I just wanted to let everyone know that Perkins participated in the Hamilton Town Center's Touch-A-Truck event this past Saturday. There were many children and their parents that attended the 3 hour event and it looked like everyone had a great time even though it was hot. There were several companies represented there but I can honestly say Dick McCorckle's freight liner and our recruiting trailer looked great and were very popular with the kids as well as the adults. The Noblesville Fire and Police Departments also had vehicles there. There was face painting and a coloring contest along with "Radio Disney" as well as the kids getting to be able to get in the trucks and look around, and yes they blew their big air horns repetitively!!
- Kevin Anderson, Director Of Safety at Perkins Specialized Transportation
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Demand for more Drivers!
A state of logistics report put out by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals on June 9, 2010 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. had some good news for the unemployed this week: "the U.S. trucking industry will need to hire about 200,000 truck drivers by the end of 2010, and will need to add another 200,000 drivers by the end of next year." *
Thanks to a recent upswing in the economy in the past few months, there has been a reduction in the number of applicants and a smaller work-force pool to choose from, which has led to the demand for more drivers. Wilson's report, "The Great Freight Recession" said: "the economy is showing stronger signs of recovery as we move into the second half of 2010." Wilson also pointed out that following a recession, growth in the freight industry goes up by about 10 percent.*
As of now, the demand for truckers is there and will continue to be for the next one to two years -- at least until these 400,000 positions are filled with the economy driving the demand. "How much of a driver shortage we have will depend on how much the economy picks up," Wilson says*
Perkins is seeing these same indications as our customers across the country continue to have increased volumes weekly. We entered our “busy season” about 60 days earlier than in previous years. This supports all the reports that we see about our industry and we project a very busy summer for our drivers!
*Information obtained from article posted on aol.com by Gwen Parks
Thanks to a recent upswing in the economy in the past few months, there has been a reduction in the number of applicants and a smaller work-force pool to choose from, which has led to the demand for more drivers. Wilson's report, "The Great Freight Recession" said: "the economy is showing stronger signs of recovery as we move into the second half of 2010." Wilson also pointed out that following a recession, growth in the freight industry goes up by about 10 percent.*
As of now, the demand for truckers is there and will continue to be for the next one to two years -- at least until these 400,000 positions are filled with the economy driving the demand. "How much of a driver shortage we have will depend on how much the economy picks up," Wilson says*
Perkins is seeing these same indications as our customers across the country continue to have increased volumes weekly. We entered our “busy season” about 60 days earlier than in previous years. This supports all the reports that we see about our industry and we project a very busy summer for our drivers!
*Information obtained from article posted on aol.com by Gwen Parks
Monday, May 3, 2010
Electronic Hours of Service!
Perkins Specialized will be taking implementing Qualcomm's "Hours of Service" next month! This will help our transportation software better understand the best possible match of driver and load based upon the driver's available hours and the time restrictions on available freight booked!
By leveraging "Hours of Service" we plan to also maintain regulatory compliance and reduce potential violations that occur with today's "Paper Logs". No more losing paper logs, no more using a ruler to create straight lines! We will also be installing the EOBR sticker on our trucks which will help during roadside inspections! We will be able to hand the QualComm unit over to the official or even fax the logs to their office if necessary!
By leveraging "Hours of Service" we plan to also maintain regulatory compliance and reduce potential violations that occur with today's "Paper Logs". No more losing paper logs, no more using a ruler to create straight lines! We will also be installing the EOBR sticker on our trucks which will help during roadside inspections! We will be able to hand the QualComm unit over to the official or even fax the logs to their office if necessary!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Welcome to 2010!
As a result of in an in depth analysis of our operational procedures and running lanes, numerous changes have been, and will continue to be, implemented to improve our efficiency. These changes will also result in better utilization and more efficiency for our contractors as well as reduce contractor operating cost.
New target goals have been put in place with regard to empty miles vs loaded miles which will significantly reduce empty miles. Shipper and consignee points have been reviewed and lanes that have shown to be inefficient or unprofitable are being revisited by the sales team to get increases in rates or are being eliminated.
The goal is to right size the fleet with the best contractors and match them up with the best loads possible to maximize profitability for Perkins and our contractors.
New target goals have been put in place with regard to empty miles vs loaded miles which will significantly reduce empty miles. Shipper and consignee points have been reviewed and lanes that have shown to be inefficient or unprofitable are being revisited by the sales team to get increases in rates or are being eliminated.
The goal is to right size the fleet with the best contractors and match them up with the best loads possible to maximize profitability for Perkins and our contractors.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thank you!
Perkins would like to thank our Customers for their business and support throughout this very challenging year. In 2009, we witnessed many changes in our business, your business and the many industries we serve. These changes challenged us all to “think outside the box” for ways to improve service, reduce expenses, yet remain profitable. We have weaved our way through multiple obstacles and have become more innovative and lean in an effort to stay competitive and bring value to your logistics network. Though these changes were necessary and at times painful, we remain committed to provide the service you and your customers have come to expect from Perkins.
Thank you again for your continued support and we would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thank you again for your continued support and we would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Looking Bright for the New Year!
Perkins has been awarded a sizable roll out for Dicks Sporting goods 156 loads this is for store remodels starting the first week of January. This along with many other upticks in store fixtures accounts is a good indication that things are looking up. Between the new business that we have and the roll outs that we have been awarded 2010 looks to be a promising new year! We look forward to all new adventures and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Perkins Drivers Prepare for Winter Driving!
At Perkins, we have begun preparing for safe winter driving by following these 10 simple rules:
1. Radiators require proper winter coolant. Also, make sure there are no leaks.
2. Tires need to have good tread depth. Balding tires reduce starting traction by 30 - 50%.
3. Wiper blades must be in good condition to sweep snow and sleet off the windshield. If new blades are installed, check the arm pressure to ensure effective operation.
4. Heater and defroster, when functioning at their full capacity, will keep your windshield clear and you and your passengers warm.
5. Lights are particularly important in winter weather to ensure that you are clearly visible to other drivers. Be sure both headlights work on upper and lower beams, and are correctly adjusted. Check that stop, tail, clearance lights and directional signals work properly
and are clean.
6. Brakes need to be in top condition to provide uniform braking.
7. Muffler and exhaust system should be in good condition and tightly fitted so carbon monoxide does not seep into the interior of the vehicle where it could cause serious illness or death to the
driver or occupants.
8. Battery – cold weather lowers battery power – make sure yours is in good condition, and in case it is necessary, know the proper procedure for using a booster battery.
9. Fifth Wheel Lubrication – for tractor-trailer combinations, make sure a winter grade of lubricant is used on the fifth wheel. Some heavy summer grades of lubricant at low temperatures become too heavy and interfere with steering on slippery surfaces.
10. Windows and mirrors – windows should be cleaned to ensure good visibility. Mirrors also should be kept adjusted and clean for good visibility to the rear.
1. Radiators require proper winter coolant. Also, make sure there are no leaks.
2. Tires need to have good tread depth. Balding tires reduce starting traction by 30 - 50%.
3. Wiper blades must be in good condition to sweep snow and sleet off the windshield. If new blades are installed, check the arm pressure to ensure effective operation.
4. Heater and defroster, when functioning at their full capacity, will keep your windshield clear and you and your passengers warm.
5. Lights are particularly important in winter weather to ensure that you are clearly visible to other drivers. Be sure both headlights work on upper and lower beams, and are correctly adjusted. Check that stop, tail, clearance lights and directional signals work properly
and are clean.
6. Brakes need to be in top condition to provide uniform braking.
7. Muffler and exhaust system should be in good condition and tightly fitted so carbon monoxide does not seep into the interior of the vehicle where it could cause serious illness or death to the
driver or occupants.
8. Battery – cold weather lowers battery power – make sure yours is in good condition, and in case it is necessary, know the proper procedure for using a booster battery.
9. Fifth Wheel Lubrication – for tractor-trailer combinations, make sure a winter grade of lubricant is used on the fifth wheel. Some heavy summer grades of lubricant at low temperatures become too heavy and interfere with steering on slippery surfaces.
10. Windows and mirrors – windows should be cleaned to ensure good visibility. Mirrors also should be kept adjusted and clean for good visibility to the rear.
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