RSI’s Transportation Insights

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RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:   Tires are alive!  Well - not really, but their shape is designed to be flexible.   When driven at higher speeds, tires flex more leading to more friction, higher tire temperatures, and a reduction in fuel economy.
County:  San Bernardino
Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: 7-Eleven
Address: 202 North Mount Vernon Ave. and Valley Blvd., Colton       
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.27

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.83

County:  San Bernardino
Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson Street, Loma Linda  
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.85
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)

County: Los Angeles
Date: October 27th, 2008

Station: Thrifty
Address: 5038 El Segundo Blvd. and Ocean Gate Ave., Hawthorne
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.69
Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: Valero
Address: 1234 West Cowles Street and Fashion Ave., Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.60

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: Thrifty  
Address: 1025 West Anaheim Street and King Ave., Wilmington
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.69
 
 
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: Royal Truck Stop
Address: Steel Road and Hunts, Colton
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: GasMart
Address: 1005 West Florida Ave. and South Western Ave., Hemet
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: Spirit
Address:  636 West Florida Ave. and Tahquitz Ave., Hemet
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.83
 
 (Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:  According to the United States Department of Energy tracked by the U.S. Department of Energy. New England remains the most expensive region with an average price of $3.892 per gallon, while the West Coast has the lowest average at $3.62. 
County:  San Bernardino

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.83

County:  San Bernardino
Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 24913 Redlands Blvd. and Anderson Street, Loma Linda  
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.85

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: Thrifty
Address: 1945 South Tippecanoe Ave. and Eat Rosewood Drive, San Bernardino        
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.99
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)

County: Los Angeles
Date: October 27th, 2008

Station: 76
Address: 5601 Toganga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.85
Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: Thrifty
Address: Lanark and Van Nuys, Van Nuys
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: Shell  
Address: 18802 Via Princess and Sierra Highway
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99
 
 
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: Royal Truck Stop
Address: Steel Road and Hunts, Colton
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.79

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 23261 Cajalco Expressway and Harvill Ave., Perris   
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95

Date: October 27th, 2008
Station: GasMart
Address: 1005 West Florida Ave. and South Western Ave., Hemet
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.97
 
 (Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

When business is tight, tech is a good place to put the company’s money.  The right technology can streamline processes, communication, strategy, payroll, logistics - you name it. Web-based software for example,  is easily accessible and the costs are minimal.  According to Entrepreneur.com, “Now with software as a service, you plug into the internet and this software just comes down the pipe.”

The service is part of the “cloud computing” revolution. Experts believe that, in the near future, computers will be used mainly to access the internet. Files, programs and communication will be stored and facilitated in the cloud of data that makes up the web. Computers won’t run programs; they’ll only be needed to access them.” (http://www.entrepreneur.com/technology/newsandtrends/article197518.html.) 

Creating (if you don’t have one) and managing a central database is another way to improve day to day function and plan quarterly objectives and for an organization as large as the Portl of Long Beach - incredibly critical. 

This past July,  The POLB looked to Microsoft, specifically Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, “to provide the technology needed to create a single repository for information on its 15,000 contacts, representing 5,000 companies,” (http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2008/jul08/07-22PortOfLongBeachPR.mspx.)

Prior to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, the POLB relied on a bevy of individual solutions inluding spreadsheets, online sales management systems, and even penned notes - that’s right - people still go to the old pencil and paper.   Almost 400 employees work at the POLB offices and all will now have everything from contacts to bullet points scratched onto a sticky pad zipped up in one tight Microsoft managed database.   
 

Microsoft listed the following benefits in a press release last summer:
• Integration of information.  .
 
• Improved image with customers.   
 
• Time savings. 
• More accurate data.  

• Better reporting.   
 
• Customization by division to speed workflow.   
 
Whether your company has five or five hundred employeeds, maintaining accessible and accurate database information is essential.  The POLB moves nearly $150 billion through its waters each year.  And implementing new and improved software that fits your business needs is one way to ensure business runs as usual - or even better. 

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day: It was only a year ago…diesel prices were at the $2.87 mark.  The good news is - we’re almost there again.  The bad news - there’s no guarantee the dropping prices will last.  The action?  Continue to conserve, drive efficiently and find the stations offering the least expensive fuel.

County:  San Bernardino

Date: October 20th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 3368 South Riverside Ave. and Agua Mansa Road, Bloomington
Price of Diesel Fuel $2.99

County:  San Bernardino

Date: October 20th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: Haven Ave. and Philadelphia Street, Ontario 
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.05

Date: October 20th, 2008

Station: ARCO
Address: 3225 Little League Drive and Palm Ave., San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.24
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)

County: Los Angeles
Date: October 20th, 2008

Station: 76
Address: 5601 Toganga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.95
Date: October 20th, 2008

Station: Thrifty
Address: 11454 Balboa Blvd. and Rinaldi St., Granada Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $2.99

Date: October 20th, 2008
Station: ARCO  
Address: 15700 Valley View Ave. and Alondra Blvd., La Mirada 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.15
 
 
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside

Date: October 20th, 2008
Station: GasMart
Address: 1005 West Florida Ave. and South Western Ave., Hemet
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.07

Date: October 20th, 2008
Station: Spirit
Address: 636 West Florida Ave. and Tahquitz Ave., Hemet   
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.07

Date: October 20th, 2008
Station: Shell
Address: 2718 Iowa, Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.09
 
 (Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

Considering current economic trends – the ones no one wants to read about anymore anyway – it can come as a surprise that an industry is in desperate need of employees – in the tens of thousands.  It was first reported three years ago in an American Truck Association (ATA) report that the trucking industry could be short 300,000 drivers by the year 2014.  Several factors have and will affect the industry’s loss of long haul, heavy load drivers. 
According to the ATA, it’s demographic trends that will hit the industry the hardest.  Considering the facts.  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.   In addition, the ATA reported, “A major
Problem for the trucking industry and the U.S. economy as a whole is that the
annual rate of growth of the overall labor force will slow sharply, from 1.4%
currently to only 0.5% by 2012.” 
 

 Fuel prices have hit fleet owners hard, leaving many unable to provide adequate wages increases.  The situation is compounded by job stresses that include long periods of time away from family and unpredictable schedules. 

The good news is, the industry’s taken notice.  Recognizing regular demographics aren’t going to be available in ten years, companies have begun to target women and couples as potential drivers.  This trend has trickled down, affecting big rig design, position requirements, and more.  Ward Truckload Express is one company in particular that’s reshaping the position to be more desirable – and balanced.  Ward President, Tim Ward said, “Our goal is to provide our drivers with a lifestyle that balances time at home with time on the job.  We are committed to providing excellent income potential and benefits, and we strive to create a pleasant work environment.” (http://www.bigrigjobs.com/Truck-Driving-Blog/?postid=50)  According to the Auto Channel, Ward drivers receive medical benefits, profit sharing, and first year earnings in the $50,000 range.  

Time, economics, and industry evolutions will all impact whether or not positions get filled.  In the meantime, there’s some hiring to be done! 

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:  And it keeps dropping!  Diesel prices continue their downward trend, hitting below $3.20 a gallon in several Southern California stops.     Our tip today?  Fill er’ on up while the prices are ‘low’ (at least compared to the last 12 months). 
County:  San Bernardino

Date: October 15th, 2008

Station: Chevron
Address: 14250 Bear Valley Road and Petaluma Road, Victorville
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.21

County:  San Bernardino
Date: October 15th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 3225 Little League Drie and Palm Avenue, San Bernardino 
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.23

Date: October 15th, 2008
Station: Shell
Address: 3909 Hallmark Parkway and University Parkway, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.24
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)

County: Los Angeles
Date: October 15th, 2008
Station: Thrifty
Address: 11454 Balboa Blvd. and Rinaldi St., Granada Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.05

Date: October 15th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 5601 Toganga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.13
 
 

Date: October 15th, 2008
Station: Shell
Address: 22232 Wilmington Ave. and 223rd Street, Carson
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.29
 
 
 
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside

Date: October 15th, 2008
Station: GasMart
Address: 1005 West Florida Ave. and South Western Ave., Hemet
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.17

Date: October 15th, 2008
Station: Spirit
Address: 636 West Florida Ave. and Tahquitz Ave., Hemet   
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.17

Date: October 15th, 2008
Station: Beacon
Address: 202 North State Street and East Latham Ave., Hemet
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.19
 
 (Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:   Note to the clarevoyants: Anticipation is key when in traffic.  When able to anticipate traffic,  hit the brakes, but in a slow and  steady fashion which will ultimatley increase by as much as 20%.
County:  San Bernardino

Date: October 14th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 3225 Little League Drive and Palm, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.23

County:  San Bernardino
Date: October 14th, 2008
Station: Shell
Address: 3909 Hallmark Parkway and University Parkway, San Bernardino 
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.24

Date: October 14th, 2008
Station: Thrifty
Address: 1945 South Tippeanoe Ave., San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.25
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)

County: Los Angeles
Date: October 14th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 5601 Toganga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.17

Date: October 14th, 2008
Station: Thrifty
Address: 11454 Balboa Blvd. and Rinaldi Street, Granada Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.25
 
 

Date: October 14th, 2008

Station: Valero
Address: 1234 West Cowles Street and Fashion Ave., Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.29
 
 
 
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside

Date: October 14th, 2008

Station: Beacon
Address: 202 North State Street and East Latham Avenue, Hemet
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.419

Date: October 14th, 2008
Station: RAJ
Address: East 6th Street and Howard, Corona  
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.27

Date: October 14th, 2008
Station: Gas Mart
Address: 1005 West Florida Avenue and South Western Ave., Hemet 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.27
 
 (Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:  Is there a magic day to buy fuel?  It’s proven statistically that gas prices are most often the cheapest on Wednesdays, but this is only statistically true over a large number of days. Keep in mind though it’s proven over time and won’t hold true week to week.  

County:  San Bernardino

Date: October 8th, 2008
Station: Chevron
Address: 14250 Bear Valley Road and Petaluma Road, Victorville
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.39

County:  San Bernardino

Date: October 8th, 2008
Station: Valero
Address: 2649 South Waterman Ave., San Bernardino 
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.49

Date: October 8th, 2008
Station: Shell
Address: 1194 South Waterman Ave. and Orange Show Road, San Bernardino
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.49
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)

County: Los Angeles
Date: October 8th, 2008
Station: Mobil
Address: 6423 Toganga Canyon Blvd. and Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.39

Date: October 8th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 5601 Toganga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.47
 
 

Date: October 8th, 2008
Station: Valero
Address: 1234 West Cowles Street and Fashion Ave., Long Beach
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.49
 
 
 
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside

Date: October 8th, 2008
Station: Shell
Address: 2718 Iowa, Riverside
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.49

Date: October 8th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 23261 Cajalco Expressway and Harvill Ave., Perris   
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.55

Date: October 8th, 2008
Station: Chevron
Address: 5305 Arlington Ave. and Streeter Ave., Riverside  
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.57
 
 (Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

RSI’s Gas Saving Tip of the day:  The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports the national average cost for on-highway diesel fuel declined $0.08 per gallon, or roughly 2.1%, to $3.875 as of October 7, compared to the prior week.  Although diesel prices are still more than 25% higher than they were at this time last year, prices have dropped significantly from a July 14 peak of $4.764 per gallon

County:  San Bernardino

Date: October 7th, 2008
Station: Chevron
Address: 14250 Bear Valley Road and Petaluma Road, Victorville
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.29

County:  San Bernardino

Date: October 7th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 26526 Barton Road and California Street, Loma Linda
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.57

Date: October 7th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 905 South Grove Ave. and East Mission Blvd., Ontario
Price of Diesel Fuel $3.69
 
 

(Gas prices found at www.sanbernardinogasprices.com)

County: Los Angeles
Date: October 7th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 5601 Toganga Canyon Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.47

Date: October 7th, 2008
Station: Thrifty
Address: Van Nuys and Lanark, Panorama City 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.49
 
 
Date: October 7th,  2008
Station: Thrifty
Address: 1025 West Anaheim Street and King, Wilmington
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.49
 
 
 
(Gas prices found at www.losangelesgasprices.com)

County: Riverside

Date: October 7th, 2008
Station: ARCO
Address: 23261 Cajalco Expressway and Harvill Ave., Perris   
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.55

Date: October 7th, 2008
Station: Gas & Go
Address: 8790 Mission Blvd. and Pedley Road 
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.59

Date: October 7th, 2008
Station: 76
Address: 7494 Indiana Ave. and Madison Street, Riverside   
Price of Diesel Fuel: $3.59
 
 (Gas prices found at www.riversidegasprices.com) 

Cash flow is crucial to a fleet owner who endures high operational costs.  At a time when businesses small and large are dealing with the repercussions of a Wall Street meltdown - it’s important to analyze the current state of business whether affected financially or not - and prepare for positive cash flow.   

Freight bill factoring is one way to ensure owners see at least some money as soon as a customer is invoiced.  This payment method is often perceived as a down payment of the total amount owed.  In leiu of using a bank a factoring company will finance the invoice and provide immediate payment for the customer. 

A thorough review of the business financial plan can reveal areas where fat can be trimmed. 

1) Manage Transportation Costs: re-examine driving routes, consider lighter loads, combine trips and utlie fuel incentives. 

2) Cross-Training Employees: make departments transparent and use job shadowing techniques to allow for seamless process flow between units.  In addition, giving employees insight into areas outside their immediate day to day will instill further investment in the company as a whole. 

3) Better Marketing:  Make use online marketing strategies including newsletters, email promotions and more.  These cut down on mailing costs and keep relationships warm with consistent messaging.
 
When it comes to cost cut however, prudence is key.  According to entrepreneur.com, “Cut costs strategically. Don’t just slash 10 percent across the board, says Paul Rich, a principal with accounting and consulting firm Rothstein Kass’ Business Consulting Group who says to ‘Look at every single expense and say, (If I reduce this, will I remain in business or go out of business?)’”

A thorough review of the company’s business model can show whether or not major changes need to take place whether it’s the product being offered or type of client being sought.