Diesel Fuel Prices
+0.3%$2.97
/ gallon national average.
Jan 27 -
Feb 12 - Even
though arctic temperatures drove prices up in certain lanes last week, national
average rates fell for vans, reefers and flatbeds. Demand, however, has not declined, as total freight
volume was higher in January than in December. Last week load-to-truck ratios increased for all three equipment types.
A Troubled Landscape
There has been a definitive
shift in liability exposures experienced by property brokers, freight
forwarders and direct shippers over the last few years. For example, a domestic
load involving serious injury or death used to be settled within the limits of
a trucker’s auto policy. Additionally, a lawsuit may have followed against the
carrier resulting in a judgment for the injured party. However, recent landmark
settlements have involved not only the carrier but the transportation
intermediary, customs broker and the shipper as well. Many of these cases have
successfully obtained judgments in excess of $5,000,000 from the intermediaries
involved. (source: Roanoke Trade)
Use the below information to
help determine the best approach to selecting a trucking carrier for LTL, FTL
and Drayage:
Verify the Carriers
Authority
Use the FMCSA website to verify the information provided by the carrier.
Each
carrier must have a USDOT number and MC number. Request copy of their
Authority. Enter number on website and verify that carrier is active and
addresses match etc.
Verify Carrier Safety
Rating
Use the FMCSA website to verify safety data.
This
will give you a basic snapshot of carrier. Safety rating, number of trucks,
types of violations, etc. Decide if carrier is good enough for Lamprecht
freight and save docs. to show that you reviewed the information.
Verify Insurance
Request
certificate of insurance from carrier showing American Lamprecht Transport,
Inc. as certificate holder. Carrier should have $1,000,000 Liability minimum
and $5,000,000 if HAZMAT. Most carriers only have $100,000 cargo. Some states
require a workers comp. $500,000. General Liability is good, but most carriers
do not have a policy.
Remember to tell your customers and friends about our Truck Freight Brokerage Service. Send quotes and requests to LGS@Lamprechtusa.com
