Driver training at the touch of your fingertips

Instructional Technologies just launched Pro-Tread training for drivers and it is now available for you to use on your smart phone, tablet, or any device. The training is easy and effective for every driver to get up to speed on their own driving skills. Pro-Tread training comprises an extensive assortment of interactive, easy-to-use web-based training sessions that are taken at each driver's convenience. Wiht just a swipe of your finger you will be able improve your driving skills, handle daily challenges that may arise with transporting freight, and retain your knowledge of critical driving challenges.

OOIDA to sue New York's State Department of Taxation and Finance

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has decided to sue New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The lawsuit will be challenging the constitutionality of highway taxes imposed on trucks for use of the state highways.

The lawsuit will ask the courts to declare these taxes on out-of-state truckers unconstitutional as well as ask for refunds and attorney fees to the out-of-state truckers that have been affected by this tax. Currently the truckers are required to pay $15 for registration and $4 for the decals to operate on the state highways. 

Diesel is at it's lowest in 2 months

Have you noticed that Diesel prices have fallen again and are at their lowest in the past two months? The Department of Energy’s Energy Information reports that the average (and cheapest) price is $3.805 in the Gulf Coast area and the average in California is $4.15 (which is the country’s most expensive).  

FMCSA administrator to speak at upcoming conference

Anne Ferro, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA), will make a presentation at the upcoming Descartes Systems Group “Evolution 2013” Global User & Partner Conference in Miami, Florida, November 12-14, 2013.

Ferro’s keynote presentation will provide insight into the administration's strategic plan and key programs in support of its mission, including the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). MAP-21 includes important provisions intended to improve safety that affect commercial motor vehicle operators, brokers and forwarders.

Evolution 2013 is for Descartes customers and partners from around the world to get together and network, share perspectives, gain insight on technology and industry trends, provide input on product development plans, and learn more about how to improve their logistics operations.

To register for the event, which will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel Miami, visithttp://www.descartes.com/usergroup or contact usergroup@descartes.com.

Cargo Thieves are becoming very tactful

Have you been a victim of cargo theft? If so, you are not alone, it seems to be a growing trend and the cargo thieves are becoming very tactful in how they operate. "Travelers Investigative Services, explained that these new “tactics” fall into three categories: identity theft, fictitious pickups and misdirected loads/fraudulent carriers." Fleet Owner reported the strategy of these thieves: "Rather than commit “straight theft,” where loads are physically stolen from parking lots or terminals – and risking getting spotted and/or potentially be involved in a high speed chase – he said cargo thieves are trying to be more “strategic” about thefts so they can better pinpoint and steal specific types of cargo."

Read the entire story: Fleet Owner