Archive for month: September, 2012
The Risk of Using Reincarnated Transportation Companies – Heavy Hauling Companies
You should be able to entrust the transportation of your equipment to heavy hauling companies with professionalism and high standards in safety and efficiency. That’s why you need to watch out for reincarnated transportation companies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will occasionally cite a company for having unsafe driving or transportation practices and suspend the company’s license as a result. Some companies, however, will resume their operations under the guise of a different name. Even companies that have been completely shut down by the FMCSA have attempted to restart with a different identity.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough federal funding to stop these reincarnated companies and their practices. According to a new report compiled by the Government Accountability Office, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration needs to allot more resources in order to track down the reincarnated companies. In response to their growing concern about the future of the trucking industry, the Government Accountability Office recommends that the FMCSA strengthens their current new entrant screening process in order to more efficiently detect if a company with a suspended license is filing for a new license under a different name and address. Part of their recommendation includes hiring and assigning personnel in charge of detecting these common addresses, phone numbers, and listed company officers in their filings. A boosted level of organization and a larger staff would make it more difficult for companies to reincarnate after a license suspension.
When choosing a heavy hauling company to trust with your shipment, it pays to do some research and look at the testimonies that different companies can provide you. Choose a company that is willing to give you real testimonials from real satisfied clients, with a history of excellent delivery and customer service.
Summer Heavy Hauling: Drive with Caution – Heavy Hauling Companies
Each season presents different challenges in the heavy hauling business. Summertime can mean increased road construction, navigating through increased traffic from tourists and recreational areas, and looking out for other vehicles hauling their own loads. Safe driving doesn’t only benefit heavy hauling companies, but everyone else out on the road as well. Always operate on the side of caution and remember these things to check for when driving this season.
Road construction: Always remember to slow down and be attentive to the signage and workers on the road. Anticipate sudden and frequent stops, and give extra space between yourself and the next vehicle. You can prevent accidents by keeping a slow pace and good spacing between yourself and others. Watch for signs that change the speed limit. Speed violations in a construction zone can result in tickets that are twice the normal amount. Be patient and calm, and try to anticipate some delays in your schedule and allow extra time for them.
Tourist traffic: Probably the number one thing to look out for with tourists on the road this summer is any vehicle towing boats, campers, and trailers. They’re doing their own hauling, and may be a little less accustomed to driving with a larger load. Afford them a lot of space and patience. Do the same for vehicles that have a lot of stuff packed into the trunk and lashed onto the roof. You don’t know how securely everything was tied down, and you don’t want to take any chances. Remember to plan for traffic when hauling through popular tourist spots, and watch out for vehicles with out-of-state licenses. Anticipate sudden lane changes and frequent braking. If you afford a little extra time into your schedule, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Finally, there are a lot more motorcycles out on the road during the summer. Motorcycles are harder to watch out for, but you need to take the responsibility to check all of your blind spots and watch the road carefully when there’s a motorcycle nearby. We expect professionalism and safe, defensive driving. Remember that safety is always worth extra precautions.
Oversized Shipping Without the Stress
Do you have oversized shipping needs? It can be a little intimidating to send your expensive loads across county or sea, and at Alternative Transportation Services we know how important it is to get it right the first time. It is very important to get the right company for your oversized shipping needs. Our company ensures that oversized shipments make it to their destination on time and intact. And, to sooth your worries during the trip, Alternative Transportation Services is equipped with the absolute newest technology which allows us to track your shipment from pick up to delivery.
Oversized shipments can be fulfilled in different ways depending on how far it needs to go. For longer distances, across country North to South or East to West, we recommend intermodal service. These trips are a combination of both trucking transportation and rail train transportation. The collaboration gets you your oversized shipment in the shortest amount of time possible. Solely trucks can also handle oversized shipping or only by train if preferred, yet the intermodal service may prove to be more cost effective. As a company we are committed to ensuring quality service at the best price we can. For pricing questions or to get a quote just go to the quote tab on our home page and tell us what we can do for you. An Alternative Transportation Services associate will get back to you today.
Although oversized shipping seems stressful and difficult, it doesn’t need to be. Put your oversized shipments in our hands and on our trucks and your guaranteed less hassle and headache than you could imagine. You can rest assured knowing your shipments are safe and will make it to your destination on time, and don’t forget, we deliver anywhere!