Our Blog

The U.S. House of Representatives, voting 215 to 204, passed the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, which, in part, means that biodiesel tax incentives from the federal government will continue for the remainder of 2010.

The National Biodiesel Board marked the bill as a necessary step in order to keep biodiesel a viable alternative to regular fuels. The group noted that the $1-per-gallon blending credit that the federal government provides is a great help to the industry. The credit program began six years ago.

The National Biodiesel Board, or NBB, reminded taxpayers that biodiesel production not only allows for more environmentally friendly fueling, especially in the trucking industry, but adds thousands of jobs to the economy. In total, the NBB estimated that $4.1 billion was made off of biodiesel and contributed $828 million in local, state, and federal taxes in the six years the tax credit has helped the industry to thrive.

The Senate still must give their approval of bill.

If you need more efficiency in your trucking business, truck factoring might be a solution to consider. Contact TBS Truck Factoring, LLC., by calling 800-207-7661 today.

With March numbers coming in, surface trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico was 37% higher this last month than it was during the same time last year. According to the Department of Transportation, this is the highest increase in trade recorded. Surface trade, which is characterized by the use of trucks, trains, and pipelines, accounts for almost 90% of trade between North American Free Trade Agreement partners. 

This March increase marks the fourth straight reported gain in trade. Imports to the US went up 29.2% from last March, and exports tauted a 30.9% increase. The total worth of trade was estimated at $69.9 billion.

Although the Department of Transportation's Bureau of Trade Statistics said that seasonal changes easily affect trade numbers, they also noted a 17.9% increase between March and February of this year.

If you or someone you know needs help with their trucking business, contact TBS Truck Factoring, LLC., by calling 800-207-7661.

With over 6,500 employees voting, a 15% wage cut by ABF Freight System was refused by the Teamsters union.

Results revealed a 3,764 to 2,936 vote against changing the currently held National Master Freight Agreement labor contract with ABF. In the change, the 15% wage cut would have been met with a quarterly so-called earnings plus plan, an additional payment that would have come to employees following favorable economic outcomes for the the company.

The parent company of ABF, Arkansas Best Corp., characterized the deal as an important reorganization of the pay structure of the company. According to them, the new plan would have more effectively dealt with cost problems related to the recession.

The Teamsters union was adamant in their defense of their voters' decision. They said that, after the failure of this plan, they would be working with employers to establish a better deal that could save jobs and represent the company's workers at the same time.

If you are having problems with your trucking company, you need experience you can trust. Contact TBS Truck Factoring, LLC, by calling 800-207-7661 today.

A new bridge could connect the U.S. and Canada, and that prospect excites both the Canadians and federal government.

According to the Canadian government, a new bridge linking Detroit to Windsor, by Ontario, could be funded in large part by the Canadians themselves. They have offered to pay for their own end of the bridge, in addition to fronting $550 million for the American end of the bridge.

Michigan Governor Granholm presented the prospect to the state's legislature last month, expecting to get a vote on the deal by a June 1 deadline. The estimate of the total cost of the bridge is $5.3 billion.

The current connector between the United States and Canada links at the same location. Its owner is threatening to sue Canada for violating the North American Free Trade Agreement, arguing that Canada is trying to coerce the state of Michigan to agree to this bridge-building deal.

If you are running into troubles with your trucking business, contact TBS Truck Factoring, LLC, by calling them at 800-207-7661 today.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have granted the city of Boston a 45-day extension on their current hazardous materials carrier policies for the second time.

The current rules restrict where trucks carrying hazmat loads can travel, causing longer routes and night hours for truckers operating in the city. They were established in 2006. However, these policies have produced contentious feelings with haulers, especially the American Trucking Association. The ATA filed a petition with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration after Boston first put the restrictions in place.

In November, FMCSA sided with the carriers, and voided Boston's policy. They cited inconsistencies with the set limitations and federally established route procedures.

The ATA hopes that the city will reconsider its routing policy to better work with hazmat truckers.

If you are having problems with your trucking business, TBS Truck Factoring LLC, may be able to help you. Contact them today by calling 800-207-7661.

On a trip to Washington, Mexican President Felipe Calderon met with President Obama to discuss allowing Mexican trucks to travel on American highways.

Since the programs set in place by the North American Free Trade Agreement, which began in 1994, Mexican trucks had been open to freely travel across the U.S. Disputes arose over safety concerns, and Congress ended those programs in March 2009.

President Obama was optimistic that an agreement could be reached, and the free flow of commerce could occur between the two nations once again. Roughly 80% of Mexican exports go to the United States.

Mexico's response to the end of cross-border traffic was to place an estimated $2.4 billion in tariffs on American products.

If you need a reliable trucking company to settle your logistics needs, contact the professionals at TBS Truck Factoring, LLC., at 800-207-7661.

The Virginia governor is seeking federal approval for charging a toll on Interstate 95 near the North Carolina border to pay for repairs to the roadway. By charging $1-$2 per axle, the revenue could total $30 million to $60 million each year. In strong opposition, American Trucking Associations and the Virginia Trucking Association plan to address the proposal.

Interstate 95 is said to be one of the most important transportation routes in the U.S., but that particular stretch has deficient pavements and other problems. That road sees more accidents than most other roads in the state.

If you fear that tolls could cost your trucking company a lot of money and you need to free up your cash flow, contact TBS Truck Factoring, LLC, today by calling 800-207-7661.

The end of last week saw oil drop to $75.15 per barrel after a nearly $2 drop on Friday. The price fell a total of $11 over the week. On Friday the week before, the cost was $86.15.

The price of crude oil is at its lowest since February. The drop occurred partly because of fears that Europe's debt crisis might start spreading to the U.S. and other economies, experts say.

If you're in the trucking industry and need to free up your cash flow, contact TBS Truck Factoring, LLC, today by calling 800-207-7661.

The state of Connecticut recently adopted a measure that would fine drivers who did not remove snow and ice from their vehicles prior to driving on the roadway. Ice and snow from moving vehicles becomes a hazard when it flies off and can cause damage to a person or vehicle upon impact.

Fines would start at $75 for failing to remove snow or ice from the vehicle and go up to $1,250 if snow or ice flies off a commercial truck causing injury or damage. Some trucking associations oppose the bill, saying it is impractical and even impossible to clear the ice and snow off a large semi tractor-trailer, and that even roof heating systems are not wholly successful.

Finances are always a concern for commercial trucking companies. If you need to free up your cash flow, contact TBS Truck Factoring, LLC, today by calling 800-207-7661.

Road freight has been interrupted this week after torrential rains and severe flooding have shut down many Nashville roads. Some roads were under several feet of water. Interstate 24 was closed in several places throughout Davidson County, Tenn.

People have been encouraged by the Tennessee Department of Transportation to not drive at all until the water recedes. Interstate 40 has also been closed in several places due to flooding as well. Freight loads will have to detour significantly to bypass flooding.

If you need to free up your cash flow but your shipments are being delayed, contact TBS Truck Factoring, LLC, today by calling 800-207-7661.