Tucker Company Worldwide, Inc.

New Certified Transportation Brokers on Staff

2011-10-28T13:39:00.002-07:00

We are thrilled to announce that three (3) Tucker staff members have recently passed their Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) test, given by the Transportation Intermediaries Association. The recipients each work in the customer service center, and they are: JoAnn Matczak, Matt Riley and Kye Snauwaert. Congratulations, JoAnn, Matt & Kye!

The CTB exam increases the professionalism and integrity of property brokerage, meets the educational needs of brokers, and expands basic knowledge of the brokerage and transportation industry through a rigorous certification program. Former Tucker president, Bill Tucker co-designed the CTB program a quarter century ago.

Tucker Receives Highest SmartWay Transport Partners Score

2011-10-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

It is inherent in the nature of transportation intermediaries like Tucker to be green, by the very nature of our business. Before brokers/forwarders (“3PLs”), motor carriers were very often loaded in one direction, and empty in the other. 3PLs have dramatically reduced, or controlled the carbon footprint of the trucking industry since 1980.

However, to be recognized by the U.S. EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partner program, it takes much more than that. Tucker retains the highest attainable SmartWay score of 1.25. SmartWay’s program is changing, and Tucker is ready for that change. Our utilization of SmartWay carriers continues to improve, and is at an all-time high.

For more information on SmartWay, please contact Tucker. Depending on how much your business uses Tucker for your freight, you may qualify to be a SmartWay Partner already. To learn more about the program, visit: www.epa.gov/smartwaylogistics.

Tucker Wins New Business Awards

2011-10-28T13:38:00.001-07:00

In keeping with our 50-year legacy of intensely guarding our information and that of our customers and carriers, we’ll be brief and intentionally vague, but we’re too excited and pleased not to let you know what’s stirring. During the past few months, Tucker has been awarded new business from new customers, and some significant new business from existing customers. Most of this has been years in the making.

The business includes a variety of industries, including energy, healthcare, express freight, chemicals and more, but the common thread is the need for excellence.
Tucker has worked diligently for 50 years to develop the best, most comprehensive and intelligently designed freight brokerage/3PL model in the country. In challenging economic times, we’re grateful for the opportunity to grow.

Golfing for Alzheimer’s Association a Success!

2011-10-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

This summer marked the 12th anniversary for Tucker’s Golf Outing benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association of South Jersey. We had a beautiful day with great weather and fun, with limited good golf, too. Thanks to our sponsors and attendees, we raised a 12 year best of $8,378 this year, for a grand total of $66,618.

Alzheimer’s Disease is an incurable disease of the brain, which worsens over time. Alzheimer’s represents 50-80% of all dementia and is the 6th leading cause of death in America. Of the top 10 causes of death in the U.S., Alzheimer’s is the only one without a way to prevent, cure or slow the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is “the leading global, voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care and support, and the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research.”

Federal Reserve Banker, Top Transport Economist, Freight Security Experts, Former Top USDOT Official Addressed Tucker’s Strategic Council

2011-10-28T13:36:00.002-07:00

Tucker’s 4th annual “Strategic Council” meeting was held in Haddonfield, NJ. The Strategic Council is a select assemblage of Tucker leadership, Tucker customers, industry experts and economists, who formally and informally discuss the most important industry issues of the moment. This year’s agenda was exciting and packed with relevant information. Preliminary feedback was very positive. Thank you.

Tucker Named Top 100 3PL 2011

2011-10-28T13:36:00.001-07:00

Inbound Logistics Magazine again named Tucker a Top 100 3PL. Inbound Logistics is a monthly supply chain magazine. We’re honored to be recognized by Inbound Logistics and its readers. The freight business is a tough business, but it can also be fun. Doing a job well and being recognized for it by one’s peers is rewarding. Thank you.

Tucker Passes ISO-9001:2008 Comprehensive Audit

2011-10-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

In August, Tucker passed its 3-year comprehensive ISO-9001:2008 audit. Every three years, the certification process in ISO is a more intensive, deeper level of analysis of procedures, work instructions, corrective action processes, and document policies.

We’re pleased to report that once again, Tucker has been recertified. ISO certification in the transportation industry is not widespread. We are one of the few ISO certified transportation companies in the country. Many of our customers have strict tolerances for the handling of their products. Strong and thoughtful procedures are critical to successfully meeting those demands.

Earthquake, then Hurricane Irene Test Tucker’s Emergency Operations

2011-10-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

For nearly 30 years, Tucker has been honored to be trusted relied on as a first responder, supporting the United States military, FEMA and other U.S. government agencies, and many non-governmental first responders, with emergency trucking, transportation and storage services. We’ve supported emergency relief for hurricanes, floods, tornados, the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster, and Ground Zero on 9/11, to name a few.

A few weeks ago, Tucker’s own emergency preparedness was put through a tough test, when Hurricane Irene was predicted to strike our area directly. Our team prepared and performed admirably, with members from operations, sales and senior management preparing during the days before the storm, going through emergency preparedness, and preparing backups to our backup plans.

While our area was close to Irene’s eye, and we experienced major flooding and some wind damage, amazingly our office never lost electricity or phone service. Business crisis averted! Just a few of our team members lost power at home for up to a couple days. As with every experience, we’ve identified some opportunities for improvement that we’re already pursuing.

As far as natural disasters go, New Jersey is generally insulated from most (Housewives of New Jersey and Jersey Shore television shows, noted). Tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes are exceedingly rare here. Last month, we had all three hit in the same week. Thankfully, our teamwork prepared us well.

Freight Activity Holding Strong

2011-10-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

The U.S. freight economy is still good, despite the U.S. credit rating downgrade, ongoing European economic troubles, and a leaderless Congress that can’t pass any important bills. Thankfully, the manufacturing sector is holding its own during a lull in our economic recovery. Good news, for sure.

According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), truck tonnage declined 1.3% from June 2011 to July 2011; however, July 2011was still 3.9% stronger than July 2010 (YOY growth).
Data reported by TransCore reinforces ATA’s findings, and shows additional insights. According to TransCore’s North American Freight Index, spot market truckload freight volume jumped 22% in July 2011 when compared to July 2010, while July’s volume dropped 24% from June’s volume. But don’t sweat it. TransCore suggests that this is normal market behavior. According to them, in the last 10 years, June to July load volumes in the same calendar year have declined on average 19%, and the predictable June-July decline has exceeded this year’s 24% in 4 out of the last 10 years.

Traditionally, August marks the start of each year’s second and largest “freight season.” Hopefully for the American and world economies, we continue to move forward and upward. Very few recoveries have been exclusively up, up, up, without pauses or hesitations along the way. We may not be in the most robust recovery, but let’s keep it going.

Ten Years After 9/11—A Blundering USDOT HazMat Disconnect

2011-10-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ten Years after 9/11, America, has a spectacularly inexcusable problem regulating motor carriers who haul hazardous materials (“HazMat”). The United States Department of Transportation (“USDOT”) and its bureaucratic dysfunction are to blame.

Under the law, shippers of HazMat freight are required to use only motor carriers who are HazMat certified. Unfortunately, shippers can’t turn to USDOT for timely, reliable information about which carriers are, or are not, certified. What is more, USDOT, the sole source of this kind of information, cannot rely on its own data to determine which motor carriers are authorized to handle hazardous materials. Yes, you read that correctly.

USDOT’s knowledge of certified HazMat haulers is spotty, at best. Shippers seeking to verify a carrier’s certification face substantial uncertainty. Verifying hazardous materials certificates from carriers of course is a good idea, but relying on faxed paper certificates presents risks of forgeries, expired certificates, and other significant risks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) is the agency within USDOT that regulates motor carrier safety, except for issuing HazMat certificates. Goodness knows why, but HazMat certificates are issued to motor carriers by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA” pronounced “Fim-suh”)—a different USDOT agency. PHMSA is failing in this critical national security and safety responsibility.

PHMSA HazMat data is made available to the public in a file named “REGIS10.” This file is intended to list company names, certificate numbers, and expiration dates and so on, so the public can identify and verify HazMat-certified carriers. Unfortunately, the REGIS10 file is useless, fraught with errors and omissions, with few, if any database rules to prohibit alpha characters to show in numeric-only fields. It’s a disaster. Shippers, law enforcement agencies, and carriers, depend on PHMSA to do its job, so we can all do ours. PHMSA’s failures leave our nation and our citizens on the roadways in harm’s way.

Over at FMCSA, they are busy completely overhauling America’s motor carrier highway safety regime with its new Compliance, Safety and Accountability (“CSA”) program. FMCSA issues and revokes operating authority, and regulates every interstate motor carrier in America, and many intrastate carriers. FMCSA’s CSA program is designed to improve commercial vehicle safety and FMCSA’s ability to review more carriers each year.

Here’s FMCSA’s problem. Partly, because PHMSA’s data is so appalling, the FMCSA isn’t connected to the PHMSA database. This leaves FMCSA in the unenviable position of not knowing what motor carriers are certified HazMat, so it must (gasp!) guess.

CSA more strictly scrutinizes and regulates HazMat carriers, compared to non-HazMat carriers, by design. In order to do this, FMCSA has been forced to develop a system for (literally) guessing which are HazMat carriers. FMCSA’s first attempt at guessing was to count every carrier who self-reported that it hauls HazMat. Wrong! The FMCSA’s second attempt at guessing, announced August 22, 2011, was to track data reported via roadside inspections or safety audits, identifying where a carrier was carrying placarded quantities of HazMat. An ever so faint improvement, but it is still guessing.

No guess will ever be as effective or justifiable as getting the data cleanly and clearly from PHMSA—the source of the problem, err, data. Then yes, by all means supplement that HazMat certified data with roadside inspections, audit findings and hazmat permits.

Preparing For Tight Trucking Capacity

2011-05-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

Add Lead Time, Flexibility and “Attractiveness” to Your Operations

Tucker has successfully navigated through several recessions and recoveries in our 50 years. Use our insight to help your company leverage the marketplace for competitive advantage.

Transportation Fundamentals are Improving Quickly – Important Implications

1. During the recession, the trucking industry reduced its size by more than 15%
2. Truck tonnage increased dramatically in 2010 vs. 2009. LA/Long Beach Port reported largest ever year to year gain in December 2010. Tonnage has continued to increase in 2011.
3. Analysts are referring to 2011 and 2012 as an impending “crisis” period for finding available trucks.
4. When trucks become harder to get, it leads to higher prices, as the nation experienced from 2003-2006. Analysts expect strong pricing power has begun returning to carriers in 2011, through 2013.
5. Carriers are carefully evaluating customers and “firing” some, if there is not enough return on their service investment.
6. To “keep the revenues in-house” carriers may double-broker freight, giving it to another carrier to haul. This often is illegal, and does erase any due diligence and SOP understanding the shipper instilled in the carrier. In times like these, take measures to ensure zero incidents of this. 7. Last minute notice usually means higher prices, because carriers are booking trucks easily and quickly.
8. New Regulations Further Threaten Trucking:
a. CSA 2010, the DOT’s new carrier safety program places enormous burden on driver behavior, forcing as high as 10% of drivers from the industry, to avoid detrimental carrier scores.
b. New Hours of Service may reduce productivity by 7%-9% in 2011, if released with changes.
c. Electronic On-board recorders (EOBRs) electronically enforcing driver hours, with zero tolerances for added time.

How to Weather the Tight Capacity Storm? Be Attractive to Carriers and Drivers.

1. Save freight costs by booking in advance. It maximizes carrier efficiency in pre-planning their trucks.
2. Maximize Communication & Lead Time = Minimized Expediting Costs. With two or more days notice, expediting needs are reduced dramatically, and maximizes the number of carriers available.
3. Maximize flexibility. Offer drop & hook/drop trailer, expand loading/unloading hours, etc.
4. Get the truck first. A powerful lesson learned from 2003-6 was first learned in kindergarten. The early bird catches the truck. The earlier, the better. Book the truck first. It’s simple and effective.
5. Be more attractive than other shippers. With plenty of freight choices available to carriers and drivers, be attractive. While Tucker always pays, and pays quickly, it takes more to remain “attractive” including: fast loading, flexible scheduling, clean freight, respecting drivers’ time and treating them as professionals.

When customers know expectations and anticipate challenges, they can work within their own organizations and with their clients to better manage and adapt service and operations effectively.

Prepared for you by Tucker Company Worldwide, Spring 2011

Proposed Bill Would Increase Public Liability Requirement for Carriers

2011-03-01T13:52:00.001-08:00

A proposed bill, supported by broker C.H. Robinson Worldwide, may raise public liability insurance requirements for “for-hire, non-hazardous freight” hauling carriers from $750,000, to as high as $2 million. If passed, carriers will be better insured, and their insurance dollars will go farther. But some estimate the additional insurance premium may be $1400-2,000 per truck—a huge tax to large and small fleets. This jeopardizes the health of the industry at a tough time. A larger insurance requirement will not in itself improve safety, but it does increase costs and may reduce equipment availability, and speed consolidation.

Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs)

2011-03-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

The FMCSA will issue a NPRM concerning EOBRs by June 2011. FMCSA is deciding if EOBRs should be mandatory or voluntary. They are mandatory for certain repeat offenders.

EOBRs are expensive, ranging from a few hundred dollars to $4,000 per unit. Universal use of EOBRs would eliminate forever, drivers “fudging” log book entries. Carriers who voluntarily use them now, support EOBRs, to level the playing field, and see the chance to buy smaller operators who can’t afford the increased cost.

Combined with CSA, shippers should expect mandatory EOBRs to: increase highway safety; lengthen transit times; increase freight cost, due to loss of “illegal” hours of productivity; increase cargo theft, due to HOS expirations while in less than ideal locations.

CSA (formerly CSA 2010) Compliance, Safety & Accountability. Don’t Panic!

2011-03-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

In December 2010, FMCSA launched the CSA program, which replaced SafeStat as a key safety measurement system, or SMS. FMCSA uses SMS data to prioritize carriers for interventions, inspections and possible enforcement action. CSA data is not a safety rating. CSA scores 7 BASICs, or behaviors (4 related to driver and 3 related to carrier). Under CSA, far more motor carriers will be reviewed and inspected by FMCSA and result in swifter action to remove drivers and carriers from the marketplace when serious safety issues are proven.

In CSA, there are now four (4) scores focusing on different aspects of driver conduct, where under SafeStat, there was only one (1) driver score. This puts a lot more focus on driver behavior, like fatigued driving, unsafe driving, and driver fitness. Carriers are complaining that that headlight and turn signal violations, and scores, are mounting quickly. Violations remain on the carrier’s record for 2 years—even after they terminate bad drivers.

CSA will cause carriers to be more selective in hiring drivers; to offer lucrative signing bonuses to safer drivers; to add capacity slower, due to a smaller driving pool of highly compliant drivers. CSA, and perhaps a rush to judgment, are leading some shippers and brokers to cut off carriers because they have one BASIC score over FMCSA “intervention thresholds.” Being aware of your carriers’ scores makes sense. Drawing hard lines regarding carriers using CSA is probably premature.

Tucker’s CEO, Jeff Tucker, and former FMCSA Administrator, Annette Sandberg, co- wrote a “CSA Orientation” document for the Transportation Intermediaries Association. Tucker is also chairing TIA’s Carrier Qualification Committee for the second time, which is the only such publication by any trade association. Contact your Tucker sales representative to discuss any aspect of CSA.

For more information on CSA, visit http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms. For inexpensive tools to evaluate your carriers for compliance and safety, please visit https://qualifiedcarriers.com/services.aspx.

Driver Hours of Service (HOS)

2011-03-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

Politics is the key driver here—not safety. FMCSA was forced to revisit the new HOS rules implemented in 2004, despite the significant declines in truck related fatalities brought about by the 2004 rules. FMCSA issued its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on HOS. Safety groups and one Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) want to cut hours. The changes are dramatic, representing a 7% to 9% instant reduction in truck productivity, and changing distribution center and carrier terminal locations, costing money.

Tragically, the move would put many more trucks on the road (7-9% more), not rails, and increase the truck-car congestion. FMCSA may ignore the true economic impact too. A 7-9% productivity decrease equals 7-9or more trucks on the road, and cost. In other words, special interest groups and one Senator are trying to levy a tax of 7-9% on the $670 Billion transportation bill without a single vote—a $60 Billion tax! FMCSA—please don’t cave in.

Please visit http://www.tuckerco.com/HOS to review the changes. Public comment period is over.

U.S. Regulatory Update – Trucking & Capacity Focus

2011-03-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

Experts suggest there is reason to fear that 2011- 2012 “peak seasons” will see the worst equipment shortages ever. Couple that with rapidly escalating fuel, and 2011-12 spell much higher transportation costs for everyone. , So what is happening to trucking? Rapid-fire, unchecked regulatory changes are reshaping the industry overnight, and may create serious drags on US GDP. This special edition of Tucker’s Freight Forum reviews the changes underway and coming.

Tool for Customers Looking to CommunicateTransport Industry Challenges Within Their Organization

2010-07-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

It is no secret to transportation professionals that truck carriers are in high demand, are busier, and more profitable than they’ve been in years. The marketplace is changing rapidly, and we are only in the very early stages of a significant shift. We’ve been here before. And while there is no need to panic, the need to talk to your organization and begin planning and establishing reasonable expectations is urgently needed, now.

After a recent meeting with one of our customers, their sales manager was so interested in how his company can adapt to the shortage of transportation equipment and capacity, that he asked for our help and support, but also asked us to co-author a letter to his organization from him. Many other customers have asked us, “so, how is this [equipment shortage] going to impact us?”

The biggest challenge for any of us when we learn something new is usually, “how do I effectively get this information back to my organization?” We loved the letter idea, and created this version for you. Download a Microsoft Word version of this letter here:

http://www.tuckerco.com/documents/ways-to-manage-capacity.zip

Dear Team,

We have an important situation that needs everyone’s attention to effectively manage. The trucking industry (and ocean and air) is in a state of transition, with extreme shortages of equipment. This impacts all businesses and deliveries to customers. The good news is that we can manage this, through our service provider Tucker Company Worldwide if we try.

One of our long-time truckload providers, Tucker Company Worldwide has been working with us to successfully manage through this to ensure timely deliveries and service continuity for our customers.

We have been meeting with Tucker to discuss ways to contain costs, improve planning and maintain pickup and delivery times, through the developing crisis. This isn’t a transportation issue, and Transportation and Tucker can’t solve this alone. They need help from our whole company. This ties into our efforts at forecasting, and some improved communication. The bottom line is the more accurate information we have the better we can serve our customers.

Basically the strongest steps that we can take are:
(a) To be knowledgeable of what is happening for our planning purposes. Transportation and Tucker will help us here.
(b) Be very efficient in our planning—including production and customer orders.
i. Even a tentative “head’s up” on potential orders to Tucker, can allow them to tentatively book a truck before the good ones are gone.
ii. Don’t forget about inbound. Raw materials are shipped into us by the same trucks that are experiencing this issue. Keep this in mind.
(c) Inform our customers of this industry change, and help to shape their expectations.
i. It is always better to be prepared and knowledgeable.
ii. This may actually help our customers better understand what they are probably seeing themselves.
iii. Work with customers to build some flexibility on pickups or delivery times. In this market, a day’s worth of flexibility can save hundreds of dollars in freight.
iv. Tucker and/or Transportation are perfectly able to help folks better understand any details or nuances, and prepare us for a talk with a customer.

Tucker Contact Info:

__________, Account Representative, 856-317-9600, x___
Gene Wherrity, VP Ops, 856-317-9600, x125

The two (2) big issues that Tucker informed us about are a once in a generation problem, combining economic and regulatory forces.

Economic Factors: The deep recession forced a lot of truckers out of business. As the economy improves, the supply of truckers simply isn’t there, and demand for the trucks that are there, is very high. This is causing bidding wars in many areas, creating higher prices throughout the industry, while once “normal” service levels are threatened.

Governmental Regulations: At the same time, the federal government has introduced much tighter safety and health regulations that are forcing more drivers and trucks off the road. Two more significant regulations will likely hit this Fall, that are expected to worsen the shortage.

Please give this some thought and consideration. The better job we do at forecasting, providing advance notice, and requesting some pickup and delivery flexibility, the better our chances to control costs and keep customers happy.

Freight Markets on Fire – Relationships Never More Important

2010-07-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Everywhere you look in the freight world, freight activity has been exceptionally strong through June, with ships, trucks and planes scarce and in high demand. Our team, like everyone arranging freight today, is working harder than ever in this challenging environment, to keep customers’ supply chains running smoothly. There is far more freight that needs to be moved in the U.S. than there are trucks available to move it. For all of 2010, the industry saw gains, but things have supercharged in June. If you were managing freight transportation in 2003 and 2004, you’ll know exactly what is going on. If you were not, here’s the situation.

The economy is strong, but it met a much smaller trucking industry. Trucking’s recession began in 2007—before the U.S. economy slid. Since then, an estimated 13% of the trucking fleet of equipment and drivers have exited the industry. Truckers are still leaving the industry. Some are retiring, selling or declaring bankruptcy, and according to FTR Associate’s economist, Nöel Perry, who told the National Industrial Transportation League on June 10 in Washington, DC, some truckers are being foreclosed upon. Perry stated that banks are foreclosing on carriers now that their cash flows have improved and their assets have more value. During the depths of the recession, there was no market for used trucks and trailers, so it was more sensible for banks to keep the carrier afloat. The market for selling a troubled carrier’s equipment is better now—now that carriers are seeing light ahead.

As motor carriers prepare for DOT’s new carrier safety scoring program, CSA 2010, poorly performing drivers are being fired by fleets. Under CSA 2010, drivers with poor safety ratings are unattractive to carriers, because the driver’s safety data sticks with a carrier for two (2) years. With great uncertainty over how shippers and brokers will use CSA 2010 safety data, some carriers are terminating their worst drivers now.

The numbers support the wild imbalance in freight to equipment. According to the Journal of Commerce, June 24, 2010, intermodal traffic through May 29 was “up 35.5% from 2009 and up 10.3% from 2008.” This represented the highest intermodal week since November 2008. They also reported that container cargo for that same week surged 37.5% year over year and carloads increased 21.9% from 2009. According to a front page Transport Topics (TT), June 21, 2010 article, class 8 truck sales were up 13.5%, representing the fifth straight monthly increase.

Another TT article reported that a large national truckload fleet is seeking 2,000 new drivers, which would return the fleet to its historically largest size. ATA has stated that bulk and tank shipments rose faster than all other truck segments, at 9.5% and stated that truckload shipments over 1,000 miles were 25% higher year over year. Finally, TransCore’s North American Freight Index showed a 291% increase in spot market freight availability, year over year in April, the most recent month available.

Tucker Named Top 100 3PL for 2010

2010-07-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

Inbound Logistics has once again named Tucker Company Worldwide as a "Top 100 3PL(Third Party Logistics Company" for 2010. We offer a grateful thank you to our customers, our carrier friends and the editors of Inbound Logistics for this special designation and recognition. Tucker has been named a Top 3PL for several years, and we work diligently every day to earn that trust in the marketplace.

EDITOR’S QUOTES
Please attribute to Felecia Stratton, Editor, Inbound Logistics

Recent economic times have forced companies to deal with product scalability, demand volatility, access to capacity, and matching inventory more tightly to demand. Experienced third-party logistics providers stepped up to the plate, and took the lead in offering suggestions and helping to transform their customers’ enterprises. Tucker Company qualifies as an Inbound Logistics 2010 Top 100 3PL Provider because it has shown consistent results in helping customers navigate stormy economic times.

Cutting transport costs is always important, but Inbound Logistics readers say great 3PL relationships are built not just on cost savings but on consistent customer service. Readers tell us they are required to meet more stringent levels of supply chain performance to keep their customers satisfied. Clearly, customer service is fundamental in measuring 3PL excellence. Tucker Company provides that level of customer service and that is why it has been recognized by Inbound Logistics editors as a 2010 Top 100 3PL Provider.

Given the growing complexity of mastering global supply chain management, the role 3PLs play continues to become increasingly important. Inbound Logistics selected Tucker Company a 2010 Top 100 3PL Provider because of its demonstrated ability in helping leading enterprises achieve the efficiency and scalability so important to success in today's global economic climate.

How do today's leading business logistics managers face the challenges of demand volatility, compliance with complex customer requirements, and achieving the lean operational process so fundamental to success? By relying on a world-class logistics partner like those found on the Inbound Logistics Top 100 3PL Providers list. Inbound Logistics selected Tucker Company as a 2010 Top 100 3PL Provider because of its successful track record in acting as a business change agent for its customers, while delivering the operational efficiency needed to be globally competitive.

TOP 100 SELECTION METHODOLOGY
Inbound Logistics' Top 100 3PL Provider's list serves as a qualitative assessment of service providers we feel are best equipped to meet and surpass readers’ evolving outsourcing needs. Distilling the Top 100 is never an easy task, and the process becomes increasingly difficult as more 3PLs enter the market and service providers from other functional areas develop value-added logistics capabilities. Each year, Inbound Logistics editors select the best logistics solutions providers by carefully evaluating submitted information, conducting personal interviews and online research, and comparing that data to our readers’ burgeoning global supply chain and logistics challenges. IL editors selected this year's class of Top 100 3PLs from a pool of more than 300 companies. The service providers we selected are companies that, in the opinion of IL editors, offer the diverse operational capabilities and experience to meet readers' unique supply chain and logistics needs.

ABOUT INBOUND LOGISTICS
Inbound Logistics the leading trade magazine targeted toward business logistics and supply chain managers. The magazine's editorial mission is to help companies of all sizes better manage corporate resources by speeding and reducing inventory and supporting infrastructure, and better matching demand signals to supply lines. More information is available at www.inboundlogistics.com

Without Strong Transport Relationships, Businesses May Soon Be Out of Business

2010-07-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

Unless the economy takes a turn for the worse, today’s shippers will soon rely on their closest transportation and logistics providers more than ever. Having seen the rapid turnaround in the second quarter of 2010, and the vaporization of available trucking equipment in the spot freight market, and in some dedicated lanes, it is hard to understate the value of maintaining and investing in your relationships with your transportation service providers.

2010 and 2011 promise to be among the most challenging years to move freight in several years. Success includes obtaining maximum utilization and efficiency from your trusted service providers. Where necessary, and especially in cases where you have none, now—add a strong and responsible freight broker to your mix.

LTL Carriers Seek Higher Prices/Rates

2010-07-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

While a swift recovery is occurring in intermodal, ocean and truckload freight, the plights of many LTL carriers are still poor. FedEx Freight is now the nation’s leading LTL carrier in terms of market share, and paid a steep price in profitability. FedEx Freight’s fiscal year ended in May and saw a loss of $153 million—far worse than their loss the year before.

FedEx Freight, like Con-Way and other rivals to former market share leader, YRC Worldwide heavily discounted freight rates to woo shippers away from YRC. Both the LTL carriers and industry analysts are warning shippers that LTL freight rates must go up. If they aren’t happening already, shippers should expect emails, phone calls and knocks on their doors from their LTL carrier sales representatives, looking to talk.

As we’ve seen before, when markets improve, carriers—LTL and otherwise—begin to shed unprofitable customers, for better profitability and equipment utilization. It is happening in the truckload industry, and as always, LTL isn’t far behind.

Add Tucker to Your Core Provider Mix Now

2010-07-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

To say that capacity is challenged in June is an understatement. Carriers are sending empty trailers by rail to California, just to capitalize on the enormous rates being paid out of California. The real surge and peak market doesn’t hit until after the summer.

If you haven’t already, please begin making Tucker a partner in your core transport provider mix. By getting Tucker and the carriers we utilize hauling your freight now, you’ll be in a far better position when the market becomes significantly more difficult in the fall.

Why? The sooner you develop and capture additional resources, the better chance you’ll have in the Fall. Getting one of your carriers to give you a few more trucks helps. Getting a solid resource like Tucker, with outstanding relationships with hundreds of the best performing carriers helps a whole lot more.

Here’s how:
• When carriers change lanes and/or chase higher paying freight, Tucker’s customer service personnel remain serving you, and substitute in other carriers seamlessly.
• Tucker invests in maintaining positive carrier relationships during good and bad times.
• Most of Tucker’s customers during the very tough years of 2003-2006 saw no disruption of service to their customers or supply chains.
• Tucker enables your market reach to go much farther. One call to Tucker triggers hundreds of resources who meet Tucker’s fitness for use guidelines.

Tucker’s 11th Annual Alzheimer’s Association Golf Outing a Success

2010-07-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

On June 21, 2010, Tucker hosted its 11th annual golf outing supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. The event was held at legendary Donald Ross designed Riverton Country Club. The Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter President Wendy Campbell addressed everyone at the dinner afterward, thanking everyone for their ongoing support. We had a great day, filled with golf, fellowship and fun.

The event raised approximately $8,140, bringing Tucker’s 11 year contribution to over $58,240. Everyone at Tucker graciously thanks our sponsors, customers, vendors and guests in attendance.

As background, our owners Jim and Jeff Tucker lost a grandmother to the disease around the time of the first outing, and sales representative Kevin Gallagher lost his father, as have many of our guests. The outing provides a great chance to get together, but also gives everyone a sense that we’re chipping away at a disease that otherwise renders patients and families helpless.

The Alzheimer’s Association donates 40 cents from each donated dollar to medical research. The balance goes toward running the organization and its expansive volunteer programs. Visit www.alz.org.

CSA 2010: Shippers at Risk – Get Control of Your Carrier Data

2010-07-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

If you are a shipper today, chances are your company may be at significant risk for liability due to a truck accident, regardless of your contractual indemnity clauses with your motor carriers. Negligent hiring lawsuits and vicarious liability suits against brokers and shippers are increasingly prevalent. In November, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will be unveiling their new CSA 2010 program to assess relative safety of commercial interstate motor carriers.

Tucker Company Worldwide is prepared for the CSA 2010 program, and for several years has taken proactive steps internally, and within the industry to evaluate carriers against Tucker’s own “fitness for use” standards. Tucker is turning away approximately 70% of motor carriers due to safety or compliance reasons.

Tucker Consulting, Inc., an affiliated and separately owned corporation is taking Tucker’s industry leading experience, and using it to provide consulting services to shippers in evaluating motor carriers for safety. Tucker Consulting has also created an easy, online subscription service that delivers to shipper customized reports each time the DOT updates safety data on your motor carriers. Tucker Consulting is also helping shippers create and audit standards of care, standard operating procedures, etc., when it comes to motor carriers.

Don’t leave your company and its assets vulnerable. If you’re not regularly evaluating carrier safety data, maintaining accurate documents and files, you’re probably squarely at risk.

For a free discussion or demonstration of this innovative tool by Tucker Consulting, please visit: www.tuckercare.com, or dial 800-889-8177.

Transport Fraud Regulation Bill Introduced

2010-07-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

At the urging of Representative Peter DeFazio (D, OR) and Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and the Owner Operators Independent Driver Association (OOIDA) reached compromise on several common ground issues relating to good practices and handling fraud in the freight marketplace. Legislation was introduced to the Senate on June 11, by Senators Snowe (R-ME) and Klobuchar (D-MN), in S. 3483.

The bill represents significant reform to the industry. It creates significant penalties for unauthorized brokering, and attempts to clarify vagaries that have existed for years, including requiring a motor carrier to obtain broker authority before it brokers a load it can’t handle with its own trucks. Motor carriers often feel entitled to broker shipments, but this is not allowed under regulations today (nor is it smart business, nor is it likely covered by the carrier’s insurance). The bill will outlaw brokering without specific broker authority, and heavily penalize each such transaction.

In short, the bill:
• Raises the required bond brokers must file from $10,000 to $100,000, and requires the bond from domestic freight forwarders, too.
• Forces bonding companies to conduct business in a clearer, publicly reported and uniform fashion.
• Requires brokers, carriers and domestic forwarders to renew their authorities annually, which will raise money for increased FMCSA oversight and will realistically track active market participants.
• Requires motor carriers who arrange freight, utilizing any company with a different authority number as the carrier’s, to obtain broker authority and bond.
• Requires that one corporate officer has sufficient industry experience in order to obtain authority. This will help track those who continue to go into and out of business, defrauding market participants.

Our own Jeff Tucker is Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee of TIA, and is supportive of the compromise. “Make no mistake, this legislation is a compromise. Both parties gave in on issues important to them and their members, in pursuit of a better industry with fewer fraudulent, questionable or dangerous activities occurring in it. If the bill passes, the whole market—shippers, brokers and carriers should all benefit. In a marketplace governed by these provisions, if any party didn’t do his or her homework before tendering or accepting a load, there is nobody to blame, but oneself.” Tucker said.

Journal of Commerce Video Interview

2010-05-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

Tucker's thoughts for mitigating rising freight rates.

Tucker Company Worldwide Earns Highest Score in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Program

2009-12-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

Cherry Hill, N.J. (December 1, 2009) – Tucker Company Worldwide, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has earned the highest score in the U.S. EPA’s SmartWay Program. Tucker has pursued this score for over two years, as a way of continuing its legacy of leadership and raising the standards for all aspects of the freight transportation business, by rewarding carriers who outperform their peers.

SmartWay is an EPA initiative that represents environmentally cleaner, more fuel-efficient transportation options. SmartWay carriers have identified methods for reducing transportation-related emissions. Carriers in the SmartWay program are utilizing commercially available fuel saving strategies and are actively evaluating the latest emerging technologies.

Currently, Tucker awards more the 70% of its customer’ freight to SmarWay carriers. This and other data has earned Tucker a SmartWay score of 1.25, the highest score in the program, representing outstanding environmental performance. “At Tucker we strive to think and act responsibly, adopting new and superior standards for safety and service. SmartWay carriers seem to not only focus on the environment, but also seem to embrace and invest in solid principles related to service and highway safety, so it’s a triple-win. We believe we are making a positive impact on our industry and in our communities,” states Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company Worldwide, Inc.

About Tucker Company Worldwide, Inc.
Tucker Company Worldwide was established in 1961. The firm provides a complete range of logistics services for commercial shippers throughout North America, including both domestic and international freight shipments. Tucker specializes in truckload, less than truckload, expedited, air freight and ocean freight. The firm’s website is: www.tuckerco.com.

EPA Awards Tucker Highest SmartWay Score

2009-12-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

Tucker Company Worldwide has earned the highest allowable score in the U.S. EPA’s SmartWay program – a 1.25.

According to the U.S. EPA’s SmartWay program, a score of 1.25 represents outstanding environmental performance. These Partners already are utilizing most of the commercially available fuel saving strategies and are actively evaluating the latest emerging technologies. Partners with scores of 1.25 are awarded the honor of displaying the SmartWay Transport Partner logo, EPA’s symbol for
superior fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

Today, Tucker awards more than 70% of our customers’ freight to SmartWay carriers. Shippers who use Tucker in more than 50% of their business, may be eligible for SmartWay partnership. Please contact your Tucker sales representative for more information.

Four From Tucker Attend International Freight Forwarders Conference in Geneva

2009-12-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

In late September, four Tucker managers, Jeff Tucker, JoAnn Matczak, Gene Wherrity and Darin Day attended a four day conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The association is FIATA www.fiata.org, an international trade association of freight forwarders.

The purpose of FIATA Congresses is to educate, network and learn. It is through networking over many years at FIATA events, that Tucker has built its extensive network of forwarder agents and offices around the world. This year’s conference was a great success for Tucker, as we improved ties and learned about upcoming regulation affecting various countries.

Rachel Jones Earns Bachelor's Degree at Night

2009-12-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

Please join everyone at Tucker Company Worldwide as we congratulate one of our great team leaders, our colleague and friend, Rachel Jones. Rachel has just earned her B.S. in Business Administration, with a minor in Transportation Management from Thomas Edison State College.

Earning a bachelor’s degree is a major life accomplishment. Doing it at night, while working and being an exemplary leader and manager, is quite another thing. Those of us who know Rachel well see her as one of transportation’s true “heavyweights.” If only her college knew the understatement it was making when they called Rachel’s transportation management component a “minor!”

Rachel is general manager of Tucker’s Government Services Group. Congratulations Rachel!

Tucker’s 10th Annual Golf Outing Benefitting Alzheimer’s Association Tops $50,000

2009-12-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

Customers, friends, staff and vendors joined Tucker at Riverton Country Club in Riverton, NJ, for our 10th anniversary golf outing. This year we raised $9,300, which brought our accumulated donations to $50,000!

During this recession, charities need donations more than ever. We are grateful to everyone who participated in this event. One memorable instance was when Jeff Tucker asked everyone at dinner to raise your hand if you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Almost everyone raised a hand.

The good news is researchers are making progress against this terrible disease. A recent research report indicated that Americans born this year have a “very good” chance of seeing their 100th birthday. With the work of research and the Alzheimer’s Association, hopefully we will be lucky enough to enjoy all those years in dignity.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive and fatal disease of the brain. A recent study suggested that 1 of 8 baby boomers will develop the disease. For married couples, that could mean 1 in 4 marriages may be affected. The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest contributor to research and provides support groups to families with individuals suffering from the disease. For more info, go to their website, www.alz.org.

Tucker Company Named “Top 100 3PL” Again in 2009

2009-12-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

Once again, we wish to thank our customers and the readers and editors of Inbound Logistics Magazine for recognizing Tucker Company Worldwide as a Top 100 3PL (third party logistics company). Though Tucker has achieved this important recognition over the past several years, the excitement and pride our people feel gets better reach year.
Thank you to our customers and to our carrier friends. Without your support, we wouldn’t be here.

69% of Carriers Screened Do Not Meet Tucker’s Safety Standards

2009-12-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

Tucker’s general counsel and director of risk management, Darin Day, has reported to our management that in the past few months, a whopping 69% of the motor carriers reviewed for compliance, safety and fitness did not meet Tucker’s standards. In recent years Tucker has taken a nationally recognized leadership role in reevaluating carrier screening, selection, and ongoing risk management, including by writing and speaking regularly on the subject. Today, both shippers and brokers/3PLs may be found liable for accidents caused by the carriers they hire, despite carefully drafted carrier contracts with aggressive indemnity provisions and other measures designed to protect shippers and freight managers from liability. Put simply, courts are saying that the responsibility for safety cannot be delegated. The duty of reasonable care in operating a fleet of trucks rests with the carrier, but the duty of reasonable care in selecting carriers rests with the companies who hire them. Essentially, only 30% of the nation’s motor carriers meet Tucker’s safety requirements. Many larger competitors are simply too big, too decentralized, or they believe their stock prices will be harmed too much, to “turn on the safety switch” at their organizations. At Tucker, we’re thankful to be doing our part for highway safety and to enhance our customers’ risk management efforts. Additionally, since we’ve been operating in this new fashion for nearly four years, we have enjoyed a competitive advantage by building a carrier base that is competent and reliable (as always) but also less likely to expose a shipper, or Tucker, to risk.

ISO 9001:2000 Re-Certified

2009-12-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

Tucker is pleased to announce that we remain ISO 9001:2000 certified again for 2009-2010. Tucker first became ISO certified in 2008, a reflection of our commitment to always work to improve our management processes, so necessary as our business continues to grow and mature. Our teams have improved processes in areas as diverse as billing accuracy operations account management and customer on-boarding. The increasing teamwork of our people and the wide variety of significant output improvements continue to demonstrate that a Quality Management System and, particularly, ISO certification are well worth the investment.

Signs of Life? Act Now to Access Capacity Tomorrow

2009-12-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

Anecdotal evidence and our experience here at Tucker suggests that capacity is tightening up in certain freight lanes. The data agree, albeit in an “economist kind of way.” ATA reported September Truck Tonnage dropped 7.3% — the smallest year-to-year drop in almost 12 months. Most economists do not expect to see true transportation recovery until later in 2010,all of us are pleased to see small pockets of recovery, for the first time in over a year. If you are a shipper or user of motor carriers, act now to build new relationships and improve old ones. When capacity gets tight next year, it will be far too late for you to secure capacity. Act now. Tucker can help you immediately. In fact, this message has been so well received by shippers, that Tucker’s growth in new and returning customers is nearly 20 weeks ahead of last year’s pace. Many shippers are rushing to find safe, reliable and responsible carriers they can use when demand tighens. That’s our job. Call us today.

Tucker Holds 2nd Annual Strategic Council Meeting

2009-12-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

On October 1 and 2, Tucker Company Worldwide held its second annual Strategic Council Meeting attended by several key shippers, experts from various disciplines of logistics, and members of Tucker ownership and management. The meeting was informative, fast moving and received outstanding reviews from participants and presenters alike. Topics included: Key developments at Tucker; Tucker Consulting, Inc; the “U.S. & Transportation Market Economic Outlook” by noted economist, Noel Perry of Transport Fundamentals; “Cargo Security Update,” by Detective William Morales of the renowned cargo recovery task force, the Florida TOMCATS; “Shippers Thoughts on the Marketplace” and “Shipper vs. Carrier Relationship Perspectives Study” by John Gentle, DLP of John Gentle and Associates; “SmartWay and Green Thinking in Transportation.” The afternoon session included, “Issues in International Freight Transportation” by Richard Gluck, Esq. of Garvey Schubert Barer in Washington, DC; “Regulatory Update-Domestic,” by Former FMCSA Administrator Annette Sandberg; and “Shipper/Broker Liability Cases with Hired Carriers Overview” by Paul Brandes, Esq., plaintiff’s counsel in various trucking accident cases, including Puckrein vs. ATI 2005, the first case in recent legal history to hold that a shipper may be found liable for bodily injury or death caused by a motor carrier hired by that shipper. Our next newsletter will be a special edition supplement capturing features of the Strategic Council. Expect it shortly after Thanksgiving.

Tucker's Newly Certified Transportation Brokers (CTBs)

2009-06-29T07:57:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Tucker’s Hugh McLaughlin, VP Sales, and Mike Arlotta, Customer Service Coordinator. Hugh and Mike are the latest Tucker team members to pass their CTB exams from the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). They join about a dozen other Tucker CTB team members. The CTB Program is meaningful to Tucker Company in another way, too. Tucker’s past President Bill Tucker (1972-2003), and CTB number 2, authored the first CTB Program. It was the central focus of his time as Chairperson of the Education Committee for TIA. His work developed curriculum and a series of tests to achieve certification. Today, the test continues to increase the professionalism and integrity of property brokerage, meet the educational needs of brokers, and expand basic knowledge of the brokerage and transportation industry through a rigorous certification program. There are over 1,280 CTBs nationwide.

Tucker CEO completes marathon & raises over $2,000 for charitable cause

2008-12-24T05:06:00.000-08:00

Cherry Hill, N.J. (December 17, 2008) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., recently competed in the Philadelphia Marathon, and raised over $2,000 for the Fellowship House of South Camden, New Jersey.

Tucker, along with the Rotary Club of Haddonfield, presented a check in the amount of $2,160 to Reverend Harrison Davis, executive director of the Fellowship House, in the memory of Brandon Thompson, the grandson of Reverend Davis. Recently Brandon, aged four, was tragically killed in Camden, N.J. by a stray bullet. The Fellowship House ministers to South Camden’s children and adults in a number of areas including drug rehabilitation, church services and food distribution.

Tucker, who completed the run in 4:35 hours, acknowledged the support of friends, family and the Rotary Club in this effort for the Fellowship House and the memory of Brandon. In accepting the donation, Reverend Davis expressed appreciation to everyone who helped, and said the funds will be used to help Brandon’s family during this difficult time.

As seen in: Outsourced Logistics and the NDTA Newsletter

Tucker Company CEO to run marathon

2008-10-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, N.J. – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., has entered in the Philadelphia Marathon on November 23, 2008. He has chosen to run the marathon in order to raise funds for the Fellowship House of South Camden, New Jersey.

“I was saddened by the recent tragic story of 4-year old Brandon Thompson of Camden, who was killed instantly by a stray bullet as he was fleeing into his mother’s arms, just a few miles from where I live,” Tucker stated. “Charitable contributions will be made to the Fellowship House which ministers to South Camden’s children and adults in a number of areas including drug rehabilitation, church services and food distribution.”

Brandon Thompson was the grandson of Minister Harrison Davis, executive director of the Fellowship House. “Harrison, who humbly and quietly does his life’s work, is an outstanding, caring and giving man, who has consistently placed the health, mentoring, general safety and well-being of his neighbors above himself,” Tucker said.

Jeffrey Tucker and his wife Heather will personally match the contributions of the donations of others, up to $400, “or $500 if I’m able to run the marathon in under four hours,” Tucker added. This is his second marathon, though the first was ten years ago. Anyone interested in sponsoring Tucker’s run and supporting the Fellowship House cause, can write a check made payable to “Fellowship House” (write “Brandon Fund” in the memo field). The donation (tax deductible) should be mailed to “Brandon Fund”, c/o Jeff Tucker, Tucker Company, 900 Dudley Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.

As seen in: Traffic World Online and Transport Topics

Tucker Holds First Annual Strategic Council

2008-10-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Tucker recently hosted its first Strategic Council in our Cherry Hill, NJ, headquarters. We assembled various leading shipper organizations and experts, representing some of the world’s most influential firms. Clients included leaders in the pharmaceutical and medical diagnostics, consumer products, industrial materials industries as well as US Government representation from the General Service Administration (GSA). The goal of the Strategic Council is to discuss critical transportation economic issues and their impact now and into the future, and to discuss effectively and successfully communicating these issues, changes and concerns to each of our organizations, vendors and customers. Guest presenters included: Jon Langenfeld, R.W. Baird’s Director, Senior Research Analyst, recognized by Forbes Magazine as among transportation’s “Top Analysts;” John Gentle, DLP, former Logistics Management’s Logistics Person of the Year and a DC Velocity Magazine “Rainmaker;” Annette Sandberg, past Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Capacity and fuel dominated the day, followed by new legislation and elevated liability and risk selecting safe carriers.

Langenfeld’s economic transportation forecasts a significant shift from the abundant capacity that began in 2006, to a more severe and prolonged capacity starved environment, possibly as early as 2009, calling that period a “pricing renaissance” for carriers. Langenfeld provided an analyst’s perspective of fuel, illustrating how difficult it is for carriers to survive this fuel crisis, and how it has contributed to the loss of capacity.

Tucker’s CEO Jeff Tucker and General Counsel and Director of Risk Management Darin Day provided an overview of the new, expensive legal liabilities applied against shippers and brokers by plaintiff attorneys. Landmark cases like Schramm v. Foster and Puckrein v. ATI, and copycat suits have re-written safe carrier selection requirements that shippers and brokers should follow when hiring a motor carrier. These new procedures remove available capacity from the equation.

John Gentle presented the results of his recent survey of leading national and regional motor carriers entitled, “Looking in the Mirror and How Carriers Perceive Shippers.” The study provided rare, invaluable insight into how carriers decide which shippers will receive their service and available trucks. The carriers ranked the most important shipper characteristics in this order: operations, compensation, relationships, receivables, legal, claims, other. Summary discussion focused on how a shipper’s internal self-evaluation can yield positive results affecting service, cost and capacity from transport providers. As we begin our journey into a capacity-starved environment, the resulting discussions involved what each of us can do to handle the challenge.

Annette Sandberg provided insight into what is happening on the regulatory front, from both DHS and DOT agency perspectives. She covered expected DOT announcments this year on final rules for hours of service, electronic on board recorders (EOBRs), New Entrant Motor Carrier Safety Audits, and Intermodal Container Chassis. In addition, Ms. Sandberg discussed the DOT’s plan for merging the medical license and commercial driver’s license programs for drivers. She also provided commentary on the newly introduced TRUCC Act (See Owner Operators), and the unified opposition against it in Washington and the Clean Air Action Plan LA/Long Beach, where authorities there would drive owner operators out of business, in a “green” push. Finally, Ms. Sandberg outlined the debate in Washington on infrastructure investment, which will dominate the upcoming Highway Reauthorization Bill. Every presentation illustrated in different and clear ways, how and why capacity is leaving the marketplace. Capacity is leaving due to fuel costs, bankruptcies, highway congestion, new regulations, safety and risk reasons, broader economic conditions and because physical assets are being sold overseas due to the weak U.S. demand and weaker U.S. dollar. The singular challenge ahead for all shippers: survive the upcoming crisis, in tact. The smartest shippers will not only survive, but they will prosper.

To be involved in future Strategic Councils, please contact
Hugh McLaughlin at (800) 229-7780, ext. 128,
hugh.mclaughlin@tuckerco.com.
For more information on successful strategies, contact Hugh or your Tucker sales representative. We will continue providing feedback and insight in our newsletters, too. Tucker Company can help you plan for the crisis ahead, and successfully navigate through it, so that your company is positioned to win.

Two New Certified Transportation Brokers (CTBs)

2008-10-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Tucker’s Mary Massaro, National Accounts Manager, and Brian Hadley, Customer Service Coordinator. Mary and Brian are the latest Tucker team members to pass their CTB exams from the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). They join about a dozen other Tucker CTB team members. The CTB Program is meaningful to Tucker Company in another way, too. Tucker’s past President Bill Tucker (1972-2003), and CTB number 2, authored the first CTB Program. It was the central focus of his time as Chairperson of the Education Committee for TIA. His work developed curriculum and a series of tests to achieve certification. Today, the test continues to increase the professionalism and integrity of property brokerage, meet the educational needs of brokers, and expand basic knowledge of the brokerage and transportation industry through a rigorous certification program. There are over 1,280 CTBs nationwide.

As seen in: Outsurced Logistics, and Transport Topics

Tucker Company Goes Green

2008-09-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, N.J. (September 15, 2008, B, ) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., recently announced that the firm is continuing its efforts to act green. “We are no longer purchasing disposable cups, including Styrofoam and paper cups for coffee and drinking water purposes,” he stated.

To kick-off this latest environment-friendly program, the entire staff had a “going green” party where they all got together to paint their own ceramic mug that each would use in place of the disposable cups.

“It is estimated that 25 billion Styrofoam cups are thrown away every year, without a thought to the consequences,” Jeffrey Tucker said. “We need to remember that Styrofoam is an environmental hazard because of it not being degradable, and its high cost to be recycled.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Even 500 years from now the foam coffee cup you used this morning will be sitting in a landfill.”

Tucker Company participates in a voluntary fuel conservation program of the EPA named “SmartWay” that seeks to reduce the carbon emissions and wasted fuel in the transportation industry.

As seen in: South Jersey News On-line

Tucker Company selected as a 2008 “Top 100 3PL”

2008-08-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, N.J. (August 21, 2008) – Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., as been selected as a 2008 “Top 100 3PL” (Third Party Logistics firm) by Inbound Logistics magazine. A “3PL” is a logistics management firm that usually owns no trucks, trains or ships, but by knowledge and contracts with carriers, it manages freight and logistics for many of the nation’s manufacturers and retailers.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Tucker Company as made the prestigious list. “Tucker Company was selected as a Top 100 3PL for its ability to help customers explore new markets and new opportunities both domestically and around the world,” stated Felicia Stratton, editor, Inbound Logistics. “They are responsive to customer needs, and offer strategic solutions designed to drive business process improvement and change.”

Jeff Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, stated, “It is very gratifying to be recognized in this manner for our efforts on behalf of our customers. I have to commend every member of our staff for their commitment to do whatever is necessary to help our customers succeed.”

Felicia Stratton added, “Each year, Inbound Logistics editors select the best logistics solutions providers by carefully evaluating submitted information, conducting personal interviews and online research, and comparing that data to our readers’ burgeoning global supply chain and logistics challenges.”

As seen in: Courier Post On-Line

Tucker Company raises nearly $7,000 for Alzheimer’s Association

2008-08-18T05:17:00.000-07:00

Tucker Company recently held a golf outing at Riverton Country Club, Riverton, N.J., to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, resulting in nearly $7,000 being donated to the charity.

This is the ninth consecutive year that Tucker Company has hosted a benefit golf outing for the Alzheimer’s Association. “We are very pleased to be involved with this extremely worthwhile organization that helps so many people,” stated Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company. “To date we have raised a total of nearly $47,000 for the Association.”

In appreciation for Tucker Company’s contribution, Wendy Campbell, president of Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, presented a plaque to Jeff Tucker, CEO, and Jim Tucker, president.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

As seen in: eTrucker, and Transport Topics

Tucker Company presents $1,000 annual scholarship award

2008-08-01T05:31:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (July 28, 2008) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., has announced that Tara Baselice, a graduate student at West Chester University, is the recipient of the 2008 William J. Tucker $1,000 Scholarship Award.

The award is presented each year to a deserving student in the family of a member of the Philadelphia Traffic Club. Baselice earned the award because of her commitment to ongoing education and a paper she wrote describing what passion and commitment in life mean.

The scholarship award was conceived in 2003 by Jeff Tucker and Jim Tucker, president, to recognize the commitment and passion of their father Bill, for his dedication to their 47 year old company, and to the transportation industry.

As seen in: Traffic World Online, Transport Topics, and Courier Post Online

Tucker Company announces hiring of two new executives

2008-07-23T05:33:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (June 21, 2008) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., has announced the hiring of two new executives. Holly Caprio has joined the company as a senior national accounts manager; Michael Arlotta was named a customer service coordinator.

Caprio was previously a senior sales representative for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, N.J. Her responsibilities included marketing the firm’s products to physicians in the western New York area. She had also served as a regional sales manager for Curbell, Inc., a medical equipment manufacturer based in Orchard Park, N.Y. In additional to her sales responsibilities, she also headed up the company’s product and sales training functions. Caprio is a University of Buffalo graduate with a B.S. degree in Business Management.

Michael Arlotta was previously with Jevic Transportation, Delanco, N.J. as a manager of the Loss Prevention and Claims departments. Prior to that he held a management position with Wiz Distributors, Carteret, N.J. Arlotta has a B.S. degree in Management from Rutgers School of Business, and served in the U.S.
Army as a military police officer.

Hugh McLaughlin, Tucker Company vice president stated, “We’re very pleased to add the expertise of Holly and Michael to meet the rapid growth that we are experiencing in the medical and pharmaceutical fields.”

Tucker Company was established in 1961. The firm provides a complete range of logistics services for commercial shippers throughout North America, including freight transportation management for truckload and less-than-truckload freight, intermodal, expedited, and air freight. The firm’s website is: www.tuckerco.com.

As seen in: Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Business Journal, Traffic World, Transport Topics, and Courier Post.

Tucker Company Joins ATA

2008-06-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, NJ, has announced that the company has become a member of the American Trucking Association (ATA). The ATA, established in 1933, is the national voice for the trucking industry before Capitol Hill, regulators, the courts and the media.

“We’re proud to be a member of the ATA,” stated Jeffrey Tucker, who is also an active board member of National Industrial Transportation League (NITL); Truckload Carriers Association (TCA); and Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). Tucker’s father, William, is a co-founder of the TIA.
“Today our industry is being confronted with more and more issues and policy-making matters that need to be addressed,” Tucker added. “The ATA, along with the other industry associations, enable us to deal with shared visions and goals such as – unified opposition to fuel surcharge legislation; a demand for increased infrastructure investment; and improvements in trucking productivity.”

As seen in: American Journal of Transportation, Fleet Maintenance, NJ.com, Transport Topics, Drive18Wheeler.com, TruckingInfo.com, and Commercial Carrier Journal

Our Strong 2007 Continues in 2008

2008-05-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

Without you, there can be no us. Thank you for your support. Tucker had a strong 2007, despite a recessionary transportation industry. Revenues increased over 22% and service offerings expanded into new areas. We recognize and appreciate your contributions to our growth and success. With your support, we will continue to differentiate Tucker’s services for your benefit and further invest in our people. Below reflects some of our progress.

In 2007, we launched new and challenging safety, quality and productivity iniatives. Perhaps most challenging to our business was strengthening our risk management procedures for qualifying motor carriers in an effort to reduce risk for our customers. Overnight, our carrier capacity was stretched thin relative to many 3PLs and freight managers, who often operate without similar standards and practices in place.

This initiative coupled by trade association involvement on this subject launched several new business opportunities and gained us a national audience on the subject of negligent hiring, negligent entrustment and motor carrier safety and compliance. We launched a formalized Consulting Service and expect to launch an entirely new business in 2008 focused on motor carrier safety and compliance.
ISO 9000 training launched in 2007 has already improved productivity. Even before we implemented the enhancements proposed by our Billing Accuracy Team we realized a 50% reduction in billing errors in 2007 vs. 2006! We are tackling some other big improvement opportunities and are enjoying the team building experience along the way.

Our space and talent grew too. We added new offices in Boston, Albany and now Buffalo, plus our sales team moved into new office space after our Cherry Hill headquarters expanded by 50%. We added several strong individuals with varied and complimentary backgrounds improving our team’s depth.
We expect the difficult 2008 economy to continue and for fuel to continue its rise into $100+ per barrel. Many experts see minor improvement in the trucking industry late in 2008. Sadly that improvement is largely reliant upon the exodus of trucking companies to bankruptcy and the pressure of fuel and economic conditions. Against this backdrop, Tucker Company is thankful to be budgeting for growth in 2008 and beyond through increased freight sales, consulting revenue, productivity improvements and other new service offerings.

NOTICE TO CARRIERS: Billing Procedure Change

2008-05-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

We need your help. We are improving billing accuracy, including our invoices to customers and carrier invoices to us. Improvement will lead to greater customer satisfaction and efficiencies for everyone involved. Please expect a letter from Tucker explaining in further detail our new billing procedures. The letter contains important new procedures and re-emphasis on existing ones. They will be fairly standard expectations, including: “Tucker PRO# and signed and legible POD” must be attached to carrier invoices; additional carrier charges that occur after a load confirmation has been accepted by the carrier must be approved by Tucker and documented in writing before the charge is incurred.

By involving our customer before charges like detention occur, we can usually address the underlying issue. Problems arise when we first learn of an accessorial charge weeks later. Details will follow. For more information, please contact Gene Wherrity, VP Operations, ext. 125.

Please Welcome Rob Sichel!

2008-05-01T05:09:00.000-07:00

Hugh McLaughlin, VP Sales for Tucker announced Rob Sichel’s appointment to our sales team in January. Rob began working for Tucker in 2006 as an intern from Rutgers University. He learned and assisted in many areas of the Company that proved valuable to his development and education at Tucker. After completing his internship, he was hired as a part-time employee last May while finishing his degree.
Rob’s assisted our professional Risk Management staff, helping to ensure motor carriers meet Tucker's standards for safety and compliance, and for providing significant ongoing risk analysis in areas such as insurance and carrier safety records. In this role, Rob was involved in the development and refinement of a department and a concept that is cutting edge in the transportation industry. In addition, Rob worked closely with our ISO-9000 improvement teams and our ISO Team Leader which providing him with a detailed understanding and insight into our procedures.

Risks Increasing for Users of Carriers

2008-05-01T05:07:00.000-07:00

For years we have been describing the rapidly emerging and potentially devastating financial risks involved in hiring motor carriers who are involved in accidents causing property damage, bodily harm or worse. It started with the “Schramm” case where a federal court found that broker CH Robinson could be made to stand trial to examine the facts and determine whether the broker had exercised "reasonable care" and "due diligence" in selecting the carrier who caused severe bodily harm. Shortly after Schramm, came the Puckrein case, where a state's highest appellate court applied the same negligence principle to shippers who hire carriers.

These new “laws” state that where a shipper or broker hires a motor carrier with a questionable safety record, and that carrier is involved in an accident involving property damage, injury or death, that shipper or broker may be found liable under the doctrines of “negligent entrustment” or “negligent hiring” or even “vicarious liability” to the tune of multiple millions of dollars.

Prior to Schramm, shippers and brokers were almost immune from such liability because these parties didn’t own the truck, weren’t driving it and were not involved in the incident at the scene. Since Schramm, courts are increasingly willing to make shippers and brokers stand trial for negligence, not for causing the damage, but for failing to carefully scrutinize the carrier who did. Millions of dollars are at stake.

Prominent transportation attorney and colleague Ron Usem of Huffman, Usem, Saboe, Crawford & Greenberg, P.A. in Golden Valley, MN brought to industry’s attention the Jones v. D’Sourza case in the TIA’s February edition of “The Logistics Journal.” “Jones” is yet another case that raises the bar even further than Schramm, and as a result, defendant, broker C.H. Robinson will need to defend itself in court by showing a documented paper trail that it consistently adhered to its due diligence procedures.

Three (3) things every shipper, broker and user of motor carriers must do: (a) have written safety procedures (b) follow them every time, and (c) maintain a paper trail to demonstrate your adherence to your procedures. If you are using a third party like a broker, ensure that they are also following such procedures. If an accident happens and you don’t have adequate procedures in place, you won’t have anywhere to hide.

Tucker Company’s consulting service is helping shippers to write and/or re-write carrier qualification and selection procedures.

The ISO Effect—Tucker’s Billing Accuracy Improves 50%

2008-05-01T05:05:00.000-07:00

In our second management quality review meeting on 3/18/07, our President and COO, Jim Tucker revealed that, in 2007, our billing accuracy improved by over 50%! That is, more than 50% of our billing inaccuracies disappeared from pre-2007 levels. Interestingly enough we hadn’t yet implemented all of the procedure changes our Billing Accuracy Team recommended, and still achieved profound improvement.

Everyone associated with the project believes that this improvement was due to the fact that our cross-functional and cross-departmental team assembled last spring to improve billiing accuracy and, therefore, more people better understood the process and were more focused on improvement.

We are currently implementing the remainder of the recommended changes, and expect to see more improvement by adopting the efficient and streamlined approaches outlined by our improvement team.

When we adopted this quality management system, our focus was squarely on improving our ability to serve you. Our improvement iniatives will continue vigorously after achieving ISO certification so we can continuously improve our services.

Tucker Company adds three senior level employees

2008-02-05T04:48:00.000-08:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (February 5, 2008) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., has announced the hiring of three new senior level employees.

Michael Mellencamp has joined the firm as a customer service team leader in the Core Services Division. He has extensive experience in management, sales and training. Prior to joining Tucker Company he was a retail manager with Soccer Locker, Voorhees, N.J., and before that he was with the data entry department at Wheaton College, Norton, Ma. He also was formerly a ski instructor at Blue Mountain Ski Area, Palmerton, Pa.; and has a B.A. Degree in International Relations, Wheaton College.

Brian Hadley has been named a customer service coordinator. Previously he was a transportation consultant with Lasership, Philadelphia, Pa. Earlier he was a support coordinator at Quality Progressions in Philadelphia, and before that, was on the management team at TGI Fridays, Cherry Hill, N.J. He has a B.A. Degree in Psychology, Rutgers University.

Paige Webster has joined the company as executive assistant. Before joining the firm she had a background in teaching and business. She was an assistant teacher at several schools, including Stevens Cooperative School, Hoboken, N.J., The Cornerstone School, Jersey City, N.J., and The River School, also in Jersey City. Earlier she was an administrative assistant at Ridge Construction, North Brunswick, N.J., and a therapy technician at Community Partnerships, Inc., Boise, Id. She studied education, psychology and music at Boise State University and William Patterson University, Wayne, N.J.

As seen in: Traffic World., Transport Topics, and Philadelphia Business Journal

Rising Diesel Prices Smack Businesses - Philadelphia Inquirer

2008-01-16T06:46:00.000-08:00

By Henry J. Holcomb
Inquirer Staff Writer

Like many trucking executives, Steve O'Kane faces a tough question these days on diesel fuel: How much of the soaring cost can he or his customers absorb?
"The situation is volatile in an upward direction," said O'Kane, chief executive officer of A. Duie Pyle Inc., the West Chester-based fleet of 700 trucks and 1,600 trailers. "There is a lot of speculation on how high is high and probably as many opinions about that as people you are willing to ask."

Diesel fuel prices are soaring, and some experts say the cost of a gallon will roar past $4 this summer.

This has far-reaching impact on business. Consumers will feel it, too. Diesel propels shipping and construction, and many diesel-powered cars, SUVs and pickup trucks are headed to market.

The price of diesel in the Mid-Atlantic region last week averaged $3.51 a gallon, 95.2 cents higher than a year ago, according to a government report issued Monday. That is down 4.4 cents from the previous week, the usual post-holiday lull.

Rising fuel prices are pushing thousands of trucking companies close to the edge, threatening to diminish transportation resources when long-term forecasts say the amount of goods shipped will double by 2010.

The trucking industry is already beset by driver shortages and talk of new tolls and toll increases, said Jeffrey Tucker, who is chief executive of the Tucker Co., a Cherry Hill logistics firm, and a director of the National Industrial Transportation League.

"If the economy stays iffy much longer, thousands of carriers will go out of business," Tucker said.

He and others report increasing pressure to cap fuel surcharges that pass along price increases to shippers.

Why is this happening? The price of crude, the raw material for gasoline and diesel, shot up last year, from $51 a barrel to the current $90-plus range. And faster-than-usual economic growth overseas is pushing demand. In China, the economy grew more than 11 percent last year, and the Bank of China said last week that similar growth was expected this year.

Meanwhile, U.S. environmental concerns have produced laws requiring cleaner diesel that costs more to produce and gets fewer miles per gallon.

Stephen Schork, editor of the Schork Report, a daily energy newsletter published in Villanova, said the refining capacity had fallen so far behind demand because, until a few years ago, diesel profit was insufficient to attract money for expansion.

"Diesel actually sold for less than the cost of crude as late as 2000. When you can't sell a product for more than crude," Schork said in an interview yesterday, "the economics don't attract investment in adding capacity."

Unless a recession slows demand, Schork said, it will be two to five years before diesel supply catches up with demand.

Things could get worse. The full impact of $90-plus crude has not reached the pump, Schork said. And Canada is using more of the diesel supply it has exported to the United States, which could mean turning to more-expensive sources. "It's one thing to ship a product down a pipeline from Canada. It's another proposition to charter a vessel and ship it across Atlantic," Schork said.

In the meantime, the transition to federally mandated ultra-low sulphur diesel adds costs, Schork said. Having two grades of diesel adds distribution and tankage costs and the risk of spot shortages.

Sunoco Inc., this region's largest refiner, is spending $285 million to convert an unused hydrocracking unit at its Philadelphia refinery to a hydrotreater that reduces sulphur from previously acceptable levels to the required level of less than 15 parts per million.

Charles T. Drevna, president of the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association, insists his members have been working hard to meet demand. But, he said, government requirements for fuel-efficient cars and trucks and for gasoline blended with biofuels are creating "major problems fraught with uncertainties."

Refiners cannot make diesel without making gasoline. "The arithmetic is the challenge. Does it make economic sense to invest in capacity when that capacity could be stranded?" Drevna said.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a barrel of crude oil (42 gallons) yields 19.4 gallons of gasoline and 14.6 gallons of a group of similar products - diesel, jet fuel, kerosene and heating oil. The sulphur content allowed by law is the difference in these products. (The rest yields gases, chemical components and other products.)

The impact of new environmental laws is significant, several trucking executives said. New trucks with required clean-air equipment are getting one mile less per gallon than 2006 models. That is a 16.6 percent decline, from six to five miles per gallon.

High diesel prices are cranking up interest in fuel-saving technology.

The nation's biggest diesel-fuel users saw the problem coming a half dozen years ago. UPS Inc. now spends a third of its $3 billion annual capital budget on information technology, mostly to conserve fuel. Its route-planning technology reduces left turns, which use more fuel, and cuts miles driven by 28.5 million a year, said spokesman Norman Black.

Norfolk Southern, one of three major railroads serving Philadelphia, is working to reduce the 519 million gallons of diesel it burned last year. Its big Conway complex in Western Pennsylvania is testing a yard locomotive with three truck engines instead of one big railroad powerplant. One, two or all three of the diesel engines come online to generate more electricity and turn traction wheels as the load increases, said Tim Heilig of Atlanta, the railroad's chief mechanical officer.

Norfolk Southern is also developing a system called Locomotive Engineer Assist Display Event Recorder, or LEADER. It analyzes the length and weight of the train, along with the topography and curvature of the track ahead, and recommends fuel-efficient throttle settings. And, using new automated controls, Norfolk Southern is evaluating the fuel savings of putting locomotives at the middle and end of trains, instead of just at the front.

In Europe, more than half the automobiles now have diesel engines, which get more miles per gallon and last longer, and there are signs that the engines could soon gain favor in the United States, Schork said.

"There have been tremendous technology strides since the noisy, smelly, hard-to-start diesel cars that turned off Americans in '70s," Schork said. "Diesels are cleaner and friendlier now."

What is not clear, he and others said, is how friendly the price of diesel will be as the oil industry races to catch up with - but not overtake - demand.

Tucker Co. Opens Offices in Boston & Albany

2008-01-14T07:03:00.000-08:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (January 14, 2008) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., has announced that the company has opened branch offices in Boston and Albany.

The Boston office, headed by Hugh McLaughlin, vice president-sales, enables Tucker to increase its already strong presence in the Northeast. “New England is a strong market for freight, especially in the industry categories that we specialize in, including technology, chemicals, healthcare and pharmaceuticals,” stated Jeffrey Tucker. “It also brings us physically closer to the many carriers we work with in the region.”

The Albany office, headed by Rossie Knight, senior customer service coordinator, is the company’s first off-site, customer service only office. The central New York location provides valuable support for Tucker’s Dedicated Logistics Division as a full service and fully integrated office.

In addition to the opening of the two new branch offices, the company recently launched a new Consulting Division and completed a fifty percent expansion of its headquarters office in Cherry Hill. “This has been a strong year for our company during these challenging times in the transportation industry,” Jeffrey Tucker said. “In addition to our growth, we are making very good progress with our ISO 9001 training and anticipate achieving certification by mid 2008.”

As seen in: Transport Topics, Logistics Management, American Shipper and Traffic World

The Fourth Quarter at Tucker

2007-12-05T12:28:00.001-08:00

The traditional fourth quarter peak season is here, and like last year within the freight shipping industry, many shippers are experiencing a less robust market than in prior years, though certain segments of the markets are quite busy. Through this time period, Tucker Company continues to grow expeditiously.

Through careful planning, great relationships with both customers and carriers, a strong team and a little bit of good luck, we are continuing our solid growth and expansion. Our expansion includes additional field offices, more office space at headquarters and hiring additional people to keep pace with our rapid growth.

We opened two new field offices in 2007. In the spring we opened a Boston, MA field office and on October 16 we began operating a branch of our Dedicated Logistics Division from our new Albany, NY field office — both field offices arestaffed by company employees. We are also hiring for two new sales positions. As we stated in prior months, Tucker’s headquarters is expanding to add roughly 50% additional space and capacity. The construction is progressing nicely and on time.

On October 3, 2007, we were pleased to welcome back Rossie Knight (formerly Grasser) from 13 months of active military duty. Rossie is a senior customer service coordinator and is now working from our Albany field office, managing service to some of our Dedicated Logistics accounts. Paige Webster joined Tucker Company as executive assistant, supporting the Tuckers and Hugh McLaughlin.

Tucker Company’s consulting business is developing nicely and is beginning to establish itself quickly as a leader in the area of motor carrier qualification; insurance and risk analysis, standard of care/contract harmonization and general risk assessment. Tucker has presented on these issues numerous times in the past year in various national venues.

Early in October, we hosted our first Carrier Appreciation Golf Outing at Riverton Country Club, here in New Jersey. It was well attended by many carriers. We had a fantastic time. After golf, most of our sales and customer service team joined everyone for dinner. It provided a chance for us to say “thank you” and for some newer members of our team to meet some of our carrier friends for the first time.

On a bittersweet note, we are left a little bit empty around the office now that Bridget Wherrity has retired to care for her family. Over her 12 years at Tucker, many countless callers of Tucker Company have gotten to know Bridget Wherrity. Among her many important and unbelievably varied duties here, it was Bridget’s voice when callers dialed “0” for assistance. People who know her, know her as a strong, sweet, caring person and a dynamic worker and team player. Congratulations and thank you, Bridget.

Sincerely yours,

Jeffrey Tucker

National Classification Committee (NCC) Loses its Antitrust Immunity. What Does This Mean to You?

2007-12-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

We have had a lot of discussions and questions relating to the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) decision eliminating the NCC’s and its peer organizations’ antitrust immunity, to set rates and freight classification schedules. So, we thought we would include a discussion of this in our newsletter. As with anything, we invite other thoughts or opposing viewpoints.

On May 7, the STB ruled to eliminate approximately 60 years of antitrust immunity granted by the federal government to the National Classification Committee (NCC) and its peer organizations. The NCC, and other groups like Southern Motor Carriers SMC3), etc., are essentially groups of motor carriers who collectively evaluate each type of freight type for density, transportability, etc., establish a freight classification for each type, then establish a yearly rate base for each freight classification. Participating carriers, and indirectly, nonparticipating carriers, then implement those rates into their operations. The rate bureau decisions impact the entire LTL industry.

Antitrust immunity for NCC was an old-world leftover from the days of heavy regulation (1930s-1978). It was also one of the most contentious, one-sided protectionist regulations left on the books. Debates on the topic at national conventions and other venues were heated to say the least.

Tucker Company’s policy position since deregulation in 1980 has been to support efforts to deregulate pricing, and promote business by contract. Tucker Company is pleased with the STB’s decision and has supported this policy move for many years in many organizations. Tucker Company is actively involved in various trade associations. Nearly all of those associations agree that the NCC should be stripped of its antitrust immunity and that the market alone should establish pricing parameters to move freight between parties. Shipper and 3PL organizations generally see this STB decision as an enormous win for shippers.

So what effects will this have on shippers or Tucker? We agree with other close observers that the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) which is the NCC generated tool defining every product’s class, is probably not going away, nor does this ruling eliminate the NCC. Rather, what the ruling does say is that shippers and carriers must agree together on any future changes. While participating carriers of NCC and other bureaus obviously do not wish to lose such an important edge — that of
setting rates and classifications together under protection of law — many carriers have already taken pricing and tariff generation in-house, relying on the NCC and other rate bureaus for validation and benchmarking.

Today’s shippers and carriers have mastered the fundamentals of negotiating together. The ruling will force us to think and negotiate a little differently, but also provides the assurance that shippers and 3PLs will be negotiating freely.

Tucker Company in the Philadelphia Inquirer

2007-12-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

On Sunday October 14, the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper ran a business page cover story on the trucking industry’s challenges, from crumbling infrastructure to states selling off highways, to introduction of tolls on non-toll interstates, to HOS and more. Jeff Tucker appeared and was quoted in the beginning of the article and again at the end. Please see the article on our website or go to: Philadelphia Inquirer Story

We wish to thank the Inquirer and writer Henry Holcomb for covering a story in a full, comprehensive fashion that brought our industry’s vital concerns to the attention of the public. Rarely does the industry get such popular and needed attention.

Jeff Tucker named to TIA’s Legislative Committee Chair

2007-12-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday October 9, Jeff Tucker was appointed chairman of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) newly formed Legislative Committee.

The appointment was made by Doug Clark, chairman of the TIA.

Among the objectives of the Legislative Committee Charter are – to provide an over-arching view of the policy concerns affecting the third party logistics (3PL) industry for the TIA CEO, VP Policy, the Board and Policy Committees; and to provide insight into the activities of sister associations and assist in the representation of TIA before those associations.

TIA is the professional organization of the $114 billion 3PL industry. It is the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce. TIA is the voice of transportation intermediaries to shippers, carriers, government officials, and international organizations. TIA is the United States member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarder Associations FIATA.

Happy 80th Birthday Betty Atkinson!

2007-12-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

In October, the staff at Tucker helped Betty Atkinson, an administrative department team member here, celebrate her 80th birthday. Betty is also a member of Tucker’s growing 20-Year club, having started her career at Tucker in 1986. Earlier in her career, Betty worked for Myles Transportation in Southern New Jersey.
Happy birthday Betty!

Did You Know?

2007-12-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

In addition to our freight services, Tucker Company has the capabilities to transport Mobile Homes. As a third party freightmanagement company we have partnerships with mobile home carriers to provide yet another valuable resource for our shippers. Another reason to call us for all of your transportation needs!

Tucker in Dubai, U.A.E

2007-12-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

At the time this newsletter was written, our CEO Jeff Tucker was in Dubai. He was attending an international logistics and freight forwarder conference and exposition. The purpose of the trip is for Tucker Company to continue developing our extensive network while building even stronger relationships with our growing global network of logistics providers.

Tucker Co. Raises Nearly $7,000 for Alzheimer’s Association

2007-11-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (November 7, 2007) – Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., recently held a golf outing to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, resulting in nearly $7,000 being donated to the charity.

This is the eighth consecutive year that Tucker Company has hosted a benefit golf outing for the Alzheimer’s Association. “We are very pleased to be involved with this extremely worthwhile organization that helps so many people,” stated Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company. “To date we have raised a total of nearly $40,000 for the Association.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Jeffrey Tucker also thanked the many sponsors who helped make the fund-raising event a success, including Johnson & Johnson, Geiger Brothers, Kaiser & Blair, Vernon Company, WB Mason, Inbound Logistics Magazine, John A. Gentle & Associates, Hafetz & Associates, Citizen’s Bank, Cave Flight School, Pinnacle Financial Associates, Accu Staffing, Gober & Associates, and Aljex Software.

As seen in: Philadelphia Business Journal, Gloucester County Times and Bridgeton News

Rough Road Ahead - Philadelphia Inquirer

2007-10-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

Rough Road Ahead
By Henry J. Holcomb
Inquirer Staff Writer

When freight manager Jeffrey Tucker heard the state planned to turn Interstate 80 into a toll road, he wondered, "What next?"
More change is battering the trucking industry than at any other time in the 46-year history of the Tucker Co., a Cherry Hill logistics firm founded by his grandfather.

The proposals - including adding tolls to I-80 and turning the Pennsylvania Turnpike over to private operators - would dramatically alter the two main cross-state routes, truckers and transportation executives say. Meanwhile, the industry faces troubles on several fronts:

Another change in the hours drivers can legally work, arising from efforts to reduce the 5,000 fatalities a year from truck-related accidents, is being battled out in the courts, and the outcome could force higher costs and complex changes.

Trucking companies wrestle with driver turnover rates of more than 100 percent per year and wonder if they will be able to meet the cargo-growth demands in coming decades.

Tightening environmental rules are reducing fuel efficiency and boosting maintenance and new-truck costs.

The nation's highways and bridges are, as one trucking company chief executive officer put it, "in scary, scary shape." They are wearing out and ill-equipped to handle the anticipated doubling of cargo shipments over the next 20 years. The bridge collapse in Minneapolis has intensified concerns about aging roads and bridges. Businesses ponder the impact on their operations if a collapse happened here.

All this is causing complex ripples of problems, renegotiated contracts and schedules.

The time it takes to get fresh produce and fruit to Philadelphia from the West Coast could soon stretch from five days to more than seven, said James P. Storey Jr., president of Quaker City Produce Co.

Pointing to the harvest date on a box early one Sunday, he said that extra time was enough for a market price change that would cost him a bundle.

The impact could extend to rural towns and school districts, where truck stops and other businesses clustered around exits are often the largest taxpayers. When tolls are added to a highway, business at exits is cut in half, according to a University of Maryland study sponsored by the truck-stop operators' trade group, NATSO Inc.

Transportation is still a relatively small part of the cost of what the public buys - about 1 percent to 5 percent for 70 percent of goods shipped, said John E. "Gene" Tyworth, chairman of the Pennsylvania State University's supply chain and information systems department.

Some companies benefit from the toll talk and rising fuel costs. ALK Technologies Inc., of Princeton, has doubled sales of its truck-navigation software. With a partner, Integrated Decision Support Corp., ALK's PC Miler software now provides drivers with up-to-the-minute diesel-fuel prices, gleaned from electronic credit card transactions. It tells drivers how much to buy at each stop to reduce the trip cost.

"This adds up to big money. These guys fill up for 700 bucks or more," said Ed Siciliano, ALK's sales and marketing vice president.

Fuel-cost-per-mile data can be added to another ALK program that tells drivers whether driving extra miles to avoid paying tolls saves money.

Proposals to convert interstates into toll roads in 30 states, including Pennsylvania, are, truckers and shippers say, a money grab to fix state budgetary problems. They express similar views on a Bush administration push to get states to sell turnpikes to private groups.

"This is a dangerous, dangerous trend. The nation's infrastructure is in very, very scary shape for the long term," said Steve O'Kane, chief executive of A. Duie Pyle Inc., a West Chester-based trucking company.

The nation needs to rebuild and expand its road system, not use the roads to generate money for other expenses, he and others argue.

The need far exceeds revenue from traditional sources, so new tolls and alternatives such as turning roads over to private operators must be considered, Gov. Rendell argues. His office said last week that Pennsylvania needed an additional $1 billion annually for its roads and bridges even though spending rose from $1.78 billion in 2004 to $2.37 billion last year.

This infrastructure gap is growing nationwide. A study by Deloitte Research, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, of New York, estimates that "driving on roads in need of repair costs U.S. motorists $54 billion every year in extra vehicle repairs and operating costs. This works out to an average of $275 per motorist each year."

This cost does not include economic losses from workers stuck in traffic.

Making I-80 a toll road "would have a significant impact," said Mike Skousen, a senior executive with Salt Lake City-based C.R. England Inc., a long-haul truck line with major operations in South Jersey. "Normally we have to eat the toll."

Others say pressing too hard to pass toll costs on to a customer would just drive the business to hungrier companies that, they say, often have lower standards for equipment and driver training.

The Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association says each truck already pays $16,000 a year in federal and state road-use taxes.

By all accounts, the men and women who drive trucks are feeling the most pain from the changing situations.

"The way I heard one driver put it, 'Everybody's trying to get a piece of me,' " said Skousen, whose company employs 4,600 drivers to operate its 3,200 trucks and 5,400 trailers. It operates four driver-training schools to cope with an annual turnover rate of 120 percent.

Local drivers are often paid by the hour, but those on long hauls get a fee per mile, based on the shortest route between points. Detours, delays at loading docks and time stuck in traffic jams cut daily earnings.

"There's no way a trucker can keep a legal log book and make any money," said a veteran trucker waiting for his truck to be unloaded at a South Philadelphia dock, who, fearing future scrutiny, asked that his name be withheld.

So he and others say they must find ways to work around rules to keep truck payments and deliveries on schedule. Sometimes there is no safe place to stop. Other times, pressing on is safer than stopping and getting caught in dangerous weather.

This creativity is producing pressure, from Congress and safety advocacy groups, for electronic monitoring of how much time drivers spend behind the wheel.

Drivers feel the pressure to keep moving and get frustrated when hung up at loading docks, said Tom Stefanopoulos, owner of Norm & Lou's Restaurant, popular with truck drivers bringing shipments to the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market in South Philadelphia. "I've seen guys come in here early on a Sunday and not get unloaded until Monday."

Joe Hobbs, 62, of Chillicothe, Mo., agrees. "These guys here are pretty good," he said, watching his load of Idaho potatoes being unloaded at Quaker City Produce, in the produce terminal.

They started unloading his truck soon after he arrived and were hustling. "But I've sat at some docks eight to 10 hours. If they'd let us count that time as off-duty, that would be OK," Hobbs said. "I could take a nap in my sleeper." He finds such naps restful, he insists, despite the rumble of forklifts loading or unloading his trailer. "When I feel them quiet down, I wake up," he said.

Anette Sandberg, a former administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and a former chief of the Washington State Patrol, is sympathetic with drivers who feel rested after naps.

"But a lot of scientific studies say if you break sleep into small chunks, you won't get enough restful sleep to focus on tasks. Drivers say trust me, that's how I feel. But that's not data. If they make rule based on how people feel, they'd be back in court," she said, citing lawsuits from Public Citizen, a Washington-based safety activist group.

Ideas on how to make trucks and the cars around them safer abound.

Training comes up often in conversations with industry experts and drivers. "Some companies will give a guy six weeks of training and call him a truck driver," Hobbs said. "I see young drivers fly by in ice and snow, then down the road, there they are, jackknifed and blocking traffic."

The solution is to pay drivers by the hour instead of by the mile, said Todd Spencer, a former truck driver who is executive vice president of the Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association.

"Truck drivers have to work around everybody else's schedule. Shippers and receivers have no financial incentive to avoid wasting drivers' time," Spencer said.

With all the hassles, Hobbs still loves life on the road. In part that is because he has kept a clean driving record for 27 years and built up enough experience to get on with a top company, Great Plains Transport Inc., of West Fargo, N.D. Every three years, the company buys him a new truck, with a comfortable sleeper cab, and his wife travels with him from time to time.

But he worries about the future. Many truck stops have become places where drivers get knocked in the head and robbed, and there is less camaraderie on docks and rest stops than there once was, he said. Drivers now frequently come from Eastern Europe and Asia and speak little English. "I tried to talk to that man over there. He couldn't understand a word I was saying," Hobbs said.

Tucker, the Cherry Hill logistics firm owner, and others see worrisome trends getting too little attention. "Eventually we who buy things will pay for the inefficiency with higher prices," Tucker said.

State budget problems and other conflicts take the public's eye off the road ahead, Tucker said. "It is," he added, "almost like we're going to have to get to having nothing on shelves to get people to pay attention and prepare for the future."

Tucker Company CEO Appointed Chairman of TIA Legislative Committee

2007-10-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (October 9, 2007) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., was appointed chairman of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) newly formed Legislative Committee.

The appointment was made by Doug Clark, chairman of the TIA, and president of Cargo Master, Inc.

Among the objectives of the Legislative Committee Charter are – to provide an over-arching view of the policy concerns affecting the third party logistics (3PL) industry for the TIA CEO, VP Policy, the Board and Policy Committees; and to provide insight into the activities of sister associations and assist in the representation of TIA before those associations.

TIA is the professional organization of the $114 billion 3PL industry. It is the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce. TIA is the voice of transportation intermediaries to shippers, carriers, government officials, and international organizations. TIA is the United States member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarder Associations FIATA.

As seen in: Traffic World, Transport Topics, The Courier Post and American Journal of Transportation

Former FMCSA Administrator Addresses Transportation Industry Carrier Council Meeting

2007-08-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (August 21, 2007) – Annette Sandberg, former Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), was a guest speaker at the recent first annual transportation industry Carrier Council meeting. The meeting was held at the headquarters offices of the host company, Tucker Company, in Cherry Hill, N.J.

“The purpose of the Council meeting was to discuss issues of interest among senior executives from leading carriers, shippers and 3PLs,” stated Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company. “Topics discussed included – increasing communication, cooperation and productivity; safety and security; rising fuel costs; and emerging legal and regulatory trends.”

In her comments, Sandberg explained that two key developments will very likely lead to significant changes in the regulatory scheme affecting motor carriers. First, the congressional act that funds the FMCSA is scheduled for reauthorization in 2009, giving constituents such as safety advocacy groups and industry associations the opportunity to petition their representatives to make changes.

Second, according to Sandberg, is the recent publication by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of an audit of the FMCSA's SafeStat program, which tracks compliance and allows the FMCSA to identify higher risk motor carriers and target them for inspection. Sandberg said the GAO found the SafeStat model valid and effective, but recommended changes to its implementation that would increase the number of motor carriers inspected each year. She added that another possible development is the elimination entirely of the “Satisfactory” D.O.T. safety rating.

“I am proud to be associated with Tucker Company and the first Carrier Council,” Sandberg said. “In my tenure as Administrator of the FMCSA, I was acutely aware of the ever changing regulatory challenges facing the transportation industry. And as the CEO of TransSafe Consulting, I am committed to assisting shippers, carriers and 3PL’s in adapting to this rapidly evolving safety and security environment.”

John Gentle, former Global Leader of Transportation at Owens Corning, was also a featured speaker at the meeting.

2007 Carrier Council

2007-07-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

During the Carrier Council in July of 2007, we conducted various roundtable discussions regarding areas for mutual opportunity that were not necessarily being pursued in our day-to-day conversations between Tucker and our carriers. Some of those topics included the following.

· Expedited Service – we discussed the real potential for giving our incumbent carriers the right of first refusal when it comes to expedited shipments. The reality is that we are often paying expeditors, when many of our carriers may have the capacity to haul the freight and could enjoy the additional line haul and deadhead compensation often associated with time sensitive freight.

· Backhaul – another discussion had to do with accepting inbound loads that we identify as West to East. Often the answer is that “we have too many trucks on the East coast and can’t take any more inbounds”. We agreed that the carrier should and would be offered a complimenting return load (backhaul) to offset the chronic imbalance. We also suggested that often times, we could offer two backhauls for the acceptance of one inbound.

· It was almost unanimous that any 24/7 drop and hook opportunities be presented and explored. This was true for both van and flatbed carrier participants. We are compiling areas where those opportunities exist and will advise.

· We solicited suggestions on how Tucker Company can help to improve driver recruitment efforts by our carriers. We agreed that we would forward any driver inquiries we receive to our Council members.

· Trusted Carrier status was discussed and explained. Trusted Carriers obtain the ability to log into our website and see all of the loads in our database that are pending have the opportunity to accept them 24/7. There was interest in that opportunity and passwords and logins were assigned to some of the Council members.

· The rising cost of fuel was a concern for everyone and the projected $4.00 per gallon by 4th Quarter spurred conversation about carriers’ regional initiatives. Opportunities exist in the short haul market especially in the Northeast corridor. Greater rate per mile and less fuel usage are certainly good incentives to pursue this further.

· We agreed that improvements in EDI, web, or other electronic communication between Tucker and our carriers can make result in major productivity gains. Those mentioned that could be replaced by electronic interface are: faxed load tenders, freight payments by EFT, tracing information, Tucker’s visibility into carriers’ equipment availability, carriers’ visibility into Tucker’s shipment availability, and acceptance of Tucker shipments via “trusted carrier,” and electronic delivery of scanned PODs,

· We discussed performance metrics that could help Tucker and Tucker’s carriers “keep score” on each other with an eye toward improvement and generation of new ideas. We discovered that this is a service that our carriers are currently enjoying from other 3PLs but not (yet) Tucker.

· We discussed the future of the Carrier Council. It was agreed the Council was a successful and valuable endeavor to continue and improve. Tucker has since decided to hold the 2008 Carrier Council the day before our Carrier Golf Outing to help reduce travel costs by combining the occurrence of the two events.

· We agreed to make ourselves available to each other in between Council meetings to bounce ideas off each other and tap into each other’s expertise as important industry and legal events unfold. In just the last few months since the Council meeting, we have already begun to collaborate in this way in a productive manner.

Tucker Co. Appoints Account Executive

2007-06-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (June 25, 2007) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, a logistics company based in Cherry Hill, N.J., has announced the appointment of Mary Massaro as account executive. Massaro is responsible for managing customer business relations with existing accounts, as well as developing new accounts.

Prior to joining Tucker Company, Massaro was a customer service representative with Towers Perrin, working with national corporate clients. Her background also includes sales and management positions in retail and in the food service industry.

Massaro, a resident of Hammonton, New Jersey, has an Associates Degree from Camden Community College, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Rowan University.

Tucker Co. Initiates ISO Certification Process

2007-06-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (June 1, 2007) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, a logistics company based in Cherry Hill, N.J., has announced that the firm has initiated the process for ISO-9000 certification.

“ISO certification represents an international consensus on good management practices with the aim of ensuring that the organization can time and time again deliver the services that meet the customers’ quality requirements,” Tucker stated. “Adopting ISO is not only for the certification, but it’s also a commitment to ISO management practices for the benefit of our company, our customers and our carrier vendors.”

Darin Day, general counsel at Tucker Company, has been given the responsibility for managing the process of ISO certification. “We decided to pursue ISO certification to give the company a chance to take a close look at what we do and ensure we’re doing everything as efficiently as we can. It will also improve our service to customers and foster greater efficiency,” Day said.

“Also, this positions Tucker Company to become more of a player in the international arena because so many overseas shippers, carriers and freight forwarders are ISO certified, and they tend to look for partners who are likewise ISO certified. This will give us a distinct advantage as we pursue business in the global market,” Day added.

It will take about eight to nine months for Tucker Company to complete the certification process. “Of course that’s just the beginning. ISO certification means only that you’ve demonstrated an ability to document your work flow procedures and a commitment to continually review and improve them. It’s an ongoing process,” Day stated.

Day explained that the process for certification involves breaking down the firm’s activities into 20 core procedures. The next step is to further refine each core procedure into sub-processes, documenting what must be done in a step-by-step method. This documentation applies to every aspect of the company. For example, there will be documented detailed processes for customer service, sales, and accounting.

Tucker Company will then rely on this information to audit its performance to ensure quality and consistency, to train new employees, and to help current employees remain sharp.

“Every customer will benefit from our being more efficient and more consistent in delivering our services,” Day said. “Everything we do will be more transparent and accessible to our employees and customers. ISO will also allow us to allocate our resources more efficiently and devote our time and energy to those things that really matter to customers. There will be constant feedback from customers built into every process.”

Tucker Co. Appoints V.P. Sales

2007-04-05T05:40:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (April 5, 2007) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, a logistics company based in Cherry Hill, N.J., has announced the appointment of Hugh McLaughlin as vice president, sales.

McLaughlin has an extensive background in sales and marketing in the pharmaceutical and medical diagnostics industries. Prior to joining Tucker Company, he was with Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation where he was associate director, regional training. While there, he received numerous recognition awards including the prestigious Novartis Business Excellence Award.

Previously he had been with Abbott Laboratories where he advanced through sales and marketing positions and ultimately was appointed senior product manager.

“McLaughlin’s appointment is an indication of our strong commitment to our marketing program and the development of our sales force,” stated Jeffrey Tucker. “It also reaffirms the company’s investment in our expertise in the healthcare industry.”

Tucker Co. Appoints General Counsel

2007-03-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (March 23, 2007) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, a logistics company based in Cherry Hill, N.J., has announced the appointment of Darin A. Day as general counsel. In addition to overseeing legal matters for the company, Day directs the Risk Management department which includes responsibility for carrier qualification and compliance.

Before joining Tucker, Day was a large-firm litigator in Boston with a practice focusing on business disputes, employment law and government investigations. He was educated at the University of Chicago Law School and Michigan State University.

Previously, Day was a consultant working with several foundations and nonprofit organizations to promote and support volunteerism and community service among high school and college students. Among other organizations, he worked closely with the Points of Light Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Office of the Michigan Governor.

Between college and law school, Day co-founded and was Executive Director of HERO, a nonprofit Michigan corporation that creates and supports one-on-one partnerships between homeless adults and volunteer mentors, connecting participants with the community’s mainstream and with vital housing, education and employment resources.

Day is active in pro-bono work and currently volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and sits on the Board of Directors of the Trinity Center for Urban Life in Philadelphia.

Tucker Co. Appoints John A. Gentle, DLP as Consultant

2007-02-28T05:33:00.000-08:00

Cherry Hill, NJ (February 28, 2007) – Jeffrey Tucker, CEO of Tucker Company, Cherry Hill, N.J., has announced the appointment of John A. Gentle, a prominent logistics industry leader, as a consultant to the firm. “John’s expertise will be a key factor in enhancing our process of working with carriers and shippers to continually improve transportation and supply chain strategies”, Tucker stated.

Gentle spent 35 years at Owens Corning where, until his recent retirement, was serving as their global leader for processes and transportation affairs. Among the many positions he held at the company were – global leader for carrier relations; transportation manager; project manager for materials management and warehouse management systems implementation, division warehouse manager, and DC administrative manager.

Gentle has been designated a “Distinguished Logistics Professional” (DLP) by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L); a “Logistics Rainmaker” by the DC Velocity Magazine, and was named 2006 National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) “Executive of the Year”.

Gentle holds two U. S. patents; and is the past Chairman of the Highway Committee of the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL). He has authored numerous articles on the topic of logistics, and is frequently quoted in national logistics publications.

Gentle is currently the Communications Chair of the National Academies of Science - National Transportation Research Board (TRB) Size and Weight Committee, and is also a member of the CSCMP, AST&L, TIA, NITL, and the TCA.

Gentle served in the U.S. Army and as an Armor Officer taught armor tactics at Ft. Knox. He earned an A.B. in Economics from Providence College.