Car Hauler News

What is the best smart phone for car haulers?

2012-02-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

I have absolutely no idea. But as I am on my THIRD warranty replacement for a Motorola Droid Razr, I can tell you that this is one tricky little phone you'll want to avoid. As a business owner, I live on my phone, so having a phone with a screen that locks up in the middle of a call... or worse, won't even let me dial... pure pain. The Droid Razr is a fast, beautiful phone... it's wonderful in every way, except for when it locks up and won't let you make phone calls. It's a great phone for a college student, or someone who just wants something to surf the web at Verizon's blazing 4G speeds. But as for me, I am a knuckle-dragging, troglodyte who primarily uses his phone to... well.. make and receive phone calls. I think I'm going to trade this beautiful new phone for a scratched up iPhone 4 at the second hand shop.

Do you have hydraulic fluid running in your veins?

2012-01-23T15:16:00.000-08:00

Was talking to a car hauler this afternoon, and he gave me a great phrase. He said his girlfriend wanted to know why he was always working. He said that he told her, "That's what I do, I'm a car hauler. It's like I'm addicted to it. I've got hydraulic fluid running through my veins."

Incidentally, he says a lot of the GM vehicles are now wheel strap vehicles: Malibu, Cruze and Traverse.

New app for carhaulers

2012-01-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

Just got this press release (below) from Dave at EZ-Dispatch. If you haven't checked out this software for carhaulers, you owe it to yourself to find out more. It automates so many functions of the car hauling business, it is hard to enumerate them in one short article. How would you like a program that allows you to scan a VIN and download auto data including weight? Update your customers? Create a bill of lading with the touch of a button. Oh yes, and it is affordable, too. Dave offers a money-back guarantee to his customers, and in all the years (six? seven?) that he's been at this, he's never had to give anyone their money back. It's that good.

So here is the latest news flash from EZ-Dispatch:

We have a free app for drivers using Android powered phones that will let them scan VINs. Not only will it insert them into the BOL and invoice for accurate billing, but also quickly tally the weights before loading. You can find the app on the android app store under EZDispatch and the instuctions for its use are on Transportfool.com. If this turns out to be popular with the drivers we will consider developing one for the iPhone as well. If you want to try the scanner and you do not have an EZDispatch login you can use driver for the login and driver for the password. If you have any questions you can reach our office at 405-382-2866.

Nissan and Chrysler soft tie-down rules

2012-01-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

Hearing from a lot of guys that some locations are not allowing side strap at all. Supposedly all over-tire type straps (with the 3 rubber tread grabs) which hook directly into the carhauler deck. Don't know what the guys are going to do with Kaufmans with those expanded metal decks. I don't think I'd feel comfortable with a Nissan Titan strapped into mesh behind my head. If you're buying a 3/4 car wedge and you're thinking about hauling out of assembly plants, better think of something besides Kaufman, because that deck plate will give you fits.

The world's most expensive car hauler.

2012-01-16T11:01:00.001-08:00

The World’s Most Expensive Car Hauler | The Truth About Cars

This cracks me up. The USS Ronald Reagan had to go from San Diego to Washington to have some work done, so they saved some expense by shipping the sailors' cars on the flight deck! If you assume approximately 1,000 cars being transported for three days, then the cost per car would be roughly $10,000. Now, since the carrier had to make the trip anyway, I'm not going to waste time talking about excessive government spending, yadda-yadda-yadda. It's just fun to think about a load price of $10,000 per car. Which you'd pretty much have to get to make the payments on the most expensive car hauler ever built! According to the article in the link above, the aircraft carrier will set you back between 4.3 and 6 billion-with-a-b dollars. A new Cottrell stinger costs slightly less.

Car Fire Shuts Down I-71 In Gallatin County - Cincinnati News Story - WLWT Cincinnati

2011-12-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

Car Fire Shuts Down I-71 In Gallatin County - Cincinnati News Story - WLWT Cincinnati: GALLATIN COUNTY, Ky. -- A car fire shut down Interstate 71 north in Gallatin County on Tuesday morning. Tuesday, December 27, 2011.

New rules for cell phone use by truck drivers go into effect January 3rd 2012

2011-12-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

Here are the highlights on the final ruling on cell phone use from the FMCSA.

1	Q: What is the effective date of the Mobile Telephone rule?
	A: The effective date of the rule is January 3, 2012.

2	Q: Are wired or wireless earpieces allowed?
	A: Yes. Hands-free use of a mobile telephone is allowed using either a wired or wireless earpiece, or the speakerphone function of the mobile telephone. Wireless connection of the mobile telephone to the vehicle for hands-free operation of the telephone, which would allow the use of single-button controls on the steering wheel or dashboard, would also be allowed.

3	Q: Is Push-to-Talk allowed?
	A: No. A driver’s use of the Push-to-Talk function on a mobile telephone violates the prohibition against holding the phone. This includes the continuous holding of a button that is necessary to use a Push-to-Talk feature through a mobile telephone, even when the driver is using a connected microphone or wireless earphone.

Tractor trailer hauling cars catches fire

2011-11-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

Tractor trailer hauling cars catches fire

Car Hauler Catches Fire In Scott Co. | LEX18.com | Lexington, Kentucky

2011-11-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

Car Hauler Catches Fire In Scott Co. | LEX18.com | Lexington, Kentucky

Dang!

What car haulers call stuff.

2011-11-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

As an old English major, I have always been interested in the words people use to communicate. As a salesman selling car hauler straps and accessories around the United States, I enjoy interacting with people from different regions and hearing the different words and dialects people use. In today's fast-paced world of Internet marketing, it is especially important to keep one's ear tuned to the words people use when asking about certain products. For one thing, you need to understand what people are asking for and not sell them the wrong thing. It's also important for another reason, because you need to describe products in such a way online so that when people use a certain phrase or word they will be directed to the proper item.

For instance, we sell a lot of what I call ratchet wheel straps. I have also heard these referred to as tire straps. More recently, I've heard several people refer to these type of straps as wheel-over straps. I made a special point to write this one down, because this phrase solved a problem I've had for a long time. You see, there are two major forks in the evolution of tire straps, wheel straps or whatever you want to call them. There are the straps that have the rubber tread grabs on them and go over the top of the tire, and there are the type that are a type of lasso strap and go to a ratchet handle at the side of the trailer. Actually, before the wheel-over type straps became popular, there were basket-style wheel straps, but we'll leave that alone for now.

When customers call up, they usually just say that they need wheel straps, so we always had to ask: "Do you mean the ones that go over the top of the tire and have the three black rubber tread grabs? Or do you mean the ones that go around the tire in the 10 and 2 o'clock position and go out to the rub rail on the side?"

With all the customers we get, you can imagine how many times a day we have to ask these questions!

But the last month or so, I've heard several people refer to the straps with the tread grabs as "wheel-over" straps, and I think we may start to use that phrase here at Autohauler Supply. I think that little decisions about what to call stuff... that's really how languages develop and evolve as things change. I think it is an example of the collective wisdom of a group of people.

Still, as a lover of language, I enjoy asking the question: "Who do you think invented the word "The"? I mean, someone had to be the first to start using that word.

Well, enough of that... I've got to go sell some more wheel straps or wheel-over straps or tire straps or lasso straps or carhauler straps or whatever the heck they're called. If you need any, give me a call! 866-855-4285

Honda halves North American production

2011-10-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

According to Automotive News, the recent flooding in Thailand has created parts shortages for American auto assembly plants. Honda estimates that this will cut production in American assembly plants by half.

Auto industry observations from the inside out

2011-10-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

I spent last weekend car shopping and eventually wound up with a good deal on a nice little Mazda 3. I noticed a few things that I thought I would relate.

Dealerships were busy, especially the Toyota dealer.
Inventories are fairly decent. Maybe not as much selection as in years past, but definitely not to the point where you'd feel the need to wait a few months for the dealer to get the car you wanted. The Honda dealership across the road from the Mazda dealer where I bought my car looked a little lean. But while we finished up our paperwork, I noticed a United Road Services truck unloading some vehicles at the Honda shop, so I'm sure the dealers are doing what they can to have inventory to sell.
Prices are higher... in some cases waaaay higher than they were back in 2008.

Case in point, the Ford Focus I bought in 2008. I bought a base model with manual transmission, no power windows, no power locks. (But still with AC and a great stereo!) I paid the dealer $10,566 for a brand new car back in December of 2008. I wanted to look at the new Ford Fiesta, but couldn't find much under $15,000. And this is the car that usually sells for $1,000 less than the Ford Focus!

Now, as the son of a Ford guy, I do have a warm spot in my heart for the Fords. Own some of their stock in fact! But when my wife couldn't find me a deal online or in the paper... or anything remotely resembling a deal on the Ford Fiesta... I just said, "Bag it!" The closest Ford dealer is now two towns away and not open on Sundays. I'm glad my Ford stock is up, but I'm not sure how sustainable that will be... because either Ford or the dealers are asking more for their stuff than the competition. For the same money, Mazda had a car that had more power and more options. Ford makes pretty good cars now, but they're not so good I'm going to pay thousands of dollars more than I would for the Mazda.

Somehow Mazda is able to make a car in Japan, ship it here, and sell it at a price that is more than competitive with an American automaker... all of this while the Yen is worth more than it has ever been worth relative to the US Dollar. I don't really understand that. Can anybody explain how Ford can raise prices 50% in three years? I'd say things must be improving out there, even if the west coast car haulers are still slow.

10/26/11 Addendum:
Ford stock fails to participate in recent rally after report of lower profits due to sales coming in at the low end of their projections. Read article.

10/27/11 Addendum:
According to a report by Automotive News, troubles with the MyFord Touch are among the primary reasons why Ford sank from 10th to 20th out of 28 according to Consumer Reports. J.D. Power's "Initial Quality" survey also cited problems with this technology having a negative effect on Ford's ranking.

As a customer, I would have to say that by loading its vehicles up with unproven technology... or at least technology unproven to work in the hands of the intended customers... Ford blundered strategically. They are trying to command higher prices for a product that has been compromised by the very technology that requires more money. In my opinion, it seems that Ford loaded these up with technological innovation to appeal to the next generation of buyers, who perhaps are not quite ready to shell out so much dough for technology that is not quite ready for prime time. Give them an "A" for effort, and a "C-" for execution. Hopefully, Mr. Mulally will help them get it right by 2013.

Why there are so few used cars

2011-09-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

OK this was a very interesting news story. I've thought for a long time that the used car shortage stemmed largely from the "Cash for Clunkers" program that Washington used to prop up the tottering auto market during the financial crisis. Turns out the shortage of used cars seen now has its roots in the crisis, but for different reasons. Check out this story in Automotive News.

The last JM trailer

2011-09-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

One of my old customers is selling a 2007 JM high mount for $42,000. According to her, this was the last one Joe built before selling the company.

If you're looking for a nice light trailer, you might want to check it out. Here is the info on that trailer.

Uship under siege?

2011-09-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

Got this email from one of Uship's unhappy users. I have no idea as to the veracity of his assertions, but it certainly sounds like one would be wise to investigate this site fully before jumping in with both feet.

Thanks for the forwarding of the info. I am sure most of you are aware that
uShip has done many dastardly things to the TSP's and the shippers and
either delete posts to sweep it under the rug or suspend us when we voice
our opinions.

I created www.scamship.com to help us all voice our opinions about uship
without fear of retribution of removal. They have played the social media
game too long. Collectively we are a force to be dealt with. We ALL need to
post what we can about uship. I have heard that Dateline NBC is
investigating them and the TX attorney general has been contacted. We MUST
keep the pressure on them. I have also seen uship changing people's terms of
service. I believe that is illegal as well.

Are you willing to take a few minutes out of your day to post about uship? I
hope so. Let's not let them take advantage of us any longer. Let's join
forces and turn the tide on uship.

Thank you
Walt

Need a dispatcher to help you find loads?

2011-08-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

Got this email yesterday from someone who has a new dispatch service:

Hi Steve. Would you help me promote my business some how..I am looking for carhaulers to load..Do you know of anybody that is looking for a dispatcher..Please tell them to visit my website for contact info at
www.debsautodispatching.com

I would appreciate anything you could do to help..Thank You Deb Kraus

Halfway through the 7 lean years.

2011-06-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

Remember Joseph's interpretation of the Pharaoh's dream of seven fat cows and seven skinny cows? Well, for those of you far removed from Sunday School, let me remind you that he said the Pharaoh's dream foretold of seven fat years and seven lean years. Thanks to Joseph's economic prognostication, the Pharaoh was able to put aside enough grain to feed his people during the seven years of drought.

Our seven years started about 2008, possibly a bit earlier. If our long, tough slog out of the economic morass of the Great Recession is anything like biblical times, then we've got approximately three years left of slower growth. That means, come 2015, we should be approaching some semblance of economic normality.

Coincidentally, other people anticipate a similarly slow slog uphill out of the economic swamp lands. The Detroit Free Press has a good article in which they quote Lacey Plache, senior economist for Edmunds.com Plache's takeaway from all the economic news? In 2015, we'll see auto sales hit 16 million. That puts us halfway through the seven lean years.

Or as I like to call them, Seven Learning Years.

Low profile car hauler strap idlers for e-track

2011-06-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

Coming soon to an Autohauler Supply warehouse near you!

If you can find a lower profile idler for horizontal e track, I'll eat it with steak sauce.

Where to find cars to haul.

2011-05-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Don't go to the ports... at least not right now. Talking with friends on west and east coast, I hear reports of declining volumes of cars to haul. Toyota's last ship until God knows when came into the west coast and that is (supposedly) the last full ship they'll send until late July early August at the earliest. I spoke with a car hauler who used to pull new cars out of Baltimore... he is now pulling auction freight down in Virginia. Guess it's a good time to be a used car dealer... this trend at least corroborated today by Automotive News, which reports values jumping to record levels for used cars. Some dealers keeping trades to sell on their own lots, but I bet you can expect a lot of dealer trades as the summer selling season heats up. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average trade value for a Toyota Prius jumped $3775. Well, I guess finally the used car dealers are getting some good karma after the horrible luck they had with "Cash for Clunkers".

StrapBusters! Infomercial about carhauler wheel straps.

2011-04-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

OK this is blatantly commercial, but it's pretty entertaining.

Auto transport dispatcher

2011-04-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Need help finding loads for the backhaul? Check out Carla's new website
Carla has been an auto transport broker for quite a few years, and it looks like she is taking on drivers to help with dispatch. If you're spending too much time filling spots on the trailer, you might want to give her a call.

Allied goes out in a blaze of glory?

2011-04-14T15:14:00.001-07:00

Car hauler catches fire on I-94

Two things that are amazing to me. #1: The age of Allied's trailers. #2: The fact that the F-150 at $40-$45,000! is still the best-selling vehicle in the US with gas up around $4 per gallon.

Expect summer shortages for Japanese automobiles

2011-04-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

AutoNews Now (4/4/11)

Click link for today's broadcast from AutoNews. I was reading in another publication that one of the biggest bottlenecks to vehicle assembly right now are control modules that are manufactured at Japanese tech plants. They need constant, clean electricity... and the "rolling blackouts" happening in Japan right now make it difficult, if not impossible for them to get up and running. There may be problems spreading wider beyond assembly plants of Japanese automobiles, as some domestic cars rely on components sourced from Japan.

The biggest repo job in history.

2011-04-03T08:37:00.001-07:00

GM recovers 1,700 vehicles after dispute with hauler | detnews.com | The Detroit News

GM recovers 1,700 vehicles after dispute with hauler
Robert Snell / The Detroit News

Detroit— General Motors Co. has recovered more than 1,700 vehicles that were allegedly being held hostage by a car hauler, the automaker said today.
I know this is serious business, but some of these shenanigans are so outrageous it just makes me smile.

GM finished recovering the new Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks and Camaro coupes, worth almost $47 million, earlier this week, company spokesman Dan Flores said.

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The "rescue" was disclosed 10 days after GM sued Georgia-based Allied Ltd. in federal court in Detroit. GM wanted immediate possession, arguing the vehicles could depreciate in value and dealers would be deprived of valuable inventory.

Ford outsells GM; Hyundai and Kia sales waaaaaay up.

2011-04-02T11:49:00.001-07:00

Auto sales up with economy, but buyers downsize | AP Business News - The News Tribune

The trends lifted U.S. sales of new vehicles by 17 percent from a year earlier to 1.25 million, a healthy rate that shows the auto industry's slow and steady recovery remains on track. The monthly sales pace, adjusted for seasonal differences and projected out for the year, came in at 13.1 million. That's higher than last year, but still far below recent boom years when car sales hit 16 million a year.

The March 11 earthquake in Japan had little impact on sales, although automakers said supplies of some cars could be tighter as spring progresses.

Hope industry execs are paying attention-- the companies that have invested resources in developing high quality, affordable fuel-efficient cars are reaping the benefits. (Ford's plant that produces the Focus used to build trucks.) Sales of expensive gas guzzlers loaded with options are slowing... in some places anyway. I was talking with a driver the other day who said almost all the vehicles he delivers in West Virginia are trucks worth $40,000 or more.

Waves and troughs in car hauler load volumes ahead.

2011-03-30T10:44:00.001-07:00

GM, Toyota models delayed by hauler dispute | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

Buyers of certain Toyota and General Motors models are facing unexpected waits as automakers reassign transport work after terminating contracts with an Atlanta-based carhauler.

Cassens, Jack Cooper and United Road are picking up a lot of this freight, which means a huge wave for them and their sub-haulers. However, according to information from today's Automotive News, I would expect slow-downs a bit later. Port traffic will slow because of the Japanese situation (everybody expected that)-- as well as for Japanese-owned assembly plants in North America that rely on some parts from Japan.
Honda is cutting hours by 50% at assembly plants in AL, OH and IN. Subaru announced cuts at Lafayette, IN plant of 50%. Toyota's 18 Japanese assembly plants are closed until April 18th, and there is no guarantee they won't extend those closures.

Allied transport holding cars hostage? Or is Yucaipa folding this hand?

2011-03-23T10:50:00.001-07:00

GM, Chrysler sue Allied over "hostage" vehicles - CNBC

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co and Chrysler Group LLC have sued Allied Systems Holding Inc , accusing the auto hauler of "holding hostage" more than 2,400 new cars and trucks.

GM, in a lawsuit filed on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Detroit, charged that Allied had breached a contract under which it provides car-hauling services for the U.S. automaker.

"Defendant is holding hostage 1,704 new GM vehicles, with an estimated value of $46.6 million," according to the lawsuit. "It simply has no claim to the vehicles; they are GM's property."

In a separate suit, Chrysler said Allied was holding about 700 of its vehicles.

Allied, which calls itself the largest auto transporter in North America, could not immediately be reached for comment.

If this was a poker game, looks like both the union and the automakers are saying: "Call!" So is Yucaipa going to fold, or do they have an ace up their sleeve?

I'm wondering if the recent spikes in fuel cost precipitated Allied's demand for increased load price, and if GM and Chrysler's refusal caused Allied to unilaterally offer their employees 20% less. Switch of metaphors... Are the chickens finally coming home to roost, viz, unsustainable load pricing vs. increased fuel cost? Or has Yucaipa, the company that owns Allied, looked at assets and liabilities and concluded that now is the best time to exit the auto transport industry? To crib a line I read recently in The Economist. "If something can't go on forever, it will stop."

Allied labor trouble isn't going away soon.

2011-03-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

According to Automotive News, the trouble at Allied stems from Chrysler refusing a fee increase to haul cars. Representatives say the problem isn't going to be resolved any time soon. See video here from Automotive News here.

Ford's Alan Mulally worth every penny of 33 million dollar pay package.

2011-03-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

According to the Automotive News: "After taxes, Mulally received $33.4 million." My opinion, he's earned it.

"Ford earned $6.56 billion in 2010, the most since 1999. New models such as the Fiesta and redesigned Taurus sedan helped 2010 U.S. sales rise 17 percent, outpacing the industrywide gain of 11 percent"

Allied car haulers strike.

2011-03-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

From the Winston-Salem Journal:
Union workers at Allied Systems Ltd. in Walkertown are expected to go on strike this morning.
"They are planning to walk out at 6 a.m.," Ricky Stone, the manager of Allied Systems, said Wednesday, declining to say how many local employees work at Allied Systems, a division of Allied Systems Holdings that delivers new cars to dealerships.

For rest of article, click here.

The word on the street is that management lowered effective pay by about 20% and said "take it or leave it." Have not confirmed this, but something must be pissing off the teamsters, because I'm pretty sure those guys have bills to pay.

Wonder what would happen to load rates if everybody else joined the strike for a week or two? It'll never happen, but it's fun to think about it.

UPDATE: 5PM Eastern DST

Chrysler announced they have been affected by labor disruption as well.
GM switching carriers

Japan vs The Mideast: what affects American car-buyers the most?

2011-03-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Looks like most Japanese auto makers are spinning up their parts and assembly factories this week or next. Toyota to start shipping parts to auto assemblers in U.S. next Monday, according to Automotive News. That's going to come in handy, I think, because as soon as gas gets above $4.00 per gallon, there aren't going to be enough Ford Focuses (Foci?) and Fiestas to go around. The problems in Japan are compelling news, but the turmoil in the Mideast... and its knock-on effects on fuel price are the more compelling story for the car and transport industry. The good news in this? If you're hauling for Hyundai or Kia, you'll probably be getting some overtime this year!

Car hauler travels throught time, crashes.

2011-03-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

In a surprising turn of events, a car hauler from 1959 crashes through a rift in the space-time continuum and ends up in 2011. Scientists are baffled. To see more footage of this event, go here. The National Security Administration has impounded the unlucky carhauler's rig, pending further investigation.

Ford firing on all 8 cylinders.

2011-02-07T10:13:00.001-08:00

Ford ups production, pays dealers for certain deliveries
Ford said it will increase first-quarter production by 13 percent to 550,000 vehicles in the United States vs. the year-earlier period.

Click the link to read the complete story at Automotive News

Accurate Auto Carriers Equipment Auction... big response!

2011-02-03T14:24:00.001-08:00

Hilco Industrial Auction Exceeds Target by 25% In Sale Of Accurate Auto Carriers Inventory

Hilco Industrial, LLC, and joint venture partner, Maynards Industries, Ltd., announced the successful auction sale of 148 trucks, trailers and auto carriers on behalf of the bankruptcy estate and creditors of Romulus, Michigan-based Accurate Auto Carriers, LLC. The webcast auction, which attracted an international gathering of more than 400 online and on-site bidders, lasted two hours and generated revenues approximately 25% greater than anticipated. Click on the link above for the complete article at Times Colonist

I talked to one salesman who bought some units at this auction. He confirmed what they're saying in this article. He said 2007 daycab strap units were going for $160,000; chain units for $120,000. High price probably a function of the lack of daycabs on the market right now. He said it looked to him like Hansen & Adkins were buying quite a bunch, and Waggoners were bidding them up, too.

Another car hauling GOTCHA! to watch out for.

2011-01-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

Customer called up today and told me he had a vehicle with a leaking battery on the top deck. Underneath this leaking battery was a nice new Mercedes. So now he is on the hook for a paint job. Anybody know of any good ways to prevent this sort of thing?

More wheel straps in your future.

2011-01-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

Just heard from Rick at Western Automotive Transport that he's required to wheel strap Subarus and all GM cars when he transports rental cars. Now we've got Hyundai/Kia going strap in some markets. Nissan and Chrysler phasing them in this year.

CJ&M Out of Business

2011-01-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

Called up CJ&M today and the lady answered the phone Pacific Auto Transport. She said CJ&M closed their doors on December 8th, 2010. Called up Mike Jr. over at Pacific to see what the story was, but he wasn't available.

Allied owner operators needing wheel straps for Toyotas

2011-01-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

Been getting quite a few calls from Allied drivers finally making the switch over from chain to wheel straps. Guess they were given a little bit longer grace period by Toyota to get all strapped up! Anyway, if you're an Allied owner operator in need of ratchet wheel straps or chain-tightened wheel straps, this is the set-up most car haulers are getting.

Fits the deck plate following trailer makes and models:

Cottrell
Boydstun
Delavan
Take 3
Wally Mo

Does NOT fit deck plates of these trailers:

Sun Valley
Miller
Sun Country

Ford rolls out electric Focus at Consumer Electronic Show in Vegas

2011-01-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

Automotive News TV (1/7/11)

Ford's CEO says that in ten years, 25% of Ford's passenger car sales could be electric vehicles. Pretty interesting that they rolled this new vehicle out at the Consumer Electronics Show rather than the Detroit Auto Show. For an interesting video from Automotive News, click the link above.

More news on the electric Focus from the Huffington Post

Disclaimer: The publisher of Carhauler News owns Ford stock and thinks people should probably buy Fords.

Another Cottrell Lawsuit

2011-01-07T08:55:00.001-08:00

Hylla denies summary judgment in Cottrell suit | Madison/St. Clair Record

Hylla denies summary judgment in Cottrell suit
1/7/2011 6:16 AM By Steve Korris

Two men who saw trucker Michael Mandeville fall from a car-hauling trailer swore he landed over there but now swear he landed over here.

Mark Mumaw and Andrew Swallom changed their deposition testimony about the accident in affidavits for Mandeville's suit against Georgia trailer maker Cottrell Inc.

Mandeville's lawyer, Brian Wendler of Edwardsville, filed the affidavits in December, along with a new one from Mandeville.

Click link above to read the complete article from the original newspaper.

Dangerous customers for car haulers: Update

2011-01-05T16:19:00.000-08:00

Update 03/9/11
Called up Antonio to see how he's doing, and he has shut down his car hauling business while he finishes physical therapy. He says there's no way to afford $1000 a month insurance while he's recuperating from the accident. The customer who ran into him with her car after he unloaded is now being charged for a felony hit and run, because she wouldn't give him any insurance information. According to Antonio, the lady claimed that her relationship was with the auto transport broker, so she felt it was unnecessary!

Just talked to a customer and was horrified to hear that he was bed-ridden after being run-over by a customer whose car he had just delivered! He said he didn't remember much-- just hearing a noise and then falling and blacking out. He was standing next to his truck when struck by the driver, who was an elderly lady. I asked if he thought the lady stepped on the gas instead of the brake, but he can't remember what happened. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE! Don't assume people are going to do what they're supposed to do. This guy was run over though no fault of his own, and now has to look forward to MRI scans, tests and therapy to try and get his life back in order. There are worse things out there than brokers who don't pay you on time.

Child support, Florida and your non-existent CDL

2011-01-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Just talked to a driver who was bailing his brother out of jail. Apparently in Florida when you get behind in your child support payments they suspend your driver's license. He found this out when he got arrested at the weigh station for driving with an expired license. OK I get that Florida is serious about getting people to honor their obligations to their kids, but this strikes me as heavy-handed and counter-productive. For instance, if you wanted to get somebody's attention in a similar fashion, the court could issue a bench warrant for the guy's arrest for non-payment of child support. It accomplishes the same thing-- gets the individual's full, undivided attention... without damaging his ability to earn an income and thus pay the child support. Ridiculous.

Accurate Auto Transport Bankruptcy Auction

2011-01-04T14:22:00.000-08:00

Accurate Auto Carriers equipment auction

Auction will be held Jan 20th, 2011 at 10AM in Romulus, MI and via webcast. Click on link for more info.

Want the inside scoop on what truck you REALLY should buy? Former maintenance director at Accurate Auto Carriers will tell you about the good, the bad and the ugly. (For a modest fee.) Dan is available at 567-220-0288

Car carrier rolls on Route 54

2010-12-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

Car carrier rolls on Route 54

I'm wondering how that Escalade was tied down. I'm guessing straps, because the vehicle in the back was tied down with lasso straps. Double ratchet system on that big SUV might have helped keep it on the trailer. Still would have had damage, but might have avoided turning the Cadillac into a 5000 lb projectile. Not saying this guy had worn straps, but if your straps are frayed or nicked beyond 1/4 inch, toss them. This sort of wheel strap costs 8-9 bucks. Buy your clothes from Wal-Mart if you need to save money, but don't run with worn out tie-downs. Just saying.

Buy now or pay Uncle Sam later.

2010-12-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

Just a friendly reminder: if your car hauling business runs on the regular calendar year, you've got less than two weeks to make any business purchases that you can use as deductible expenses on your 2010 taxes! So if there's any thing you might need, better buy it now, or give it to Uncle Sam to transfer to needy bankers.

Car Hauler Equipment Wanted

2010-12-07T15:43:00.001-08:00

Perry Morgan is looking for a decent 5 pack daycab. If you've got something fairly decent, call (925) 455-6666. Note: this is a TRUCK. Please don't call and try to sell him your old wedge trailer.

Rampzilla

2010-12-01T12:52:00.001-08:00

Biggest single run car hauler ramp I've ever seen. Buy it now!

December 17th addendum
Gene from Pyramid left me a voice mail saying that he just received these ramps... thought they were so good-looking he wanted to hang them on the wall like a piece of art!

Accurate Auto Transport Bankruptcy News: Trucks for Sale Soon.

2010-11-16T16:39:00.000-08:00

OK, so this isn't the newest news about the Accurate bankruptcy, since they went bankrupt last Tuesday at 2:45 PM. Spoke with Dan, the former director of maintenance, and he said they've got the trucks staged at Baggettown, PA; Peoria, IL; and Houston, TX. There is a pending Internet-only auction. Dan said there are a few '05 and '06 Petes that have been well-maintained, as well as some nice Freightliner daycabs. Most of the trucks are around 500,000 to 600,000 miles, so it's going to be tricky separating the wheat from the chaff in this remote-viewing auction. Dan says for a modest fee, he'll tell you which ones are goodies and which ones are dogs. His cell number is 567-220-0288.

According to Dan, there was a decent buy-out offer on the equipment from United Road Services, but Citizens Bank thought they could get more money at auction for the trucks. Guess we'll see about that.

Car hauling rates about to rise? (Part 2)

2010-11-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

More evidence of rates "bouncing along the bottom" from a friend of mine hauling new Mercedes to Utah-- he actually gets more hauling junked cars OUT of Utah than he gets hauling new Mercedes IN to Utah. Don't know if this means rates are about to rise in this low demand lane, but hard to imagine they could go down any more than that.

Rates about to rise?

2010-10-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

Are we bumping along the bottom right now? Was talking to an equipment salesman who says he's hearing of an owner-operator shortage right now. My very next call was to an owner-operator who said he was getting out of car hauling because the rates were ridiculously low. Just a hunch, but I'm beginning to think the supply-demand curve may be starting to flip. Companies with new car contracts may go into next year's negotiations with a bit stronger hand.
10/26/10: Update
Just read this on Marketwatch:

Last month, Ford sold 160,873 vehicles, up from 109,939 a year earlier — marking the 23rd time in the past 24 months that the company has expanded its share of the retail market.

Ford is looking to maintain its momentum, even as rivals find their footing and become more competitive. In fact, the company announced Monday that it will invest an additional $850 million in Michigan between 2011 and 2013 as part of a plan to upgrade its facilities. Click here for rest of article.

Ford started their recovery plan about two years before the collapse-bailout of GM and Chrysler. If GM and Chrysler's restructuring approximate that of Ford, we should expect significant improvement over the next couple years as their changes have a chance to grow deeper roots and as the economy continues its slow slog out of the quagmire.

Tip for car haulers

2010-10-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

Got some great tips from Doug Winchester of Wholesale Motors. Next time you're trying to get cars to haul and some other trucking company has offered a ridiculous low-ball price, ask your customer if they got a copy of the other trucking company's insurance directly from the company providing that insurance. The way Doug explained it, some individuals will pay the deposit to get the certificate of insurance, and then stop making their payments. They run around with that worthless piece of paper for a whole year. By the time the customer finds out... it's too late.

Ask for the phone number of the insurance carrier so you can get a faxed copy of the current certificate. If the other company makes a bunch of excuses about getting this info to the customer, this is a big warning sign.

Other things to remind the customer:

Does the other company have references? If a guy has been in business for a number of years and has a lot of experience hauling cars, he ought to have at least a half dozen people you can call up who will give you a good report on him.

Doug says you really ought to know who is hauling your cars. He recounted a tale of damage caused by inexperienced haulers crossing the polarities jump-starting a Porsche. He told me another story of outright theft-- three Mercedes that disappeared... along with the "trucking company" that was supposed to transport them.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Just like Mom always said. Too often, people are attracted by a low price and forget all the other components of the value of the service they are buying. As Doug said, "Too often, customers have to learn the hard way... but by then it's too late." Part of your job as a car hauler is to try to help your customers make the right decision and avoid getting ripped off by incompetent or crooked people.

Enclosed Transport: E track clip with built-in ratchet

2010-06-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Lee Knox.

No, you won't find this assembly on our site. Lee assembled these by buying some of the heavy duty bull ring type e track fittings and removing the bull ring. The bolt secures the ratchet to the two e track clips. They are 4 9/16" high at the side of the winch stand, and 5 1/8" high at the release lever. Lee says they work pretty good for the 1940 Ford he transports.

Low Profile Tool Box for Cottrell C12, C14 etc

2010-06-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Paul over at A Reliable has a smoking hot deal on low profile tool boxes to fit Cottrell. This box goes in between the pooch plate on the lower rear position. They can fit 40 or more wheel straps and ratchets. He sells them for $750 installed. A Reliable is located in Pensacola, FL. (850) 479-7799

US auto makers continue recovery

2010-06-02T13:31:00.001-07:00

GM and Ford see strong sales gains; Toyota lags - MarketWatch
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler all posted double-digit gains in monthly U.S. sales Wednesday, while Toyota Motor Corp. lagged the group as incentives lost some of their punch.

GM reported a 16.6% rebound from its bankruptcy-deflated results of May 2009, and Ford Motor Co. /quotes/comstock/13*!f/quotes/nls/f (F 11.87, +0.02, +0.17%) followed up with its sixth straight month of gains in excess of 20%, thanks to the success of its new model lineup.

Prices going up soon for steel, aluminum, etc.

2010-05-26T19:59:00.001-07:00

If you've been deferring maintenance on your auto transport trailer, now might be a good time to sit down and make up a shopping list... prices are set to jump due to increased costs for component materials like steel, aluminum, webbing, etc. Here is a link to the current specials for car hauling parts, straps, chains, etc., due to expire as soon as we run out of stock purchased at the old price. There is also a coupon code to save you $10 for orders placed online before May 31st.

Is Boydstun starting up again?

2010-05-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

In a word... No!

However, I do have some good news for Boydstun screw truck owners. Or anybody who would prefer to have their truck worked on by techs with experience with this sort of equipment as well as good, old-fashioned chain trucks.

Lee Ireland and Pam Lee, formerly of Boydstun Metalworks, are back in the old service building at 9002 North Sever Court in Portland. They are working under the auspices of Western Pacific Leasing and Truck Repair, which is hooked in with Paccar. Lee hired Pam last month, along with three other former Boydstun employees. In addition to the old Boydstun facility, they are also running a mobile repair truck.

This is where we are going to direct all those folks that call us looking for screw actuators, solenoids, etc. You can call Pam or Lee at 503-233-8135.

Car Hauler Finance Update

2010-05-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Was talking with Jamie over at Zip's Truck Equipment about those pre-2003 Miller car haulers with the star-hole deck plate... and how best to use soft-ties on them... and the conversation circled around to truck finance. I didn't realize this, but Zip's does their financing in-house with a sister company they set up. They ARE doing truck loans, believe it or not. Here are the rough guidelines:

15% down on leases
25% down on truck
they lien against truck... won't ask you to put up your house as collateral or any kind of nonsense like that.
they like to see at least a year's experience in the industry
600+ FICO score
terms of the loan tailored to the equipment
they will loan money on outside deals, say if you find a truck at Rush Peterbilt or on Autohauler Shopper website or Truck Paper.

Zip's has late model used Cottrell and Miller car haulers available... highmount 7 car quickloaders, stinger quickloaders and stinger high rails. Call Jamie for more info (641) 394-4083.

Another good place to call for truck financing is West Coast Enterprises. They are a Cottrell dealer but also do outside deals. Call Andrea West (559) 264-6984. They have tons of late-model Cottrells available, as well as used equipment, lease turn-ins, etc.

Tec Trucks in Portland is another good resource, since they have the ability to pay cash for trades when they do a truck deal. They have a good inventory of car hauling trailers also.

Noise and Signal in the Economy

2010-05-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

Lately, there have been crazy swings in the stock market caused by technical glitches (perhaps), and possibly fears of default on sovereign debt by Greece... and fears of the spread of this "contagion" to the weaker economies in Europe: Portugal, Spain, Italy and Ireland. While I admit the prospect of a lapse back into recession by the European Economic Union is spooky, one shouldn't immediately reach for the panic button.

Flight to safety of US bond market will keep bond prices high and yields low... meaning, we can keep financing our own debt at reasonable interest. Consequently, long term interest rates on mortgages should stay lower even after the government pull-out of the mortgage market.
This will provide positive feedback to the (slowly) recovering US real estate and construction industries.
Stronger dollar means your money will go a further.
"It's the jobs, stupid!" (I'm paraphrasing Bill Clinton's campaign manager's mantra during his last re-election bid.) US jobs data continue to improve. Check it out.
Improving jobs numbers will reinforce economic recovery as consumers make a bigger come-back and demand increases. US auto sales were up 20% in April.
Increased demand will reinforce jobs.
Asian economies are doing well, which is good for US exports, because most exports are to Asia, not Europe. According to the Wall Street Journal, GM's China sales rose 41% in April.

Sure, gold is up around $1,200 an ounce. Banks are still shoring up their balance sheets and capital reserves and being stingy with loans to certain sectors (ahem! truck loans!) This too shall pass. The fundamentals, if not strong, are at least improving. I'm cautiously optimistic that the meaningful data are in jobs and housing and retail sales data, not in stock market gyrations.

What are the effects of the economy on car hauling?

Ford economist Emily Kolinski Morris said the recent growth in U.S. gross domestic product—it rose 3.2% in the first quarter—is supporting a recovery in car sales. Ford is forecasting that 2010 sales industrywide will rise to 11.5 million to 12.5 million vehicles, up considerably from last year's 10.4 million. "I would be very surprised to see the sales pace tail off," she said in a separate conference call. -- Wall Street Journal: May 4, 2010

The curse of the “Zombie Truckers”

2010-05-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

Zombie Truckers are still afflicting motor carriers both large and small

Mar 5, 2010 1:56 PM

Though a term more appropriate for a George Romero film than the freight market, “Zombie Truckers” are still afflicting motor carriers both large and small by keeping capacity in play that technically shouldn’t be there. The term – coined by Larry Gross, president of Gross Transportation Consulting and senior consultant with FTR Consulting Group – refers to truck operators who are not making their monthly equipment payments and thus should be bankrupt or shut down, yet remain in operation because the banks do not want to repossess their equipment as its value remains minimal.

This was a really interesting article I was tipped off by a friend who has 40 years in the auto transport business. One thing he says he's seen in all the years of analyzing the numbers is that a truck has to earn a certain amount per day on average, or you'll be better off parking it.

2009: A retrospective in miniature.

2010-05-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

OK, we all know 2009 was tough sledding... but here is something interesting... despite the economic morass we were in last year, the little port of Tacoma, WA managed to pull in quite a few cars. Auto units: 117,357. That's $3.01 billion worth of vehicles, to be specific. (Source)

Port employees earned wages working at the port. Businesses and drivers earned money unloading, loading and transporting those cars. Some sales people down the road somewhere made some money selling those cars. Other people earned money fueling them up, washing them, providing service, etc.

What's the moral of the story?

I think it is good to keep things in perspective. Business was way off last year in a lot of different industries, but there was still business, even during the financial gridlock that was late '08 early '09. The governments and the businesses of this world cobbled together an exit from the financial and economic quagmire. We are still walking that path. It's not over yet. In a world as interdependent and complex as ours is now, could it EVER be over, really? But we have no choice but to keep moving forward, just like our grandparents had to do in the Great Depression and during World War Two. They survived by working hard and thinking creatively. We will do the same. Because we must. Comparing the two eras, I think you'll agree that what we went through was nothing like what they experienced. The governments of the world may have not come up with the best solutions for the economic crises, but they avoided a catastrophic breakdown of the financial system and a total locking up of liquidity.

Last year a little port in Tacoma, Washington moved 117,357 cars. And things are already picking up. I'd say we're on the mend. For now.

Convert your chain truck to a strap truck

2010-04-26T09:59:00.001-07:00

We got some pics from one of our friends down in Jacksonville, Florida... T&C Welding is now offering a pretty snazzy solution for guys who want to convert their chain trucks over to strap. Here is a a few pics of their quick release strap box:

They also can modify your hauler so you can lower the top deck almost all the way down... allowing you to strap the cars down with your feet flat on the ground. If you're tiring of lugging around a bunch of hand ratchets, this could be a good investment for you. Junior has been building these systems for the past couple years for a local Jacksonville hauler, so he's had time to get the kinks out of the system. If you're interested in saving some weight (and saving your back), you should look into this system. It's a lot more affordable then selling your chain truck and buying a strap unit. Cost is about $1500 per deck, i.e., per auto. Lowering kit runs about $5,500 to $6,000 to do.
For more information on this system, give T & C Welding a call at (904) 778-7711

Auto Transport Business Software

2010-04-21T10:12:00.001-07:00

Found an interesting company that has developed software customized for the auto transport business. Fellow to talk to is Aaron: (561) 244-2577

Should you buy parts for your car hauler sooner rather than later?

2010-04-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Inflation is right around the corner... literally. Southeast Asian economies are seeing higher cost inputs for metals and energy. China's annualized GDP grew at almost 12% in the first quarter this year... and their industrial production grew over 18%! In America, anecdotal evidence on the producer side suggests that prices are going to go up in the near to mid-term. And let's not forget fuel-- it's been creeping up all year, and Memorial Day is in six weeks.

I know two major steel chain manufacturing companies that have absorbed 12% increases in steel rod, the main component in welded chain.

A friend of mine who buys steel says his per foot cost on what he buys has gone up twice in the last four months.

Friends overseas say prices are starting to jump.

So I know I'm kind of biased, but I'm thinking that if you have some deferred maintenance on your car carrier... old aluminum cylinders that are puking oil... rusty, worn out cluster chains... bent and cracked ramps... frayed auto tie-down straps.... that sort of thing... you probably should buy sooner rather than later.... before diesel jumps up to $6 a gallon!

How to make money hauling cars?

2010-04-07T17:20:00.001-07:00

Well I sure can't tell you the best way to make money hauling cars, but there is a pretty interesting calculator on this website that can aggregate some of the costs and put that up against the money you make hauling hotshot loads... I think this should be pretty adaptable to the carhauling business. So for those of you thinking of jumping into car hauling with thoughts of getting rich quick, play with his calculator a little bit before you buy a truck!

Hotshot Profit Calculator

This is why you should use 4 straps or chains per car.

2010-04-07T11:06:00.001-07:00

Car hauler dumps fuel and cars, closes I-70 for 9 hours | zanesvilletimesrecorder.com | Zanesville Times Recorder
NEW CONCORD -- A nearly nine-hour closure of Interstate 70's westbound lanes on Tuesday was caused by a the rollover of a car hauler that dumped fuel and cars.

The accident happened around 8 a.m. and closed lanes until just before 5 p.m.

Lt. Mike Forshey, of the Ohio Highway Patrol Zanesville post, said Ronald H. Young Jr., 41, of East Greenville, Pa., was traveling west when he looked down at his GPS unit, and the hauler carrying nine vehicles slid into the guardrail, carrying the cab of the car hauler with it.

Three cars were ejected and rolled into the field, Forshey said, while the cab containing Young rolled over and landed on its roof.

The driver also was not wearing his seat belt... so he did have to go to the hospital for injuries. Moral of the story-- strap yourself AND your cars. You just never know.

Toyota Bends the Curve Upward; US Jobs Report favorable

2010-04-02T10:12:00.001-07:00

Toyota Discounts Spur March U.S. Sales; Nissan Up 43% (Update3) - Bloomberg.com

April 2 (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp.’s incentive push after record recalls helped the automaker post a March U.S. sales increase following two months of declines, while Nissan Motor Co. led gains among the largest Asia-based brands.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday that the economy added 162,000 non-farm jobs in March... and no, they weren't all Census Takers!

See full article from DailyFinance: http://srph.it/ajQyc6

Nummi Closure: Robots heading back to Georgia

2010-03-09T12:53:00.001-08:00

Pension watchdog says Nummi plan underfunded

The federal agency that protects pensions says New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. is liable for $292 million in benefit payments but has just $161 million in assets, and it wants Toyota Corp. to help make up the difference.

Nummi was founded in 1984 as a partnership between Toyota Corp. and General Motors, but last summer GM quit the partnership and turned its interest in the Fremont plant over to Motors Liquidation Co., the bankrupt remnant of the old GM.

*I was talking to a customer in Kentucky the other day, and he said they were already loading up the robots from the Toyota plant and shipping them back to Georgia.

Jack Cooper Transport and Reality TV

2010-02-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

Jack Cooper Transport explores reality TV possibilities - KansasCity.com
Jack Cooper Transport Co. teetered on the edge of bankruptcy last year and continues to fight for a turnaround of its fortunes.

Is that a story made for reality TV?

Mike Riggs hopes so. Riggs, chairman and majority owner of Cooper Transport, said the company has become a client of a Beverly Hills talent agency that will shop the idea of a reality TV show revolving around the car-haul company.

“I had never heard of such a thing, but there apparently is a niche of reality TV shows dealing with the workplace,” Riggs said.

Car hauling equipment in the UK

2010-02-22T14:37:00.001-08:00

Came across an interesting website of a UK car hauling trailer manufacturer. Check out the car tie-downs they use over there. Looks a lot like the rollback straps we use over here in the US.

Need help with cold case

2010-02-10T14:39:00.001-08:00

1992 PETERBILT WITH 1992 BOYDSTUN TRAILER WAS STOLEN FROM PACIFIC COAST TRUCK & TRAILER LLC. AT 8235 NE MLK BLVD ON 10/31/08 BETWEEN 11:55 PM & 12:10 AM, iF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT PORTLAND POLICE DETECTIVE JEFF BENDER 503-823-4104, ALSO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE 503-823-4047 CASE # 08-108942. RECOVERED FOUND IN TOLEDO WASHINGTON !
Thank You
Gary Clark
gary@pcttr.com
503-735-3707

Clunkers crush auto auction business in Danville

2010-01-09T08:50:00.001-08:00

By Karen Blackledge
The Daily Item

DANVILLE — Wednesday marked the end of the oldest auto auction business in Pennsylvania, as the Danville Auto Auction closed, a casualty of a brutal used-car market decimated by the federal government’s Cash for Clunkers program.
Auction owner Robert “Bob” Welcomer said the auction’s business name has been acquired by a competitor, Central Pennsylvania Auto Auction in Lock Haven, but the Danville business will be shuttered under the terms of the transaction. Four full-time workers and as many as 35 part-time workers will lose their jobs.

Welcomer said there simply was not enough business for the two competing auctions to survive.

At the peak of its business, the Danville auction sold 300 vehicles during the once-a-week sale. On Wednesday, only about half that many vehicles went on the block.

The auctions have been hurt by a double-whammy. The economy has driven many used-car lots out of business, which eliminated many of their customers, and Cash for Clunkers took many of the vehicles that might have been sold in auctions off the market.

This is another example of how government intervention can distort the economy... picking winners and losers. Presumably to offset the lost jobs at this auction, there might be jobs retained at machine shops and other service providers to the new car industry... jobs that would have been lost if there hadn't been a massive government intervention. This is kind of emblematic of the law of unintended consequences.

Full Story: The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA - Clunkers crush auto auction business in Danville

Allied closing Janesville

2009-12-23T17:09:00.001-08:00

Vehicle hauler to shut down Janesville terminal - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:

Allied Systems Holdings Ltd., a provider of vehicle-hauling services, has informed the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development that 100 jobs will be lost when it closes its terminal in Janesville at the end of February 2010.

In a mass layoff notice filed this week with the agency, Allied Systems Holdings, based in Atlanta, said its terminal operations at 544 Kellogg Ave. in Janesville will shut down on or around Feb. 26.

Stolen Car Hauler!

2009-12-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

Got this in an email this morning:

Sunday, December 12, our unit was Stolen from Manheim Statesville. I would appreciate it if you could post the following information on your site. I am also attaching pictures. If you cannot post this, I would appreciate your prayers and letting others know by word of mouth. Thank you!

June

2005 Peterbilt 379 EXHD Red vin#5N848819 C-15 Cat Engine, 10 Speed Trans. Burgundy and Grey Interior

2005 Cottrell High Rail Red Vin #5G005629

Tow dolly straps for all your friends...

2009-12-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, why not buy your friends some tow dolly straps? Sure, it might sound like a lame gift, but a new set of tow dolly straps might keep their vehicle in tow from coming loose and passing them on the highway... which is what happened to the last customer I talked to on the telephone!
So... if you have friends who participate in the RV lifestyle... or who just tow stuff around for the hell of it, think about ordering them some replacement tow dolly straps before they become a headline! For a massive list of tow dolly straps.... from demco to uhaul to mastertow, etc.... go HERE.

Post loads automatically to central dispatch, carloadusa and more

2009-12-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

I probably should have written about long ago, since I've been friends with these guys for about five years! CarloadUSA has worked out several really neat ways to post loads to their loadboard as well as others like central dispatch, 123loadboard, and more. If you have your broker authority, or have friends that do, pass this link on to them! It's a big time-saver.

And of course, if you're a driver looking for loads, you should try them out for a month or two, and see if they have loads in the lanes you run. Can't hurt, right?

How to find loads that pay.

2009-12-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

Bogus hauler steals luxury cars from dealerships

Donna Harris
Automotive News
December 2, 2009 - 1:18 pm ET

The FBI confirms it is investigating a bogus car hauler who has stolen at least a dozen luxury vehicles from auto dealerships in several states.

FBI spokesman Ross Rice, in the agency's Chicago region, refused to discuss details of the pending case.

The National Auto Auction Association issued an alert to dealers and auctions the week before Thanksgiving warning that a thief or group of thieves stole the identity of a legitimate hauler, Atlas Towing and Recovery of Illinois. .

"If anyone does attempt to pick up (vehicle) releases using this company name, notify local law enforcement immediately," the alert says.

Alan Walker, director of security for Manheim Auto Auctions, said he believes the recent thefts are related to a similar transporter scam that occurred at an auction during the summer. Thieves posed as a hauler authorized to deliver vehicles to dealers who bought them at an online auction, he says. The thieves accessed data on the vehicles and the dealerships using the Internet.

GST

2009-11-24T21:09:00.000-08:00

Heard GST is moving to California to pick up the Toyota business from Allied. Supposed to happen early next year. All company trucks and no owner ops. Kind of reverses some of the trends in the last few years, but who knows? Still hasn't happened.

What Boydstun is up to these days.

2009-11-23T15:59:00.001-08:00

A new model - Oregon Business
PORTLAND When Rob Boydstun’s autocarrier manufacturing company near the Port of Portland was going the way of the rest of the auto industry, he decided to ditch it and re-create his business.

He chose an industry you wouldn’t expect in this recession — the housing industry.

Just in case you were wondering what Rob is up to these days.

Manheim Orlando Truck Theft Problem

2009-11-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

Just spoke to a customer who said their Peterbilt was stolen at 8:00 in the morning last week at the Orlando Manheim auction. She said the police said that theirs was the 18th stolen truck this year. I don't know what you can do to guard against something like this... maybe put a denver boot on your truck or something.

Check your wheel bearings!

2009-10-07T09:19:00.001-07:00

Terre Haute News, Terre Haute, Indiana- TribStar.com - Two vehicles destroyed when semitrailer burns

Boydstun screw truck maintenance tip

2009-09-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Are the screw actuators on your Boydstun screw truck squealing like pigs? Try getting the SL-3195 Stayplex red grease... made by Staylube. You can get it at most NAPA stores. It is water repellent and should last you a couple weeks between applications. IF you want to save money, you can get a 120 lb keg of it for around $400.

This is the stuff they're using on the Toyota car haulers.

11/09/09 Addendum: More Boydstun parts available again here.

Sales UP

2009-09-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Light & Medium Truck | U.S. Auto Sales Increase in August
U.S auto sales increased 1% in August, the first time since 2007 that monthly sales figures increased versus year-ago levels, Bloomberg News reported.

Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. all posted gains for the month, as the federal government’s “cash for clunkers” program brought shoppers to showrooms. While these gains were offset by sales declines for General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC and Nissan Motor Co., the boon created by “clunkers” pushed total industry sales to 1.26 million, a 1% increase over August, 2007 levels, Bloomberg said.

Just last week, a full boat of Toyotas hit the west coast-- 5000 Scions, Lexus, and FJ cruisers were moved out of the port in the space of four days!

Border ban

2009-08-09T08:59:00.001-07:00

BBC NEWS | Americas | Border ban angers Mexico truckers

OK, but if you read the article, it talks about the Mexican driver being on the road without significant breaks for 18 hours! If it comes down to a choice between providing opportunity for Mexican trucking companies and public safety, public safety must always win.

Another Case of Maag & Wendler

2009-07-24T11:37:00.001-07:00

Cottrell, URS Midwest named in another injury suit | Madison/St. Clair Record
Cottrell, URS Midwest named in another injury suit

7/24/2009 10:44 AM
By Kelly Holleran

A man and his wife have filed suit against two trucking companies after they say the man fell from the top of a rig.

Dale and Lori Presnell claim Dale Presnell worked as a car hauler for URS Midwest and was using a Cottrell trailer on Dec. 18 when the incident occurred.

"Plaintiff, while attempting to maneuver on the upper deck of the rig in the course of his duties as a truck driver, sustained severe and permanent injuries when he fell from the top of the rig," the suit states.

2009-07-22T14:55:00.001-07:00

Tennessee couple sues Cottrell, Nissan in St. Clair County | Madison/St. Clair Record

Tennessee couple sues Cottrell, Nissan in St. Clair County

7/22/2009 2:49 PM
By Kelly Holleran

A Tennessee man and woman say the man was permanently disabled while performing his normal work duties as a car hauler.

Jeffrey T. and Angela Ellis filed a lawsuit July 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Hansen and Adkins Auto Transport, Nissan North America and Cottrell.

The plaintiffs claim Jeffrey Ellis was originally hired by Premium of Tennessee but was leased to Hansen to perform car hauling duties.

While operating a ratchet and tie down system as part of his duties on July 21, 2008, Jeffrey Ellis received disfiguring and permanent injuries because of the force he was required to exert on the system, according to the complaint.

Pac-Lease

2009-07-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Rumor has it that PacLease is getting into auto transport equipment directly, as well as service. They are reportedly in the process of opening up a shop in the Dallas, TX area. Car Transport and Northside just closed their shops. What does Paccar see in their crystal ball that the rest of us have missed?

Too much weed in that microbus?

2009-07-02T18:23:00.001-07:00

Independent - June 29, 2009: Car-hauler caught with 460 pounds of marijuana
Car-hauler caught with 460 pounds of marijuana

I'm telling you, it's just not worth whatever they're saying they'll pay you to haul certain loads.

Cash for clunkers law could jumpstart auto sales

2009-06-30T07:58:00.001-07:00

AutoNation Says ‘Clunker Law’ May Boost Sales by 10% (Update1) - Bloomberg.com
June 25 (Bloomberg) -- AutoNation Inc. said the “cash-for- clunkers” law President Barack Obama signed may increase new- vehicle sales at the largest publicly traded U.S. auto retailer by 10 percent through year end.

Another Maag & Wendler lawsuit.

2009-06-21T09:30:00.001-07:00

Car hauler sues workers' comp administrator over discovery of private med info | Madison/St. Clair Record

Car hauler sues workers' comp administrator over discovery of private med info

6/18/2009 2:22 PM
By Kelly Holleran

A car hauler says he has been damaged by more than $100,000 after his workers' compensation administrator discovered some of his confidential medical information.

Chester Belleville says he began receiving workers' compensation from Zurich Services Corporation on March 18, 2008, after he was injured while working as a car hauler.

Jack Cooper Lawsuit

2009-06-19T12:47:00.001-07:00

Injured car haulers target Jack Cooper Transport | Madison/St. Clair Record
Injured car haulers target Jack Cooper Transport

6/19/2009 12:33 PM
By Kelly Holleran

Two car haulers and their wives are suing an employee of Jack Cooper Transport, alleging the haulers fell while walking on the rigs of trailers.

Gary and Diana Smith and John and Jackie Street filed two separate lawsuits June 11 in Madison County Circuit Court against Roger Owens.

The Smiths say Gary Smith was performing his normal duties as a car hauler on Oct. 30, 2007, when he was injured while maneuvering on the upper deck of the rig.

The Streets say John Street fell while using a Cotrell rig on Oct. 26, 2007.

The rigs were supposed to have a non-skid paint surface, but the Smiths allege many Jack Cooper Transport employees have been injured while walking on the upper deck of rigs in attempt to accomplish their trucking duties.

"Jack Cooper Transport and its officers, directors and supervisors have been aware for many years that its employees claim to have been injured in the above described manner and may bring product liability lawsuits," the complaints say. "Jack Cooper Transport has participated in such lawsuits both formally and informally over the years."

So after Gary Smith's and John Street's falls, Roger Owens, the Jack Cooper Transport employee named as a defendant, ordered the trailers on which the men fell to be refurbished after their accidents, according to the complaints.

Owens failed to preserve the trailer on which Gary Smith fell, according to the complaint.

Now, the trailer as it existed on the date of Gary Smith's accident is unavailable for forensic analysis and Gary Smith and John Street say they could potentially lose their rights to compensation.
The Smiths and the Streets are each seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Peter J. Maag of Wendler Law in Edwardsville will be representing them.

Nowhere to go but up?

2009-06-06T10:06:00.001-07:00

Car buyers may be cautiously coming back - Autos- msnbc.com
May sales data appeared to confirm a bottoming in the U.S. car market, however. On Tuesday, Ford Motor Co. reported a 24 percent drop in U.S. sales for May, but sales were up 20 percent from April. GM's sales in May fell 30 percent versus a year ago, but were up 11 percent from April.

Jack Cooper Lawsuit

2009-06-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Madison County Record | Jack Cooper Transport sued by car hauler
Jack Cooper Transport sued by car hauler

6/4/2009 12:43 PM
By Kelly Holleran

A Missouri resident and his wife have filed suit against the company that trained the man, alleging his back was injured because of car hauler work he performed.

William Henderson and Angie Henderson say William Henderson was injured while operating ratchet tie down systems in November 2007 for his employer, Jack Cooper Transport Company. (click link to read more)

I think Wendler & Maag are some of the attorneys working on this-- same ones who went after Cassens, Cottrell, et. al.

Portland car hauler repair shop

2009-06-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

Didn't realize this, but Gary and Curtis up at Pacific Coast Truck and Trailer have now passed their five year mark in business. They specialize in car hauler repair, and perform warranty work on Cottrells. They also have a Take 3 trailers, and stock a few trailers at their shop. They are right off I-5, so if you're heading through Portland and need a hydraulic repair or some welding, keep them in mind. For those of you who used to use the Boydstun repair shop, you'll appreciate that they are much closer to the highway! Here's their phone number, just to make life easier for you. (866) 335-3707

Where will the GM cars be hauled?

2009-06-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

GM says it will try to close 2,100 dealerships as part of reorganization - San Jose Mercury News

Somebody said they needed cars to haul?

OK, so now they're talking about closing 2100 dealerships instead of the 1100 they were talking about last month. The question that springs to my mind is this: Where are all those cars going to go? Other dealers? Back to GM? Are they going to sink them off the coast of Florida and create valuable habitat for marine life?

It's rumored that the units will go back to GM, and then be re-distributed to the remaining dealers. Seems more likely that this would happen on paper, rather than at fifty cents a mile. Even if they apportion cars on paper, and then transfer [physically, not financially] dealer to dealer, it's still a huge logistical problem.

Who is going to broker out these loads? The Secretary of the Treasury?

I don't think so. If I had to bet, I'd lay money on your good old neighborhood delivery man: UPS. For years, UPS has sent their consultants into some of the largest manufacturers in the US to squeeze cost out of their inbound and outbound logistics chains. If I was looking to sell the services of my large fleet of auto transport trucks, I'd be calling 1-800-PICK-UPS and trying to find out how to get on their short list of service providers.

GM Bankruptcy

2009-06-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

BBC NEWS | Business | GM enters bankruptcy protection
What this means for car haulers pulling GM product is anybody's guess.

GM bankruptcy a foregone conclusion?

2009-05-26T09:55:00.001-07:00

Light & Medium Truck | Report: U.S. to Steer GM toward Bankruptcy

Report: U.S. to Steer GM toward Bankruptcy

By Light & Medium Truck

The Obama administration is preparing to send General Motors into bankruptcy as early as this week under a plan that would give the automaker tens of billions of dollars more in government loans as it works to restructure its operations and relieve its heavy debt load, The Washington Post reported

Beware the busted cylinder beast!

2009-04-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

A busted cylinder can cost you time and money, usually at the time you can least afford it.

Unnecessary Tragedy

2009-04-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Boydstun Shuts Doors?

2009-04-07T12:52:00.001-07:00

Our Store Is Closed

Our Store Is Closed
To all our valued customers, On behalf of our owner Rob Boydstun and the parts sales team we regret to inform you that after 20 years of business we are having to close our doors. Thank you for all your patronage and support. Boydstun Metal Works

Left a message at their main number yesterday and today, but nobody returned my phone call to comment on the text posted on the parts page on their website.

Fahrvergnügen = Farfrommoving?

2009-04-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

Heard there are around 15,000 Volkswagens down in San Diego. The growth business in So Cal seems to involve trips to vacant lots.