We tend to agree with FleetOwner in defining new technologies like SaaS as important to helping logistics providers realize efficiencies and provide more value to their companies. In this story, FleetOwner outlines why technology is important.  

Trucking tonnage has increased in the last few months, with April showing an almost 10% improvement over the previous year. As reported by NPR, this is good news for a trucking industry that has seen some difficult times.

We posted earlier about how fuel economy depends on measurements to be effective. The same goes for measuring carbon emissions, which can have a significant impact on how a carrier is evaluated in its efforts to reduce carbon output.

In this story, FleetOwner highlights the complexities of measuring fuel economy improvements in trucking relative to the newly-passed executive mandate. Simply put, because trucks are designed and utilized to move freight more efficiently, measuring their fuel economy isn't simple matter of looking at MPGs.

FleetOwner magazine has released their 2010 Annual Graphics Awards finalists, and they're all impressive examples of how truck graphics can impact a carrier's brand awareness while conveying a specific message. Free registration is required, but it's worth it. 

According the DC Velocity, the first six months of 2010 have shown some improvements for transportation, but the future remains uncertain. For all modes, including maritime, air freight, rail and intermodal, and trucking, volumes continue to improve over 2009. Questions remain about future activity, and issues such as staffing will remains issues well into 2011.

The American Trucking Association (ATA) is looking for nominations for the 2011-2012 America's Road Team, which is made up of professional drivers who take part in a variety of community outreach programs aimed at highlighting the industry's commitment to safety. If you have any drivers you'd like to nominate, then go to www.americasroadteam.com and complete the form.

Cheetah will be exhibiting at the upcoming eyefortransport 3PL Summit in Atlanta, GA on June 21-23, 2010. We'll be in Booth #16, and would love for you to stop by. If you're not planning to attend the Summit, perhaps you should reconsider. Go here for more information.

The Department of Energy released a report this week predicting that demand and supply pressures will cause oil prices to exceed $108/barrel by 2020. According to the ATA:

The economic rebound will push demand, which will continue to climb as prices rise to $133 a barrel by 2035, DOE’s Energy Information Administration said in its yearly International Energy Outlook.

We're excited to announce that Greg Confer has joined Cheetah as Vice President of Business and Logistics Solutions. Greg is a 20-year veteran of the transportation industry with experience in trucking, warehousing, and logistics, and he brings new insights to Cheetah in how best to help transportation and logistics companies move more goods with fewer miles driven.