Trucking Companies Volunteer Resources for Wreaths Across America Day

After a US Senate Resolution declaring December 10, 2011 “Wreaths Across America Day,” 43 trucking companies volunteered to deliver 325,000 Maine-made wreaths to state and national cemeteries across the country. The wreaths, which have been donated by Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington annually for the past 20 years, are placed at the tombstones of veterans as a symbol of gratitude and respect for their service to our country.

Thanks to 88 trucks manned by volunteer drivers, Wreaths Across America Day 2011 was a success, and hand-made wreaths were delivered to 740 cemeteries across the United States. A special convoy of 14 trucks delivered 90,000 wreaths to the Arlington National Cemetery.

To learn more about Wreaths Across America Day, visit the following websites:

http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

http://www.truckline.com/pages/article.aspx?id=967%2F8e1c7279-ed27-4c03-b189-ceeee26bbb12

Peterson Trucks Now Offers Used Commercial Vehicles

Peterson Trucks now has a selection of used vehicles for sale. Our used fleet includes an array of International DuraStar 4300/reefer units, as well as several Peterbilt sleepers and Freightliners with day cabs.

To view our selection of used trucks, visit:
http://www.petersontrucks.com/new-used/used-vehicle-inventory

ATA Truck Tonnage Index Continues to Rise

The American Trucking Association (ATA) reported last week that its advance seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased during the month of October. The 0.5% increase follows a 1.5% increase in September over the previous month.

The ATA’s Truck Tonnage index is often used as a barometer of the trucking industry’s economic health as a whole, and its continuous growth indicates that the industry is recovering from the economic downturn at a faster rate than the GDP. According to the ATA’s chief economist, Bop Costello: “over the last two months, tonnage is up nearly 2% and is just shy of the recent high in January of this year.”

Not only is this good for the trucking industry, it suggests that the country’s economy as a whole is slowly recovering rather than slipping back into a recession, as a freight tonnage increase results from an increase in the production of goods.

The ATA predicts that growth will slow next year, but that the industrial and trucking industries will continue to recover at a faster rate than the GDP.

To read more, visit:

http://www.truckline.com/pages/article.aspx?id=957%2F8e1c7279-ed27-4c03-b189-ceeee26bbb12

Attend the Idealease Safety Seminar at Peterson

The Idealease Safety Seminar is open to customers of Peterson. The seminar will cover the changes to the On-Highway regulations affecting the Trucking Industry. Seating is limited, please RSVP to pabackers@petersontrucks.com.

Time: April 19, 2012, 8am to 5pm
Location: Peterson University
Street: 2700 Teagarden Street
City/Town: San Leandro, CA

Vehicle Shortage Could Limit Growth for Trucking Operations

While the economy seems to be turning around for the trucking industry (most sources estimate that tonnage is again approaching the same levels as those seen in 2006), future growth may be limited for many trucking operations as the industry rebounds from economic crisis that began in 2007. Reports of driver shortages from organizations such as the American Trucking Association have been making headlines for months, but now industry economists warn that equipment shortages may accompany personnel shortages as shipping demands increase, according to an article published in American Shipper.

During the economic downturn, demand for new trucks dropped significantly. Operations needing to adjust for dwindling shipping demands reduced fleet sizes, which lead to more used trucks on the market for those looking to buy; the replacement of old equipment with new was indefinitely postponed by many operations; countless small carriers went out of business; and more stringent emissions and maintenance regulations increased costs of operation. While demand for new trucks has increased since the worst of the downturn, manufacturers are still hesitant to increase production due to the unpredictability of the current market.

At the present time, industry economists estimate that supply and demand for new commercial vehicles are at an equilibrium; however, any improvement in the economy could quickly lead to a truck shortage.

To read more on this subject, visit:

http://americanshipper.com/Main/News/Where_did_all_the_trucks_go_47394.aspx

Tips for Safe Driving on Winter Roads

If the recent snow storms in Connecticut are any indication, winter weather will be heading our way before too long. Idealease provides some useful guidelines for keeping the roads safe during the cold months:

1. Proper tire care is vital for safe driving in icy conditions. Tires should always be properly inflated with ample tread, and this is especially true in the winter. Steering can be tricky when there’s ice on the road, and well-maintained tires on the steer axel add invaluable control. Idealease also recommends traction tires on the drive axels.

2. Driving a rig with its lights on during the day increases its visibility to motorists.

3. Cruise control should never be used on snowy or icy roads.

4. Driving too fast is the number one cause of winter accidents, so take it slow.

5. Don’t “pump” ABS brakes.

For more winter driving safety tips, visit:

http://www.idealease.com/safetycompliance/10_21_2011.pdf.

Peterson Idealease is Open for Business

In September, Peterson Trucks officially opened its lease and rental branch, Peterson Idealease. By partnering with Idealease, Peterson benefits from the company’s extensive experience in providing full-service lease and rental contracts to customers throughout North America.

Idealease, the 3^rd largest leasing company behind Ryder and Penske, was founded nearly 30 years ago as a dealer-owned leasing organization, and it continues to provide professional management, purchasing contract services and national accounts support in the US, Canada, and Mexico. With full-service lease and rental programs, Idealease offers safety training, emergency breakdown service, quick vehicle replacement, and routine maintenance services to its customers, presenting a one-stop-shop for fleets opting for lease or rental programs.

Combining Peterson’s decades of experience in truck and engine repair with Idealease’s comprehensive programs makes Peterson Idealease an exceptional provider of lease and rental vehicles. Peterson Trucks is excited to see the development of its newest branch.

To learn more about Peterson Idealease’s services, visit:

www.petersontrucks.com or www.idealease.com.