Power Converter Features Waterproof Design

The DCP-5-HD heavy duty power converter from Larson Electronics is a 5-amp waterproof power supply that converts 120- or 240-volt AC electrical current to 12- or 24-volt DC current.

The power converter comes with an optional industrial grade male plug and three feet of cable on the input end and an optional female receptacle on the other end. The unit provides a safe and effective way to use standard AC power to operate equipment like our low voltage LED lights that require low voltage current.

It features an IP67-rated waterproof design, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use and is wet area approved. It includes integral short circuit, over voltage, over temperature and overload protection that will shut the unit down or reduce output in case of faults and overloads to protect the unit and connected equipment from damage.

The transformer is enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure that is equipped with a strap for carrying and/or mounting. The compact size and wide input voltage range are designed for indoor and outdoor operation of Larson's LED light bars, hand lamps and other equipment that require 12- or 24-volt DC current.

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Economic Watch: Unemployment Lowest Since Great Recession

Unemployment in the U.S. continued falling in November, hitting its lowest level since 2007, according to Labor Department figures issued Friday, as the trucking industry also contributed to some of the job additions.

Nonfarm payrolls rose by 178,000, while October's level was revised down slightly to a 142,000 gain from 161,000 and the number of jobs added in September was revised upward to 208,000 from 191,000. The November increase was led by service-producing jobs rising 139,000 following a128,000 improvement in October.

So far in 2016, employment growth has averaged 180,000 per month, compared with an average monthly increase of 229,000 in 2015.

The November improvement pushed the unemployment rate down to 4.6% from 4.9% in October, its lowest level since August 2007. Both the November unemployment rate and the number of jobs added exceeded Wall Street expectations.

For-hire trucking added 1,110 jobs in November while there were 8,900 jobs added in the wider transportation and warehousing sector with most of these gains coming from warehousing/storage and couriers/messengers.

Overall, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls declined by 3 cents to $25.89, following an 11-cents increase in October. Over the year, average hourly earnings have risen by 2.5%, which compares to 2.3% in 2015 and 2.1% in 2014

“The continuation of solid employment gains is encouraging as it indicates that businesses remain sufficiently confident about the economic outlook that they are prepared to invest in more workers,” said Paul Ferley, assistant chief economist at RBC Economics. “As well, it implies growing income to fund further gains in consumer spending. Though overall GDP growth is expected to moderate from the third quarter's 3.2% increase, solid employment gains are projected to keep activity in the fourth quarter at an above-average 2.1%."

This report follows several others in the past two weeks, including one from the Federal ...Read the rest of this story

Old Dominion Freight Line Provides Update for Fourth-Quarter 2016

State of Trucking for 2017: The Driver Shortage

The transportation industry provides millions of people an income each year. According to Driver Solutions, truck driving is the most popular job in 29 states. Yet, this industry remains one of the most forgotten about.

Click here for the full infographic.

Truck drivers are running more miles and hauling more freight than ever, in part because of a driver shortage. It's been a growing issue in the industry for years, and much of it can be attributed to an aging workforce. The average age of a truck driver is 49, and many of them are now retiring. This, combined with a lack of qualified drivers and industry turnover, in general, has some projections showing a need for 100,000 drivers heading into in 2017, according to Driver Solutions.

State of the 2017 Trucking Industry courtesy of Driver Solutions

To combat the growing shortage, many transportation companies are changing their ways. To get new drivers started in the industry, some companies offer programs that not only give aspiring drivers free commercial driver's license (CDL) training, but also a job opportunity after completion.

Additionally, trucking companies are improving benefits such as home time and retirement plans, introducing safe driver and performance related incentives, and creating various first-year career advancement opportunities to help retain its drivers.

To see the entire breakdown of the State of Trucking, visit http://www.greatcdltraining.com/state-of-trucking-2017.

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Nikola seeks to create “all-inclusive” truck model

SALT LAKE CITY. During the unveiling of the new Nikola One hydrogen fuel cell powered all-electric Class 8 highway tractor during a media event held here the world headquarters of Nikola Motors Co., Trevor Milton, the company's president and CEO, told Fleet Owner he also expects it to be the first “all-inclusive” model – incorporating fuel, maintenance, even a freight-matching service, into the purchase price.

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