Free Soft Ties for All My Friends!

Here's the latest from Autohauler Supply. They're giving away four free soft ties to the first ten customers who call them. The catch is, they want you to take pictures of the installation and use of these straps, and email them the pictures along with your comments. These are the new Universal Straps that you can use with your chain ratchet. They have cluster hooks at the end, but can also be used as soft ties in case your dispatcher sends you to pick up a load of Mercedes or Audis or Range Rovers or Volkswagens (or whoever else is the latest manufacturer to decide they don't want carhaulers using chains on their cars). You're supposed to be able to store these straps by winding them up on your chain ratchets, which would be an advantage over trying to figure out where to store forty ratchet strap soft-ties. Some guys claim you can use them for seats, driving down the road, but I'm not sure the D.O.T. would agree. If you've got a digital camera, take some pictures and get free straps.

abc7news.com: Car Moving Company Owner Arrested

abc7news.com: Car Moving Company Owner Arrested
Southerland Update.

ATA Launches Supplier Directory

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- An on-line supplier directory that puts trucking companies in touch with the products and services of American Trucking Associations' Allied members has been launched by ATA as a new industry benefit.

This one-stop online purchasing tool makes it easy for motor-carriers to find appropriate equipment manufacturers and service providers to meet a trucking company's direct operations and "back room" needs.

To access the directory, click here. Information can be searched by company name, business focus, through an alphabetical listing, or by city and state. If you would like to be listed in the ATA Supplier Directory, contact ATA Membership at 888-333-1759.

A Home for Car Haulers on the Web?

I think this may be an industry first. Autohauler Shopper has just published their introductory advertising rates for website, newspaper and email equipment updates. This is the only site of its kind to specialize in the carhauling industry.

Autohauler Shopper offers free classified advertising to companies hiring company drivers or auto transport owner operators. They also offer free classified advertising (plus photos) for individuals looking to sell their used car hauling equipment.

In addition to the sections for employment and used car hauling equipment, Autohauler Shopper also offers an online forum for drivers, as well as a section for maintenance tips and troubleshooting.

Registration is free.

Webmaster Roland Jonsson reported over 1,700 page views on just the thirteenth day after going live with the site on April 15th. He said there are plans in the works to offer premium services to users as well as corporate advertisers. (These will be developed for the "power user" of the site, like dealers or manufacturers who need to maintain multiple listings For more information, you can call their toll-free number 866-855-4285 (HAUL).

Are You An Employee Or Not?

USCA6 Opinion 04a0236p.06: "ELECTRONIC CITATION: 2004 FED App. 0236P
(6th Cir.)"

Legal Status: Owner Operator vs. Employee. This is what the US Court of Appeals had to say.

Edwardsville Intelligencer - Intelligencer Today - 02/09/2004 - Jury awards injured man

Edwardsville Intelligencer - Intelligencer Today - 02/09/2004 - Jury awards injured man: "Georgia company to pay $1.48 million
A Madison County
jury awarded Carl Brdar $1.48 million for injuries he received when a
chain used to fasten Dodge Durango sports utility vehicles to a truck
trailer he was hauling snapped."

This is the lawsuit that Cottrell lost that caused them to go to 5/16" chain. (Cottrell Trailers)

If you know of any cool pictures of antique carhauler pictures like this one, please let us know. 

SWIFT TRANSPORTATION CO INC (Form: DEF 14A, Received: 04/15/2005 14:38:14)

SWIFT TRANSPORTATION CO INC (Form: DEF 14A, Received: 04/15/2005 14:38:14): "You be a stockholder of record at the time you deliver your
notice to the Corporate Secretary and be entitled to vote at the
meeting of stockholders to which such notice relates."

Swift Proxy notification, SEC filing.

SWIFT TRANSPORTATION CO INC (Form: 4, Received: 04/28/2005 11:41:21)

SWIFT TRANSPORTATION CO INC (Form: 4, Received: 04/28/2005 11:41:21): "Filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Section 17(a) of the Public


Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 or Section 30(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940"

Swift just recently sold their auto transportation division to Blue Thunder. Edgar online has some interesting SEC filings of stock sales by executives. Good read.

Economy Grows at Slowest Pace in Two Years

Economy Grows at Slowest Pace in Two Years

More signs of a slow down. Biggest culprit? Energy prices.

Exxon Mobil, Shell Report Higher Profits

Exxon Mobil, Shell Report Higher Profits: "AP

Exxon Mobil, Shell Report Higher Profits
Thursday April 28, 2:52 pm ET

By David Koenig, AP Business Writer

Exxon Mobil, Shell, Marathon Oil Report Higher Profits Despite Drop in Production"
Should anybody be surprised about this news?

Retail On-Highway Diesel Prices

Retail On-Highway Diesel Prices
Weekly Diesel Prices for One Year Plus Graph

Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update

Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update
It's going up again.

Auto Transport Drivers Wanted

AOL ::: Find Jobs-Job Details: " "
Some companies are definitely expanding