Volume 11, Edition 8 (posted 8/29/2008)

Well here we are at the end of the summer.  We expect that most of you are already gone and will not even read this until September.  We hope you enjoy (or enjoyed) the Labor Day Holiday.  We would also like to welcome Michael Pennisi, our newest financial analyst.  Hopefully you will get a chance to speak with him soon.  Welcome Michael!

The slow pace of the August month results in little to report. We noticed that there were even fewer judicial decisions this month.  But we can always find something to comment on.

BANKRUPTCIES DOUBLE – Once again we can not stress the importance of knowing the financial security of your insured.  Transport Topics reports that trucking bankruptcies doubled in the second quarter, with 970 carriers closing up shop. This took approximately 88,000 trucks off the road.  We are here to help you understand their financial records and help you evaluate their chance of continued success. Read More

Volume 11, Edition 7 (posted 7/29/2008)

This will be a short Bits and Pieces this month as I am writing this from the Green Mountains of Vermont. Work and the transportation industry seem so far away and just not quite as important!  I hope you all get the chance to take some time off this summer. It is just a great feeling.   I can give you some news for the month:

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS – The Transportation Security Administration has released security recommendations for the transportation of certain quantities of hazardous materials. These guidelines are currently voluntary, but will be looked to as standard for the industry.  TSA’s security action items address general security; personnel security; unauthorized access; and en-route security. General security measures include conducting security threat assessments, security planning, protecting critical information and enhancing awareness of industry-security practices. Personnel security and unauthorized access refer to practices affecting the security of a motor carrier’s employees, contracted employees and its property. En-route security refers to the actual movement and handling of motor vehicles transporting highway security-sensitive materials. The nine page recommendations can be viewed here. Read More