Load locks: an essential tool. Load locks are used in the trucking industry to secure cargo while in transit; they are telescoping bars that have ratcheting mechanisms inside, and are typically constructed out of steel or aluminum. To set a load lock in place, you telescope the bar until the ends of the device connect with the walls or floor and the ceiling; you then flip the tension handle to lock the device in place.
The use of load locks is a topic we regularly review; there are many tips surrounding the use of these devices that can... Read More
Communication is one of the most important components of any load. In the refrigerated produce industry, it is essential that load details are communicated clearly up and down the supply chain. Supply chain efficiencies are achieved when there is clear and ongoing communication between all interested parties.
So with that in mind, we have two new developments to announce here at UWC!
1. Evening Dispatch - We now have an evening dispatch staff operating out of the office! As a part of the Customer Service Department, they receive and reply to Customer and Carrier phone calls and emails and... Read More
Greetings from the UWC Carrier Relations Department! Our fully staffed and bilingual department is dedicated to assisting our valued carrier partners, from administering paperwork, managing finances, assisting with claims resolution, and advising on any special insurance or regulatory requirements. Today, we would like to share with you a new rule that recently came into place that will impact customers and carriers alike:
New Hours-of-Service (HOS) Final Rule
The Hours of Service of Drivers Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2011. The new rule by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration... Read More
Let’s get the New Year started with the right temp!! Although it’s cold outside for most of us and we are eagerly awaiting the return of those sunny & warm days, we can control some of the temperatures we deal with on a daily basis. That’s right, the setting of reefer running temperatures!!!
This is a topic we like to revisit on a regular basis, as the impact of improper reefer temperature settings and operations can be severe. So, let’s review:
The Basics:
- All refrigerated trailer units have a SET POINT; this sets the temperature inside the unit, and... Read More
Now (unbelievably!!) in our first week of 2012, it’s time to take stock and review 2011. It was, as always, an eventful year for the trucking and produce industries. In particular, there have been many factors that have affected truck movement, availability, and capacity. Most notably, 2011 will probably go down in history as what many are calling the turning point in the regulation of the trucking industry. Below, some of the key issues that we highlighted in 2011:
The Economy – the US economy continued its slow growth, but unemployment remained high. There was however, enough economic growth... Read More
2011: what a year!!! Many new faces and going new places, and we all can say that we have much to be grateful for during this eventful year in the refrigerated produce transportation industry, and are looking forward to continued success for our Customer and Carrier Partners.
Once again this year, we have decided to offer our best wishes by way of a charitable donation to families through the North Shore Christmas Bureau as our way of contributing to those less fortunate. This, along with our year round support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation BC/Yukon Region, helps... Read More
Busy week here at UWC! Yesterday, we held our first annual gingerbread people decorating contest. There were 10 teams in total, and each person had their own gingerbread to decorate; then a vote was cast.
And the winners were… the Coconut Team!!! Here, a sample of their work:
A great job was done by everyone! Today, the festivities continue with a Secret Santa gift swap!!!!
Winter road conditions are in full effect, especially in the Pacific North West. Rain, sleet, black ice, slush, and snow are going to be regular road conditions for this winter season. As drivers know, these are especially prevalent on mountain passes.
Below some tips on how to be prepared for winter driving conditions:
Make sure to do a pre-trip inspection before each trip. Although this is a year round recommendation, this is even more important during the winter months.
Clear the snow and ice from your tractor and trailer to ensure good visibility, check tires, wiper blades, lights, and fluids.
Pack... Read More
The second shipment of UWC pulp temperature thermometers have arrived at TC Trans in Blaine, WA!
A pulp temperature thermometer is one of the most necessary items in a driver’s toolkit, along with a pen, notepad, and camera equipped mobile phone. A pulp temperature thermometer is a mandatory tool for all produce loads; All UWC loads MUST be pulped at pickup and delivery!
Pulp at Pickups
As per our Carrier Loading Guidelines, UWC instructs each and every driver to, at the point of loading, pulp the product that they are picking up and record the temperature on the bill of... Read More
For a few years now, the California Environmental Protection Agency has been working on initiatives to reduce climate changing emissions from tractor-trailers and refrigerated trailer units. UWC has been closely monitoring all initiatives in order to provide information and updates to our followers, which can be found published in various posts on this blog, and in various editions of our monthly newsletter The Road Ahead.
Today, we are focusing on facts related to Tractor-Trailer Greenhouse Gas Regulations and the US Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay Transport Partnership Program.
What is the purpose of the regulation?
The CA Air Resources Board has... Read More
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