CMCA Introduces Updated Logo

The Colorado Motor Carriers Association is enhancing its organization image with a new logo that features a modern tractor trailer and updated type style. Over the next few months CMCA will be replacing letterhead, brochures and images on this website to reflect the new look.

Financial Info Scammers Again Targeting Trucking Industry

Officials in at least two states are warning trucking companies to be on the lookout for an apparent scam. They say someone is sending letters to trucking companies on what appears to be, but is not, U.S. Department of Transportation letterhead stationary.
 
The fake document states that the trucking firm receiving the letter is on a list for possible government contracts, but to qualify for the loads its owners must fax a “financial information release form” that includes bank account information.
 
Trucking companies in Missouri and Virginia have reported receiving the letters.
OOIDA Director of Regulatory Affairs Rick Craig said that all truckers should be wary of anyone requesting financial or personal information.
 
“If you are in doubt at all, contact the person or agency that is supposedly requesting the information to confirm that the request is legitimate,” Craig said.

 

2008 U. S. Overall Petroleum Consumption Expected to  Decline

While World oil consumption will grow by 1.2 million barrels per day in 2008, U.S. consumption is expected to decline by about 190,000 barrels per day as a result of the economic slowdown and high petroleum prices.   After accounting for increased ethanol use in the U.S., the overall U.S. petroleum consumption will actually drop by 330,000 barrels per day in 2008 according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The world oil supply system is operating at near capacity and is vulnerable to both actual and perceived supply disruptions, said EIA.  World oil consumption is outstripping growth in non-OPEC production by over 1 million bbl/day.   OPEC countries have no plans to increase production this summer, but may make adjustments at their next scheduled meeting in September.

Almost all of the consumption growth in 2008 is coming from China, Russia, Middle Eastern oil producing countries, Brazil and India.  Europe is also seeing some growth in consumption to offset weather related consumption drops in 2007.

We Want You to Know

D.G. Coleman, Inc. has contributed a 50” Plasma TV to be raffled off to benefit the Ray Smith Scholarship fund. Raffle tickets will go on sale starting May 31, 2008 at the CMCA Roadeo. Tickets will be 1 for $5.00 or 5 for $20.00.

The winning ticket will be drawn at the CMCA Convention, on Saturday night October 18, 2008. The winner does not need to be present to win.

We want to thank D.G. Coleman Company and the Coleman family for contributing so generously to such a great cause as the Ray Smith Scholarship fund. This benefits all of our CMCA family in furthering their education

"Fuel Management" Now Critical as Carriers Shop for Fuel Prices

Four dollar per gallon diesel is changing the way carriers purchase fuel. In the old days, drivers were often given the option of buying fuel where-ever they wanted. Now days, according to Bob Sneed, vice president of Comdata in Brentwood, TN. drivers are being routed to locations where they the carrier has a pre-negotiated discount.

DISCOUNTS -- “If you’re going to buy 100 gallons every month, nobody’s going to give you a discount,” he said. “But if you’re going to buy 10,000 gallons, you’ve got some bargaining power", pointed out Dave Rewers, VP for FleetOne, Nashville, TN. By maximizing the number of gallons purchased at each stop, carrier's are in a better position to receive discounts.

Fuel Cards have become very popular and competition between providers has intensified. Card users get a discount, pre-negotiated between card providers and fueling stations nationwide. in the case of FleetOne and Comdate, users get between 1-3 cent-a-gallon discount.

In addition, fuel-card providers are now offering additional services to show fleets how to use their services to maximize savings. "Fuel management" is now the goal. Fleets are now even hiring Fuel Management staff to track usage and optimize purchases.

T-Chek Systems, Eden Prairie, MN provides carriers with tools to show real-time visibility of its account and cards. The firm provides current retail and wholesale fuel price data from across North America.

SOFTWARE AIDS -- Software to help fleets plan trips and optimize the value of fuel purchases are gaining popularity. Not only can they minimize out-of-route miles, but they can maximize the route to include the lowest-cost fuel purchase options. Check "Expert Fuel" from ISDC Corp, Richardson, TX. This type software also can advise where various fuel cards are accepted.

Unfortunately, fuel card policies can also lead to higher driver turnover. One more aspect of driver freedom is being removed with management of the fueling decision. And ,of course, truck stops are not just for buying fuel.

Content of this article courtesy of Transport Topics. See Transport Topics (May 5, 2008) for a longer version of story.

Need to Register for Online Training?

Contact Tracy Sakaguchi, CMCA manager of member services or call (303) 433-3375.  Tracy will sign you up and provide the CMCA ID and password needed to enter the online training site.   Once you are ready, click the access button to link to the training site.

West Slope Newsletter is available here. Click above link.

CMCA Safety Awards Pictures Posted

A set of fantastic images from the recent 2008 CMCA Safety Awards Banquet have been posted here. Click on the camera image.

 

Maintenance Council Meeting Scheduled

Hybrid Transmission Technologies is the subject of the upcoming Maintenace Council Meeting on July 8th. . The session is sponsored by Eaton Corporation. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting set for 6:30 p.m. at the CMCA offices. Please RSVP by faxing this form.

2008 Roadeo Winners Named

This year’s Colorado Truck Driving Championships were a major success with 220 drivers competiting.   Some 400 spectators were at the event and 143 volunteers helped keep things rolling.  

Excellent weather kept spirts high a the Adams County fairgrounds.  Click here for a complete list of the winners for each event.   First place winners are as follows:

Straight Truck:
Thomas Holman,
USF Reddaway  

Three Axle Van:
Wade Duerksen,
USF Reddaway

Four Axle Van
Robert Williams,
Yellow Transportation

Five Axle Van
J. Craig Bonds,
Wal*Mart Transportation

Flatbed
Virgil Kruger,
Concrete Express

Tank Truck
Weldon Runnels,
Wal*Mart Transportation

Sleeper Berth
Gary Plant,
Wal*Mart Transportation

Twin Trailers
Lyle Eaton,
ConWay Freight

Leo Wozniak Professionalism Award:  Jerry Joyner, Wal*Mart Transportation

Rookie of the Year:
Frank Schiola,
USF Reddaway

Team Trophy:        
Sysco Denver