Motor Transport Inc

Motor Transport Inc News

October 2007
In regards to the hours of service changes and petition filed by the american trucking association, FMCSA Administrator John Hill handed down the following statement that seeks a stay period of 12 months on the new ruling.

Also in regards to cross border trucking decision changes by the U.S. Department of Transportation cleared a 3rd Mexican trucking company for transport last Monday. More information can be found on the US Department of Transportation Briefing Web site.

Transporters can look forward to perhaps better cell phone integration GPS and mapping software as Nokia purchases Navteq for $8.1 billion dollars. Navteq also owns Traffic.com, which many transport companies use for logistics planning.

November 2007
We often get questions with the dollar now lower about the rules and regulations for importing cars. For a clear and detailed answers visit the transportation safety administration. This information can also be found on our international car transport FAQ pages.

In other news oil prices continued to soar with oil reaching over $96 dollars a barrel. We have yet to fell it at the pump but industry experts say its coming and expect gas prices to reach well over $3 dollars, thus increasing the prices of carrier costs and vehicle shipping rates.

December 2007
Topping the headlines again this year in the auto transport industry was yep, you guessed it, fuel prices. With oil topping 100 dollars a barrel, carriers were feeling it, as profit margins were squeezed. It seems like fuel prices are backing off at the writing of this article.

The good news is for many consumers and businesses shipping their vehicles, when fuel prices are high, driving isn't a very attractive alternative. Also truck builders continue to look for better ways to make their equipment more fuel efficient to benefiting the trucking company as well as the environment. It looks as though many manufactures are actually making great strides in this department.

In other 2007 transport headlines, there were some changes in cross border trucking and hours of service. We would like to all of our visitors and subscribers, and have a wonderful holiday season and prosperous new year in 2008!

January 2008
The FMCSA has voted on an interim final rule regarding hours of service for commercial motor vehicle transporters. The decision allows up to 11 hours of driving time and a 14 hour window with at least 10 hours of rest/ non driving time. This ruling is in effect from 12/27/07.

In other transport industry news crude oil hits $100 dollars a barrel and diesel gains to $3.46 per gallon which is an increase of almost 4 cents. Overseas news and demand as cold fronts hit the United States played a factor.

February 2008
The biggest news for the industry is the economy and its effects on the industry - mostly in the form of you guessed it high fuel prices. Reports estimate that transporters are paying an average of .50 cents per gallon for fuel compared to last year. Also talks of whether the country is in a recession or not, predicts a lower consumer spending in at least the first 3 quarters of 08.

Other industry news this month are with a new year comes the 2008 auto shows, which are always a nice boost for auto transport brokers & carriers bottom line as car collectors and auto manufacturers scurry to get their automobiles to auctions and the 08 car shows.

March 2008
The auto transportation industry gears up for the busiest time of year as consumers wind up for there summer plans. Some transporters are forecasting this years busy season to be a bit slower than recent years as fears of a recession, or a downturn in in the economy, which may effect consumer decisions.

Adding to the news, the cost of fuel is higher again, which also clamps down on companies as well as the US consumer. Its been all quiet at the FMCSA and since the cross border approved motor carriers project, new no other significant news to report.