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There are still efforts in Congress to increase the gross weight limits for trucks.
One piece of legislation is the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (H.R. 763). This bill would allow increasing the weight limit from the current 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds.
Proponets of heavier trucks claim it will reduce greenhouse gases, ease what they see as an upcoming driver shortage when the economy improves, and make freight transportation more efficient. In other words, fewer trucks can haul more freight and reduce highway congestion. Heavier truck supporters also say new hours of service regulations going into effect in 2013 will create increased demand for more equipment and drivers.
What proponets of heavier trucks usually don’t admit is they want to load more freight on the truck, but pay truckers the same old freight rate. It doesn’t matter to them that heavier trucks also increase risk of more highway damage, not to mention the greater wear and tear on tractors and trailers, decreased miles per gallon and longer distances required for a big rig to stop resulting in more crashes.
Some things never seemed to change in trucking and this is one of those issues that has been out there for decades.
With a glut of tomatoes due to over production both from Florida and Mexico,
tomatoes should be reasonably priced in your local supermarket. I emphasize “should be” as retailers too often love to see overproduction “blood baths” allowing them to buy product cheap, but too often these retailers are very reluctant to pass the savings on to the consumer.
Another good buy should be Chilean grapes. I’ve found the red seedless grapes to be of excellent quality, although often lacking in size. The green seedless grapes I’ve tasted have been a little tart, but not bad.
If you are looking for honeydew, expect to pay a premium as supplies from both Mexico and Central America are light. I find honeydew this time of year too often lacking in taste….Asian pears are a favorite of mine. They are a little pricey anytime, but expect this to be even more so now. Supplies are shifting from the U.S. to Chile, where the crop may be off as much as 15 percent.
My experience thus far with strawberries has been kind of erractic. I have had some fruit that didn’t look that good, but had better taste than some of the berries with great color. It’s hard to figure out.
Produce shipments out of Southern California are entering decent volume for 
strawberries, but avocado loadings will be limited for awhile. Better weather conditions compared to a year ago have strawberries loadings more than double over 2011 volume. About 25 to 30 percent of California’s total strawberry shipments come from Ventura County and south. Overall, California is forecast to ship 176 million trays of strawberries this year.
As for avocados, Californa expects to move nearly 400 million trays. Loading opportunities from California have been less than normal as many West Coast shippers are holding onto product waiting for big volumes from Mexico and Chile to subside. Expect significant increases in California avocado shipments come April.
From the Bakersfield area, there’s about 300 truckload equivalents of carrots being shipped weekly….There also is fair volume with items such as lettuce, celery, cauliflower and broccoli being loaded from the Coachella and Imperial valleys of the California desert.
Southern California berries, citrus is grossing about $5500 to New York City.
Imperial Valley veggies – about $3600 to Chicago.
There’s been the ongoing political fight involving the trucking aspects of the 
North American Free Trade Agreement since the Clinton administration. Several months ago the Obama Administration implemented a pilot program whereby Mexican trucking companies could begin operations in the United States.
Apparently about 20 trucking companies from south of the border are awaiting approval from the U.S. to begin operations here. Produce shippers are salavating at the prospects of access to more transportation and cheaper rates to move fruits and vegetables to markets across the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, many in the trucking industry are fighting made over the prospects of unsafe Mexican trucks undercutting freight rates.
Among the best loading opportunities for those of you that haul produce this 
time of year is with West Mexican produce crossing the border at Nogales, AZ. Between now and April is a wide variety of everything from watermelons to mangoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, eggplant, tomatoes and beans, among others. Once these items begin to decline in volume, there will be table grapes beginning sometime around the last half of April. But now is when the biggest volume, and loading opportunities are underway….The bad news is you may have to pick up at more than one warehouse to fill out your trailer. The good news is all the warehouses around Nogales are in close proximity.
Nogales mixed veggies grossing about $5000 to Philly.
February may be the slowest month of the year for produce shipments, and 
for the most part there’s plenty of trucks for hauling product from most shipping points nationwide. There are a few exceptions. Equipment appears to the tighest in Florida for hauling mixed veggies, tomatoes and strawberries; sweet potatoes out of Eastern portions of North Carolina and with potatoes out of Northwest Washington.
Nationally, it is reported there are four percent more apples remaining in storages compared to a year ago. Best apple loading opportunities are occuring from Yakima, WA and points in western and central Michigan….Mexican melons and mixed vegetables are crossing the border at Nogales, AZ in good volume…In California, December freezes have apparently reduced citrus shipments for the season from around 93 million cartons to about 74 million cartons. Mandarins were hit pretty hard, especially in the northern San Joaquin Valley. Although packinghouses sort out damaged product, it is a good idea to (as always) to watch what is being loaded.
Washington apples – grossing about $6000 to New York City.
North Carolina sweet potatoes – $2250 to Chicago.
Michigan apples – $2400 to Atlanta.
The Port of Philadelphia has long been the major port in the United States for the arrivals of imported produce and other items from around the world. 
Central American and Chilean imports are among the leaders.
Chilean table grapes and stone fruit are big items this time of the year. Despite economic conditions in the United States the port is reporting total imports at its facilities were up in 2011 over the previous year. Initial Chilean fruit imports apparently are causing optimism that 2012 could be even better.
Much of the fruit being unloaded off of boats arriving at the Port of Philadelphia are stored in local refrigerated warehouses, then delivered by truck to points primarily in the midwest, east and to eastern Canada. However, some arrivals at the Port of Philadelphia eventually are trucked to the West Coast when necessary.
Florida shipments for vegetables are continuing to improve as product continues to recover from an early January freeze. If Mother Nature doesn’t mess things up there should be gradual volume increases resulting in greater
shipments as vegetables move towards peak volume in April and May.
Increases in Florida shipments are occurring with bell peppers and squash. The hardest hit veggie apparently was with Belle Glade area green beans, causing frequent increases and decreases in shipments in the weeks ahead…..A milder winter than normal has been going on in the Southeast, including Georgia, where some partial veggies loads are available. Sometimes you do what you have to do to fill out that trailer — especially in the lighter volume winter months.
There’s also other items coming out of Flordia ranging from tomatoes, strawberries, oranges and grapefruit. However, use caution when loading these items with other produce. Make sure they are compatible, especially if they are going to be on the truck a couple of days or more.
Southern Florida vegetables – grossing about $2200 to Philadelphia.
By Larry Oscar
Sometimes in the heat of business deals or political campaigns the real truth about a persons character emerges. During the 2010 senatorial election in Massachusetts was an eye opener for those paying attention to details. While on the campaign trail Senator John Kerry, Martha Coakley, and “Mr. Potato Head” made a derogatory comment, and were ridiculing Scott Brown for driving a pickup truck. That speaks volumes about the character of those bozos.
I’ll have them know that trucks and truck drivers are the backbone of America.Why is it that people with a “superiority complex” character flaw aren’t smart enough to know when and where to keep their mouth shut? Just because you think you are superior doesn’t mean you have to let your brain fall out on the floor.
Now don’t get me wrong. Some people drive a truck in order to fill a character flaw of their own. I’ve seen some trucks that look like a Christmas tree going down the road. And some people drive the biggest truck they can find to make up for deficiencies in other areas, if you get my drift. But for the most part, trucks are one of the most practical vehicles you can own. At some point in time we all need something hauled. From furniture to horse manure, trucks can haul just about everything. There are some things that are truly American and one of those is definitely trucks.
Jesus drove a truck. Well, maybe not really, but if they had had trucks in his day I’m sure he would have driven one. What better way to haul around a bunch of disciples than in a pickup truck, extended or crew cab of course.
Driving a truck is not appealing to the elite because their character flaws would make them “feel” uncomfortable. People who put down trucks and truck drivers suffer from insecure anxiety. It doesn’t portray the image they crave. Driving a truck says that you are an individual who is not afraid to get your hands dirty and work. It speaks volumes about the truck driver’s character as well. Truck drivers are independent minded people who think for themselves and make their own decisions. Screw everyone else. Trucks come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common;
trucks are made to haul and/or tow burdensome loads. Trucks make a statement. They let the world know that the driver of this vehicles will do it by themselves without having to hire someone else to get the job done.
“Git -R-Done,” as Larry the Cable Guy would say. Trucks seem to last forever. They age like a fine wine. When you walk through a parking lot and you see an old truck, you stop and take note. They get noticed far more than a shiny new Cadillac. Old trucks tend to list to one side. They have battle scars on them and they almost always need a paint job. Some have only one eye left. They are often the subject of photographs and paintings. That’s because old trucks have character. What most of the so called “elite” don’t know is that more millionaires drive trucks than any other form of transportation. Trucks cross all social and economic barriers.
The love of trucks is what the rich and the poor have in common. Sam Walton drove his beloved old red and white Ford pickup truck up until the day he died. Truck drivers are modern day cowboys. They drive their loads down all of our nations highways and byways with a spirit of adventure. Many truck drivers are women. They are independent spirited and hard loving gals with a tendency to speak their mind.
I think women who drive trucks are hot! Give me a women with a Kenworth any day.
Most trucks have a lot of flags, signs, and bumper stickers on them. That’s because trucks are not formal. You can be yourself with a truck. They are like a good pair of old comfortable jeans. Over the years I have always felt sad about trading in my old truck for a new one. I never felt that way about any car I traded in, but I sure have about my truck. Trucks become your friend. Trucks are something that you can travel down the road and be at home at the same time.
When I was a young boy the fondest memories I have of by grandfather was riding in his black Ford pickup truck on his farm. That truck was far from the comfortable trucks we have today. When you rode in it you were surrounded by a large curved windshield. The truck sprang to life when running. You could hear all of the sounds the engine, gearbox, and suspension made. It smelled of fresh hay and chewing tobacco. When you rode in it at night the dash lights were just bright enough to barely make out the gauges. I often wonder what happened to that old truck.
So, if you want to improve the quality of your life, buy a truck. And just for fun drive it to Washington, D.C. for your summer vacation and say hi to truck driving Senator Scott Brown!
Potatoes are the fourth largest food crop grown in the world behind rice, corn and wheat. Most people think of Idaho when they consider potatoes — and 
rightfully so when it comes to russets. However, the Red River Valley, located on the borders of North Dakota and Minnesota are the leaders in red potato shipments.
If you haul produce, I wouldn’t suggest trying to get to the frozen tundra this time of the year. The folks are great, but the weather can be brutel. Besides, there’s no shortage of equipment to move the red potatoes. However, a friend of mine this week was in Fargo. You never know where the next load is going to take you sometimes.
The Red River Valley will be shipping red potatoes into the spring. Product is holding up well in storages. Most shipments are ususally to midwest and eastern markets.
Grand Forks, ND to Chicago – potatoes are grossing about $1800.
There are still efforts in Congress to increase the gross weight limits for trucks. One piece of legislation is the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (H.R. 763). This bill would allow increasing the weight limit from the current 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds.
Proponets of heavier trucks claim it will reduce greenhouse gases, ease what they see as an upcoming driver shortage when the economy improves, and make freight transportation more efficient. In other words, fewer trucks can haul more freight and reduce highway congestion. Heavier truck supporters also say new hours of service regulations going into effect in 2013 will create increased demand for more equipment and drivers.
What proponets of heavier trucks usually don’t admit is they want to load more freight on the truck, but pay truckers the same old freight rate. It doesn’t matter to them that heavier trucks also increase risk of more highway damage, not to mention the greater wear and tear on tractors and trailers, decreased miles per gallon and longer distances required for a big rig to stop resulting in more crashes.
Some things never seemed to change in trucking and this is one of those issues that has been out there for decades.
With a glut of tomatoes due to over production both from Florida and Mexico,
tomatoes should be reasonably priced in your local supermarket. I emphasize “should be” as retailers too often love to see overproduction “blood baths” allowing them to buy product cheap, but too often these retailers are very reluctant to pass the savings on to the consumer.
Another good buy should be Chilean grapes. I’ve found the red seedless grapes to be of excellent quality, although often lacking in size. The green seedless grapes I’ve tasted have been a little tart, but not bad.
If you are looking for honeydew, expect to pay a premium as supplies from both Mexico and Central America are light. I find honeydew this time of year too often lacking in taste….Asian pears are a favorite of mine. They are a little pricey anytime, but expect this to be even more so now. Supplies are shifting from the U.S. to Chile, where the crop may be off as much as 15 percent.
My experience thus far with strawberries has been kind of erractic. I have had some fruit that didn’t look that good, but had better taste than some of the berries with great color. It’s hard to figure out.
Produce shipments out of Southern California are entering decent volume for strawberries, but avocado loadings will be limited for awhile. Better weather conditions compared to a year ago have strawberries loadings more than double over 2011 volume. About 25 to 30 percent of California’s total strawberry shipments come from Ventura County and south. Overall, California is forecast to ship 176 million trays of strawberries this year.
As for avocados, Californa expects to move nearly 400 million trays. Loading opportunities from California have been less than normal as many West Coast shippers are holding onto product waiting for big volumes from Mexico and Chile to subside. Expect significant increases in California avocado shipments come April.
From the Bakersfield area, there’s about 300 truckload equivalents of carrots being shipped weekly….There also is fair volume with items such as lettuce, celery, cauliflower and broccoli being loaded from the Coachella and Imperial valleys of the California desert.
Southern California berries, citrus is grossing about $5500 to New York City.
Imperial Valley veggies – about $3600 to Chicago.
There’s been the ongoing political fight involving the trucking aspects of the North American Free Trade Agreement since the Clinton administration. Several months ago the Obama Administration implemented a pilot program whereby Mexican trucking companies could begin operations in the United States.
Apparently about 20 trucking companies from south of the border are awaiting approval from the U.S. to begin operations here. Produce shippers are salavating at the prospects of access to more transportation and cheaper rates to move fruits and vegetables to markets across the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, many in the trucking industry are fighting made over the prospects of unsafe Mexican trucks undercutting freight rates.
Among the best loading opportunities for those of you that haul produce this time of year is with West Mexican produce crossing the border at Nogales, AZ. Between now and April is a wide variety of everything from watermelons to mangoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, eggplant, tomatoes and beans, among others. Once these items begin to decline in volume, there will be table grapes beginning sometime around the last half of April. But now is when the biggest volume, and loading opportunities are underway….The bad news is you may have to pick up at more than one warehouse to fill out your trailer. The good news is all the warehouses around Nogales are in close proximity.
Nogales mixed veggies grossing about $5000 to Philly.
February may be the slowest month of the year for produce shipments, and for the most part there’s plenty of trucks for hauling product from most shipping points nationwide. There are a few exceptions. Equipment appears to the tighest in Florida for hauling mixed veggies, tomatoes and strawberries; sweet potatoes out of Eastern portions of North Carolina and with potatoes out of Northwest Washington.
Nationally, it is reported there are four percent more apples remaining in storages compared to a year ago. Best apple loading opportunities are occuring from Yakima, WA and points in western and central Michigan….Mexican melons and mixed vegetables are crossing the border at Nogales, AZ in good volume…In California, December freezes have apparently reduced citrus shipments for the season from around 93 million cartons to about 74 million cartons. Mandarins were hit pretty hard, especially in the northern San Joaquin Valley. Although packinghouses sort out damaged product, it is a good idea to (as always) to watch what is being loaded.
Washington apples – grossing about $6000 to New York City.
North Carolina sweet potatoes – $2250 to Chicago.
Michigan apples – $2400 to Atlanta.
The Port of Philadelphia has long been the major port in the United States for the arrivals of imported produce and other items from around the world. Central American and Chilean imports are among the leaders.
Chilean table grapes and stone fruit are big items this time of the year. Despite economic conditions in the United States the port is reporting total imports at its facilities were up in 2011 over the previous year. Initial Chilean fruit imports apparently are causing optimism that 2012 could be even better.
Much of the fruit being unloaded off of boats arriving at the Port of Philadelphia are stored in local refrigerated warehouses, then delivered by truck to points primarily in the midwest, east and to eastern Canada. However, some arrivals at the Port of Philadelphia eventually are trucked to the West Coast when necessary.
Florida shipments for vegetables are continuing to improve as product continues to recover from an early January freeze. If Mother Nature doesn’t mess things up there should be gradual volume increases resulting in greater
shipments as vegetables move towards peak volume in April and May.
Increases in Florida shipments are occurring with bell peppers and squash. The hardest hit veggie apparently was with Belle Glade area green beans, causing frequent increases and decreases in shipments in the weeks ahead…..A milder winter than normal has been going on in the Southeast, including Georgia, where some partial veggies loads are available. Sometimes you do what you have to do to fill out that trailer — especially in the lighter volume winter months.
There’s also other items coming out of Flordia ranging from tomatoes, strawberries, oranges and grapefruit. However, use caution when loading these items with other produce. Make sure they are compatible, especially if they are going to be on the truck a couple of days or more.
Southern Florida vegetables – grossing about $2200 to Philadelphia.
By Larry Oscar
Sometimes in the heat of business deals or political campaigns the real truth about a persons character emerges. During the 2010 senatorial election in Massachusetts was an eye opener for those paying attention to details. While on the campaign trail Senator John Kerry, Martha Coakley, and “Mr. Potato Head” made a derogatory comment, and were ridiculing Scott Brown for driving a pickup truck. That speaks volumes about the character of those bozos.
I’ll have them know that trucks and truck drivers are the backbone of America.Why is it that people with a “superiority complex” character flaw aren’t smart enough to know when and where to keep their mouth shut? Just because you think you are superior doesn’t mean you have to let your brain fall out on the floor.
Now don’t get me wrong. Some people drive a truck in order to fill a character flaw of their own. I’ve seen some trucks that look like a Christmas tree going down the road. And some people drive the biggest truck they can find to make up for deficiencies in other areas, if you get my drift. But for the most part, trucks are one of the most practical vehicles you can own. At some point in time we all need something hauled. From furniture to horse manure, trucks can haul just about everything. There are some things that are truly American and one of those is definitely trucks.
Jesus drove a truck. Well, maybe not really, but if they had had trucks in his day I’m sure he would have driven one. What better way to haul around a bunch of disciples than in a pickup truck, extended or crew cab of course.
Driving a truck is not appealing to the elite because their character flaws would make them “feel” uncomfortable. People who put down trucks and truck drivers suffer from insecure anxiety. It doesn’t portray the image they crave. Driving a truck says that you are an individual who is not afraid to get your hands dirty and work. It speaks volumes about the truck driver’s character as well. Truck drivers are independent minded people who think for themselves and make their own decisions. Screw everyone else. Trucks come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common;
trucks are made to haul and/or tow burdensome loads. Trucks make a statement. They let the world know that the driver of this vehicles will do it by themselves without having to hire someone else to get the job done.
“Git -R-Done,” as Larry the Cable Guy would say. Trucks seem to last forever. They age like a fine wine. When you walk through a parking lot and you see an old truck, you stop and take note. They get noticed far more than a shiny new Cadillac. Old trucks tend to list to one side. They have battle scars on them and they almost always need a paint job. Some have only one eye left. They are often the subject of photographs and paintings. That’s because old trucks have character. What most of the so called “elite” don’t know is that more millionaires drive trucks than any other form of transportation. Trucks cross all social and economic barriers.
The love of trucks is what the rich and the poor have in common. Sam Walton drove his beloved old red and white Ford pickup truck up until the day he died. Truck drivers are modern day cowboys. They drive their loads down all of our nations highways and byways with a spirit of adventure. Many truck drivers are women. They are independent spirited and hard loving gals with a tendency to speak their mind.
I think women who drive trucks are hot! Give me a women with a Kenworth any day.
Most trucks have a lot of flags, signs, and bumper stickers on them. That’s because trucks are not formal. You can be yourself with a truck. They are like a good pair of old comfortable jeans. Over the years I have always felt sad about trading in my old truck for a new one. I never felt that way about any car I traded in, but I sure have about my truck. Trucks become your friend. Trucks are something that you can travel down the road and be at home at the same time.
When I was a young boy the fondest memories I have of by grandfather was riding in his black Ford pickup truck on his farm. That truck was far from the comfortable trucks we have today. When you rode in it you were surrounded by a large curved windshield. The truck sprang to life when running. You could hear all of the sounds the engine, gearbox, and suspension made. It smelled of fresh hay and chewing tobacco. When you rode in it at night the dash lights were just bright enough to barely make out the gauges. I often wonder what happened to that old truck.
So, if you want to improve the quality of your life, buy a truck. And just for fun drive it to Washington, D.C. for your summer vacation and say hi to truck driving Senator Scott Brown!
Potatoes are the fourth largest food crop grown in the world behind rice, corn and wheat. Most people think of Idaho when they consider potatoes — and rightfully so when it comes to russets. However, the Red River Valley, located on the borders of North Dakota and Minnesota are the leaders in red potato shipments.
If you haul produce, I wouldn’t suggest trying to get to the frozen tundra this time of the year. The folks are great, but the weather can be brutel. Besides, there’s no shortage of equipment to move the red potatoes. However, a friend of mine this week was in Fargo. You never know where the next load is going to take you sometimes.
The Red River Valley will be shipping red potatoes into the spring. Product is holding up well in storages. Most shipments are ususally to midwest and eastern markets.
Grand Forks, ND to Chicago – potatoes are grossing about $1800.