Shortage of drivers looms for the American trucking industry

Truck transportation is the most widely used method of hauling freight within the United States.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the U.S. transportation network hauled more than 13 billion tons of goods worth nearly $12 trillion in 2007. Trucks transported almost 9 billion tons of freight valued at more than $8 trillion for that same period. [Transportation Statistics Annual Report ][1]

Shortages of truck drivers are delaying some deliveries of products and raw materials across the USA and raising freight costs. The crunch is defying a tepid recovery and near-10% jobless rate that should supply a vast pool of unemployed construction and manufacturing workers. Experts say that the shortages are likely to worsen when the economy heats up and new rules kick in later this year that will make it tougher to hire truck drivers with poor safety records and could limit the number of hours drivers can work.

For the many unemployed truck drivers across the US, it may be surprising to learn that there is currently a nationwide shortage of qualified and experienced truck drivers. According to [USA Today][2] “Shortages of trucks and drivers are delaying some deliveries of products and raw materials across the USA and raising freight costs.” In the context of an almost 10% general unemployment rate in the U.S., such a shortage seems unlikely and out of step with the experience of the wider economy. The USA Today report uses examples from companies such as Con-Way truckload freight company, who had to offer $10,000 bonuses to entice the 70 new drivers they required this summer. [USA Today][2]

According to the [U.S. Truck Driver Shortage: Analysis and Forecast][3], done a few years ago (2004 to be specific), “the truck transportation industry in the U.S. is experiencing a national shortage of truck drivers that has become a limiting factor in the operations of many companies. This study takes a systematic look at the long-term structural problem of the availability of truck drivers relative to the future requirements for drivers that will be created by retirements of an aging driver workforce and by economic growth”. The principal findings of the analysis of the potential future supply of long-haul heavy duty truck drivers were:

• Although that there have been some positive developments in demographic trends affecting the growth of the truck driver workforce over the past ten years (1994 to 2004), the demographic trends will turn against the industry over the next 10 years. The size of the white male population of ages 35-54 – a demographic group that currently provides over half of all truck drivers – will decline by over 3 million persons between 2004 and 2014.

• A major problem for the trucking industry and the U.S. economy as a whole is that the annual rate of growth of the overall labor force will slow sharply, from 1.4% currently to only 0.5% by 2012.

• If the trucking industry is to attract the higher share of workers that it needs to achieve the growth projected over the next 10 years, earnings in the industry must, at a minimum, return to the relative position that prevailed during the 1990s. [U.S. Truck Driver Shortage: Analysis and Forecast][3].

According to Office of Publications & Special Studies [4], the employment in trucking generally follows the larger business cycle. Consequently when the demand for goods is stifled, the call for freight services is likewise sluggish.

A dramatic slowdown in consumer demand has been crippling the Nation's trucking firms, making job losses during the current recession worse than at any time since the series began in 1990. (Below Chart - Chart # 1)




According to a Bloomberg Report [5], U.S. trucking companies may face a 30 percent surge in wage bills by 2014 as rising demand for freight shipments threatens to push the industry’s driver shortage to the longest on record. The current shortfall will double in a year to about 300,000 full-time positions, or 10 percent of the workforce, said Noel Perry, managing director at consultant FTR Associates in Nashville, Indiana. A three-year deficiency would top the 300,000 vacancies lasting for about a year in 2004, he said. [5]

Increase in Spending

Saia Inc. (SAIA) said this month it would increase wages by 2.5 percent for drivers and many other employees. The added cost will be $10 million, according to the Johns Creek, Georgia-based company. That is about 1.1 percent of 2010 operating expenses. At Con-way’s truckload unit, some routes are being limited to only four to five states so drivers can be home once a week. A new “lifestyle” program allows drivers to alternate between two weeks of driving and time off.

Possible Solutions

What amazes me is that the cost to ship freight is higher not because of anything else, but in most cases it is the simple demand and supply rule. In other words, if a customer wants to move their freight to an area that does not have any other freight identified, they obviously raise the cost of shipping. Obviously, the trucking industry does not function like a taxi stand, as the overheads are very high. It includes fuel, driver wages, logbook time, and the time taken to transport a load and more. It is just that the operating costs are far more expensive. This is particular evident for independent owners and operators. They are the ones who have to worry about getting decent freight costs, cost of repairs, fuel costs, high insurance costs, taxes among other overheads. They work close to 10 hours a day and virtually live in a truck. It just is not a nine-to-five job as it is completely a different lifestyle.

Most of the independent operators are not surprised about the low pay rates. Besides, as the job gets more dangerous day by day, it's not surprising that they are not getting drivers to work under the salary/ pay that is being offered. How many would be prepared to be gone from their home for over four to six weeks on a stretch and living and sleeping in areas where they have no idea about. Besides, how can they manage to lead a happy family life.Given the current conditions, to become a trucker they must be prepared to sacrifice. Therefore, it is not shocking that the freight industry is faced with a shortage of drivers and it is fast losing even more.

Given the above reasons, the primary reasons that people still accept a driver’s job is money and thanks to the recession, it is the only commodity, which is in short supply. Perhaps with increase in pay and better terms, America can reverse this situation in a couple of years.


References :

[1] - Transportation Statistics Annual Report
[http://www.bts.gov/publications/transportation_statistics_annual_report/2008/pdf/entire.pdf]

[2] - USA Today
[http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2010-09-09-truckshortage09_ST_N.htm]

[3] - U.S. Truck Driver Shortage: Analysis and Forecast
[http://www.cdlschool.com/_pdf/ATADriverShortageStudy05.pdf]

[4] - Office of Publications & Special Studies
[http://www.bls.gov/opub/ils/trucking.htm]

[5] - Bloomberg Report
[http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-25/driver-shortage-shows-gain-in-u-s-truck-cargo-freight-markets.html]

Web Vandalism and its threat on global IT security

Web vandalism is becoming rampant thus highlighting the poor state of global IT Security.

Recently, the owner of a popular site says that his site has had over 400 separate attacks per day and to over 1000 per day during weekends. This is a worrying trend and IT Security Managers should make note of this, mainly because if crackers (also known as malicious hackers) get access to a web server, there is all the likelihood of them controlling the entire network.

It is also known that the pentagon has spent over 100 million dollars in a period of 6 months, just to counter web vandalism and cyber attacks on their multiple systems.

In the last few years, there has been the gradual rise of a new wave of hackers (otherwise known as crackers) who have been attracted to the underground movement and its politics, which are indications that more defacements and web server attacks would be forthcoming. Some of these “crackers” have very little or no knowledge of computer programming and are popularly known as neophytes or script kiddies or n00bs. Their objective is to cross viruses with vandalism and create a simple easy to use self duplicating website defacement tool.

They thrive on posting obscene and nude images on popular websites or sending their girlfriends notes through federal government website pages. In short, they want to get noticed and the easiest way to do it is through web vandalism. The more expert crackers have gone a step further by developing a virus type program to automatically spread defacements across the net. Hence, it is certain that we would be seeing more technologically advanced worms that could be devastating in terms of web vandalism the future.

However, the script kiddies are usually malicious teenagers with very little skill in programming whose sole objective is to disrupt net traffic. They do this by setting their customized worms on the loose thereby affecting a whole lot of web servers with their personal messages and spreading defacements. Some of the script kiddie messages go like this - "Hi, ma name is Yuri and I am from Russia. I have 10 years and i want ot bo a hacker, because i vey like it much and i need someone to tch me. Some of them could be politically oriented as they like to break into government sites and leave their calling card which could be a tirade against that government.

Recently a group calling themselves PHC broke into the Indian Government’s nuclear plant network site and supposedly stole plans for India’s atomic energy consumption rates for the next couple of years. They then claimed that they passed this information on to the Al Qaeda Alliance which it is believed has since been officially disbanded. The group consisted of a group of hackers, many of whom who were pro-Palestinian and pro-Al Qaeda.

Some time defacements could be a little more than web vandalism with hard messages or the crackers political agenda. Sometime in the past the RIAA, otherwise known as the Recording Industry Association of America was the attack of a high profile defacement, which also drew a lot of public attention.

The new tool in the script kiddie bag to hit Linux based servers recently is a variation of the Ramen worm. The worm tapped in to holes in the Red Hat Linux 6.2 and 7.0 operating systems and replaced website pages displaying a message stating hackers love noodles. This worm has gone ahead and hit a lot of sites, some of them which included websites run by the NASA and Texas A&M. According to global research firms, Red Hat is a free operating system and is widely recognized as the most popular variant of Linux and is used on 30 percent of the world’s public servers.

It is said that Ramen identifies the three known weaknesses in a server, which is in the printer software, file sharing package and the other in the FTP file server. Although Ramen comes forth as a piece of sophisticated software that clubs together several existing cracking tools, it is now freely available for any amateur vandal to change the graphics and the hackers love noodles text to his own message.

Generally, vandals who intend to deface sites, do not use their own machines, but instead use a zombie computer or try and locate vulnerable computers to do so. However, as the Ramen worm is self duplicating, and the infected machine searches for another machine to vandalize and then closes the hole once it does so. This makes the web vandals very difficult to trace, and enforcement agencies would have to depend on script kiddies who brag about their skills in chat rooms.

Although Ramen is known to affect only Linux systems, virus writers would love to distribute their ware in consumer windows systems as well. This would mean system security managers must keep their security systems up to date or they could face a similar problem that Yahoo and Facebook faced sometime last year, where the automatic tools where used for denial of service attacks.

Bottom line is that the IT Security Managers need to wake up on the threat of web vandalism and find out first hand how much of a problem, it really is.

Syracuse China

Brief History and Description

William H. Farrar, set up Syracuse China in 1841. It was initially known as Farrar Pottery and its warehouses were located in West Syracuse, New York. Its main line of business was the manufacturing of salt-glazed stoneware. Farrar Pottery changed its name to Empire Crockery Manufacturing Company in 1868 and later to Onondaga Pottery Company in 1871. In June 1966, it was further renamed to Syracuse China Corporation. Today, Libbey Inc., owns the Syracuse China Corporation, whose shares they purchased in 1995. These changes really did not affect the product as it carried the Syracuse China logo from 1895.

Farrar Pottery's initial product line-up were reproductions of Englishware. The Onondaga Pottery Company’s main product line was vitrified china, which was in great demand with restaurants, hotels, and railroad dining cars. They rapidly expanded their wares to include consumer chinaware and white earthenware for table and toilet use. Their product line up also included a variety of ceramic wares that consisted of storage containers, serving vessels, bedpans, planters, and table accessories.

Pass and Salisbury were the two Syracuse families that owned the company since 1871. After four generations, the 138 year old factory finally shut down its U.S operations in 2009 due to tough competition from low cost Asian manufacturers. Libbey Inc., however, continues to sell Syracuse China dinnerware, by importing these products from factories based in Asian countries and marketing them under the Syracuse China brand name.

Guide for Collectors

The number of collectors and enthusiasts of Syracuse china have increased over the last few years, mainly because the scarcity of the product has increased its value. The Onondaga Historical Association has a huge collection of Syracuse China. The society has catalogued over 30,000 pieces of collectibles that are displayed at the museum. The display includes a wide variety of pieces and is an important source for a collector of Syracuse China.

Notable Auction Sales

A set of thirteen navy blue presidential dinner plates manufactured by Syracuse China and used by President Kennedy on 18th November, 1963 was auctioned off for $6,000 at Bonham’s, New York on 16th November, 2011. These plates were used in JFK's last official dinner with the Inter American Press Association at the Americana Hotel in Bal Harbour, Miami Beach. This was just before his fatal Texas trip later that week.

A 20th century Syracuse China part dinner service was auctioned off for $720 at Christie's, New York on 1st March 2005.

A Syracuse China plate from the 1st class service on board the S.S. Leviathan was auctioned off at the Ocean Liner Furnishings and Art Sale for $660 at Christie's, New York on 23rd June 2005.

A Syracuse China Porcelain Bowl was auctioned off at the 20th Century Decorative Arts, Crafts & Architectural Designs Sale for $483 at Christie's, New York on 13th June 1994.

A Syracuse Old Ivory China tableware was auctioned off at the SoMa Estate Auction for $390 at Bonham’s, San Francisco on 19th August, 2007.

Tips To Sell Your Car

One of the many reasons that you would want to sell your car is to probably get its newer model. However, most of you may be clueless in going about it and would often find yourself asking the question "What is the best way to sell my car?".

You can sell your car using some of the tips mentioned below.

Always ensure that your car is in good condition. Should your car be in bad shape, you would often find buyers highlighting the things that are in bad shape and would obviously ask for a lower price. To avoid this, always keep your car in good shape.

When advertising in newspaper classifieds, do not limit yourself to the "I want to sell my Car" page or location. You may put a heading "I want to sell my Audi" or "I want to sell my car" and post it on several popular websites or magazines where it may get sufficient exposure. You could also pass it through the word of mouth and tell your colleagues about it.

Next is pricing. You can value your Audi and then do a small market research on the web to get the best estimate. This is because overpricing or under-pricing your car is one the biggest evils while selling your car.

You could also put a “for sale" on the hood of your car and park it in a busy street corner where it gets lots of exposure.

You may be aware that the value of your car largely depends on the market and its demand could vary according to location. You must also understand that most people buy cars based on emotion and hence buying prices will vary from person to person.

Before you decide to sell your car, do your homework and find out it's exact worth. If your vehicle has any extras, it could get a better valuation.

If your car has a good mileage you can definitely expect a higher price given the current fuel costs.

Should your odometer display lower readings, it will definitely boost your car’s resale value. Furthermore if the vehicle is still covered by the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty, it will give a whole new aspect to the trade-in, as the warranty can be transferred to the new owner.

If your vehicle does not have add-on features such as power windows, ABS braking system, sun-roof, alloy wheels, air-conditioning, then it is likely that your car could get a rather low valuation.

Colour also lends an aspect to the value, as cars with colours such as coral pink don’t have many buyers. The popular colours are still black, white and silver.

Lastly, extreme modifications to the body of the car could also be a negative factor.

Ultimately, the most important aspect is the model, the year it was made, its popularity and ofcourse its condition of the car.

Like any other financial transaction, it is of paramount importance to weigh the pros and cons prior to selling your car.

The Modern Workplace

I think the modern workplace is so varied that the whole objective of productivity is misconstrued.

Basically, I am used to, and still excel in an environment that has a lot of camaraderie, good communication and great teamwork. So, I should technically opt for this as the “ideal working environment”.

But no !

Why?

At one point in time, I used to work well under pressure and used to prefer a fast-paced environment. But now as those bones “creak”, I would opt for a much calmer setting in order to do some of my best work. Now I used to give high priority for dress code and formal environments, but after working in a place that has no “hang-ups” for the business attire – you generally get pulled into the casual environment. This is because, casual environments are more flexible about attire, work hours, and other factors. So personally, I feel that working in an environment where the atmosphere is quite relaxed, friendly and flexible and with a casual dress code to match, brings out the best in you.

Now wait a minute – by casual environment, I don’t mean 6 hour days, with office chair basketball, sushi once a week, shorts and t-shirts, etc., or always having internet access to some great music with a cool speaker system, or an open air refreshment where there is great food always available, or a place with sunlight streaming in from the windows and having state-of-the-art temperature control and designer paintings on the walls !!!

There is no harm in dreaming huh?

So would I be right in saying that my ideal job consists of a workplace where I can grow not only professionally but intellectually. A place where my own ideas are well received and there is room and space for innovative thinking. In other words I would like to have a job where I can "wear many hats" and where my abilities are maximized. And ofcourse, a place where my know-how and work is appreciated vis-à-vis financial gains and economic stability

Although deadlines are fun, it can stress us all out, so it is important to have fun and this can only be achieved in a place that has great camaraderie.

I would also like the option of working from home once a while.

So the bottom-line is that I would like an office with a relaxed atmosphere and a few of the above qualities. In other words, an organization that has some of these qualities and appreciates balance and flexibility.

What Is Narcolepsy

Narcoleptics have trouble with their sleeping habits. People with narcolepsy sleep disorder condition suddenly fall asleep while they are watching television or reading and in some cases even while eating or talking.

The main signs of the narcolepsy syndrome are extreme daytime sleepiness, cataplexy while awake, and hallucinations during sleep. Narcolepsy often is the cause of cataplexy, which causes a sudden loss in your muscles especially when you are wide awake. It resembles fainting or a seizure as it causes you to drop whatever you are holding. This may last for a few seconds or minutes followed by strong emotions.

Narcolepsy symptoms are difficult to identify and it can affect both women and men. Narcolepsy sleep disorder signs generally show up during the teenage years. The disorder is rare in children who are five years and below. People who have narcolepsy sleep disorder usually find it difficult to function at school, work or home mainly due to their extreme tiredness and sleepiness.

Narcolepsy is usually mistaken to be a fainting or a seizure disorder, or sometimes classified as lethargy or learning problems for school going children. It is even harder to diagnose the condition when the narcolepsy cataplexy symptoms are mild. There is no cure that has been found for narcolepsy as of date, but therapy along with lifestyle changes can reduce the condition.

Japan Travel Safety Tips

As a peaceful and neutral nation, Japan enjoys a reputation for being one of the safest countries in Europe and in the world. Travelers can take comfort knowing that Japan has one of the lowest unemployment rates as well as a very high standard of living. However, contemporary Japan although complete with skyscrapers, traffic jams and air pollution, has the usual problems like any modern state. Hence, travelers are advised to observe basic travel safety tips during the stay in this wonderful country.

Japan is the third largest economy in the world and it has a GDP of around $35K by purchasing power, so traveling to Japan is relatively safe. However, people traveling to Japan should still take precautions when going around the different cities. Despite Japan having a low crime rate, there are gangs, prostitutes and pickpockets who are ready to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists, especially in heavy tourist spots such as public transportation sites and parks. Hence, it’s better to take a taxi than to take a stroll at night, especially if you are alone. Also be careful of motorcycle gangs as you are walking since they have been known to snatch purses and handbags from unknowing and innocent pedestrians.

Japanese youth generally show positive attitudes towards you, although from others there is a certain type of indifference. Many people coming to Japan wonder if the Japanese are racist and cold to westerners. The answer is that Japanese racism is in almost all cases is NEVER HOSTILE towards anyone. It is very unlikely that you may find any skinhead thugs or people in white sheets in Japan.

Whatever said and done, travelers must try and remember these things:

Always plan your travel in advance. Research and read about the place you’re heading to. Search about it on the Internet or read the travel magazines. You can even join forums to discuss your views.

The most important thing that you must keep in mind is your own safety. Things such as a first aid kit would go a long way if you are faced with any injuries while traveling. Also keep few medicines handy for precaution because you cannot rely on anyone for help during an emergency. You also don’t need any inoculations to enter Japan from anywhere in the world. If you are taking prescription medication, you should take it with you along with a copy of the prescription. Bring only what you need for the duration of your trip. While it is possible to buy prescription drugs in other countries, it is better that you come prepared so you don’t have to worry about your health maintenance during your vacation or trip. Japan also imposes very strict penalties for drug users and drug carriers and distributors.

Tap water is safe to drink, just about anywhere in Japan. However, it is prudent to have a back-up containing bottled water or mineral water.

Japan has among the best medical facilities in the world so you don’t have to worry if something unforeseen does happen to you, during your trip. However, it is recommended that you ensure that your travel insurance is updated. Travel insurance policy can provide a great help when you don't have enough money to spend on the medical treatment and expenses on hospital bills.

As there are plenty of airline companies that provide air-tickets to Japan, a traveler has the choice to select the best option. Alternately, go online and compare prices to get the best rate.

Arrange for the passport and visa in advance to avoid any kind of delay in the journey. You can also contact the travel agents to make your trip comfortable. You can book your tickets online by visiting the websites of airlines.

Make sure that you pack your baggage carefully to avoid any kind of problems during the journey. List of all requirements should be made so that you don't miss anything. Over weight luggage can become a hurdle while traveling. Hide your valuables. Don’t invite muggers to come and get you. Don’t wear too much jewelry outside the streets. Use inexpensive accessories.

There is no need to carry cash. It is always safer to use electronic cards for transactions. Credit cards and debit cards can be used for shopping purpose. Never buy heavy things which you can't carry. Basically, take just enough cash. Keep in mind to use a money belt when traveling. This cuts down the chances of having your purse, money and other valuables stolen. Limit the amount of cash you carry for the day and opt to pay with traveler’s checks, which can easily be replaced. Although traveler’s checks and credit cards are good, you might want to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket with local currency.

Try and make online reservations with the nearest hotels and restaurants. Lodging in hotels and resorts can sometimes cost a lot.

Always, take a road map of the city and try and learn to read them. These maps can assist you greatly, if you haven’t been to a place before. It is advised no to rely too much on a taxi driver, but instead it is better to take the public transportation. The buses and trains are reliable so you shouldn’t have a problem getting around.

Try learning the basics of the Japanese language. Also study the most common words that you would likely ask a local. The Japanese are very hospitable and will go to any extent to help you despite their little knowledge of the English language. However, don’t be under the misapprehension that if you talk slower or louder in English, the Japanese will finally understand you!

Never be shy in asking directions, particularly in Japan. But be careful in whom you ask. In other words, don’t ask a complete stranger, but instead ask your receptionist or waiter and get the complete info. Try and dress suitably. In other words, don’t wear something that singles you out from the rest of the crowd as a tourist. Basically, the less attention you get the better.

Books are the best companion of loneliness. If you don't like reading novels then magazines are other choice. You can carry the reading material and can keep yourself busy during the journey. It's better to avoid relying on strangers from the safety point of view and reading habit can make your boring journey interesting. Listening music can also be a good option.

If you are out sightseeing, it is highly recommended that you carry some personal identification with you at all times. If questioned by the local authorities, you may need to be able to present some ID, either a driver’s license or your passport. Keep your ID and your cash and credit cards secure with you at all times. Also remember that in many establishments, the credit card receipt will print your entire credit card number. Keep your duplicate copies with you securely.

To make your traveling interesting you can indulge in exciting things like trekking, mountaineering etc. Activities which give you pleasure should never be missed.

Another important point to remember is that be prepared to head into a restroom stall and find the urinal on the floor, without a toilet paper in most cases. Get used to the fact that slippers are lined up for at the entrance to a tatami room and that you won’t get a California roll at a sushi restaurant.

Lastly, enjoy your travel and try making friends with the locals. Meet up with locals, talk with them over a meal in a restaurant or bar. Get their addresses and keep in touch with them by sending them a greeting or thank-you card. You could perhaps be their host when they visit your country. Always keep your confidence up and boost your morale before starting your journey alone.

These are some of the safety tips to keep in mind while traveling in Japan. Following these tips will help ensure that your stay in Japan will be safe and hassle free.