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The name Yellow Transportation is familiar to many companies that have dealt with FTL or LTL shipping. Many others have seen a truck on the roadways that said Yellow but was quite noticeably orange in color. However, there is a specific motivation behind this choice (as opposed to it being the result of miscommunication or color blindness). All the way back in 1929, a study was performed by freight shipment and transportation magnate A.J. Harrell (the founder of the Yellow Cab and Transit Company) and Dupont to determine what color vehicles would be the most noticeable and visible when traversing U.S. highways. The color that earned that distinction had the rather evocative name “swamp holly berry”, a notably orange shade. That became the official color that set Yellow apart from other FTL and LTL freight carriers. Now known as YRC, the orange doesn’t seem quite so out of place.

UPS, logistics and global freight shipping service company, has announced a plan to cut the carbon emissions of its airline by an additional 20% by 2020, accounting for a total reduction of 42% since 1990. The aircraft plan is the first of several carbon reduction goals that UPS plans to execute in the coming years, according to the company’s press release.

In the latest edition of UPS’s Sustainability Report, UPS Chairman and CEO Scott Davis writes, “We believe this is important not just for UPS but also for our customers and society. The fact is that customers rely on the transportation and logistics industry as part of their supply chains. They need accurate information from the industry in order to calculate their own CO2 inventories and report them to the public. For that reason, we advocate full disclosure (Scopes 1, 2 and 3) for the entire transportation and logistics industry.”

In order to achieve its 2020 airline goals, UPS plans to invest in additional fuel-efficient aircraft types and engines, fuel-saving operational initiatives, and the introduction of biofuels.

Whether you need domestic air transportation or regional warehousing and distribution, getting a freight quote online should be fairly simple these days. Today’s most notable carriers offer interactive software that allows you to do everything from request quotes to track your shipments online. Before you choose a carrier for all of your shipping needs, make sure that the company offers the following tools on their website.

Freight Quotes: By using a quick and easy tool, you should be able to request rates for domestic, transborder, air freight, and ocean freight shipments directly online.

Pickup and Booking schedules: The carrier should have an online tool that allows you to view your scheduled pick-ups and book international ocean freight online. In addition, you should have access to tracking software that enables you to track your shipments in real-time.

Warehouse management: The carrier should also offer real-time information about inventory locations, availability, and transaction history.

If you’re thinking about pursuing national or local truck driving jobs, you may be wondering if attending truck driving school is worth the cost of tuition—often between $3,000 and $7,000 for independent schools. Drivers all over the country attend these schools in preparation for everything from Washington to Alabama truck driving jobs. Truck driving schools help students obtain their CDLs, get certified, practice their skills, and learn relevant concepts both in the classroom and in the field. Some may also help students find externships with trucking companies and/or offer job-placement services.

However, just like with any school, there may be certain drawbacks. A high student-to-instructor ratio or a high student-to-truck ratio can raise the learning curve. The higher the ratio, the greater the strain on the instructor and the less likely that any one student will have all of his or her questions answered. More students per truck also mean that students will probably have to alternate driving time. You may wait several hours before it’s your turn to drive.

Length of training is another important consideration. On average, most drivers need four to six weeks of instruction in order to qualify as a safe entry-level driver. Schools that promise certification in only two weeks should be given a careful look.

Some schools may also say that they guarantee job placement upon graduation. Be wary of any school that makes this guarantee. The focus of the school is training, not placing students in Illinois truck driving jobs, for example. 

In the end, the question of whether the cost of truck driving school is justified by the result depends on the individual, however. If you have no or limited truck driving experience, a school with low student-to-instructor and student-to-truck ratios, certification programs, and classroom and driving instruction may be able to help you become more attractive to potential employers. If you have many years of direct experience, you may be better off focusing your efforts on truck driving job websites and trade publications for employment.

To enjoy a boat to the fullest, buyers want to be sure they are informed about the warranty on the boat and its parts. Owners should fully understand the warranty that comes with the purchase of a boat, including details such as when and if the warranty covers outboard repair or other needs that may arise. The following tips may be helpful to consumers considering or ready to make a purchase of a new or used boat:

Factory-backed Warranties: Some warranties are factory-backed, and others are not. When a warranty is factory backed, should any problems arise during the contract period, owners can deal with authorized dealers rather than separate underwriters.

Parts Warranties: Always ask about the warranty of parts. Even for reliable brands like Johnson parts, occasionally things can go wrong. In addition, don’t assume that all brands have the same warranties for their parts. For example, Mercruiser parts may have a different warranty than the same part made by a different manufacturer. Always ask before buying.

Warranty Transfers: Some dealers offer a warranty transfer only for the first resale. In this case, if the second owner also decides to sell the boat, the warranty is no longer valid. Many buyers prefer warranties that cover additional transfers. Buyers who want specifics, such as how the coverage applies to specific companies and parts, such as a Mercury engine or other parts, should ask the dealer.

When you make an investment in a boat, take steps to ensure peace of mind later. Be informed of your choices, and make the ones that best match your personal budget and propensity for risk. While a seven-year extended warranty on a boat offers a lot of reassurance, not everyone needs this type of coverage.

For most people, an RV or motorhome is the second largest investment, after a house, that they will ever make. With that in mind, it’s best to approach buying an RV the way you would approach buying a home. The key to a successful buying experience is doing your research beforehand. If you’ve never traveled in an RV, this is the first order of business. Then, talk to friends who own RV or join Internet forums where you can ask questions. The Internet has done a lot for the RV-buying process. Websites such as Go RV Dealers that provide information about everything from fifth wheel dealers to travel trailer dealers can also be a valuable resource.

Buyers know that price of a new vehicle depreciates the moment it leaves the lot. This is not always so with used vehicles, including motorhomes, especially for consumers who research the blue book value and the vehicle’s history prior to buying. For these reasons, many buyers feel that the best RV value can be found in a used motorhome. Even so, some used RVs are overpriced, and others are underpriced. Buyers should consider all of their options and check out several deals before deciding which to pursue.

Some RV rental companies have a policy of removing rental vehicles from the lot once the age of the vehicle reaches two years. The company then sells the vehicle at a highly discounted priced, despite that the age of the vehicle may be only two years. Many buyers only look to used rental vehicles for their purchases due to the upkeep and newness of these motorhomes, and the fact that many are still under warranty.

Another option some buyers look for is buying a used bank owned rv. As with a home, when the buyer of a motorhome does not meet his or her payments, the bank can reposses the vehicle. When this happens, the bank often agrees to sell the vehicle for even less than the outstanding amount on the loan. Buyers who seek out these motorhomes can often buy motorhomes at surprisingly low prices.
Of course, not every used RV is correctly priced! Potential RV buyers should check out each and every buying option to be sure they find the method that most closely matches their needs. Knowing the market and RV blue book value can go a long way in getting a great deal on a used motorhome.