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The higher costs of trucking is the reason given by The San Diego Unified Port 
District for unanimously approving a long-term lease for Dole Fresh Fruit Co. for less money than Dole had previously paid over the past decade.
The 20.7-acre property at the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal on the northern section of the terminal, originally leased to Dole in 2002, will be available to the company until 2036 at a starting rental rate this year, plus fees of $1.8 million, down from $2 million last year. Dole said it requested the 10 percent reduction to offset higher trucking costs.
The Port District dismissed objections that the action needed more community consideration for alternate uses.
by Roger Showley, San Diego Union Tribune
FP-Performance Innovations Technology in Quebec who work alongside the Canadian Government, utilize an SAE J1321/ TMC Type II Fuel Consumption procedure to assist transport companies in identifying technologies that help improve the energy performance of vehicles. Early this summer, PIT ran such a test on Counteract Balancing Beads. The results showed a 1.6% fuel economy improvement. It should be noted that PIT has in the past tested other “self-adjusting” wheel balancers of which none have shown an influence on fuel economy.
The tests were conducted on the use of Counteract Balancing Beads patented technology that balances the complete rotating mass of tire and wheel assembly. This is presently not possible with machine balancing. Counteract’s patented technology was previously tested at the PAVE test track at Auburn University using the same SAE/TMC approved procedure and resulted in a 2.2% fuel economy improvement. These findings represent a significant savings for fleets. The return on investment on fuel consumption alone based on these tests is estimated at $20.00 saved for every $1.00 invested.
To view the test results visit www.cbbtests.com
Press Release
Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Acess America will use a new office in 
San Antonio to expand its refrigerated produce business
The third-party logistics provider is expanding its produce presence, and opened the Texas office August 1.
It is the first office for the third-party logistics service to focus on refrigerated freight, which is its fastest-growing mode. The San Antiono facility is close to Mexico and southern Texas produce, but Access America plans to use the office to handle all types of produce from throughout the USA.
The company has other offices in Atlanta; Birmingham, Ala.; Eufala, Ala.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Columbus, Ohio; Minneapolis; and Denver, but those locations handle little produce.
While I’ve written some reports suggesting caution when loading Washington state apples from the Wenachee Valley due to 
damage from a July 20 hail storm, information is now starting to come out relating to the pears from the same area. Expect pear shippers to be loading some “hail grade” pears. Appearance is affected, but eating quality should be fine. Just make sure the parties with whom you are working to deliver the load are aware of this condition to the fruit and it is noted on the bill of lading. Washington state pear shipments are expected to set a record this season volume wise.
In Michigan, produce shipments have been running early this season, not only for vegetables, but blueberries. Expect both to complete shipping a week or two ahead of schedule this summer. Michigan blueberry volume will drop significantly beginning the week of August 27th…..Expect a similar situation with “blues” coming out of Oregon and British Columbia.
In the San Luis Valley of Colorado, potato hauls should be ramping up by the end of August…Virtually all USA potato shipping areas are expecting to load more spuds during the 2012-13 shipping season.
On the East Coast, watermelon shipments have increased significantly over the past three years from Maryland and Delaware. Virginia also is shipping melons…..Expect increased loading opportunities on watermelons for the upcoming Labor Day weekend from areas ranging from West Texas to Indiana and North Carolina.
Delaware watermelons – grossing about $1100 to New York City.
Looking across the USA, there will be a lot of loading opportunities for apples, 
particularly in the west, although fewer than a several months ago before weather factors hit some orchards.
In the East, there actually should be a few more loads available for the 2012-13 season from both Pennsylvania and Virginia. No word on the New England states, but volume from there is relatively light even in good years.
New York state, particularly the central and western shipping areas took a significant hit from freezing weather earlier in the year. The Hudson Valley apparently escaped pretty much unscathed. Overall, New York state apple shipments will be down around 50 percent, estimated to be about 590 million pounds. Before the freeze, the state was looking at about 1.2 billion pounds of apples.
Poor ole Michigan took the biggest hit from freezing temperatures this year. At one time is was looking to ship 985 million pounds. Apple tonnage now is forecast at only 105 million pounds.
Washington state, which on any given year shipments about as many apples as the rest of the other states combined, also lost tonnage a few weeks ago from hail storms. However, it was on course to have record shipments. Even though that will not now happen, it still will be loading as much fruit on average, as it has over the past five seasons.
Washington’s Yakima and Wenatchee Valley apples – grossing about $5300 to New York City and Hunts Point.
Xata Corp.’s Xata Turnpike management software is now integrated with TMWSuite transportation management software from TMW Systems.
The Xata Turnpike and TMWSuite integration provides a cost-effective solution that combines the driver and fleet management tools, according to a news release.
“Our relationship with TMW Systems is very important, and we look forward to continue working with them across their various products serving the transportation industry to bring customers more cost-effective integrated solutions,” said Kirsten Lester, Xata senior integration program manager, in the release.
The Xata Turnpike and TMWSuite combines driver and fleet management tools to emphasize productivity.
TMWSuite can detect site arrival and departure events and update loads in dispatch without manual intervention, according to the release.
Xata Turnpike’s data also assists dispatchers with load planning by organizing driver availability based on available hours.
More than 2,000 Total Quality Logistics employees are using the company’s new mobile app, according to a news release.
The app gives employees of the Cincinnati -based company the ability to monitor the movement of freight from a smartphone or tablet.
The On-the-Go app was in development for several months, according to the release.
The sales staff also played a role in the design and delivery of the application.
“Our employees suggested features and functionality that really improved this app,” said George Rewick, chief information officer in the release. “It will give each and every one of them an edge because they will be able to serve their customers faster and more completely than ever before.”
California continues to work its way through the peak summer shipping season 
as much of the middle part of the country stays in the weather’s frying pan. While this may not be good for crops and livestock in the Mid-west, it is contributing to strong, steady shipments off of the West Coast.
For example, tomato shipments from USA areas such as Arkansas, Tennessee and South Carolina have been hit hard by the heat wave. This is resulting in more demand and better California loadings, whether it is tomatoes from the San Joaquin Valley, Ventura County, San Diego County, or even from Mexico’s Baja California.
Meanwhile, California should be shipping 4 to 5 million trays of strawberries weekly right on through August — mostly from the Watsonville District. During September, loading are still expected to remain strong — in the 3.5 to 4 million-tray range. While quality of strawberries has been a little up and down this year, some observers are predicing the berries will be much better the latter part of the season. That would be great not only for strawberry lovers, but for the guys and gals hauling them. Better quality should mean fewer claims or rejected loads.
There also remains mostly steady shipments of Salinas Valley vegetables, plus fruits and vegetables from throughout much of the San Joaquin Valley.
Salinas Valley produce grossing – about $7500 to New York City.
Carrier Transicold’s PrimeLine unit is the first container refrigeration system with a UL Environment validation for recyclability.
The PrimeLine unit, which is 93% recyclable, is validated by UL Environment’s Environmental Claims Validation Procedure 2789, according to the release.
PrimeLine units are made almost entirely of recyclable materials and are listed in the UL Environment’s Sustainable Product Database.
“Just as energy efficiency is important to our customers seeking the most sustainable container refrigeration solutions, so too is the recyclability of the units when they reach the end of their service life,” said David Appel, president, Carrier Transicold in the release. “The UL Environment validation assures that the PrimeLINE unit leads in recyclability, while maintaining its reputation for industry-leading performance and efficiency.”
The PrimeLine units were introduced to the market four years ago and more than 100,000 units are in service globally, according to the release.
Some of the most reasonably price fruit items in local supermarkets now are strawberries, raspberries and grapes. Apples will be 
an interesting item to watch this fall.
Strawberries have been a frustrating item at best this summer. No one likes to waste their hard earned dollars on something that doesn’t have the taste or durability (shelf life). My purchase of strawsberries have been all over the board, ranging from good (not great) to very disappointing. I tend to think labels or brands can be a bit over rated. A top brand may or may not be better than a generic fruit or even a lesser known brand. However, this year I have found Discroll brand strawberries have been more consistently good. My big disappointement has been with the Red Blossom brand. More often than not, it has left me wishing I’d left it on the supermarket shelf.
The fall strawberry crop out of California is projected to stronger this year, and growers are predicting improved quality and flavor through August and September. I hope they are right!
Another favorite of mine are raspberries. Even with the Driscoll brand, “razz” is so perishable you really need to check the clamshell package for excessive moisture from the berries — and for mold. Still, no one does a better job with raspberries than Driscoll.
Table grapes from California’s San Joaquin Valley are available and a possible record setting crop is translating into attractive retail prices. Just bought some red grapes and the high sugar content makes them oh so sweet!
Finally, apple lovers are looking forward to the new crop which is now arriving at stores. On July 20 hail storms did some significant damage to some orchards in Washington state. Still, there will be plenty of apples because Washington was poised to have a historic crop. Even though the weather damage may reduce the crop by as much as 25 percent, it was so huge, that there will still be plenty of the fruit.
Something to keep in mind. Some orchards were hit much harder than others. To save as much of their crop as possible, you could be seeing some “high grade” bags of apples in your stores. This is simply a fancy name for some fruit that is less than fancy. It is apples that have some “dimples” from minor hits by hail. These dimples will turn brown and have a russetted look. They should have a lower price because they aren’t as “pretty,” although the eating quality should still be fine.
The higher costs of trucking is the reason given by The San Diego Unified Port District for unanimously approving a long-term lease for Dole Fresh Fruit Co. for less money than Dole had previously paid over the past decade.
The 20.7-acre property at the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal on the northern section of the terminal, originally leased to Dole in 2002, will be available to the company until 2036 at a starting rental rate this year, plus fees of $1.8 million, down from $2 million last year. Dole said it requested the 10 percent reduction to offset higher trucking costs.
The Port District dismissed objections that the action needed more community consideration for alternate uses.
by Roger Showley, San Diego Union Tribune
FP-Performance Innovations Technology in Quebec who work alongside the Canadian Government, utilize an SAE J1321/ TMC Type II Fuel Consumption procedure to assist transport companies in identifying technologies that help improve the energy performance of vehicles. Early this summer, PIT ran such a test on Counteract Balancing Beads. The results showed a 1.6% fuel economy improvement. It should be noted that PIT has in the past tested other “self-adjusting” wheel balancers of which none have shown an influence on fuel economy.
The tests were conducted on the use of Counteract Balancing Beads patented technology that balances the complete rotating mass of tire and wheel assembly. This is presently not possible with machine balancing. Counteract’s patented technology was previously tested at the PAVE test track at Auburn University using the same SAE/TMC approved procedure and resulted in a 2.2% fuel economy improvement. These findings represent a significant savings for fleets. The return on investment on fuel consumption alone based on these tests is estimated at $20.00 saved for every $1.00 invested.
To view the test results visit www.cbbtests.com
Press Release
Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Acess America will use a new office in San Antonio to expand its refrigerated produce business
The third-party logistics provider is expanding its produce presence, and opened the Texas office August 1.
It is the first office for the third-party logistics service to focus on refrigerated freight, which is its fastest-growing mode. The San Antiono facility is close to Mexico and southern Texas produce, but Access America plans to use the office to handle all types of produce from throughout the USA.
The company has other offices in Atlanta; Birmingham, Ala.; Eufala, Ala.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Columbus, Ohio; Minneapolis; and Denver, but those locations handle little produce.
While I’ve written some reports suggesting caution when loading Washington state apples from the Wenachee Valley due to damage from a July 20 hail storm, information is now starting to come out relating to the pears from the same area. Expect pear shippers to be loading some “hail grade” pears. Appearance is affected, but eating quality should be fine. Just make sure the parties with whom you are working to deliver the load are aware of this condition to the fruit and it is noted on the bill of lading. Washington state pear shipments are expected to set a record this season volume wise.
In Michigan, produce shipments have been running early this season, not only for vegetables, but blueberries. Expect both to complete shipping a week or two ahead of schedule this summer. Michigan blueberry volume will drop significantly beginning the week of August 27th…..Expect a similar situation with “blues” coming out of Oregon and British Columbia.
In the San Luis Valley of Colorado, potato hauls should be ramping up by the end of August…Virtually all USA potato shipping areas are expecting to load more spuds during the 2012-13 shipping season.
On the East Coast, watermelon shipments have increased significantly over the past three years from Maryland and Delaware. Virginia also is shipping melons…..Expect increased loading opportunities on watermelons for the upcoming Labor Day weekend from areas ranging from West Texas to Indiana and North Carolina.
Delaware watermelons – grossing about $1100 to New York City.
Looking across the USA, there will be a lot of loading opportunities for apples, particularly in the west, although fewer than a several months ago before weather factors hit some orchards.
In the East, there actually should be a few more loads available for the 2012-13 season from both Pennsylvania and Virginia. No word on the New England states, but volume from there is relatively light even in good years.
New York state, particularly the central and western shipping areas took a significant hit from freezing weather earlier in the year. The Hudson Valley apparently escaped pretty much unscathed. Overall, New York state apple shipments will be down around 50 percent, estimated to be about 590 million pounds. Before the freeze, the state was looking at about 1.2 billion pounds of apples.
Poor ole Michigan took the biggest hit from freezing temperatures this year. At one time is was looking to ship 985 million pounds. Apple tonnage now is forecast at only 105 million pounds.
Washington state, which on any given year shipments about as many apples as the rest of the other states combined, also lost tonnage a few weeks ago from hail storms. However, it was on course to have record shipments. Even though that will not now happen, it still will be loading as much fruit on average, as it has over the past five seasons.
Washington’s Yakima and Wenatchee Valley apples – grossing about $5300 to New York City and Hunts Point.
Xata Corp.’s Xata Turnpike management software is now integrated with TMWSuite transportation management software from TMW Systems.
The Xata Turnpike and TMWSuite integration provides a cost-effective solution that combines the driver and fleet management tools, according to a news release.
“Our relationship with TMW Systems is very important, and we look forward to continue working with them across their various products serving the transportation industry to bring customers more cost-effective integrated solutions,” said Kirsten Lester, Xata senior integration program manager, in the release.
The Xata Turnpike and TMWSuite combines driver and fleet management tools to emphasize productivity.
TMWSuite can detect site arrival and departure events and update loads in dispatch without manual intervention, according to the release.
Xata Turnpike’s data also assists dispatchers with load planning by organizing driver availability based on available hours.
More than 2,000 Total Quality Logistics employees are using the company’s new mobile app, according to a news release.
The app gives employees of the Cincinnati -based company the ability to monitor the movement of freight from a smartphone or tablet.
The On-the-Go app was in development for several months, according to the release.
The sales staff also played a role in the design and delivery of the application.
“Our employees suggested features and functionality that really improved this app,” said George Rewick, chief information officer in the release. “It will give each and every one of them an edge because they will be able to serve their customers faster and more completely than ever before.”
California continues to work its way through the peak summer shipping season as much of the middle part of the country stays in the weather’s frying pan. While this may not be good for crops and livestock in the Mid-west, it is contributing to strong, steady shipments off of the West Coast.
For example, tomato shipments from USA areas such as Arkansas, Tennessee and South Carolina have been hit hard by the heat wave. This is resulting in more demand and better California loadings, whether it is tomatoes from the San Joaquin Valley, Ventura County, San Diego County, or even from Mexico’s Baja California.
Meanwhile, California should be shipping 4 to 5 million trays of strawberries weekly right on through August — mostly from the Watsonville District. During September, loading are still expected to remain strong — in the 3.5 to 4 million-tray range. While quality of strawberries has been a little up and down this year, some observers are predicing the berries will be much better the latter part of the season. That would be great not only for strawberry lovers, but for the guys and gals hauling them. Better quality should mean fewer claims or rejected loads.
There also remains mostly steady shipments of Salinas Valley vegetables, plus fruits and vegetables from throughout much of the San Joaquin Valley.
Salinas Valley produce grossing – about $7500 to New York City.
Carrier Transicold’s PrimeLine unit is the first container refrigeration system with a UL Environment validation for recyclability.
The PrimeLine unit, which is 93% recyclable, is validated by UL Environment’s Environmental Claims Validation Procedure 2789, according to the release.
PrimeLine units are made almost entirely of recyclable materials and are listed in the UL Environment’s Sustainable Product Database.
“Just as energy efficiency is important to our customers seeking the most sustainable container refrigeration solutions, so too is the recyclability of the units when they reach the end of their service life,” said David Appel, president, Carrier Transicold in the release. “The UL Environment validation assures that the PrimeLINE unit leads in recyclability, while maintaining its reputation for industry-leading performance and efficiency.”
The PrimeLine units were introduced to the market four years ago and more than 100,000 units are in service globally, according to the release.
Some of the most reasonably price fruit items in local supermarkets now are strawberries, raspberries and grapes. Apples will be an interesting item to watch this fall.
Strawberries have been a frustrating item at best this summer. No one likes to waste their hard earned dollars on something that doesn’t have the taste or durability (shelf life). My purchase of strawsberries have been all over the board, ranging from good (not great) to very disappointing. I tend to think labels or brands can be a bit over rated. A top brand may or may not be better than a generic fruit or even a lesser known brand. However, this year I have found Discroll brand strawberries have been more consistently good. My big disappointement has been with the Red Blossom brand. More often than not, it has left me wishing I’d left it on the supermarket shelf.
The fall strawberry crop out of California is projected to stronger this year, and growers are predicting improved quality and flavor through August and September. I hope they are right!
Another favorite of mine are raspberries. Even with the Driscoll brand, “razz” is so perishable you really need to check the clamshell package for excessive moisture from the berries — and for mold. Still, no one does a better job with raspberries than Driscoll.
Table grapes from California’s San Joaquin Valley are available and a possible record setting crop is translating into attractive retail prices. Just bought some red grapes and the high sugar content makes them oh so sweet!
Finally, apple lovers are looking forward to the new crop which is now arriving at stores. On July 20 hail storms did some significant damage to some orchards in Washington state. Still, there will be plenty of apples because Washington was poised to have a historic crop. Even though the weather damage may reduce the crop by as much as 25 percent, it was so huge, that there will still be plenty of the fruit.
Something to keep in mind. Some orchards were hit much harder than others. To save as much of their crop as possible, you could be seeing some “high grade” bags of apples in your stores. This is simply a fancy name for some fruit that is less than fancy. It is apples that have some “dimples” from minor hits by hail. These dimples will turn brown and have a russetted look. They should have a lower price because they aren’t as “pretty,” although the eating quality should still be fine.