. If you are a United States citizen, you can join the U.S. State  Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at no cost. With membership, you’ll receive travel advisory alerts, warnings about possible dangers and be able to register at the local embassy. Members can also discover how to obtain a visa from your host country, as well as learn about suggestions and requirements for medical examinations and immunizations.

Learn the basics of the local language before your arrival If you want to understand the culture of a new place, learn the language. You can even start learning while you are still in your home country. There are plenty of free Internet resources that can give you the basics. To delve deeper, purchase language study guides, preferably those with audio resources so you can pronounce words correctly. Your very safety could depend upon your knowledge of words such as “Help!” while your manners will be judged upon your ability to say “please” and “thank you.” Usually, locals will appreciate your efforts and go out of their way to communicate with you. The global relocation service you employ may know of language classes available in your area, either at home or in your new country. 

Common sense is imperative Finally, use good judgment to avoid trouble. Know the rules and customs. Don’t go out alone or in the evenings until you have acclimated to your new location. Wearing expensive jewelry or clothing is an invitation to trouble. Don’t let your pride in your new clothes get in the way of common sense.

If you prepare well, your international move will be an exciting one, full of adventure and precious memories. Careful preparation for your global relocation before you go will allow you to relax and enjoy the ride when you finally arrive at your new home.

[suddath]

Use these tips to find a moving company that will treat your belongings with tender care

What you need to look for in a moving company

When you know for sure that you’ll be moving, you need to make some decisions. Should you move yourself, or should you rather find a professional moving company that can do the job for you?

You may believe that you can do it yourself for less. Have you, however, taken into consideration how much it costs to rent a moving van, to pay for fuel, to get a room in a hotel until you are able to unload your belongings and to pay for the food you and your family will need to order out until you can get your kitchen in order? Time, too, is money. If you are moving yourself, you will lose valuable time that you could have spent earning money in your regular job. Furthermore, since you are not an experienced mover, you may damage your furniture and other belongings by going it alone.  

Just think of what you will save by hiring professional movers. Their expertise in moving families across the country can go to work for you and your family. They will have your things packed up and unpacked in a fraction of the time it would have taken you. With professional movers, you never have to worry about damage to your furniture or other precious belongings. Your goods will be in safe hands with them.

To find and hire the best mover for your family’s needs can be a challenge. Use these tips to help you hire a quality moving company that can get your family moved in to your new home quickly and efficiently.  

Get word of mouth recommendations from trusted individuals and companies. Your realtor, your coworkers and even your family and friends may have experience with various moving companies around your area. Get their insight to help you choose companies that have a great reputation, as well as moving companies that you would be better off avoiding.

Use a trusted directory of professionals to narrow down your selections. ProMover is a directory of moving companies who hold membership in the exclusive Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), a trade organization with strict standards to which its members must adhere. If you make your choice from its members, you will be on the right road.

After selecting your top choices, screen them for quality. Any moving company you consider should belong to the Better Business Bureau. If they belong to the AMSA, so much more the better. Do some research on each company’s background and history. Finally, make sure that they are reputable by checking the website movingscam.com. You don’t want to end up trusting your belongings to the shady characters exposed on this site.

  Get at least three of your final contenders to come to your home to give you an estimate. Estimates must be done in-home to ensure that the company is aware of all of the things in your home that will be moved. Don’t forget to show the representative all of your belongings—even the ones in your basement, garage, closets and attic. Most moving companies will give you one of two kinds of estimates: a binding estimate or a binding not-to-exceed estimate. Make sure that the estimates take into consideration every detail and that you understand what the estimate covers. Let all of the companies know that you will be getting estimates from other companies.

  Check to see that the company you choose has a license and insurance to ensure that they have the legal right to move you. To check their credentials, go to the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)--www.safersys.org. Next, enter the USDOT number of each company under consideration. RealSimple has a list of important information to search for on the FMCSA site. Finally, give the FMCSA hotline a quick call to make sure that the company has no valid complaints or safety violations lodged against their service.

  If you still cannot make up your mind whether to go with a professional mover or do it yourself, be aware of some ideas that can help you afford to hire a moving expert. If you sell some of your excess belongings or can get a tax write-off from donating them to charity, you may be able to afford the peace of mind that relocation experts can give you.  Timing your move to occur during the months between October and April will usually help you reduce your rates. U.S. News Money also has some excellent tips for reducing your cost during a move. 

The experts in a moving company with experience in moving people across town or across the world will be able to give you more information about finding a way to move your belongings safely and efficiently. Call a relocation expert near you to find out how affordable it can be to hire a professional to move you and your family to your new home.

[suddath]

International freight service and containers shift to huge shipping vessels

Huge ships with a colorful variety of shipping containers come into ports and attract attention as they pull up to dock. Some of those containers may not just carry goods for sale. They may contain someone’s personal belongings. When you make an international move, those may well be your belongings.

To accommodate more weight, freight services have put megavessels into service

These huge ships you see carrying cargo across the ocean are known in the shipping industry as megavessels. They can carry more freight with less fuel. This helps shipping companies cut costs while reducing their carbon footprint. As international relocations increase and their cost decrease, the demand for shipping cargo internationally will rise. With their larger capacity to accommodate more containerization, these huge vessels can handle the increasing demand.

Increased demand for fuel creates an increase in ocean traffic

Because the demand for fossil fuels is rising, the need to get those fuels to their destinations is also increasing. This, in turn, creates more traffic on the world’s oceans, seas and rivers. World ports, therefore, have worked hard to get the traffic moving smoothly out and in so the fuel can get to consumers.

Ports get deeper as megavessels become more common

As the demand for megavessels grows, the world’s major ports have to create a deeper channel so that these huge ships can dock safely. For example, the port in Jacksonville, Florida has begun a project to dredge the major waterways ships use to get to the city’s port. When the project is finished, these megavessels can fully utilize the ports. More cargo, then, can be loaded onto the ships. Other ports around the world are also deepening their waterways so that megavessels can transport more containerized cargo over the high seas.

Job creation, a natural outgrowth of increased freight traffic

When freight services can take advantage of the increased capacity and decreased cost of using megavessels, there will be a need for workers to handle the increased load. In fact, it often takes at least 100 workers just to load or unload one of these huge ships. Crane operators, customs officials, clerks and construction workers all will see the demand for their services increase as more people take advantage of these big ships to move their portable storage containers across the world’s oceans.

If you are planning an international move, you need to find a moving company that has years of experience moving goods from one corner of the world to another. There is no substitute for experience when you are moving your personal belongings such a great distance.

[suddath]

The chassis shortage continues

The chassis shortage and its effects on the trucking industry

When the international steamship companies decided to no longer be a provider of intermodal equipment in 2003, citing that it was not an element of their core business, a shortage of chassis along most of the U.S. ports had begun. That shortage continues to affect the trucking industry and how it operates.

How the trucking industry is changing

The responsibility of maintaining the equipment, namely the chassis, now fell on the trucking companies once the major steamship companies ceased their involvement. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) went to work on the creation and enforcement of a set of rules for the trucking companies to adhere to. Commonly referred to as the “roadability” rules, they required the driver of the truck to fill out a daily Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR). This allowed the trucking companies to shift the responsibility of identifying any defective equipment to the drivers who would have to sign off on the reports and receive the penalties for not complying with the guidelines that had been set forth. Drivers voiced valid complaints, stating that the defective chassis should have been identified upon being installed rather than left for them to make the call.

Task force results

An industry task force was created to address the chassis shortage in New York and New Jersey ports and reported back with 23 recommendations. Five of these were considered to be of the highest priority and needing immediate attention by the task force.

  Development of a chassis management model in the ports

Creation of a truck management system, paying specific attention to air emissions, congestion reduction, metered truck arrival rates, and terminal productivity improvement

Coordination of gate hours for privately operated terminals that serve the port

Measurements and reports using radio frequency identification technology (RFID) of truck movement, terminal turn times, terminal entrance gate queue times and port roadway traffic

Customer service improvement to assist drivers with questions and transactions  

Nearly all of these suggestions were met with disagreement and opposition for one reason or another by the New Jersey Motor Truck Association and the Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers.

Cost and delay will increase

As the chassis shortage continues, where the responsibility and accountability should lie remains in conflict. The chassis pool idea that companies had hoped would solve multiple problems has not lived up to its proposed potential. Leasing companies have not been able to offer consistent or fully developed tariffs and logistics coordination. The demands that the “roadability” rules places on the drivers and the penalties attached continues to create a driver shortage as a result. All of these factors have combined to create frustration in the ports. Hopes remain that issues will work themselves out and solutions will prevail although, in the meantime, delay and rising costs that hurt the trucking industry cause a ripple effect reaching far and wide. 

[suddath]

International customs can be a challenge for business or consumers getting goods in and out of the US

Changes in customs for international moves

After the terrorist events of 2001, response to these actions gave birth in 2003 to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. The CBP works directly under the Department of Homeland Security and combines facets of other organizations, such as animal and plant inspection, customs immigration and naturalization services, and border control to create a uniformed, informed and ultimately responsive team to protect against harmful, unsafe and high risk cargo. Along with the CBP’s mission came new paperwork requirements that changed how items are imported and exported from the United States.

The complexities

Very specific and strict procedures have been set in place that must be followed to import anything into the U.S. The importer must first file intent of entry applications with the port director at the point of reception. The importer must also arrange for the inspection and release of the goods, as well as notify other departments related to the regards of the contents, like the FDA. The process has become so time consuming and complex that it has seen the growth of specialty companies dealing only with global logistics to accomplish the task and act as customs brokers. Special items may even hold their own set of complex rules and procedures.

Shipping household goods for US residents

U.S. citizens traveling abroad and returning home still require customs paperwork, although there may be few to no duties attached to their goods. Even though travelers still need to get cleared through the CBP, if you’ve been out of the country with your personal belongings for a year, upon completion of some paperwork, your entry would be free. Communication with your designated CBP officer is important to learn of your goods being cleared. If your items are not collected within 15 days of arrival in the country, they may be sent to a holding warehouse. If they are not retrieved after six months, your goods may then be sent to auction for public sale.

Paperwork

At the very least, there is now new paperwork for everyone. Even with the use of a logistics company, those moving goods for business or personal reasons need to be aware of and understand a few things.

Commercial imports may require- entry documents, evidence of right, entry manifest, invoice, packing lists or surety bonds

Personal import requirements- declaration papers, registration, tariff schedule, inventory or FDA approval for any food items

Transitions of goods are always made easier with proper planning, understanding and the help of experienced moving and logistics professionals to guide you. 

[suddath]

The Name in Commercial Moving

Commercial moving can be a complicated process, and you need a partner that can ease the burden. Suddath® is your single source solution for office moving, and we make it our #1 priority to relieve your stress and make the process as easy as possible.  

Read more: bit.ly/12cyC7h

[suddath]

Supporting Our Communities

Through warehouse space donations, transportation donations, monetary contributions and volunteerism, Suddath® focuses its overall corporate giving on education, hunger, and health and wellness.

Read more: bit.ly/1yYKtn5 

[suddath]

Tips to Make Your International Move a Success

Moving to another country is an exciting opportunity to learn about other cultures. It is also a great way to become an unofficial ambassador for your own nation and culture. With the right preparation, adventure awaits you. To help you prepare to acclimate to your new home, we have prepared some moving tips for your international move. 

Learn the language and culture  

You will never have a second chance to make a first impression on your new neighbors. If you learn a little bit about your host country’s language and culture before you go, you will find that you can make the transition more smoothly. The citizens in your host country will appreciate your every attempt to speak the language and understand the culture. Don’t be afraid to try. People will understand when you make mistakes. It will also prepare you for what to expect and help you navigate your way around.

Check residency requirements before you move

Many countries have a complicated set of requirements for foreigners and not all of them are spelled out well. Prepare in advance for a few surprises during your international move. As is the case with most foreign travel, it is recommended to carry plenty of cash. Many government offices in other countries will not take credit cards. In most cases, the checks from the bank back home will not be accepted in your new country. When you receive an estimate, be it for governmental fees owed or for the time it should take to go to all of the required locations to complete your paperwork, count on double or triple the time or money.

Plan to move early

Plan to arrive well before your first day of work or school. Jet lag and cultural acclimation take a toll on your body and your brain. If you arrive ahead of your target date by at least a week, you will start your new job or school refreshed and ready to make an impact. Furthermore, you will have had time to figure out how to move around the city.

Allow yourself extra time

Because streets are not always marked in a way you are familiar with, or marked at all for that matter, you need to give yourself extra time to get to appointments. Public transportation routes are often confusing at first and don’t always run on time in many countries. Also, don’t count on taxi drivers to know the address, have a GPS system or take you the fastest way. Find some well known landmarks near your destination so you can help your driver with the address.

Meet with fellow expats

Even before you arrive, search for expat groups in the area by looking online via social media sites and internet searches. Expat groups serve as a support system for people who live in countries other than their own. Those members who have been there longer are a treasure trove of advice about acclimating to life in your new country and will make wonderful new friends to make you feel at home. With some fellow expats to support you, you will not feel so overwhelmed or lonely in your new home.

Make friends with locals too

Although it is good to connect with your fellow expats, you did not make an international move to stay in a bubble. Get to know some of your neighbors and fellow workers who are natives of your new land. Be prepared to have possible language barriers and cultural differences and be patient. Yet the reward of finding a close friend from your new country is well worth the effort. You are, after all, building bridges by making friends with people from other parts of the world.

Research your transportation

Oftentimes, local regulations make it difficult or impossible to bring your own car to your new home. Automobiles can be quite expensive in other countries, as can fuel, but it may actually be cheaper to buy a car in your new country than to ship yours. If you do plan to use your own automobile, make sure that you check local regulations before you take your car for a spin. Don’t let a traffic ticket spoil your enthusiasm for your new environment.

If you plan to use public transportation, make sure that you have adequate funds, tokens or cards you will need to ride. There are usually a variety of options for weekly, monthly and annual transportation passes around a city. Choose the one that gives you unlimited access for the lowest price. Finally, learn the rules and regulations of each type of transport in your new country. For example, can your pet come along on trains or buses?  

Drink in the sights and sounds

After you get settled in, take some time to stroll around your new neighborhood. Shop, spend some down time in parks, or take in some concerts. Dine on some of the local specialties. When your host country celebrates national festivals, attend some of the celebrations. Listen to news broadcasts to get a feel for the nation’s political climate.

You will discover that, in time, you will find yourself growing in the new language and becoming closer to new friends. Customs that once seemed foreign will seem perfectly normal. You will have finally arrived home. As one last piece of advice, consult a moving company for your move that is specialized in international moves. With their many years of experience in moving people across the world, they can help you cover every detail to prepare for life in your new home.  

[suddath]

Remodeling made easy with on-site storage

By using a portable container for storage of supplies or for furniture that isn’t being used during the remodeling process, you can keep things organized and out of your way. These types of containers can be stored onsite in your driveway making it easy to access, or if preferred at a secure, gated warehouse.

Read more to learn how a storage container can help you clear the way to begin your remodeling project and stay organized throughout the process.

[suddath]

Transporting your trade show exhibit

Exhibit transportation is often the most overlooked and undervalued aspect of trade show planning. Choosing a vendor experienced in booth transportation is paramount to the success of your show. The marketing aspect of the show often overshadows the critical logistics decisions that need to be made to avoid costly and embarrassing transportation blunders. Choosing an experienced transportation provider is the first key to your success in trade show planning.

Read more for tips on finding professional transportation companies who are experts in exhibit shipping.

[suddath]

Things You Never Knew About The Trucking Industry

While most people are aware that truckers move America, the sheer size of the industry is truly amazing.

There are a lot of trucks! There are about 15.5 million commercial trucks on the road today in America. If they were all stacked end to end, they’d reach to the moon!

There are 3.5 million truckers in the United States. Of that number, one in nine are independent drivers.

The typical truck driver, according to statistics, is male, about 33 years old, from the state of Florida and he drives about 105,000 miles per year.

Trucks move more goods in the U.S. than any other mode of transport.

A brief history of trucking

People know trucks by many names, including rig, tractor trailer, semi trailer, trailer truck, big rig, van and semi. Though people know these names and see these trucks, few know how the industry got started.

In 1898, Alexander Winton invented the semi truck to deliver cars to customers. In 1899, Winton started selling these trucks.

In 1916, Mack introduced their first rear axle truck.

In 1920, the first “trucking boom” began.

In 1939, Peterbilt started selling their semi trucks.

In 1953, Freightliner introduced the revolutionary over-head sleeper, the first of its kind.

From there, the momentum just kept building.

Celebrities that started as truckers

These household names had humble beginnings. Before making it in the entertainment industry, the stars below held trucking jobs while also chasing their entertainment dreams.      

Before his days as James Bond, Sean Connery worked as a truck driver early in his life. He was following in the footsteps of his father, who had been a truck driver his whole life.

 Famous comedian Richard Pryor held many jobs before his big break, including driving trucks.

Liam Neeson drove a truck and a forklift for Guinness before becoming the popular action film star he is today.

Rock Hudson worked as a truck driver after World War II, before becoming a popular actor of the 1950s and 1960s.

Chevy Chase drove both cabs and trucks before earning his breakout role on Saturday Night Live.

Elvis Presley drove a truck after his high school graduation, long before becoming a pop culture legend.

Truckers and their companions

Many truckers work with a partner. Working with another person relieves loneliness and boredom and may include other benefits. For example, driving with a partner allows the two to drive more miles and, by extension, make more money, as one can rest while the other is driving.  In fact, it has quickly become a popular career for couples looking to make money while staying close. 

Truckers who don’t drive with a human partner often have an animal partner instead. While more than 45 percent of American households have pets, more than 60 percent of truckers have pets, and of those, more than 40 percent report traveling with pets in their trucks. This not only provides the driver with companionship, but having a pet along can also keep the drivers more alert, which helps them stay safer. As an added benefit, the pet gets unlimited time and attention from their beloved owner.

Truckers find meaning on the road

Using their trucks for charitable purposes is one way truckers bring joy to their lives. Showing their love of animals once more, truckers are often involved in arranging transport for rescue pets to their new adoptive homes, teaming up with organizations like Operation Roger and Kindred Hearts Transport Connection.

Some people might think that all of a trucker’s waking hours are spent driving, but these drivers also spend quite a bit of time waiting and many of them use that time to develop new skills and talents. Many truckers enjoy sharing their unique views of the world through photography. Although 95 percent of truckers are male and might be shy about admitting it, needlecraft is gaining popularity among truckers, and some truckers take on projects which help hospitals and homeless people.

The trucking world may be a mystery to many people, but it is a large and fascinating industry. For those that work in trucking, it can be an enjoyable way of life. The lives of truckers serve as a reminder that we can all find ways to use our talents or careers to enrich the lives of ourselves and others.

[suddath]

Extra Planning is Necessary for Business Moves During Peak Season

Given a choice, most people who are moving choose to do so during the summer. Summer’s wonderful weather makes it a more pleasant time of year to uproot, transport and relocate. These optimal conditions are great for moving your business, but because that timing is so desirable, summer is also the busiest moving season. If you are planning a summer move, there are a few considerations that will make your moving experience better.

Start early

When it comes to moving, there is no such thing as planning too early for reserving your moving date. With so many things to be coordinated, the more time you have the better. If you are already too late to start early, consider making your move in the less busy times of summer, which include the first and last weeks of the month and the latter days of the work week. More options will be available to you if you are willing and able to move mid-month or early in the week.

Additionally, start your moving process by explaining to your employees the need for preparing ahead and being flexible. Just communicating this outright can reduce any confusion that can occur with a business move. Let your employees know the demands of moving in peak season and tell them what is expected of them.

Your mover will work with you

Picking the perfect moving date, especially in summer, can be a challenge. Working closely with your mover is your best bet for setting a date that works for you and your movers. Understand that during peak season, some dates will be unavailable for moving. If you learn that your ideal date is already taken, understand that your mover wants to help you find a date that works for both of you so they can give you the excellent service you deserve.

Select a contact person

Having one contact person within your business to communicate with your movers reduces confusion and helps you to streamline your moving process. Choose someone with a good understanding of the business’s moving needs and someone with strong communication skills. Your mover will do his/her part by informing this person about dates that are available or suggesting alternatives. Your contact person will need to work with the mover to figure out the best available date for your business move.

Be flexible

As with everything in life, surprises and exceptions can happen during a move. Plan as well as you can for possible hiccups and be prepared to meet each one with a creative solution. Your mover can be a great resource when this happens by offering additional services or expert advice. Planning ahead helps avoid these surprises, but things still happen. Be flexible in your timeline and allow space in your budget for such instances.

Summer is a busy season for moving, but with some planning, communication and flexibility, your move can run smoothly even during peak season. 

[suddath]

Suddath, The Relocation Pioneers

We never rest on our laurels. Since our beginning in 1919, Suddath Relocation Systems has expanded through the acquisition of other moving and storage operations, as well as the start-up of service center locations in major markets across the country.

Read more about the History of Suddath Relocation Systems.

[suddath]

Welcome to the Relocation Zone

With Suddath, you have a partner that is committed to delivering premium moving services as a top priority. The Relocation Zone is one of many available resources, so be sure to ask your move coordinator for details.