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See the Country while getting Paid!

Sarah Magor — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 19:53:53 +0000

One of the best ways to explore the country is by driving America’s highways. You get to meet new people, learn fun and interesting stories, see the sights of this beautiful country.

Florida to the Florida Keys, The Overseas highway. 42 overseas bridges across 113 miles. Feels like your driving on the surface of the ocean. Photo credit

Want to see America’s quirky sights like the largest ball of twine? Or some of its more touristy destinations like the Statue of Liberty? A road trip is the best way to catch everything. Of course, very few people can afford to just drive the country. This is why a career as a professional truck driver is such a great opportunity for anyone at any age.

Utah, Route 12

Truck driving is a growing occupation with an 11-percent growth rate in the industry anticipated between 2012 and 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the American Trucking Associations, there is a truck driver shortage of roughly 25,000 in the United States. With a number of drivers retiring within the next five to 10 years, there will be no shortage of job opportunities for safe and professional drivers.

Drivers can find jobs making local deliveries where they get to spend time at home every day of the week. They can go out and explore the country, making longer cross-country trips with deliveries.

North Carolina to Virgina, The Blue Ridge Parkway

Plus, the varieties of industries that need truck drivers to transport equipment and products around the country are vast. Depending on what kind of driving career you embark on, you could be delivering home construction materials one day and cars another.

Truck drive as a Career

Neil Kirk a Penske Logistics truck driver and an ATA America’s Road Team Captain, enjoys his career:

“There is nothing that comes close to the feeling I get every day when I’m driving my truck down the highway. When I’m behind the wheel I feel right with the world. Being a truck driver is not just what I do, it’s who I am.”

California, Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur.

If you want to start a truck-driving career, or if you know someone who would enjoy an exciting career as a truck driver, connect with Penske Logistics at https://driver.penske.jobs/ or call 855-CDL-PENSKE.

“We offer excellent pay and benefits and we have jobs openings across the country,” said Jeff Stoicheff, senior vice president of human resources for Penske Logistics. “Many of our 3,600 drivers pilot new equipment, enjoy the customers they service on their routes and return home to their families each night.”

Nebraska, Highway 2

Truck driving isn’t for everyone, but those who embark on this career love the variety it provides. Drivers often need to be independent thinkers and have excellent time-management skills. Additionally, working in an office that’s on the road means you’ll have the opportunity to meet people and see the sights of America — all while getting paid.

To learn more about truck driving opportunities, visit https://driver.penske.jobs/.

As National Truck Driver week is coming to a close make sure you thank a truck driver today and everyday for they are a crucial part in our daily lives. Truck drivers safely deliver valuable goods to your home, place of business or favorite store making sure you have the supplies you need when you need it most.

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Think outside the box when on the Road!

Sarah Magor — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 15:54:54 +0000

The time has come to think outside the box — when it comes to onions. The summer heat is upon us and with the increasing humidity, the insects are benefiting. One solution to being the summer heat and the swarms of bugs are onions.

Eating onions is a tasty way to fight cancer, detoxify your body, and lower your cholesterol. But you can use onions for a variety of other non-food purposes in and around your truck.

Not convinced that you should toss a couple of onions into your cab? Here are some reasons that you should.

Remove rust. The sulphanilic acid in onions works to break up the hydrogen ions that make up rust, helping you to remove it. Rub a cut onion on a rusty surface until the rust is removed.

Soothe a bee sting. Warmer weather means more pesky insects. If you get stung by a bee, rub a cut onion on over the sting to relieve the pain.

To relieve bruises or bee sting, place raw onion on affected area. You can also remove a splinter by taping a slice of raw onion over skin and leaving it on overnight.

The onion’s enzymes are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which makes the vegetable an unusually effective treatment. Rub some onion to a bee sting, mosquito bite or any insect bite. After a few hours, the pain, itchiness, and swelling will subside.

Repel insects. It probably won’t make you popular at parties, but if you’re being attacked by mosquitoes or flies, rubbing a raw onion on your skin is an effective way to keep them away from you.

Keep ants away by leaving a bowl of raw onion slices in an area where ants have been crawling.

In a blender, puree 4 onions, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, and 1-quart water (1 liter). Set the mixture aside. Now dilute 2 tablespoons soap flakes in 2 gallons (7.5 liters) water. Pour in a bowl or spray bottle the contents of your blender, shake or stir well, and you have a potent, environment-friendly solution to spray on your plants.

Freshen the interior of your cab. Onions are great odor absorbers. If you place onion slices in some water, it can help to fight that diesel fume odor, the smell of old food, or any lingering pet odors.

Polish metal using onion juice. Mix several crushed onion slices with water. Apply solution to a dull metal object with a cloth.

Keep frost from forming on your windshield. One of the most surprising (but handy) things you can do with an onion is to keep your windshield frost-free. As summer comes to an end and the temperature starts to drop at night. Simply halve an onion and rub the cut side all over your windshield at night and you shouldn’t have to deal with frost in the morning.

Source:

https://www.rd.com/home/6-littleknown-uses-for-onions/ readers digest

http://thesecretyumiverse.wonderhowto.com/how-to/10-non-cooking-uses-for-onions-0139485/ wonderhowto

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Dealing With Potholes

Sarah Magor — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:13:49 +0000

Fleet Safety Tip: Dealing With Potholes

March 17, 2015

Snow-slick roads are a memory now, but drivers still have that old familiar post-winter foe to contend with Potholes

Potholes form when moisture collects in small holes and cracks in the road surface. The moisture expands and contracts when temperatures go up and down. This breaks up the pavement and, combined with the weight of passing cars, eventually results in a pothole; heavy spring rains have only added to this prolific problem. Driving through a pothole at a high speed increases the chances of damaging tires, wheels, shocks, or struts.

Because of this winter’s extreme freeze-and-thaw cycles in many areas, the spring of 2015 promises to deliver quite a pothole season. That’s good news for collision repair shops, dreadful news for fleet managers and drivers.

AAA recommends a number of measures to help prevent pothole damage. You may want to pass these AAA tips along to fleet drivers:
Inspect Tires

The tire is the most important cushion between a vehicle and a pothole. Make sure tires have enough tread and are properly inflated. When checking tire pressures, make sure they”re inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s door jamb. Do not use the pressure levels stamped on the sidewall of the tire.

Inspect Suspension

Make certain struts and shock absorbers are in good condition. Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven tire wear can indicate bad shocks or struts. Have the suspension inspected by a certified technician if you suspect problem’s.

Look Ahead

When driving, make a point of checking the road ahead for potholes. An alert driver may have time to avoid potholes, so it’s important to stay focused on the road and not any distractions inside or outside the vehicle. Before swerving to avoid a pothole, check surrounding traffic to ensure this will not cause a collision or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists.

Slow Down

If a pothole cannot be avoided, reduce your speed safely. Make sure to check the rearview mirror before any abrupt braking. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds greatly increases the chance of damage to tires, wheels and suspension components.
Beware of Puddles

A puddle of water can disguise a deep pothole. Use care when driving through puddles and treat them as though they may be hiding potholes.
Check Alignment

Hitting a pothole can knock a vehicle’s wheels out of alignment and affect the steering. If your car or truck starts pulling to the left or right, have the wheel alignment checked by a qualified technician.
Recognize Noises or Vibrations

A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or even break suspension components. If you hit a pothole, listen for any new or unusual noises or vibrations. If you notice any, it’s time to have the vehicle checked by a technician.

Drivers are encouraged to report pothole locations on roads to their local county government, or to the state highway administration when potholes are noticed on state roads, which are numbered, non-toll roads.
Drive Safe!

Source: http://www.automotive-fleet.com/
Source: blog

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Potholes Plaguing Highways & Shippers

Sarah Magor — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 05:18:24 +0000

Potholes and deteriorating roadways caused by Old Man Winter’s barrage are undoubtedly costing shippers more this year! Securing your freight is now more important than ever before and road conditions will only get worse before they get better.

How Potholes Happen (click for explainer)

Potholes That Ate Indianapolis Devour U.S. City Budgets

By Mark Niquette – Feb 24, 2014

Rieth-Riley Construction Co. typically closes its Indianapolis asphalt plants from December through March. Not this year. Too many potholes to fill.

Officials asked Rieth-Riley to fire up a plant six weeks early to help fill what the city said is a record number of craters, a moonscape replicated across the nation amid a brutal winter. U.S. cities including New York and Pittsburgh and states such as Michigan are contending with an unprecedented road-repair season, straining work crews and budgets already depleted by plowing and salting.

Besides starting the asphalt plant early, Indianapolis, which has already exceeded its winter maintenance budget by almost $5 million, is hiring contractors and diverting workers as it combats the motorist’s scourge of blown-out tires and twisted suspensions.

“We’re throwing everything we can at it,” said Lori Miser, director of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works. “We’re seeing our roads in the worst condition probably than we ever have.”

About three-fourths of U.S. states and many cities have outspent their maintenance budgets dealing with the extreme weather, said Greta Smith, an associate program director with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials in Washington. She said this pothole season is “one of the worst in memory.”

Limited Kitty

The potholes are emblematic of a deeper chasm. The gap between the cost of improvements to U.S. transportation infrastructure and available revenue from both state and federal sources was as much as $147 billion, according to a 2009 National Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission report.

They also contribute to substandard conditions on more than a quarter of U.S. urban roads that cost the average driver using them $377 a year and $80 billion nationwide, according to TRIP, a nonprofit transportation research group in Washington. The current plague has diverted resources, the group said.

“That money comes out of a finite budget, and so when you have a harsher climate for your infrastructure and even less money to spend on repairs, that’s asking for trouble,” said Rocky Moretti, director of policy and research.

In winter, water and road salt seep into cracks, then expand and contract, finally undermining the pavement. A pothole is born.

Potholes, Live!

Indianapolis, which has a “Pothole Viewer” to report and track what Mayor Greg Ballard said is a record tally, has received almost 4,500 more complaints about them this year compared with the same period last year.

The city normally uses what’s called a cold mix of small stone and liquid asphalt to temporarily fill the hollows until plants fire up to produce hot asphalt for a more permanent fix.

It took six days and about nine workers to restart Rieth-Riley’s heating units and bring frozen rocks, sand, aggregates, and emulsions to required temperatures, said David Dankert, general superintendent for the Indianapolis area.

The humble goo is an economic balm.

Storms in January probably cost more than $3.5 billion in economic losses, including business interruption and property damage, insurance broker Aon Plc said this month. Burst pipes, falling trees and roof collapses inflated costs to home insurers including Allstate Corp. (ALL) and Chubb Corp.

Gaping Maw

Risks to auto insurers have been cushioned by a decrease in the number of motorists, some of whom are cowed by snow and ice, said Tom Wilson, chief executive officer of Allstate, the largest publicly traded U.S. home and auto insurer.

“In some cases, where an entire city is shut down like Atlanta, actually people drive less,” he said in a Feb. 5 interview.

Pothole damage can cost as much as $700, said Matt Barney, manager of the Chicago region for Bridgestone Retail Operations. He has even seen motors wrecked as they ricochet off the pavement.

Todd Curry, president of the Curry Agency in Fishers, Indiana, estimated that he’ll see as much as a 25 percent increase in auto claims.

“Every day, the potholes seem to get bigger and bigger,” Curry said.

The one that got Ashley Yates of Las Vegas, who repairs slot machines and travels frequently to casinos, was manhole-sized. She encountered it Feb. 18 outside Chicago.

Besides about $400 in damage from two blown tires and bent rims, Yates, 27, had to wait more than 10 hours for a tow because trucks were helping other motorists, she said.

‘Epic Season’

The meter for states and municipalities keeps ticking.

The Michigan Legislature is considering allocating an additional $100 million to the transportation department, counties and cities for plowing and salting roads and fixing holes.

In New York, the most populous U.S. city, crews have filled a record 113,131 potholes this year, up from the 50,434 patched at this point in 2013, the city said in a release. The American Automobile Association in New York has received more than 80,000 calls for flats from potholes among its 1.3 million members in the city and eight surrounding counties, said Robert Sinclair, a spokesman.

“We are facing an epic season,” he said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio is adding $7.3 million for street repairs to the city’s $74 billion budget because of “unprecedented wear and tear.”

Spring begins with the equinox at 12:57 p.m. New York time on March 20. Vernal visions of relief are mirages, said Smith of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials:

“We’re moving into rain and flood season now,” she said. “That’s only going to make things worse.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Mark Niquette in Columbus at mniquette@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Stephen Merelman at smerelman@bloomberg.net

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15 Winter Driving Tips for Truckers

Sarah Magor — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 19:34:55 +0000

The winter weather is upon us here in the Midwest. Here are few Winter Driving Tips for Truckers to help keep you safe on the road. Drive safe and remember Logistick’s products prevent forward shifting movements when the roads get rough. Feel safe knowing your cargo will not get damaged through the rough terrain.

15 Winter Driving Tips for Truckers

HOW TO STAY SAFE THIS WINTER.

Winter can be beautiful, beautiful and dangerous. If you are driving an 85,000 lbs truck, winter tends to be a little more dangerous. So if you want to stay safe out on the roads this winter, we suggest you take the time to read these winter driving tips from current and former drivers.

Keep an eye on the temperature. It is easy to lose track of time when you are on the open road. Where you started your drive might not be the same temperature or elevation as where you end up. 32 degrees is when you need to start looking for signs of ice on the road.
So what are the warning signs? Good question! Look for all wheel drive cars in the ditch. Tire tracks leading off the road. Ice forming in the corner of your windshield is also a sign that things are getting rough outside.
Give the four-wheelers some room. Four-wheelers tend to panic if they even see snow, so be careful coming around turns. Then there are the opposites, four-wheelers who are overconfident in their ability. Both are dangerous, and you should put some distance between you and them.
Sometimes you just need to wait it out. While truck driving is an extremely important job, it is not worth losing a life. When the roads get too rough, find a safe spot to pull over and wait it out. Do not risk running off the road or into someone else.
Carry Supplies. This is something you should always do, but it is extra important in the winter. Have a winter emergency pack filled with blankets, canned food (don’t forget the can opener), hand/foot warmers, and water. In an emergency situation, you will be well equipped to wait for help.
Turn on your CB radio. Drivers are in constant communication. Ask questions about the roads and listen out for people giving warnings. In an emergency, other truckers might be able to help. Stay in contact with someone at all times.
Treat your fuel. Diesel becomes thick and gel like in the winter. When your fuel gets too thick your engine fails. If you know you are heading into winter weather, make sure you add an anti-gel additive. They can be found in most fuel stations and Walmarts. It is also a good idea to keep a few gallons in your truck. It always seems like stores run out of it while on the road.
Be cautious of bridges. You see the signs “bridge ices before road” all the time, and they are there for a reason. If you see a bunch of people pulled over before a bridge it’s probably a good idea that you do it too. Approach all bridges with caution.
Slow down! When you slow your truck down you are less likely to lose control. You need to accelerate slowly and coast into stops so you can break lightly.
Grip the steering wheel firmly. Sharp moves can cause you to lose control of your truck. Winter storms usually bring wind gusts and slippery roads. Keep hold of the wheel and stay steady.
Look for black ice. Black ice is the most dangerous thing on the road. It is almost invisible and causes major wrecks. To find it just watch the spray of tires. If there is spray coming up from the cars in front of you, it means the roads are wet and safer. If the spray stops, be alert because you are probably heading into a black ice section. If you do hit black ice, do not slam on the breaks, coast till you gain traction.
Follow all road signs. Road signs always seem overly cautious, well that is because they are meant to save people in all conditions. Pay extra attention to road signs in the winter. It may be the difference between staying on the road and wrecking.
Avoid Cruise Control. Cruise control can be dangerous in winter situations. Drivers become complacent and less in tune with their speed and surroundings while cruising.
Keep a full tank. The last thing you want is to be stranded in a winter storm with no gas. If you get stranded your truck heat might be the last thing keeping you alive.
Last but not least, plan ahead. Avoid winter storms if possible. If you have to go out on the road, know where all the truck stops are along your route. Having stops planned out along the way can keep you out of trouble.

Stay safe out on the roads!

THANK YOU TO ALL THE TRUCKERS, AND REMEMBER TO KEEP ON ROLLIN’

Article found at:

Financial Carrier Services Inc.

Drew Johnson

info@carrierfs.com

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Happy New Year from Team Logistick!

Sarah Magor — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 05:18:24 +0000

From our family to yours, Happy New Year! We thank you for your business and look forward to securing your freight in 2014. Cheers to a prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,
Team Logistick

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Small Boost in Holiday sales predicted

Sarah Magor — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:18:24 +0000

The nation’s retailers can expect a modest increase in sales this holiday season, according to a recent report. According to ICSC Research, holiday sales are expected to grow by about 1 percent in the November-December period, while shopping center sales are projected to grow by 1.8 percent in that period.

The holiday sales figures will be especially watched in many quarters this year because of the difficulties the commercial real estate sector, which includes malls, has undergone. Analysts will also be watching to see if any sales increases can be attributed to an emerging economic recovery or an overall upswing in consumer optimism.

A report by Dow Jones says that if the current projections hold up, the sales will be an improvement over the 2008 season, but will still be the second weakest in about four decades. In the past couple of months, retail sales have already been showing some mixed signs of life. For example, recent figures from the Census Bureau indicated that retail sales increased 3 percent in August over July, but remained 6 percent lower than last year at this time.
By Steve Monfort
NASDAQ

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How to buy Kids Clothes on a Budget: Back to School!

Sarah Magor — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:18:24 +0000

Buying clothes for kids can seem like a no-brainer. You go to a store pick up some things in the right size and you are done. However, things are not that easy when you are on a budget.

The key to buying kids clothing on a budget is knowing how to shop and what is a good deal. Read on to learn more.

Find out what sizes you need. Make a list of the clothes and shoe sizes you are going to need for the next year. If you child is still growing, add not only the current size, but possibly one or two sizes larger.

Create your budget. If you have $100 to spend, then you know that you need to be careful with how you spend that money so you can get the most from it. If you have $500 to spend, then you can be a little more flexible with your prices or with the quantity you buy,
Check eBay, other online auction sites, or Craigslist. People sell brand name clothing for a fraction of the cost. There are thousands of pieces of clothing online and you can buy individual items or even large lots of clothing. Just watch the shipping costs so you don’t end up paying more for shipping than buying the item brand new.
Go to thrift stores. Sometimes you can find excellent bargains at thrift stores. There are often brand name clothes, some with tags on them! You may have to go often to find the best deals, but if you live near a great store, you may be able to clothe your entire family for just a few hundred dollars a year.
Hit the clearance racks. All department stores have clearance racks. Check them out before proceeding to other areas. Kids pants can often be found for less than $5 and shirts can be found for less than $2.
When you find a great deal, stock up. Get a few different sizes if the deal is great. You child will grow and you will have to shop again, so you might as well get a few larger sizes when the deal is fantastic.
As you do your shopping, write down how much you are spending based on the type of clothing. If you find a $5 pair of jeans, then you know that $15 for the same size is not a good deal. Keep a list while you shop so you know when you need to act on a great deal and buy extra.
If you come across a deal that can’t be beat, buy extra and sell them! You can sell them online, at yard sales, in consignment shops, or some second-hand stores. This also applies to clothing you no longer need. This will keep you from cluttering your house with unused clothes, and give you money for more clothing.

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Capital Solutions Bancorp: Back-to-school spending Expect Increase in 2009

Sarah Magor — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:18:24 +0000

The survey found that 64 percent of consumers plan to reduce their spending on back-to-school items this year, compared to 71 percent who did so in 2008.

Discount and value department stores will likely see the largest boost in sales, with 90 percent of respondents indicating that they will be doing their shopping at those stores, compared to 40 percent at dollar stores and 29 percent at office supply stores.Economic conditions are impacting consumer shopping habits in more ways than just budget, as consumers look for ways to stretch the money they do spend.

The survey found that 74 percent of consumers will buy more products on sale, 64 percent will choose lower-priced versions of items and 55 percent will use more store coupons.

“Consumers may be casting a glimmer of hope for retailers, but the survey results indicate that value will top their shopping lists this year,” said Stacy Janiak, vice chairman of Deloitte. “Retailers’ principal marketing strategies should include coupons, sales and loyalty programs.”

The Deloitte survey is in line with the latest Bureau of Economic Analysis report, which found that consumer spending increased by 1.4 percent this quarter.

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Abandonment!

Sarah Magor — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:18:24 +0000

Feeling all alone and scared in these tough economic times? Don’t worry Logistick Inc won’t abandon you or your freight. In the dictionary of International Trade Abandonment is defined as the act of refusing delivery of a shipment so badly damaged in transit that it is worthless. Logistick Inc. has over 15 specially designed products to make sure that in these tough economic times you and your company don’t have to worry about abandonment.

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