Auto Transport Industry News - Archives

August 2008

July was a busy month over at the US Department of Transportation. The FMCSA is continuing its fight to eliminate unethical moving companies in its efforts to protect consumers. Recently the Carrier safety administration is investigating nearly 350 moving companies within the US. For a list of these companies and more on this story please visit the FMCSA news release.

Assistant administrator Rose Mc Murray alos spoke in front of the house committed on the state of transportation and its infrastructure this month. One of her main concerns addressed was the physical qualifications for CDL drivers and increasing regulations.

July 2008

Taking center stage in the transport industry for July is the the economy from the combined effects of the housing market and record oil highs, last month. It has forced some transporters off the road and made it hard for others making it hard to stay profitable. Many consumers are feeling a sticker shock, when they see the price of their auto transport. Especially those who have transported a car in the past and see vast differences in the costs.

The good news is as in all downturns in the economy we are now looking for a bottom as some experts think it may be in sight and oil prices could actually retreat, making it easier to return to doing business profitably.

June 2008

It's June and moving season is upon us. The federal government has created a helpful brochure explaining valuation and insurance options for items you are transporting and moving. Its helps explain if in the event of damaged or lost items what the movers are responsible for and how much the consumer would be compensated depending on the insurance options.

In other news topping the transport industry, is the high price of fuel (still). Is there any relief for transporters? While some experts agree that oil has reached its peak last week, at over $130 per barrel and should descend from hear, other argue that the high oil prices and even higher prices are here to stay.

May 2008

The effect of even higher gas prices on transportation companies and consumers, is the major headlines this month in transport news (once again). Many companies are really feeling the effect of gas prices and the consumers wallet. However in the car transport business it is a catch 22 always for the consumer. The cost to drive the vehicle themselves is not too much better of an option. For instance, to transport an 8 cylinder sedan 500 miles to transport is an average of $550 dollars. To drive that same vehicle yourself in fuel cost would be roughly 2.5 fill ups at the pump and cost you over $240 dollars. Than factor in the confidence of not driving or food and hotel costs (if needed). Where transportation fuel spikes really take there tool is the airline industry. Truckers & brokers can pass of the increases in fuel to the consumers which is less felt on an 9, 10 car carrier.

April 2008

The economy and the cost of diesel take the headlines this month. Economists no longer question whether or not we are in a recession anymore, but just how long it will last. The cost of fuel always has questionable effects to the industry. While it drives up the price of transport and carrier costs, it should equal out as those are passed to the consumer. Also theory is less people are apt to drive the car themselves if gas prices cost are too high. It may make more sense to hire a professional auto shipping company.

For those auto carriers interested there is a webinar being offered by transport topics online about optimizing your fleets fuel savings on April 10th at 1:30 PM EDT.

March 2008

The auto transportation industry gears up for the busiest time of year as consumers wind up for there summer plans. Some transporters are forecasting this years busy season to be a bit slower than recent years as fears of a recession, or a downturn in in the economy, which may effect consumer decisions.

Adding to the news, the cost of fuel is higher again, which also clamps down on companies as well as the US consumer. Its been all quiet at the FMCSA and since the cross border approved motor carriers project, new no other significant news to report.

February 2008

The biggest news for the industry is the economy and its effects on the industry - mostly in the form of you guessed it high fuel prices. Reports estimate that transporters are paying an average of .50 cents per gallon for fuel compared to last year. Also talks of whether the country is in a recession or not, predicts a lower consumer spending in at least the first 3 quarters of 08.

Other industry news this month are with a new year comes the 2008 auto shows, which are always a nice boost for auto transport brokers & carriers bottom line as car collectors and auto manufacturers scurry to get their automobiles to auctions and the 08 car shows.

January 2008

Happy 2008 to The Transport Industry!

The FMCSA has voted on an interim final rule regarding hours of service for commercial motor vehicle transporters. The decision allows up to 11 hours of driving time and a 14 hour window with at least 10 hours of rest/ non driving time. This ruling is in effect from 12/27/07.

In other transport industry news crude oil hits $100 dollars a barrel and diesel gains to $3.46 per gallon which is an increase of almost 4 cents. Overseas news and demand as cold fronts hit the United States played a factor.

December 2007

Another year, looking back at transport 2007

Topping the headlines again this year in the auto transport industry was yep, you guessed it, fuel prices. With oil topping 100 dollars a barrel, carriers were feeling it, as profit margins were squeezed. It seems like fuel prices are backing off at the writing of this article.

The good news is for many consumers and businesses shipping their vehicles, when fuel prices are high, driving isn't a very attractive alternative. Also truck builders continue to look for better ways to make their equipment more fuel efficient to benefiting the trucking company as well as the environment. It looks as though many manufactures are actually making great strides in this department.

In other 2007 transport headlines, there were some changes in cross border trucking and hours of service. We would like to all of our visitors and subscribers, and have a wonderful holiday season and prosperous new year in 2008!

November 2007

We often get questions with the dollar now lower about the rules and regulations for importing cars. For a clear and detailed answers visit the transportation safety administration. This information can also be found on our international car transport FAQ pages.

In other news oil prices continued to soar with oil reaching over $96 dollars a barrel. We have yet to fell it at the pump but industry experts say its coming and expect gas prices to reach well over $3 dollars, thus increasing the prices of carrier costs and vehicle shipping rates.

October 2007

In regards to the hours of service changes and petition filed by the american trucking association, FMCSA Administrator John Hill handed down the following statement that seeks a stay period of 12 months on the new ruling.

Also in regards to cross border trucking decision changes by the U.S. Department of Transportation cleared a 3rd Mexican trucking company for transport last Monday. More information can be found on the US Department of Transportation Briefing Web site.

Transporters can look forward to perhaps better cell phone integration GPS and mapping software as Nokia purchases Navteq for $8.1 billion dollars. Navteq also owns Traffic.com, which many transport companies use for logistics planning.

September 2007

In transport news this month a petition has been filed regarding the new hours of service policy by the FMCSA slated to start on the 14th of this month. The petition was filed by the ATA (american trucking association). The basis of the petition is that if the new hours of service go into effect it will disrupt supply changes as well as impact the carriers financially.

With labor day 2007 now behind us winter weather is on its way. There are many helpful weather sites that can prepare auto transporters for driving conditions and what mother nature has in store to help avoid vehicle delivery delays.

August 2007

After the bridge collapse tragedy in Minnesota transportation Mary Peters orders all states to inspect steel truss bridges. According to the federal Highway Administration there are 756 within the US.

Also in transport industry news this month the FMCSA hours of service for drivers is still being viewed and the new policy does not go into effect until September 14, 2007 unless the court decides otherwise.

As always in the industry news oil & gas prices make the headlines with oil reaching high of over $77 dollars a barrel. For more on that story visit http://news.yahoo.com/fc/Business/Oil_and_Gas

July 2007

According to transport topics online ( ttnews.com ) major publicly traded trucking companies shares rose recently due to the continued demands of truck transport.

From the the Federal Carrier Motor Safety Administration in Washington D.C.,has improved but according to the transportation's inspector general, not quite ready for prime time yet.

In July gas prices continue to rise as oil as of July 5th could top over $74.00 per barrel on international concerns. For the month of June gas prices fluctuated as reflected in rates of auto transport.

June 2007

Note to transporters: In May, The Federal Carrier Safety Administration moved its offices. The new address is 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590.

Also in transport news this month the FMSCA administrator goes before the senate to discuss safety and security issues with an emphasis on HOS. The main focus is the installation of electronic recorders for companies who have the worst hours of service records. More on the story can be found on the site at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/testimony/tst-050107.htm. Other topics of interest are according to transport topics, the DOT reported truck related injuries and fatalities was the lowest in 2006 since 02.

May 2007

Again taking headlines this month are the rising costs of fuel and its anticipated to go much higher for the summer driving season, which will effect transport prices as well. From more on diesel costs across the country visit http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp. Also making headlines in transportation are the trucking provisions mentioned last month regarding cross border motor carriers. The FMCSA initiated Mexico based motor carriers to operate safely in the US.

April 2007

In March The FMCSA Heads Discussed the NAFTA and trucking provisions including cross border trucking & transport and free trade. More on the meeting can be found here on the fmcsa site http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/testimony/tst-031307.htm .

Also as usual gas prices are in the news as Transport Topics reports that crude oil tops $64 dollars per barrel in March, effecting the trucking industry and pricing.

March 2007

After a 4 week straight rise in gas prices and we get ready for the busy 2007 spring and summer transportation season, there could be some good news on gas prices on the horizon. The United States Congress is trying to pass anti gouging laws. If the law is passed it could be a big relief for transportation companies and ultimately consumers.

February 2007

On January 11th, the USDOT anounced that they are cracking down and getting more serious about their hours of operation laws and repeat offenders. Their plan is to install recording devices in trucking companies who have several HOS violations.

January 2007

Happy New Year!

The safety progress transport report has been updated for 2006 Also for new auto mover and moving companyies there are some good company guidance help located here http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/registration/new-entrant.htm.

DECEMBER 2006

Looking Back at Transport 2006

Topping the headlines, not only for the auto transportation industry but nearly all news is obviously the high cost fuel this year. It definitely had an effect on transport brokers, carriers pricing and the whole industry. Now with prices stabilized we hope, it may be time to strategies your company and how to be more efficient next time a fuel crunch is in play. Truck makers themselves are a good place to start and they have. It looks like many manufactures ar looking at building more fuel efficient and aerodynamic trucks and carriers. For the most part it was generally pretty quiet @ the FMCSA this year. We thank you all for your readership and wish you and your families a Wonderful Holiday Season!