RSI’s Transportation Insights

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:     Be in the know - it could save you time and money! As far as road closures go anyway, it’s important to know the route and in real time.  Any truck driver knows weather systems can pop up in a moments notice.  Fortunately there are sites that provide up to date information on interstates throughout the country.  For example, www.interstate-guide.com, catalogs every Interstate highway within the Eisenhower Interstate System and  breaks down each route into an individual guide to include facts, figures, photographs, and basic information.  If you’re not in the know - it’s ok - others are and the information is available!
  
County: San Bernardino
Date: January 6th, 2008
Station: Becon Truck Stop
Address: Redlands Blvd. and Hunts Lane, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.05

Date: January 6th, 2008
Station: 711 
Address: Mt. Vernon and Valley, Colton
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.09

Date: January 6th, 2008
Station: Mohsen/Vegas Truck stop 
Address: 35680 Daggett Yermo Road and Ghost Town, Yermo/Barstow
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.14
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)

County: Los Angeles
Date: January 6th, 2008

Station: ARCO
Address: 780 Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming Street, Diamond Bar
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.85

Date: January 6th, 2008

Station: Roche Fuel
Address: 8445 Atlantic Ave. and Salt Lake Ave., Cudahy
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.09
 
Date: January 6th, 2008

Station: Thrifty
Address: 5038 El Segundo Blvd. and Ocean Gate Ave, Hawthorne
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.09
 

(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside
Date: January 6th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 4890 Van Buren Blvd. and Wells Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.12
Date: January 6th, 2008
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.15

Date: January 6th, 2008
Station: Fastrip
Address: 23991 Sunnymead Blvd. and Heacock Street, Moreno Valley
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.15
 

(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

Return to RSI HOME http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com

Share This

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:    Start the New Year off right - check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s ‘National Clean Diesel Campaign’ for information and resources on how you can manage a cleaner fuel-burning rig. The mission: “EPA established innovative programs to accelerate emission reductions from older diesel engines to provide more immediate air quality benefits.” (epa.gov).  The opportunities are abundant considering there are over 11 million diesel engines out there that do not meet EPA regulations.

  
County: San Bernardino
Date: January 5th, 2008
Station: Valero
Address: 2649 South Waterman Ave., San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.13
Date: January 5th, 2008
Station: Mohsen/Vegas Truck stop 
Address: 35680 Daggett Yermo Road and Ghost Town, Yermo/Barstow
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.14

Date: January 5th, 2008
Station: Fastrip  
Address: 17223 Daggett Yermo Road and Ghost Town, Yermo/Barstow
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.14
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)

County: Los Angeles
Date: January 5th, 2008

Station: Roche Fuel
Address: 8445 Atlantic Ave. and Salt Lake Ave., Cudahy
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.09
Date: January 5th, 2008

Station: Thrifty
Address: 5038 El Segundo Blvd. and Ocean Gate Ave, Hawthorne
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.09
Date: January 5th, 2008

Station: Castaic Truck Service
Address: Castaic Road North of Parker, Castaic
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.15
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside
Date: January 5th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 4890 Van Buren Blvd. and Wells Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.12
Date: January 5th, 2008
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.15

Date: January 5th, 2008
Station: Chevron
Address: 6002 Van Buren Blvd. and Cypress Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.15
 

(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

Return to RSI HOME http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com

Share This

1) Safety Reminder: Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, who stated, “Safety belts each year prevent 15,700 fatalities, 350,000 serious injuries and $67 billion in costs associated with traffic injuries and deaths.” 

2) Paying the Toll:  Los Angeles is considering the addition of a toll lane on three major freeways that would charge drivers based on the amount of congestion on the road. 

Officials here are seeking federal money to put toll lanes initially on three freeways, including the 210 and 10 in the San Gabriel Valley and the 110 south of downtown. 

3) Online social sites for truck drivers:  Several sites cater to truck drivers and cover topics ranging from career opportunities, safety, entertainment, industry outlook and whatever the next hot blog topic entails.  Etrucker.com and Drivertrak.com are two sites created to support the truck driving community.  
 

4) Driver’s wanted: According to the ATA, the trucking industry may see a shortage of drivers in the near future.  A majority of current long haul drivers are between the ages of 35-54.  In less than a decade, half of that group will likely retire from what can often be a mentally and physically draining position.
 

5) No Idling Here: In an effort to reduce emissions, idling big rigs are banned in states such as California and the trend is growing.  It’s stop or go, on or off, restraint or - well, you get the picture.  And idling truck could be a thing of the past before you know it!

6) In March, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters advocated support for the Cross-Border Truck Program, stating, “Whatever their reason, this is no time to let the politics of pessimism dim the promise of prosperity for hundreds of thousands of American drivers, growers and manufacturers. We should be looking for every chance to open new markets for our drivers, to find new buyers for our products, and encourage new consumers for our produce.” 

Return to RSI Home: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com

Share This

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:    New Year’s Day means a brand new resolution.  If ou haven’t come up with one yet - don’t fret.  The first day of the year is not over yet! With crude oil prices ending the year below $45 a barrel one might opt to do what her or she can to keep fuel costs in check.  Many resolve to diet, which can be difficult when your 9-5 is spent in a truck.  There are ways however to stay healthy on the road by eating lighter options avaiable even at fast food spots.  Whatever you chose to commit yourself to - or even if you don’t - 2009 is fresh start no matter how you look at it.
County: San Bernardino
 

Date: January 1st, 2008
Station: 7-11
Address: 3490 East Jurupa Street and Haven Ave., Ontario
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.12
 

Date: January 1st, 2008
Station: ARCO 
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda 
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.12

Date: January 1st, 2008
Station: Mohsen/Vegas Truck stop 
Address: 35680 Daggett Yermo Road and Ghost Town, Yermo/Barstow
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.14
 
 

 (Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)

County: Los Angeles
Date: January 1st, 2008

Station: Mobil 
Address: 6423 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.05
Date: January 1st, 2008

Station: 76
Address: 5601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd.,
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.05
Date: January 1st, 2008

Station: Telegraph Fuel
Address: Telegraph and Mina, Santa Fe Springs
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.09
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside

Date: January 1st, 2008
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.95
Date: January 1st, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 4890 Van Buren Blvd. and Wells Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.96
Date: January 1st, 2008
Station: Chevron
Address: 6002 Van Buren Blvd. and Cypress Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.97
 
 
 
 (Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

Return to RSI Home: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com

Share This

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:   NYE 2008 is a day to celebrate, but more importantly, be safe.  If you’re driving a truck or have one on the road tonight, consider these safety factors:  If you can, utilize a fleet monitoring GPS, stay in the slow lane, keep nerves in check (unfortunately there will be crazy drivers out there tonight), check all fluids and hoses, and check for any leaks or problems. Also - double check tires to make sure they’re in proper condition.

County: San Bernardino
Date: December 31st, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 3225 Little League Drive and Palm Ave., San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.05
Date: December 31st, 2008
Station: ARCO  
Address: Haven Ave. and Philadelphia Street, Ontario 
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.09

Date: December 31st, 2008
Station: ARCO 
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda 
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.12
 
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles

Date: December 31st, 2008

Station: Shell
Address: 1107 South Hacienda Blvd. & Gale Ave., Hacienda Heights
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.95

Date: December 31st, 2008

Station: Mobil 
Address: 6423 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.05

Date: December 31st, 2008

Station: 76
Address: 5601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd.,
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.05
 

(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside
Date: December 31st, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 4890 Van Buren Blvd. and Wells Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.96
Date: December 31st, 2008
Station: Chevron
Address: 6002 Van Buren Blvd. and Cypress Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.97
Date: December 31st, 2008
Station: Chevron 
Address: 8283 Arlington Ave. and Lake Street, Riverside 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.97
 
 
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

Return to RSI Home: http://www.rsiinsurancebrokers.com

Share This

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:  Need a New Year’s Resolution?  How about doing something smart?  According to the EPA, something smart would be adding a  U.S. EPA Certified SmartWay tractors and trailers to your fleet.  According to the EPA, a “smart” tractor and trailer is outfitted at with equipment that significantly reduces fuel use and emissions, and can even save up to $11,000 a year.  Now that’s smart!
County: San Bernardino
Date: December 29th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.12
Date: December 29th, 2008
Station: ARCO 
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda 
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.12
Date: December 29th, 2008
Station: Valero
Address: 2649 South Waterman Ave., San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.13
 
 
(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
 

County: Los Angeles

Date: December 29th, 2008

Station: 76
Address: 5601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd.,
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.95
 

Date: December 29th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: Toganga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank, Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.95
 

Date: December 29th, 2008

Station: Mobil 
Address: 6423 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.97
 (Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside
Date: December 29th, 2008
Station: Fastrip
Address: 10306 Arlington Ave. and Tyler Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $1.99
Date: December 29th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 4890 Van Buren Blvd. and Wells Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.00
Date: December 29th, 2008
Station: Chevron 
Address: 8283 Arlington Ave. and Lake Street, Riverside 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.03
 
 
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

Share This

 Change is just around the corner – what with the New Year, new president, and as those in the transportation industry know – a new secretary of Transportation.  In a little over three weeks President-elect Barack Obama and his staff including Congressman and soon to be Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will officially take office and kick-start the administration’s run. 

As Secretary of Transportation – congressman LaHood has the following job responsibilities:
· Oversee the formulation of national transportation policy and promotes intermodal transportation.
· Negotiate and implement international transportation agreements
· Manage the state of US Airlines
· Issue regulations to prevent alcohol and illegal drug misuse in transportation systems
· Prepare transportation legislature

Not an easy job, but somebody’s got to do it.

Current Secretary of Transportation, Mary E. Peters had the following words to say about her replacement, “Congressman LaHood’s broad experience and well-known pragmatism make him an excellent choice to lead and support America’s transportation future. There will be challenges, but there are also incredible opportunities to continue work to improve transportation safety, tackle congestion and promote mobility, expand global transportation opportunities, rebuild transportation systems after disasters, and continue fundamental transportation reform.” (dot.gov)

LaHood’s most prominent responsibility will start with the new administration’s public works projects - designed to stimulate the struggling economy. The plan is based on   government controlled industrial policies that will repair roads and bridges and create  jobs in technology. 

Share This

Seems like the snow just won’t stop.  Everywhere you look be it the Grapevine that lies just North of Los Angeles, the Rockies, or low-lying Midwest, highways are covered in ice and snow making it dificult for truck drivers to get to where they need to go.  While the weather is left to Mother Nature, there are a bevvy of tips out there just for truck drivers dealing with snowy conditions. 

Preparedness is Key

Safety first - you’ve heard it all along from teachers, parents, and the person on the other end of the CB.   Truck maintenance is extremely important.  Check fluids including oil and make sure hoses can withstand the season ahead.  Ensure the biggies like tires and brakes are in tip top shape as a blow out or inability to stop on an icy road is a situation we must all try to avoid at all costs.

Drivers need to make sure they’re in tip top shape as well.  While this doesn’t mean you have to run a mile under 8 minutes,  it does mean you’re well rested and healthy enough to travel long distances and remain alert the entire time you’re schedule to drive.

The Long Road Ahead

Encountering bad weather while on the road should be expected this time of year.  Safety equipment is essential and should inclue an emergency kit.  Working flashlights, hazard displays, and extra food and water are just a few of the things truck drivers should take stay safe. 

When driving in snow, slow and steady won’t win the race, but getting safetly to your destination is more important anyway.  Use a GPS if able and frequently listen to updates regarding weather and roads. 

Snow and ice can accumulate on top of trailers and present a danger on the road many are not aware of.  Large chunks of ice and snow that fly off the tops of cars and trailers can hit other cars on the road, or even pedestrians.  Take a look while at the staging area of a lot or whenever stopped and use a long soft brush if you have one to wipe the snow off.  It’s not a good idea to climb up on top of the trailer as it’ll be icy, making it easy to slip and fall.  If you don’t have a long brush, use two poles or similar devices (even tree branches) to get the snow off. 

The Others

It’s just as important for passengers to know how to share snowy roads with semi-trucks.  Slow down is the most repeated piece of advice, yet it never seems have a universal appeal.  Drivers are also warned not to flash their lights at big rigs as doing so will reflect across as many as four different mirrors making it difficult for the truck driver to see. 

It’s predicted that this winter will be a cold one all across the country.  Knowing the road conditions ahead of time, and being prepared for the worst kind of weather will not make life a cup of hot cocoa, but will put you on the right track to safety. 

Share This

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day: As the holiday approaches thoughts may have drifted from gas prices and onto what gifts you can purchase last minute.  While it would be nice if Santa brought even lower diesel prices (under $1.00!!) however, there are other, easier to get gifts that will make the truck driver in your life smile.  How about a XM radio subscription or GPS system.  The sun’s glare can be tough on the long hauls and a sturdy pair of sunglasses with UVB protection would be useful and fun.  Homemade gifts are always appreciated as well whether in the form of cookies or a quilt for those chilly nights.

County: San Bernardino
Date: December 23rd, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 305 East Redlands Blvd. and Waterman Ave., San Bernardino  
Price of Diesel Fuel $1.91
 

Date: December 23rd, 2008
Station: Valero
Address: 2649 South Waterman Ave., San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $1.91
Date: December 23rd, 2008
Station: Royal Truck Stop
Address: 2300 Steel Road, Colton
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.05
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)
County: Los Angeles

Date: December 23rd, 2008

Station: 76
Address: 5601 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd.,
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.09
Date: December 23rd, 2008

Station: Mobil 
Address: 6423 Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.13

Date: December 23rd, 2008
Station: Chevron
Address: 1628 Washington Blvd. and Vail Ave., Montebello 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.15
 

(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside
Date: December 23rd, 2008
Station: Circle K
Address: 6105 Clay Street and Limonite, Riverside 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.02
Date: December 23rd, 2008
Station: Shell
Address: 6100 Clay Street and Limonite Ave., Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.03
Date: December 23rd, 2008
Station: Royal Truck Stop
Address: Steel Road and Hunts Lane, Colton 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.05
 
 
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

Share This

Another week – another bailout.  This time around, President Bush allocated billions of dollars to the auto industry in a move designed to save the fragile giants, GM and Chrysler.  The fear that should these two industry icons go under could lead to devestating economic consquences throughout the country.  The emergency government loan will provide $13.4 billion dollars to to both GM and Chrysler over the next three months in an effort to prevent both companies from bankruptcy. 
Straight from the source:

“There is too great a risk that bankruptcy now would lead to a disorderly collapse of the auto companies,” Bush said. “My economic advisors believe that would deal an unacceptably painful blow to hardworking Americans far beyond the auto industry . . . and send our suffering economy into a deeper and longer recession,” (www.latimes.com.)

The breakdown:

The math goes as follows:  Approximately $13.4 billion will be accessible starting January. Of that, $9.4 billion is allotted to General Motors Corp. while $4 billion goes to Chrysler LLC. 

According to the Associated Press, GM and Chrysler are required to give the government stock warrants, which would allow it to purchase GM and Chrysler stock at a specified price.  Executive extras like jets and giant bonuses will be no more. 

Altenative notions:

While the bailout money is still in the Fed’s pockets, there have been recommendations concerning alternative ways of utilzing the monies including putting it towards green technologies.  The auto manufactuers’ first plan of attack however is to pay the bills according to most reports.  GM and Chrysler have ties throughout the World’s economy  and are the financial foundation for thousands and thousands for individuals.  The coming months (and new year) will bring what we hope as taxpayers are transparent, positive changes.

Share This