Christopher Jamroz

Today marks the 28th anniversary of the tragic ValuJet DC-9 crash on May 11, 1996. The flight, headed to Atlanta, caught fire after departing Miami, leading to a devastating crash in the Florida Everglades, claiming the lives of all 105 passengers and 5 crew members. The incident was caused by incorrectly labeled and improperly packed hazardous oxygen generating canisters. Following this tragedy, the Department of Transportation promptly enforced a ban on these canisters to prevent future disasters. Remember, it's crucial to report any non-compliance with regulations for transporting dangerous goods in commerce. Training and adherence to regulations play a vital role in ensuring safety. Let's work together to prevent such tragedies and prioritize safety in all aspects of transportation. It's not just best practice; it's the law! #valuejet #hazmat #noncompliance

124

28 Comments

GO Airlink Shuttle Launches New Direct Service from JFK International Airport to Grand Central Station We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a new direct shuttle service connecting JFK International Airport to Grand Central Station in Manhattan. This new route is specifically designed to serve airline crew members and those staying at hotels in Midtown Manhattan, providing a convenient, cost-effective transportation option for both groups. More route will be Announced SOON We are commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation for both the aviation industry and the hospitality sector Authorized Permitee by the Port authorety of New York and New Jersey #DeltaAirline #JetBlue #AmericanAirlines #AlaskanAir #Aviation www.Goairlinkshuttle.com

39

7 Comments

Over the past 5 years, this unfortunately was almost inevitable in the contentious evolution of the #NASCAR business and their teams' revenue models: https://lnkd.in/eFsQfn7y Full disclosure: before continuing my career in #transportation leading XPO Logistics and RXO's global air transport division, I had several inquiries about returning to racing. In 2018 I interviewed with the executive search firm hiring the executive director for the Race Team Alliance (RTA). Their objectives had merit, but I had reservations about methodology, alignment between the stakeholders, and thus this role. While the #RTA certainly gets credit for driving the introduction of the "charter system," many other initiatives (or lack thereof) perplexed me and others with management backgrounds in and outside racing. Teams are "unified" on wanting more revenue and income from NASCAR (which today is primarily derived from media broadcast rights), but aren't necessarily well-aligned on other factors. Neither are the drivers. One key factor is 3 unique types of NASCAR team owners today. (1) "legacy financial elites" (ex. - Hendrick, Penske) with tenure who are a small part of their owners' large-cap commercial empires. So even a $20-30M valuation as alleged for recent charter sales is just a blip on their financials. These teams rely heavily on B2B to outperform their rivals in sponsorship revenue and marketing their commercial businesses. (2) "hustlers" (previously called drive-and-park or rent-a-ride teams) at the other end of the spectrum, mainly long-time racers, some with questionable financial/business resumes, that mastered the art of fielding a NASCAR team with minimal Capex and Opex, and then "hustling" for pay drivers and jigsaw sponsorships to meet budgets and generate personal income. This group benefited most from the charter system and has been most active selling/renting them. (3) "rest of the field" - comprised of of new and legacy organizations who lack the wealth or b2b resources of Hendrick or Penske, but have a track record of commitment to the sport and fielding competitive Top 20 teams not based primarily on the "hustling" model. Each group has different motivations - why teams haven't appeared unified or reached a consensus under the RTA despite "negotiating" for 2+ years. Reportedly by ultimatum, most teams finally signed NASCAR's new "charter agreement" because they were out of time, re-secured their guaranteed entries, and increased revenue. NASCAR leadership recognized these factors and that guided how far they would divide their revenues. #MichaelJordan and 23XI were the most likely to challenge NASCAR for 3 reasons: (1) public/commercial clout, plus wealth (2) no long-term history with NASCAR (3) unique contract and legal perspective from other sports leagues. Court proceedings will be interesting; the defendant wants to avoid disclosing business and financial data, conversely, discovery is a key leverage factor for the plaintiffs. 🤔

Ever wondered how railroads and railcars move the essential goods that keep our country—and the world—running? Here's a great read! This blog takes a closer look at the railcars behind it all, summarizing the types of railcars and the commodities they carried in 2024. It's always amazing to see how different railcar types support diverse global commerce.

5

Let's learn some new tips from DoT !

1

Should NY Governor Hochul Remove the Interborough Express Project from MTA to Help Plug the Budget Hole Caused by Pausing Congestion Pricing?   During his Monday press conference, MTA Chair Janno Lieber explained that, in light of Governor Hochul’s congestion pricing delay, the MTA’s priority will be operations and safety. Lieber explained the sudden capital budget shortfall of $15 billion would likely force the MTA to shrink its capital budget and postpone projects like accessibility improvements, and new bus purchases. One of the MTA’s key capital projects at risk is the Interborough Express (IBX), a light rail project connecting underserved areas of Brooklyn and Queens.   In Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, $45 million was allocated to advance design and engineering for the IBX. Additionally, the MTA’s 20-Year Needs Assessment, published in late 2023, showed the IBX would require an estimated $5.5 billion for construction costs. It also showed estimated fleet costs at $432 million, and annual operations and management costs at $83 million. The IBX would connect with up to 17 subway lines and the Long Island Railroad, with daily ridership estimated at about 115,000. It would become a key piece of transportation infrastructure for the outer boroughs.   This past January, The New York Bar Association Transportation Committee, on which I serve as chair, wrote an open letter to Kathy Hochul, state, city, and MTA leadership regarding the potential budgetary burden the IBX would put on the MTA’s capital budget. The letter cites, “high cost, project status relative to other announced MTA capital priorities, and right-of-way uncertainties unresolved by the work to date,” as reasons why the MTA might consider an alternative approach to project implementation. To read the letter click here: https://lnkd.in/eafY87NW   The Transportation Committee recommended shifting responsibility for the project’s further development from the MTA to a new joint State-City multi-modal partnership. “This entity could have more flexibility to develop a lower-cost project concept and to shape an innovative financing and public-private partnership strategy, which could lessen or eliminate IBX’s competition with other priorities for MTA capital program capacity and management’s attention. A formal role for the City recognizes the project’s dependence on coordination with multiple municipal functions and approvals. Together, the State and City could empower this new entity to foster other innovative local mobility services and support rail freight operations and ancillary infrastructure on the IBX corridor.”   Considering the new funding shortfall the MTA faces, it may make sense for the Governor, the MTA, and the State Legislature to consider creating a separate authority to deliver the IBX that does not rely on the MTA and its now extremely overburdened capital program. #InterboroughExpress #IBX #MTA #CongestionPricing

25

1 Comment

🚨 SUB-BID ALERT 🚨 Click below to learn more

1

Looking back at 2024, analysts state that US Class I railroads have made significant strides in service reliability and resilience, positioning themselves for volume growth after several challenging years.  This year, all Class I railroads consistently delivered velocity levels surpassing historical averages, even amid a 10% overall increase in intermodal volumes in the US. The railroads successfully navigated substantial operational pressures, aided by maintaining a sufficient reserve of train crews and locomotives. Enhanced efficiency at hump and flat-switching yards also contributed to their robust performance. Despite facing challenges such as a surge in international container imports, hurricanes, and port strikes, the railroads demonstrated remarkable resilience. They not only recovered but also implemented proactive measures to enhance operations and strengthen the supply chain.  Class I railroads are now prioritizing service quality, fostering stronger collaboration with customers, and rolling out new partnerships and offerings. These improvements are expected to drive continued growth in freight volumes moving forward. As Class I and other railroads continue to invest in service improvements and freight volume growth, adopting innovative technologies for optimized operations, enhanced safety, and supply chain - transparency is no longer optional, it’s essential. Trilogical’s proprietary rolling stock telematics solutions address these needs, offering cutting-edge technology at competitive costs and delivering a fast return on investment. With our #RailBlazer telematics system, fleet availability - critical for managing increased demands and unexpected challenges - can improve by 12-20%, while maintenance costs are reduced by up to 30%.  In addition, RailBlazer provides precise, track-level railcar location monitoring, making it a comprehensive solution for yard management. It addresses key challenges, including reducing dwell times and improving overall yard efficiency. The system’s advanced data analytics ensure transparency across the supply chain, offering real-time updates on loading status and ETA. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also elevates service levels and boosts shipper satisfaction, unlocking new business opportunities. #raifreight #freightindustry #railinnovation

10

**Rail Congestion Impacting US Exports via Los Angeles/Long Beach Ports** October 18, 2024 We'd like to update our clients on the ongoing rail congestion at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. Recent months have seen a surge in import volumes, leading to significant rail delays. Currently, nearly 50% of containers destined for rail transport from the Port of Los Angeles are experiencing delays of over nine days. This congestion is affecting shipments from major inland hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, and more. In response, we’re rerouting certain bookings from Los Angeles and Long Beach to alternate ports to minimize disruptions. We are closely monitoring the situation and working with rail and port authorities to mitigate the impact on our operations. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at MELLOHAWK Logistics Inc. We're here to help you navigate these challenges. [email protected] #SupplyChainUpdate   #LogisticsNews   #RailCongestion   #PortCongestion   #LosAngelesPort   #LongBeachPort   #ExportLogistics   #GlobalTrade   #FreightSolutions   #MelloHawkLogistics   #ShippingChallenges   #TransportationUpdates   #SupplyChainManagement   #FreightDelays

20

In case you missed it in the print or digital versions of the magazine, check out this story on Modern Transportation Services’ bold decision to migrate to BeyondTrucks’ future-proofed transportation management platform, including the impetus behind the drastic change, and details on the implementation process. These are two innovative, forward-thinking companies who are working together to advance bulk transportation services and technology—and willing to share their story with Bulk Transporter’s readers: Modern is more than a fancy moniker at Modern Transportation, it’s a motivational mantra embedded in the carrier’s mission to provide superior solutions in the “safest, most professional, and efficient manner” possible. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based bulk carrier’s commitment to leading-edge technology adoption and equipment innovation empowers employees to take “extreme ownership” of that lofty goal. Recent examples include deploying artificial intelligence (AI)-powered dashcams and testing novel smart-trailer systems that improve driver safety and comfort—and facilitate long-term customer relationships. “We’re a very mission-driven company,” said Patrick Cozzens, Modern president. “Our mission means everything to us. And we don’t call it a mission statement. People hang mission statements on walls, where they collect dust, and no one pays attention. We say mission because we live it every day. “That truly is what differentiates us.” Now Modern is making another bold move, replacing the legacy transportation management system (TMS) managers rely on daily with BeyondTrucks’ easily configured, cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform. The transformational rollout commenced in March, with company-wide implementation expected in May. “This is like a backbone replacement because it does everything for us, from dispatching to payroll and billing, and integrates with almost every program everybody in the company touches,” said Marcus Beadle, Modern information systems implementation manager. “It’s terrifying in some regards—but exciting at the same time.” Netradyne Drōv Technologies Samsara UKG Heil Trailer International Wabash Tremcar Freightliner Demand Detroit Cummins Inc. Kalmbach Feeds Inc. Owens Corning Procter & Gamble AICPA

25

2 Comments

UE's first came about in the late 80's after the crews were reduced significantly and cabooses were dropped. All of a sudden, a conductor found themselves without the two brakeman who served them well over the years. UE's were a way to make more efficient use of the employees at hand, circumventing older labor agreements, and as senior people remained to hold what jobs were left, velocity suffered. Railroads across the country may have called them by different names, but UE's enabled a crewman to work with a crew temporarily, get them out of the yard, and then move on to another crew without the prescribed arbitraries, through a specific process of "attaching" and "detaching". UE's are all about kicking, dropping, humping, and switching trains, and nothing to do with repairs or regulated work. If attached to a crew, they are limited to traditional train & engine work and the "holies", just like their fellow crewmen. Once regulated work comes into the picture, they become workers like any other craft and require Blue Signal Protection. They must be working in conjunction with their entire crew - as crews have always worked together - in a common task, remaining in close contact and constant communication. "It is the nature of the work being performed, NOT the class, craft, or group of employee." The "emergency provision" of Subpart B is in place to keep the main lines moving, not change a string of brake shoes in a yard without the prescribed Blue Signal required by law. If you're thinking about putting all the carmen on the street and shifting that kind of work to the trainmen for the purposes of evading the regulation...just because they are "attached"...I would encourage you not to do so. This has been on the books since 1986, and a concern for workers since the regulation was adopted in 1993... ...and for some reason, becoming a reality. Value what your car inspectors do, and value what your train crews do, but realize they are not the same. #justRAILROAD #BLUEaint4U #butfairbanksisflat #railroadsafety

53

9 Comments

As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced his nominee for transportation secretary, many trucking groups celebrated the choice of former U.S. Republican Sean Duffy. With leaders of groups such as the American Trucking Associations and the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) coming out in support of this nomination, Duffy has been identified as an “ally of the industry who has supported carriers’ priorities”. Check out this article to learn more: https://ow.ly/unuT50Ue78a #Carriers #Freight #Policy #SupplyChain #Transportation #Trucking #TrumpAdministration

1

Credit to Michelle Kaske May 17, 2024 Is your City ready for congestion pricing? https://lnkd.in/gKUZ_iaJ Starting June 30, New York City plans to begin charging most drivers $15 to enter midtown Manhattan. The goal is to reduce traffic in one of the most congested areas in the nation and raise $15 billion to modernize the city's more than 100-year-old transit system. The tolling plan is the first of its kind in the US. Other cities like London, Singapore, Stockholm and Milan already have similar programs in place. The toll to drive into the central business district, which runs from 60th street to the southern tip of Manhattan. Passenger cars with an E-ZPass will pay $15 during peak hours while trucks with an E-ZPass pay $24 or $36, depending on size. Drivers receive credits if they already paid certain tunnel tolls (Lincoln, Holland, Queens-Midtown or Brooklyn-Battery). https://lnkd.in/gvYqTTYJ Michelle Kaske March 28, 2024 NYC's Congestion Pricing Is Coming Soon. Here's What to Know 1. What’s the idea behind congestion pricing? Economists call it a demand-side solution: Jack up the price of something and demand will fall — producing, in this case, clearer streets and cleaner air. 2. Where is congestion pricing already in place? Singapore has charged since 1975, Stockholm made a trial run permanent in 2007, and Milan’s Area C began in 2012. Fees have been in effect in central London since 2003. 3. How would New York’s system work? The fee would apply once a day to cars and trucks driving into Manhattan’s central business district, which starts at 60th Street and includes midtown office buildings, Times Square, the Theater District and the World Trade Center. Passengers in taxis and other for-hire vehicles would pay a lower fee for each ride. 4. How much would it cost? The new toll to enter central Manhattan would be $15 for passenger cars during peak hours, with higher rates for vehicles without an E-ZPass transponder. For context, a rush-hour commuter from Princeton, New Jersey, to central Manhattan already pays roughly $30 to $35 in tolls, round-trip, to use the New Jersey Turnpike and a Hudson River bridge or tunnel. 5. How much money would this bring in? Officials estimate the new toll would raise $1 billion a year. The plan is for the MTA to borrow against that amount to generate $15 billion through bond sales. That money would then pay for transit infrastructure, including extending the Second Avenue subway line to Harlem, modernizing signals and making subway stations accessible by adding and updating escalators and elevators. New York’s comptroller said in early May that the MTA faced a potential $25 billion shortfall for future infrastructure upgrades to the subway system.

2

Wonder what the GHG emissions are from vehicles sitting idle in traffic? Or extensive detours as a result of failing, unmaintained infrastructure? The Climate Commitment Act in Washington State prohibits spending on traffic mitigating infrastructure, transportation dollars are dedicated to bus rides, bike & pedestrian paths, and local rail. We could have done better for the ultimate payers of the CO2 tax by acknowledging people are still going to need to drive, people demand efficient deliveries, and all modes of freight and people movement need to be prioritized to reduce congestion and improve efficiency. Another reason Washington Trucking Associations is supporting #Initiative2117 and encouraging our members to #VoteYEStoPayLess in November.

19

Today, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and reflect on the bravery and resilience that followed that tragic day. As we commemorate this day, we are reminded of the strength that emerges when we unite as a country. #DrayageSpecialist #WeRemember #September11 #NeverForget #911Memorial #SupplyChain #Freight #Cargo #Outsourcing #GlobalTalent #Logistics #Trucking

13

1 Comment

Stellantis, representing 16 brands like Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Peugeot, relocates to a 5-star green energy-rated DC in Mickleham, with DB Schenker managing logistics for over 40,000 SKUs. Know more: https://lnkd.in/gEviybGn #Logistics #Sustainability #Innovation #Automotive

6

Video: Rolling through Birmingham, AL just before midnight at 20’ wide. Thanks to our Troopers for a safe & easy night move. The customer requires 2x lead cars & 2x chase cars. It is standard protocol to have redundancy in High Value Cargo Ops. I am running the #2 lead spot ready to step in if there’s an issue, malfunction or any callouts are missed. Contingency plans are reviewed, all stops are preplanned, surveyed & discussed prior to the movement. Stopping the load for a breakdown on an escort vehicle is simply not an option. 8 vehicles in total in our convoy. 3x troopers, 4x escorts + the load. #specializedlogistics

60

5 Comments