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UPS is Latest to Join Blockchain Group

UPS has joined the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance, stating that it sees a need to create industry standards and protocols to enable blockchain platforms to operate together with established technologies.

BiTA is dedicated to setting standards for blockchain applications developed for transportation. The alliance was formed by tech and transportation executives to create a forum for promotion and education, and to encourage development and adaptation of blockchain applications within the transportation and logistics industries.

Blockchain is a digital database using "blocks" inked and secured by cryptography that can be used to keep records of any information or assets. This includes physical assets, like transportation containers, or virtual assets, like digital currencies. It allows all companies tied into a system to see and use the same data on these transactions, allowing for greater efficiencies throughout the logistics chain.

UPS wants to leverage blockchain technology to facilitate execution and visibility of trusted transactions between UPS, its customers, and government customs agencies. In the future, blockchain standards and intercompany collaboration will support the logistics strategies that enable UPS customers to participate in global trade and finance, according to UPS.

“Blockchain has multiple applications in the logistics industry, especially related to supply chains, insurance, payments, audits and customs brokerage,” said Linda Weakland, UPS director of enterprise architecture and innovation. “The technology has the potential to increase transparency and efficiency among shippers, carriers, brokers, consumers, vendors and other supply chain stakeholders.”

UPS is exploring blockchain applications in its customs brokerage business to help the company digitize transactions. Blockchain technology would help by improving transaction accuracy and by replacing existing paper-heavy and manual processes. The process would be highly secure and would generate valuable efficiencies for shippers who rely on UPS for customs brokerage, according to the company.

More than 300 companies have applied to BiTA or membership.

Related: Blockchain Explained

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TruckPro Acquires Class 8 Parts

Logo courtesy of TruckPro. 

TruckPro, a distributor of heavy duty truck and trailer parts based in Memphis, Tenn., announced it has acquired the assets of Class 8 Parts, Inc. in New Holland, Penn.

Class 8 has been in business since 1998 and is a leading provider of aftermarket truck parts in Central Pennsylvania.

“Class 8 Parts is a highly successful, privately held aftermarket truck parts provider and owners Don Sindall, Doug Sindall, and John Lowry built an organization with a reputation for providing exceptional service to its customers,” Chuck Broadus, TruckPro's CEO, said.

“Class 8 Parts is a great addition to the TruckPro family and allows us to expand our footprint in the Northeast region and provide additional products and enhanced customer service to our local customers and national accounts in this region," he added.

Related: TruckPro Buys Florida Parts and Service Distributor

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Bulldog Driver Pay Hike Includes Guaranteed Minimum Salary

With Phil Byrd, president of Bulldog Hiway Express (second from right) are senior drivers (left to right), Robert Gibbs, Timothy Smith,and Gerald Waring. Photo courtesy of Bulldog Hiway Express

Bulldog Hiway Express, a Daseke company, has announced a driver-compensation program called Salary Plus that includes a guaranteed minimum salary of $1,000 a week in its flatbed division.

Drivers for Bulldog's flatbed division currently average $1,300 per week or more than 60 cents per mile for a daily average of $270.

Under Salary Plus, drivers will have the opportunity to earn above the minimum $1,000 a week, since the company offers short-mileage runs that maximize daily earning potential and get drivers home for most evenings and weekends.

The program is open to all drivers with a CDL license. Previous experience in flatbed or open-deck hauling isn't necessary as the company will provide that training.

Salary Plus also includes such features as 100% company-paid health insurance, a matching 401(k) program, and participation in Daseke's stock grant ownership program. Late model tractors are offered to drivers, which include EpicVue in-cab satellite TV, with NFL package, at no cost to the driver. The company also offers a spouse and pet rider policy, plus driver recognition and rewards.

Bulldog's Salary Plus program also includes:

“We want to get the word out of what great jobs Bulldog Hiway Express has to offer drivers with a good work history and a good driving record, who have a desire and a skill to work in an environment where they can be respected and earn a top wage for their family and maximize family ...Read the rest of this story

ATA Executing Full-Court Press to Pass GOP Tax Scheme

ATA's Spear Photo: Evan Lockridge

The American Trucking Associations appears committed to leaving no stone unturned in its quest to see the tax-reform plan introduced on Capitol Hill on Nov. 2 passed into law and signed by President Trump.

In a Nov. 6 message to the trucking lobby's members as well as in a Nov. 2 letter sent to every member of the House and Senate, ATA President and CEO Chris Spear “make is clear” that “early enactment of significant federal tax reform is critical for the U.S. trucking industry and for the nation's economy in general.”

In his letter to Congress, Spear succinctly explains why passage of the GOP's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is ATA's highest legislative priority. He said the bill embodies “three basic principles,” lowering tax rates on business income, broadening the tax base to render it more equitable, and significantly simplifying the enormously complex tax code, that “will all benefit motor carriers.”

He added that lowering the corporate rate will “free up cash to invest in newer, safer, cleaner, and more efficient equipment, while also helping carriers pay drivers more and make necessary investments in workforce development. Broadening the tax base to allow such rate reductions will eliminate special tax breaks enjoyed by industries that are more heavily dominated by large business entities than trucking. Tax simplification will alleviate the very considerable burden of compliance the current tax code imposes on small businesses.”

In his message to ATA members, Spear emphasizes that as desirable as the tax package is to trucking stakeholders, it is a “lengthy and detailed” piece of legislation so its provisions “could apply to businesses (i.e. size) differently.” That's why he urges “ATA members to work with their legal or accounting teams for advice in assessing the likely effects ...Read the rest of this story

China’s JAC Motors Launches Electric Truck Line

China's JAC Motors recently launched its JAC Electric Trucks operation at a trade show in Macau, the autonomous region that was Portuguese territory until 1999. According to Macau Auto Show organizers, the development of such “new energy vehicles” is being supported by Chinese government policy.

For its part, JAC said that based on mileage requirements, it will provide EV and EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) solutions. The manufacturer plans to offer several electric-truck platforms to address left- and right-hand drive markets as well as a range of weight capacities.

Photo: JAC Motors

Parent firm JAC Motors produces vehicles ranging from sedans to heavy on-highway trucks. The OEM supplies the China market and exports vehicles overseas; reportedly it has recorded sales in over 100 countries since 1990.

Related: Foton, Cummins Cooperating on China Super Truck Program

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