Posts Tagged “feature”
The government required use of electronic logging devices is resulting in time replacing mileage as an indicator of truck rate values, according to a new report from the Transportation Intermediaries Association of Alexandria, VA.
The case study, called “Examining detention time in the marketplace: Driver’s hours matter,” is available for review online.
Mileage replaced weight as the top-used valuation for freight rates about 40 years ago after the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 “opened the floodgates” of competition, according to a news release.
At the time, the Interstate Commerce Commission no longer granted carriers operating authority for lanes with rate structures based on the poundage or “hundredweight” by freight type.
The next shift, according to the association, came in December 2017 with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s electronic logging device rule.
“In an instant, time leap-frogged mileage for rate valuations and shippers and 3PLs began buying the driver’s time, not the mileage,” the release said.
The case study includes interviews with shippers, motor carriers and third-party logistic suppliers.
“TIA continues to examine issues that directly impact 3PLs, shippers and motor carriers,” Chris Burroughs, vice president of government affairs for TIA, said in the release. “These investigations allow all three entities involved to have open dialogue and identify solutions to problems that continue to plague the industry.”
Detention
The case study reported a detention survey by the American Transportation Research Institute was taken by drivers and motor carriers in 2014 and again in 2018. The survey concluded that customers “have not made real improvements to their staffing, processes, accuracy or efficiency across the four-year time period.”
And gains made in 2018 have since been given up with the softening freight market, according to one transportation supplier quoted by the case study.
“Now it is kind of like we are fighting for (detention pay) as carrier or 3PL,” said John Miller, chief executive of Plains Dedicated, a Champions Gate, Fla.-based asset and non-asset transportation provider.
The case study noted that companies that transport refrigerated loads tend to have more negative experiences with detention than other freight sectors. The study said most parties agree that it should be a billable event after a period of two “free” hours.
According to the case study, on March 15, Fresh Del Monte Produce changed its detention pay policies from paying after three hours to paying after two hours. By making the change, the company saw labor costs increase to more quickly get trucks in and out of its facilities. Del Monte officials said overall transportation costs went down, however, by paying less detention charges and getting more favorable rates, said Robert Savage, vice president of transportation and logistics of Fresh Del Monte Produce.
“It forces the wrong action when you set parameters in a manner that allows people to take their time since it is not costing them any money, but it really does,” he said in the study. “It costs the truck money and increases rates.”
The case study said that although shippers have the upper hand at the moment for rate negotiations, shippers and transportation suppliers agreed that detention should not be used as a bargaining chip.
Miller of Plains Dedicated said in the study that the company decided to stop doing business with one of its largest customers this year after the shipper changed its detention policy to save money. The shipper used to pay for detention on multi-stop shipments, but now only pays it on the final stop.
By HMC Farms
Kingsburg, California – HMC Farms® is excited to announce the launch of SpongeBob SquarePants™ and PAW Patrol™ branded ready-to-eat fresh grapes, a delicious snack the whole family can enjoy! The grapes are available in multipacks; each multipack contains five bags of washed and ready-to-eat grapes. The grapes are fresh off the stem, free from additives and preservatives, and are available year-round.
HMC Farms® believes that the SpongeBob SquarePants™ and PAW Patrol™ branded grapes will encourage kids and adults to eat more fresh fruit through fun, eye-catching graphics of their favorite characters as seen on Nickelodeon (PAW Patrol™ is produced by Spin Master Entertainment). The 2oz bags are the perfect grab-and-go snack, great for lunch boxes, sports events, or any time healthy snack options are desired on-the-go.
Chelsea McClarty Ketelsen of HMC Farms® is excited to introduce these packs and encourage kids to eat healthy “Kids and adults love grapes, and Nickelodeon’s characters are beloved by all. This is an incredible opportunity to add excitement to a fresh and healthy snack option: fruit.”
The collaboration was brought about by Lori Taylor of the Produce Moms, who has made it her mission to encourage everyone to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
About HMC Farms®
HMC Farms® is a family owned and operated business that has grown fresh produce in California’s Central Valley since 1887.
There’s good reason why Maine potatoes typically play second fiddle to midwestern and western potatoes, even though Maine is much closer to a huge portion of the nation’s population in the Northeastern and east coast markets. Potato shipping areas ranging from the Red River Valley to Idaho, Washington and California have better reputations for quality.
Can this year be different? Maine potato shipments are being touted by some as having more volume and better quality this season.
Cambridge Farms of South Easton, MA is a buying broker and shipper of potatoes that also has a branch office in Presque Ise, ME. The company is stating it believes this could be a year for Maine potato growers to “really showcase” their products, something they haven’t been able to do in recent years.
Maine potato shipments should continue into mid-March with lesser volume extending by some shippers into April.
Cambridge Farms has acknowledge the extensive penetration on the East Coast by Western potato producers at the expense note only Maine, Long Island, NY; and Virginia.
Maine Farmers Exchange, Presque Isle believes Maine potato shipments could receive a boost in demand because of smaller crops in Idaho and the Red River Valley.
While Maine ships primarily russets, it also has red, yellow and white potatoes.
While the russet burbank is grown mostly for processing in Maine, caribou russet can be used for processing and the fresh market.
About 50,000 acres of potatoes are planted in Maine, with about 30,000 acres producing potatoes for processers, McCains and Cavendish., The balance of the acreage divided among seed, chip stock and table stock.
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By U.S. Department of Defense
Brothers Produce Inc.,* Friendswood, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $202,500,000 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh fruits and vegetables.
This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a 60-month contract with no option periods.
Location of performance is Texas, with a Nov. 3, 2024, performance completion date. Using customers are Department of Agriculture schools. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-20-D-S736).
Frank Gargiulo & Son Inc.,* Hillside, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $16,483,500 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh fruits and vegetables.
This was a competitive acquisition with one response received.
This is a 54-month contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are New Jersey and New York, with a May 3, 2024, performance completion date. Using customers are Department of Agriculture schools. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-20-D-S737).
A North Carolina sweet potato grower and shipper is promoting the health benefits of North Carolina Sweet potatoes this season.
Nash Produce of Nashville, N.C. reports sweet potatoes are becoming very popular because it is packed with fiber in addition to many essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the sweet potato is a well-rounded product that doesn’t require a lot of extra effort.
The company notes Consumers are increasingly interested in incorporating the tasty tuber in their snacks and meals, whether with restaurants or at their local supermarket.
Nash Produce plans to highlight the value of health and versatility of the sweet potato this year as studies are showing health benefits to consuming sweet potatoes due to their naturally high levels in beta-carotene, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA.-based Allen Lund Company (ALC) has been named as one of the Los Angeles Business Journal 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Los Angeles for 2019.
“It is very gratifying to be recognized in the “Fastest Growing Private Company” category as we see ourselves as a growth company, even though we have been in business for almost 44 years,” Edward Lund, president of ALC, said a news release. “We look to continue to grow in the very dynamic logistics industry for many years to come.”
The Allen Lund Company is a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 550 employees, according to a news release and also has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics and an international division.
Lower Rio Grande Valley shipments are looking good for the coming months.
The International Produce Association of Mission, TX reports ideal growing conditions.
Val Verde Vegetable of McAllen, TX reports truck supplies are expected to be adequate for produce shipments. It was only two years South Texas shippers were scrambling for trucks. The company cited one factor then was when electronic logbooks were just being implemented.
Citrus Shipments
Texas citrus shipments are looking good for the 2019-20 season. The USDA predicts the non-Valencia orange shipments at 2.05 million boxes, down 2.2 million boxes from a year ago. However, this is up the 1.53 million boxes two years ago. Texas Valencia orange volume is forecast at 650,000 boxes, an increase from 290,000 boes last year and 350,000 cartons two years ago.
Texas grapefruit shipments is predicted to be 5.7 million boxes, down from 6.1 million boxes a year ago but up from 4.8 million boxes two years ago.
The USDA said that domestic grapefruit shipments in calendar year 2018 totaled 191.5 million pounds, down from 203.6 million pounds in 2017 and also off from 205.8 million pounds.
However, grapefruit exports from Texas totaled 16.5 million pounds, up from 5.9 million pounds in 2017 and 1.3 million pounds in 2016.
2018 shipments of Texas oranges totaled 106.7 million pounds, up from 99.1 million pounds in 2017 and higher than 103.6 million pounds in 2016.
Vegetable Shipments
During November, volume was building kale, cilantro and cabbage with excellent quality reported.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that Texas cabbage shipments in 2018 totaled 85.7 million pounds, down from 120.5 million pounds in 2017 and off from 128.7 million pounds 2016. Shipments peaked December to March.
Texas shipments of greens totaled 13.1 million pounds in 2018, down from 14.1 million pounds in 2017.
Texas onion growers finished planting in November. South Texas onions are available March into July.
In 2018, shipments of Texas onions totaled 283.7 million pounds, compared with 199.2 million pounds in 2017 and 209.2 million pounds in 2016.
Acreage of onions in south Texas has not yet been estimated, but acreage in the past couple of years has ranged from 6,500 to 7,500 acres.
The “great grandfather” of onion varieties is the 1015, but now there are many more varieties, including the 1105, the 1110 and others.
“I don’t think the trucking situation is going to be a factor like it was two years ago when e-log (requirements) started up. There is plenty of equipment around.”
Citrus
Prospects are looking good for Texas citrus in the 2019-20 season.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast the non-valencia orange output at 2.05 million boxes, down from 2.2 million boxes last year but up from 1.53 million boxes two years ago. Valencia orange output in Texas is forecast by the USDA at 650,000 boxes, up from 290,000 boxes last year and 350,000 cartons two years ago.
Texas grapefruit production is forecast at 5.7 million boxes, down from 6.1 million boxes a year ago but up from 4.8 million boxes two years ago.
“The Texas citrus crop had a great bloom and a good set,” Galeazzi said. “We’re expecting to see some very good sizes of grapefruit and oranges.”
The USDA said that domestic grapefruit shipments in calendar year 2018 totaled 191.5 million pounds, down from 203.6 million pounds in 2017 and also off from 205.8 million pounds.
However, grapefruit exports from Texas totaled 16.5 million pounds, up from 5.9 million pounds in 2017 and 1.3 million pounds in 2016.
2018 shipments of Texas oranges totaled 106.7 million pounds, up from 99.1 million pounds in 2017 and higher than 103.6 million pounds in 2016.
Looking ahead
Kale, parley, cilantro and cabbage were increasing in November, and quality in the field has been stellar, Galeazzi said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that Texas cabbage shipments in 2018 totaled 85.7 million pounds, down from 120.5 million pounds in 2017 and off from 128.7 million pounds 2016. Shipments peaked December to March.
Texas shipments of greens totaled 13.1 million pounds in 2018, down from 14.1 million pounds in 2017.
Texas onion growers will finish up planting in November. South Texas onions are available March into July.
In 2018, shipments of Texas onions totaled 283.7 million pounds, compared with 199.2 million pounds in 2017 and 209.2 million pounds in 2016.
Acreage of onions in south Texas has not yet been estimated, but acreage in the past couple of years has ranged from 6,500 to 7,500 acres.
The “great grandfather” of onion varieties is the 1015, but now there are many more varieties, including the 1105, the 1110 and others.
By Lone Star Citrus
Winter Sweetz, a Texas based grapefruit brand owned by Lone Star Citrus, announces the start of its twelfth season supplying quality, sweet grapefruit throughout the U.S. Now in full production, Texas Red Grapefruit shipments will be available through April 2020.
Winter Sweetz grapefruit is grown in the temperate and sunny climate of the Rio Grande Valley. This summer, the region experienced a lighter bloom, which allowed the fruit to increase, on average, one size compared to the previous season.
“We are thrilled with this season’s harvest and look forward to sharing our sweet and juicy Texas-grown Red Grapefruit with shoppers this winter,” said April Flowers, director of marketing at Winter Sweetz. “The bright color and juicy texture is the perfect pick-me-up during the winter months and we’re excited for our winter promotion to showcase the many ways consumers are able to use this versatile fruit.”
Winter Sweetz grapefruit began shipping mid-October and is currently in full production offering Texas Red Grapefruit.
About Winter Sweetz
Winter Sweetz is based in Mission, Texas and is a subdivision of Lone Star Citrus Growers.
About Lone Star Citrus Growers
Lone Star Citrus Growers is a company, formed in 2007. Born of a shared vision to provide the citrus-buying customer an alternative source of Texas citrus, three industry veterans combined their experience, strengths and resources to launch a dream. The foundation of this dream was built upon gathering a core team of employees that have been with us since the day we opened the doors in 2007.
There are 15 percent more fresh apples remaining to be shipped from U.S. storages than a year. This is according to the first storage report of the year from the U.S. Apple Association.
Apples in storage as of November 1st totaled 132.1 million cartons, up 15 percent from a year ago.
Meanwhile, apple for processing stood at 47.1 million cartons, up 23 percent greater than last season. Total apples in storage totaled 179.2 million bushels, 17 percent more than last November’s total of 153.4 million cartons and 5 percent more than the 5-year average for that date.
The latest estimate for the Washington apples is 138.2 million fresh packed boxes, up slightly from the August forecast.
At 138.2 million boxes, the November estimate is up less than 1 pecent from the August forecast and 18 percent higher than the 116.7 million carton crop of 2018.
The top 6 Washington fresh apple varieties this year, compared with a year ago, are:
- Gala: 23.5 percent , down from 23.6 percent a year ago:
- Red delicious: 19.7 percent, down from 24.2 percent last year;
- Fuji: 13.1 percent, compared with 13percent last year;
- Granny smith: 12.8 percent, up from 11.6 percent last year;
- Honeycrisp: 12.5 percent, up from 10.4 percent a year ago; and
- Golden delicious: 5.5 percent, up from 3.9 percent last year.
The health benefits of blueberries is backed by a substantial amount of evidence. A recent paper outlines what is known so far.
The paper, called Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanisns was published in Advances in Nutrition.
“This review of research findings will help consumers, healthcare providers and the food and health industry understand the current state of knowledge on blueberries and health,” Wilhelmina Kalt, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville Research and Development Centre, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada, the paper’s lead editor, said in a news release. “The paper also discusses gaps where more research is needed to better understand how blueberries affect health.”
The authors review the scientific literature on blueberries’ potential health benefits, according to the news release, and also looks at the research on anthocyanins (163.3 mg/100 g of blueberries) – the polyphenol (plant compound), that give blueberries their vibrant blue color.
“It can be safely stated that daily moderate intake (50 mg anthocyanins, one-third cup of blueberries) can mitigate the risk of diseases and conditions of major socioeconomic importance in the Western world,” the paper said in its conclusion.
The review paper was funded by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, but the council had no role in the design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation or writing of the paper, according to the release.