Domestic Transportation Talk

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.

https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx

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.

            https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS/

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