CLC

In a pivotal legal showdown, the California Trucking Association (CTA) is once again challenging the state’s AB5 independent contractor law, which has significant implications for the trucking sector. The court hearing on November 13, 2023, marks the first in-person appearance since early 2020 and involves attorneys from the CTA, the state, as well as new participants, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and the Teamsters.

The legal history of this case dates back to 2019 when Judge Roger Benitez issued a preliminary injunction against AB5, citing conflict with the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (F4A) of 1994. However, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned this decision more than seven months later. Now, lawyers are back before Judge Benitez to debate the CTA’s latest request for a new injunction against AB5 in the trucking industry while the full case proceeds.

AB5, a state law employing the ABC test to define independent contractors, poses a unique challenge for the trucking sector, particularly due to the B prong requiring work outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business. The CTA argues that AB5 negatively impacts the trucking industry by restricting the use of independent owner-operators.

The legal arguments presented by both sides cover various aspects:

1. F4A Preemption Argument:
   • CTA/OOIDA: F4A preempts state action affecting “price, route, or service,” claiming AB5 has that potential.
   • State Response: The 9th Circuit concluded that AB5 is not preempted by F4A, as it is a generally applicable law not significantly related to rates, routes, or services.
2. Exemptions Under AB5:
   • CTA/OOIDA: Trucking lacks rational exemptions seen in other industries, suggesting targeted discrimination.
   • State Response: Legislators had evidence of rampant misclassification in trucking, justifying inclusion in AB5; exemptions exist for valid reasons.
3. Burden on Interstate Commerce:
   • CTA/OOIDA: B2B exemption treats intrastate and interstate drivers differently, violating the Dormant Commerce Clause.
   • State Response: The Supreme Court allows practical effects favoring in-state entities, citing B2B exceptions benefiting companies.
4. Impact on Trucking and F4A Protection:
   • CTA/OOIDA: AB5 disrupts trucking, affecting “price, route, or service” protection under F4A.
   • State Response: No substantial evidence of disruption; AB5 is not causing significant impacts on the industry.

The CTA and OOIDA also argue that AB5 disproportionately affects the trucking sector by limiting the use of independent contractors and forcing owner-operators to become employees.

The court hearing will likely provide further insights into the ongoing legal battle, with the CTA seeking an injunction to prevent AB5 enforcement in the trucking industry while the case progresses. The arguments and counterarguments, backed by extensive documentation, highlight the complexities and stakes involved in this legal dispute.

Note: The article is based on information available as of November 10, 2023, and is a summary of the original article by John Kingston published on that date. All citations and quotes are from the original source.

In this installment, we welcome Evan K Shelley , Founder and CEO of Truck Parking Club. We trace Evan’s journey as an entrepreneur and what led him to tackle one of the largest problems in supply chain: truck parking.

For years parking has remained one of the biggest issues facing Motor Carriers, Company Drivers, Owner-Operators, and Independent Contractors according to the latest American Transportation Research Institute.

Parking is everything. According to Todd Spencer, President of the OOIDA, there is only one parking space for every 11 trucks on the road. With a problem of this scale- of this significance – truck parking isn’t a driver problem, it is an all of us problem.

@fwwhatthetruck

#tql #totalqualitylogistics #tqllawsuit #brokers #brokerages #freightbroker #freightbrokersoftiktok #brokersoftiktok #litigation #overtimepay #armchairattorney #freightwaves #whatthetruck

♬ original sound – WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

Source:

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/judge-rules-tql-owes-thousands-of-former-employees-overtime-pay

A recent federal court ruling in Ohio has found Total Quality Logistics (TQL), the second-largest freight brokerage in the United States, in violation of federal labor laws. The ruling mandates that TQL must pay overtime wages to thousands of former employees who worked over 40 hours a week. The decision, delivered by Judge Michael Barrett of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, came after an 18-month legal battle and an additional order for TQL to pay an amount equal to the actual damages incurred.

This legal victory is seen as a significant win for over 4,500 members of the class-action suit against TQL. The plaintiffs, including logistics account executive trainees (LAETs) and logistics account executives (LAEs), worked for TQL in Ohio from September 2008 to mid-April 2016. They were initially expected to complete at least six months of sales calls for the company, earning between $36,000 and $38,000 before transitioning to a commission-based pay system. However, only a small fraction of employees made this transition successfully, and they were often required to work over 60 hours per week to meet sales targets, remaining available 24/7 to boost TQL’s customer base and address customer concerns.

The case dates back to 2010 when the lawsuit was initially filed against TQL and its CEO and co-founder, Ken Oaks. TQL repeatedly attempted to decertify the class, but the legal battle continued. During the trial, Oaks acknowledged that the decision to classify LAETs and junior LAEs as salaried employees exempt from overtime was influenced by advice from the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), a trade group representing freight brokers in the U.S.

The ruling against TQL is expected to have a significant impact on other freight brokerages that also exempt trainees from overtime pay. Matthew Leffler, an expert on the matter, believes that this could mark the beginning of a substantial shift in the industry. TQL argued that the trainees’ tasks were administrative in nature and thus exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime requirements. Still, the judge found that these duties were not directly related to the management or general business operations of TQL or its customers.

TQL, a privately held firm, reported revenues of approximately $8.8 billion in 2022, while CEO Ken Oaks was listed as one of Cincinnati’s wealthiest individuals in 2016 with a net worth estimated at $980 million. The legal action against TQL is considered a hybrid case, as it involves both federal and state law claims. The next steps include determining damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, and attorney’s fees, but the timeline for resolution remains uncertain after a lengthy 13-year legal battle. Attorney Bruce H. Meizlish, who represents the plaintiffs, expressed empathy for the affected individuals and noted that the case has taken a toll on them.

In the wake of a $100 million lower court verdict stemming from a fatal 2014 crash, Werner Enterprises Inc. is seeking relief from the Texas Supreme Court. This verdict is one of the most substantial financial judgments ever against a motor carrier, and its history dates back to a 2018 trial.

The Background of the Case

The accident in question happened when a pickup truck, driven by a friend of the plaintiff, skidded on an icy interstate. Losing control, the pickup crossed the highway median and slammed into a Werner tractor driving on the opposite side.

Following the verdict in 2018, Werner made an initial appeal to the Texas Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston. This appeal was narrowly denied in a 5-4 decision after being delayed in the legal system for a considerable period.

The Points of Contention

At the core of Werner’s appeal are several areas of disagreement:

1. Negligence Finding: Werner took issue with the jury’s determination that both the driver and the company were negligent.
2. Admissibility of Evidence: Werner disagreed with the judge’s decision to admit certain pieces of evidence during the trial.
3. Medical Expense Awards: Werner also contested the jury’s decision to grant future medical care expenses for the plaintiffs.

In the brief Werner filed with the high court on Aug. 17, the company emphasized the significance of the legal questions raised by this appeal. Central to their argument is the expectation that drivers should foresee the chance of vehicles from opposite lanes suddenly crossing into their path and possibly even exiting the road to avoid such unpredictable incidents. Werner stressed that anticipating such rare events could unfairly burden a driver with complete responsibility for most accidents.

The Accident Details

From Werner’s perspective, the critical facts of the accident are clear and uncontested: their driver, Shiraz Ali, was appropriately driving in his lane and had full control of his tractor-trailer when the plaintiff’s vehicle abruptly veered into his trajectory, providing him with no chance to prevent the tragic collision.

Furthermore, although there was patchy ice in the area, it was daylight, and Ali was driving his vehicle safely below the speed limit. Werner’s standpoint is that, while the accident had unfortunate outcomes, the actions of Ali did not directly cause those outcomes.

The plaintiff’s argument during the trial was that Ali should have been driving even slower, which would have positioned him differently on the road when the accident occurred.

The appellate brief from Werner points to the testimony of the officer who investigated the accident. According to this officer, the accident was purely incidental; Ali was not at fault, and there was nothing he could have done differently to avoid the crash.

In conclusion, this case has raised significant questions about driver responsibility, foreseeability in accident scenarios, and the legal expectations placed on motorists.

Matthew M. Leffler

Original source here:

**Breaking News! An Investigation Into Potential Sneaky Business**

Hello trailermaniacs! Here’s a quick update on an unfolding story:

What’s Happening?

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun an investigation to see if a company named CIMC Intermodal Equipment (CIE) might have sidestepped some trade rules regarding certain products from China.

Who’s Involved?

1. CIE: This company is under the microscope. They’re an American branch of a larger Chinese company called CIMC Vehicles. And to add another layer, CIMC Vehicles is under the China International Marine Containers (CIMC Group), which has big ties to the Chinese government. It’s like a business version of Russian nesting dolls!
2. Coalition of American Chassis Manufacturers (CACM)**: They’re the ones raising the alarm. They claim CIE may have been sneaky by rerouting products through Thailand to avoid some duties.

The Allegations.

– Once upon a time, CIE imported products directly from China.

– Then, they seemingly switched and started getting their imports from Thailand, specifically a branch called CIMC Thailand.

– But here’s the twist: CACM says CIMC Thailand hadn’t really been in the business of making or exporting these products before certain trade rules kicked in.

– The numbers also raise eyebrows: CIE’s imports from China dropped big-time in 2021 and 2022, while their imports from CIMC Thailand skyrocketed.

Is Thailand Really Producing These Goods?

CACM did a bit of detective work. They paid CIMC Thailand a visit and say the place didn’t seem busy enough to produce the amount of products CIE claimed they got from there.

What Now?

CBP tried asking CIE for some paperwork to clear things up. But they claim CIE didn’t provide complete information. That’s a red flag!

Because of these concerns, CBP is hitting the pause button on certain entries from CIE. They’ll be taking a closer look and might need CIE to provide more security or even cash deposits. They’re also going to take a good look at CIE’s continuous bonds to ensure everything’s up to par.

The Bottom Line.

Trade rules are there for a reason. When companies possibly dodge them, it can affect industries, economies, and even you and me. Because of this investigation, imports from CIE may be paused for over 300 days, so it’s time to get your chassis strategy in place now. Let’s stay tuned to see how this investigation unfolds!

Stay curious, friends!

Matthew M. Leffler

Original post: https://tntrucking.org/event/setn-safety-maintenance-council-meeting-4/

In this episode, ol Armchair Attorney is joined by Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics of DAT Freight & Analytics and Rachel Premack, Editorial Director of FreightWaves. We discuss Yellow and what appears to be the makings of the largest trucking bankruptcy in US history.

Follow Rachel on twitter to find more of her incredible reporting. And catch Ken every Tuesday on DAT iQ.

Do you use trailers? Do you prefer to own them or borrow them? We share trailers.

Check out the show here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

In a recent development, Yellow Corp. is facing a lawsuit for not providing the mandated 60-day advance notice to nearly 30,000 workers before a mass layoff that started last week. The suit contends that this violation breaches the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, also known as the WARN Act. Subsidiaries named as defendants include YRC Inc., USF Holland LLC, New Penn Motor Express LLC, and USF Reddaway Inc.

This lawsuit comes at a time when the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a union with collective bargaining agreements for about 22,000 Yellow employees, declared the imminent bankruptcy of Yellow Corp. The impending insolvency could potentially put to test the situations under which union contracts can sustain through bankruptcy proceedings.

One of the laid-off workers, Armando Rivera, a dockworker who was employed with Yellow in California for around 25 years, has sued on behalf of a proposed class of other laid-off workers. The complaint, in addition to the WARN Act violation, also alleges breaches of California’s and New Jersey’s state version of the WARN Act. Notably, the New Jersey law mandates a 90-day notice period and entitles Yellow workers in the state to additional severance pay.

Rivera, who also served as a union steward, claims that he and about 600 other Yellow employees at the same California facility were laid off the same day they received notice, with no prior written notice. The case, represented by Chris Loizides of Wilmington, Del., and Raisner Roupinian LLP, is titled Rivera v. Yellow Corp., and was filed on August 1, 2023.

Hello to all you lovely readers out there! Today, we’re spinning a tale of how a giant in the pharmacy industry is dancing with technology to ease the life of pharmacists and offer you quicker service! It’s all about Walgreens – you know, the household name we’ve turned to for decades when we’ve got the sniffles, a nasty bug, or just need our regular meds.

Recently, Walgreens unveiled its ninth automated micro-fulfillment center, and folks, this isn’t your typical storage house. Picture this: Robots tirelessly sorting and filling prescriptions, sparing our friendly pharmacists from monotonous tasks and unnecessary inventory juggling. How’s that for a futuristic pharmacy?

According to the company’s energetic CEO, Roz Brewer, these high-tech centers are already supporting around 3,000 stores. And it’s not just about the cool factor, either. Walgreens is wrestling with a challenge in hiring new pharmacists in key areas. By rolling out the robo-carpet and reducing repetitive tasks, the company aims to craft a work environment that’s more appealing to healthcare heroes. Who wouldn’t want to work alongside Wall-E, right?

Let’s zoom in a bit further. Walgreens is handling a whopping 60% of its prescriptions through automation, and they’ve got plans to crank that number up. Roxanne Flanagan, their chief supply chain officer, revealed at a conference that they’re planning to turn the dial up to 22 with more of these sci-fi-esque facilities.

Flanagan emphasized, “Even though we are 120 years old, we’re not going to be complacent. We are very innovative, always trying new things and always thinking about the future.” I’m telling you, folks, they’re really bringing a fresh lease of life to an age-old industry.

Of course, Walgreens isn’t alone on this dance floor. Big hitters like Walmart and Albertsons are also throwing their hats into the ring of micro-fulfillment. But, not everyone’s joining the party just yet. Some businesses are still warming up to the idea, pondering over the complexity of the technology and its ability to generate cost savings.

However, Walgreens is staying true to their focus: building efficiency that lets pharmacists devote more time to customer-centric tasks. The benefits? These robotic aides free up pharmacists’ time, letting them dive into services and outreach that improve patient health and drive adherence to medication regimes.

In the grand scheme of things, our healthcare professionals get a helping hand, and we, as customers, receive more personalized attention. I’d say that’s a win-win scenario, wouldn’t you? So here’s to technology shaking things up in the right direction, and let’s wait to see how the tale of the robots in Walgreens unfolds!

Until next time, keep well and keep smiling!

Hey, all you freight brokers out there! Guess what? We’ve got some news that will have you tooting your truck horns in celebration. Let me lay the tracks for this freight-train of a news story.

Remember Ying Ye v. GlobalTranz Enterprises Inc.? You know, the case where a load shipment took a tragic turn, and the aftermath sparked a legal tussle? Well, the verdict is in, and it’s a huge victory for the freight brokerage industry!

Here’s a quick refresher: GlobalTranz, the freight broker in question, was hired to transport a load from Illinois to Texas. Sadly, a crash occurred en route, resulting in the death of Shawn Lin. Lin’s wife, Ying Ye, took to the court, blaming GlobalTranz for negligence in choosing an allegedly unsafe carrier, Global Sunrise.

On top of that, she argued that GlobalTranz had exercised too much control over the motor carrier, thereby making it vicariously liable for Sunrise’s negligence. It’s like blaming a movie director for an actor’s poor performance – a bit of a stretch, wouldn’t you say?

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals just rolled up its judicial sleeves and dropped a verdict like a hot new single. They unanimously ruled that negligence claims against freight brokers, like our friends at GlobalTranz, are preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA).

The court made it clear that selecting a carrier is the heart and soul of a broker’s job, much like choosing the right pizza toppings. Allowing negligence claims would mess with this delicate art of carrier selection, causing a ripple effect in their services. It’s like asking a pizza chef to predict if you’ll get a heartburn from jalapenos – a bit beyond their job description!

But what about the so-called “safety exception”? Well, the court didn’t buy this argument either. They said the “safety exception” doesn’t apply to brokers because, let’s be real, brokers aren’t the ones driving the trucks. It’s a bit like blaming the pizza delivery app because your pizza got cold on delivery.

The best part? This isn’t just big news for our buddies in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, where the 7th Circuit holds jurisdiction. The ruling could set a trend for courts all over the country.

Now, this doesn’t mean all bumps on the road are smoothed out. Legal battles over the “safety exception” and the scope of preemption might continue. But hey, until the U.S. Supreme Court steps in to make the final call, let’s celebrate the little victories.

So, here’s a toast to GlobalTranz and all our freight brokers out there. You’ve got the green light to hit the highway and keep on truckin’!

Hey everyone! Today we’re diving into an ongoing legal issue in California that could significantly impact gig workers. The state’s highest court has agreed to hear a challenge to Proposition 22, the 2020 ballot measure that classified gig workers as independent contractors, not employees.

Some background info: a group of union-supported drivers requested in April that the California Supreme Court review their case. They’re hoping the court will overturn a March appeals court ruling that allowed Proposition 22 to stand as state law—a ruling seen as a big win for the ride-hailing and food delivery industries.

Gig driver Hector Castellanos, one of the plaintiffs, is hopeful about the case, expressing gratitude for the court’s review and a desire for dignity and respect for gig workers. The date for oral arguments hasn’t been set yet, but the Protect App-Based Drivers and Services Coalition, which supports Proposition 22, remains confident that the court will uphold it.

One key argument from the drivers’ side is that Proposition 22 might violate the California Constitution’s requirement for the legislature to enforce a complete workers’ compensation program. If supporters of Proposition 22 wanted to change employment benefits law, the drivers argue, they should’ve done so through a constitutional amendment.

Lawyers for the PADS coalition argue that voters and the legislature have co-equal power to enact policies, as the Supreme Court has previously held. So, they say, Proposition 22 is in line with the constitution. But with the Supreme Court agreeing to hear the case, it might extend the already long fight over how to classify gig workers.

Remember back in 2018 when the California Supreme Court made it harder for companies to hire workers as independent contractors rather than employees? That led to the legislature passing Assembly Bill 5, which redefined an employee as a worker who performs duties central to a company’s business. Gig companies pushed back hard against that bill and responded with Proposition 22.

Uber and Lyft and other gig companies spent a record-setting $200 million promoting Proposition 22, and voters approved the measure in November 2020. The measure exempted app-based gig workers, like DoorDash and InstaCart drivers, from state laws requiring businesses to hire more workers as employees.

This isn’t the first time gig workers and their union backers have taken the state to court over Proposition 22, arguing that it interferes with the state’s ability to oversee the workers’ compensation system. A judge even agreed with them in August 2021, ruling that the law was unenforceable and unconstitutional. However, appellate justices in March said that Prop. 22 didn’t violate the Legislature’s power over workers’ compensation.

This saga is far from over, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on developments. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need more info. We’re all in this together!

Hey there, folks! Today we have some major updates to share regarding Yellow Corp., a prominent less-than-truckload carrier. Things have been getting pretty tense lately, and it looked like the company’s fate might be decided by the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Let’s delve right into it!

So, here’s the story: Yellow Corp. and the Teamsters union have hit a bit of a rough patch. Teamsters have threatened to go on strike as early as Monday, all because of Yellow’s missed contribution payments to Central States Funds. The company requested deferments for payments due in July and August, but sadly, Central States said no go.

This has put Yellow in a bit of a pickle. In a court filing, they said, “Absent injunctive relief, Plaintiffs will suffer immediate, substantial, and irreparable harm from Defendants’ unlawful work stoppage, including being forced into a Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy proceeding.” Yikes!

Yellow’s plea to the court is to prevent the Teamsters union from stopping work and to get everyone back to the bargaining table. This is all tied up with Yellow’s restructuring plan called “One Yellow,” which aims to consolidate terminals, increase the use of third-party transportation, and make the company’s operations more flexible. Yellow insists that these changes are necessary for the company’s survival.

But the trouble doesn’t stop there. Yellow’s liquidity situation is a bit shaky. A recent filing showed that the company had over $100 million in cash at the end of June. But recent shifts by shippers and brokers moving away from Yellow have led to a rapid cash drain. Health, welfare, and pension payments for a two-month period total around $50 million, half of which Yellow is currently overdue on.

CEO Darren Hawkins and Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien have been exchanging letters about this complex situation. In one letter, Hawkins told O’Brien, “Indeed, the urgency is so acute that, although the Company has made its required contributions to nearly all benefit funds coming due this week, our current cash position will prevent the Company from making contributions to the three largest health, welfare and pension funds in which Yellow participates — Central States, Western Conference and Central Pennsylvania.”

In another twist, Yellow also proposed what would be equivalent to an $11 per hour wage and benefits increase over a five-year contract term, depending on the full implementation of the One Yellow initiatives. However, the union hasn’t accepted the offer yet, describing it as a “hypothetical increase” and “conditioned on future events.”

We learned over the weekend that the Teamsters and Central State of agreed to a 30 day extension, folks! Yellow Corp. is facing a tough battle, and we’ll be keeping our eyes and ears open for the outcome of the hearing. Keep in mind that in these uncertain times, a little bit of patience, understanding, and goodwill can go a long way. Stay tuned for more updates!

Matthew M. Leffler

Armchair Attorney, LLC

3N464 Vachel Lindsay Street

Saint Charles, Illinois 60175

(847) 354-5211

[email protected]

Ah, peak season—a term that echoes through the corridors of the transportation industry, conjuring images of frenzied activity, bustling logistics, and a race against the clock. But what exactly is this phenomenon, and when does it take place? Join us as we dive into the world of peak season in transportation and unravel the mysteries surrounding its timing and significance.

Understanding Peak Season

In the realm of transportation, peak season refers to a period when demand for shipping and logistics services reaches its highest point. It’s a time when businesses, consumers, and industries ramp up their activities, resulting in an upsurge of shipments, orders, and transportation requirements. The heightened demand during this period can put considerable strain on supply chains, leading to increased pressure and unique challenges for transportation providers.

When Does Peak Season Happen?

While peak season timing can vary depending on the industry and region, there are some general trends that give us a glimpse into when this bustling period tends to occur.

1. Retail Rush: The holiday season, starting from late October and extending through December, is undoubtedly one of the most notable peak periods in transportation. As consumers gear up for festive celebrations and embark on gift-buying sprees, the demand for transportation services skyrockets. Shipping companies and logistics providers are put to the test as they hustle to deliver packages to doorsteps around the globe.
2. Back-to-School Surge: Another significant peak season occurs during the late summer months when students prepare to return to school. From textbooks and stationery to dorm room essentials, the need for efficient transportation and timely deliveries becomes paramount. This surge in demand affects not only educational institutions but also suppliers, retailers, and e-commerce platforms catering to the back-to-school market.
3. Seasonal Industries: Certain sectors experience their own unique peak seasons due to the nature of their products or services. For instance, the agricultural industry often witnesses a peak period during harvest seasons, requiring swift and reliable transportation of perishable crops. Likewise, the tourism and hospitality sector may see an increase in transportation demand during summer vacations or special events.

Navigating the Challenges of Peak Season

As peak season rolls around, transportation providers face a myriad of challenges that can test their mettle. Here are a few obstacles commonly encountered:

1. Capacity Crunch: The surge in demand during peak season can strain transportation capacity, resulting in limited availability of trucks, drivers, and other resources. Meeting customer expectations while maintaining efficient operations becomes a delicate balancing act.
2. Tight Timelines: Time is of the essence during peak season, and meeting delivery deadlines becomes even more critical. Transportation providers must optimize their routes, plan strategically, and effectively communicate with customers to ensure smooth operations amidst increased pressure.
3. Weather Woes: Depending on the region and the time of year, peak season may coincide with challenging weather conditions. Snowstorms, hurricanes, or extreme temperatures can disrupt transportation networks, leading to delays and logistical complications.
4. Resource Allocation: Managing resources becomes crucial during peak season. Allocating personnel, equipment, and assets effectively to meet surging demand while maintaining quality service requires careful planning and coordination.

The Road to Success during Peak Season

While peak season presents its fair share of challenges, strategic measures can help transportation providers navigate this period successfully:

1. Planning and Preparedness: Thoroughly analyzing historical data, market trends, and customer demand patterns can aid in effective planning and resource allocation. Anticipating peak periods, identifying potential bottlenecks, and having contingency plans in place can help manage the surge in demand smoothly.
2. Collaboration and Communication: Establishing strong communication channels with customers, suppliers, and partners is key to maintaining transparency and managing expectations. Clear and timely communication about capacity limitations, potential delays, and alternative solutions can foster trust and minimize disruptions.
3. Technology and Automation: Leveraging innovative technologies and automation tools can enhance operational efficiency during peak season. Implementing transportation management systems, route optimization software, and real-time tracking capabilities can streamline processes and improve customer service.
4. Flexibility and Agility: Being adaptable and agile in response to changing circumstances is crucial during peak season. Transportation providers should be prepared to adjust routes, scale capacity, and optimize operations to accommodate evolving demand patterns.

Embrace the Peak Season Rush!

Peak season in transportation brings both excitement and challenges. Understanding when it occurs and preparing accordingly can give transportation providers a competitive edge in delivering exceptional service. By embracing the hustle and bustle of this bustling period, companies can navigate the surging demand, showcase their prowess, and ensure successful deliveries, making peak season a time of triumph rather than turmoil. So, gear up, embrace the rush, and let your wheels roll smoothly through the peak season’s exhilarating journey!

Let’s talk about cold boxes on wheels!

Whether you are a refrigerated trailer (or as most in the biz call it “reefer trailer”) novice or expert this is a quick referenceable guide to help you get a firm grasp of the kinds of refrigerated trailers out there and guide you towards choosing one that fits your needs.

What are Refrigerated Trailers?

Refrigerated trailers are a type of insulated van designed for transporting perishable goods that require specific temperature settings. They come equipped with a built-in refrigeration system that helps maintain the desired temperature, ensuring the safe transportation of products such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, pharmaceuticals, and other goods sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

What are the Different Kinds of Refrigerated Trailers?

Refrigerated trailers come in various types and sizes, each catering to different transport needs. The most common types include:

1. Single-Temp Trailers: These are the most common type of refrigerated trailers. They maintain a consistent temperature throughout the trailer, making them ideal for transporting large quantities of goods requiring the same temperature.
2. Multi-Temp Trailers: Multi-temp trailers have multiple compartments, each with its own temperature control. They’re excellent for transporting a variety of products needing different temperatures simultaneously.
3. Specialized Pharma Trailers: Designed explicitly for transporting pharmaceutical products, these trailers maintain extremely precise temperature control to keep sensitive drugs and vaccines in optimum condition.

How to Choose the Right Refrigerated Trailer

Let’s not over complicate this. When selecting a refrigerated trailer, mainly consider these five factors:

1. Size of the Trailer: The size you need will depend on the volume of products you intend to transport. Refrigerated trailers range in size from small 20-ft units to large 53-ft trailers. Choose a size that suits your transport needs but also consider maneuverability and parking requirements.
2. Temperature Requirements: Different goods require different temperature ranges for safe transportation. Make sure the trailer’s refrigeration system can maintain the necessary temperatures for your specific cargo.
3. Single or Multi-Temp: If you only transport one type of good at a time, a single-temp trailer may suffice. However, if you need to transport multiple goods requiring different temperatures, consider investing in a multi-temp trailer.
4. New or Used: If you’re on a tight budget, you might consider purchasing a used trailer or leasing one. However, make sure to thoroughly inspect the unit for any potential issues, particularly the refrigeration unit, as repairs can be expensive.
5. Compliance with Regulations: Lastly, ensure the trailer complies with all local and international transportation regulations. This is particularly important when transporting pharmaceuticals or crossing state or national boundaries.

Let’s Wrap this Up!

Refrigerated trailers are essential for maintaining the quality and safety of perishable goods during transport. By understanding the different types of trailers and factors to consider when choosing one, you can make a decision that best suits your transportation needs. Always remember that the key to successful refrigerated transport lies in selecting the right trailer and maintaining the correct temperature control. 

Obviously, if you ever have questions about your trailer needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at CLC. Even if you don’t lease with us, we’ll point you in the right direction ;).

The move is part of the trailer leasing company’s commitment to the future of in-office work

PISCATAWAY, New Jersey –December 13, 2022—Leading trailer leasing and intermodal equipment provider, Contract Leasing Corp (“CLC”), announced today that the company recently moved its headquarters to 371 Hoes Lane, one of Piscataway’s premier corporate properties.  The company chose the location as part of its plan to continue investing in its strong in-person corporate culture.

“We’ve always had a very strong in-person work culture and, after going through nearly two years of disruption due to COVID-19 restrictions, we made the commitment to invest in an enhanced work space to support the health and wellness of our team.” Said CLC President and CEO Mike Goor. “Based on employee surveys, we came to recognize the negative toll that the effects of the pandemic have had on employee happiness and wellbeing, as well as how much cohesion had been created through years of our folks working together.  With this move, we’re proud to provide our employees with a fresh and inviting space that will help to reinvigorate them, allowing for a happier and more productive workplace.”

CLC’s new office spans 14,000 square feet and is located on the 3^rd floor, suite 301, of the 3-story glass atrium building at 371 Hoes Lane. With the new facilities, employees now have access to a café and lounge, a concierge, sun-filled shared seating areas, glass elevators and a fully equipped fitness center where CLC provides employees with company-paid fitness classes.

In early 2023, CLC plans on revealing more upgrades to its new office space and workplace culture initiative, including the unveiling of a custom mural, plans for its biennial team building extravaganza, and new volunteer opportunities where employees can take advantage of company paid volunteer days to assist at various CLC-supported non-profits such as The Community Food Bank of New Jersey and Think Big for Kids.

CLC’s recent headquarters move comes on the heels of multiple milestones including completing an acquisition by funds advised by Wafra Inc. (“Wafra”), a global alternative investment manager, and closing in on a third consecutive record sales year of its trailer and chassis leasing business.

Reflecting on the company’s successes, Mr. Goor remarked, “The opening of our new Piscataway headquarters is yet another step in positioning CLC for the continued growth and expansion of our long-term vision. We’re excited for our future and what lies ahead.”

About CLC

With over 30 years in operation, CLC is a leading trailer and chassis lessor. Headquartered in New Jersey, CLC serves its customers from 13 branches and depots primarily east of the Mississippi River. CLC offers a comprehensive suite of services for fleet management, including leasing, sales and consulting, as well as fleet maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance. For more information, please visit www.contractleasing.net.

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Contract Leasing Corporation (“CLC”), a leading regional trailer and intermodal chassis lessor, today announced its acquisition by funds advised by Wafra Inc. (“Wafra”), a global alternative investment manager. Founded in 1991 and family-owned and operated, CLC has been a trusted provider of trailing equipment and fleet management and maintenance services for over 30 years.

CLC maintains a strong regional presence across 13 branch and depot locations primarily east of the Mississippi, supported by a national third-party maintenance network and young fleet of approximately 15,700 trailer and chassis units. CLC’s Founder, Chief Executive Officer and President, Michael Goor, will continue to lead the business and remain a significant shareholder.

“Partnering with Wafra, a long-term oriented investor with sector expertise across transportation and logistics, will permit CLC to accelerate the growth of our trailer and chassis businesses, expand our geographic footprint, and enhance our ability to provide solutions-oriented service to our customers and partners nationwide,” said Michael Goor. “We are excited to work together to grow our enterprise.”

“Mike and the CLC executive team have built a successful company founded on shared values of customer service, operational excellence and high-quality leasing and ancillary services. Based on these fundamentals, we believe CLC is well positioned to benefit from strong secular growth within its industries,” said Adel Alderbas, Chief Investment Officer of Wafra.

Edward Tsai, Managing Director, Wafra, added, “This investment results from our studied review of essential real assets and transportation sectors, adding trailer and intermodal chassis to our existing investments in intermodal container, railcar, aviation and shipping, among others. Mike’s long-term vision is an excellent fit for the long-term nature of our capital. We look forward to working together to build on that success.”

Evercore Group served as exclusive financial advisor and Scudder Law Firm, P.C. served as legal advisor to CLC. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Seyfarth Shaw LLP served as legal advisor to Wafra. Regions Capital Markets and Wells Fargo Bank served as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners on the transaction.

About CLC

With over 30 years in operation, CLC is a leading trailer and chassis lessor with a 15,700-unit fleet. Headquartered in New Jersey, CLC serves its customers from 13 branches and depots primarily east of the Mississippi River. CLC offers a comprehensive suite of services for fleet management, including leasing, sales and consulting, as well as fleet maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance. For more information, please visit www.contractleasing.net.

About Wafra

Wafra is a global alternative investment manager with approximately $33 billion of assets under management. Wafra invests across a range of alternative assets, including real assets, infrastructure, real estate and strategic partnerships. By providing flexible and accretive capital solutions and focusing on long-term partnerships, Wafra seeks to align and partner with high quality asset owners, companies and management teams. Headquartered in New York, Wafra has additional offices in London, Kuwait and Bermuda. For more information, please visit: www.wafra.com.

Contacts
For Media Inquiries:
Katrina Allen, Edelman
+1 (917) 640-2753
[email protected]

Contract Leasing Corp. (CLC), one of the leading commercial trailer leasing providers in North America, has announced the release of the second episode of FleetMasters – their podcast that debuted earlier this year.

FleetMasters presented by CLC is a media project aimed at addressing issues facing the industry since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by CLC COO Matt Goor, the inaugural episode of FleetMasters featured an interview with CLC CEO Mike Goor and covered the leader’s perspectives on how businesses can pivot to navigate current supply chain concerns as well as thoughts on people-focused topics such as managing employees in an uncertain economic climate. The latest episode features an interview with CLC Executive Vice President of Intermodal, John Mizerek, and covers the current port backlog and the effects that has on the industry. The episode also features a segment about the importance of cybersecurity and the future of autonomous vehicles.

“Our goal with FleetMasters,” said CEO Mike Goor, “Is to offer people actionable ideas regarding issues like equipment shortages as well as to have conversations that will help better our industry as a whole—for equipment providers, their employees, and for drivers.”

FleetMasters initially launched on January 26th. The latest episode is now available on major streaming platforms including Spotify and Vimeo.

About Contract Leasing Corp (CLC)
As a family and employee owned and operated enterprise, CLC has been serving their customers for over 30 years. In addition to assisting customers as a trusted advisor for all their trailer and fleet management related business needs, CLC is dedicated to many social giving initiatives, regularly providing sponsorships and volunteer hours to improve the lives of those less fortunate. When it comes to customers or prospects, employees, or our surrounding community, CLC is a company that cares.

CLC is proud to present the first episode of their all-new podcast, FleetMasters, hosted by COO Matt Goor!

Episode 1 of FleetMasters discusses how the trailer industry has changed in the last 2 years.  Special guest Mike Goor discusses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry, and presents his ideas about the future.  Click below to tune into Episode 1 of FleetMasters.

Click to listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple Music

More About CLC Trailer Leasing and its Accomplishments

For the past 30 years, CLC had provided high-quality trailer leasing equipment across the contiguous United States.  Over the past year alone, it has grown its intermodal business with the launch of a custom chassis line that has been adopted by ports throughout the northeast and gulf coast.  CLC is constantly innovating, expanding, going above-and-beyond for its clients, and giving back to the community, and we look forward to continuing that legacy for the next 30 years and beyond.

In the last 30 years, CLC has grown exponentially to become one of the nation’s top trailer equipment providers.  CLC is proud to unveil their new digital brochure, featuring spreads on the company’s services, equipment, and involvement in the community.  Click here to learn all about “the way we roll.”

More About CLC Trailer Leasing and its Accomplishments

For the past 30 years, CLC had provided high-quality trailer leasing equipment across the contiguous United States.  Over the past year alone, it has grown its intermodal business with the launch of a custom chassis line that has been adopted by ports throughout the northeast and gulf coast.  CLC is constantly innovating, expanding, going above-and-beyond for its clients, and giving back to the community, and we look forward to continuing that legacy for the next 30 years and beyond.