Spelunking: Happy New Year

As we look forward to the new year and form our goals, we can't help but remember all we gave back to the community this past year. We are fortunate to have accomplished all we have, and giving back is a small way to say thank you and to pay our fortune forward to help others.

This year, we contributed to the following organizations:

• Women and Children
• Cornerstone Christian School
• Cheryl Heimes Memorial Scholarship Fund
• St. Pius School
• Aerotek Charitable Golf Tournament
• Children’s Hospital
• Dollar General Literacy Foundation
• Omaha Lightning Non-Profit Basketball organization
• Food Bank for the Heartland

We hope everyone has a great 2014!

Spelunking: Merry Christmas

Let's face it- no one wants to work this week. Maybe it's because we always had this week off from school when we were little, or we have little ones now who have the week off. But, many of us do have to work for various reasons. Adding a little fun to the week helps keep spirits up.

Our ugly sweaters

In typical BAT fashion, we had a little fun already this week with a contest. Yesterday, we donned our favorite over-the-top Christmas sweaters and we judged each sweater's ugliness. Joe Kier proudly won the ugly sweater contest.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Spelunking: BAT Grows in 2013

This is the time of year when we traditionally look back and think about all we have accomplished. This year, we are proud of quite a bit:

• Increased our employees by 30 percent
• Up 40 percent gross sales on our military division
• Increased our carrier base by 25 percent
• Certified as a Veteran Owned Small Business in April
• Started BAT Trux in December

Stay in touch with us (by following this blog, liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter or Google+) to see all we accomplish in 2014.

Spelunking: BAT Introduces The Battys!

Phillip proudly pumps
his bat trophy in the air.

This weekend, BAT celebrated the past year with our annual Christmas party. But, this year was different- it was the first year we celebrated our team members with an awards ceremony called the Battys.

The highlights were:

• Stephen Sinclair winning three awards- Biggest Weasel (for weaseling his way out of things), Biggest Brown Nose and Worst Timing.
• Phillip Kinsey getting three "trophies" for his award, the Phil in the Blank Award.
• Joe Kier and Steve Barnes winning Funniest in the Office.
• Maureen Shea winning the award for Biggest Breakfast Bill.
• Marissa Hough winning the Tree Hugger Award.

The party was held at the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland, Neb. We got to try out a flight simulator and check out the exhibits at the museum. For musical entertainment, Smoke 'n Guns came all the way from Nashville, Tenn. to perform.

Smoke 'n Guns performs.

Press Release: BAT Trux Opens Next Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa-- BAT Logistics, one of the fastest growing 3PL providers of transportation services, is expanding with BAT Trux, its own trucking company.



Barry Franz

BAT has leased the first truck, a Peterbilt 389 truck with a new 53-feet stepdeck, for this new adventure. The truck will haul military freight starting next week.

"We are excited about expanding our operations into asset based trucking," said Liz Wayne, Government Services Manager.

Barry Franz was hired as the driver. He has eight years of experience hauling specialized sheets of glass.

　

About BAT Logistics

Backhaul and Track Logistics d/b/a BAT Logistics provides transportation solutions to the shipping community. Our core strength is full truck load services in dry, refrigerated, and rail commodities. Our services are executed using key national carriers with a focus on small to medium sized carriers. We operate in headhaul and backhaul lanes both regionally and cross-country. We also utilize door-to-door rail services that cover the entire nation. Our industry knowledge and experience using rail transportation gives us a clear and distinct advantage over the competition.

###

batgroup@batlogistics.com

Phone - 4028858100

Fax - 4028858101

20 Arena Way, Suite 2

Council Bluffs, IA 51501

www.batlogistics.com

 

Echo: Shipping Season

Today is Cyber Monday, and many of us are patiently waiting for break to shop. But, after clicking whatever button completes the purchase, a flurry of activity happens to get the package from the warehouse to the front door.

Here's a brief video the National Retail Federation shared that goes behind the shipping scenes: Ship the Box

There's also this neat video The Telgraph posted of Amazon's warehouse:

Echo: JFK Lives Wherever We Go

Today is the 50th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. From roads to an airport to a train station to even a space center, his name is memorialized wherever we go.

JFK had a huge influence on a lot of things during his short life, but one of the highlights was his goal to land a man on the moon by 1970. In July of 1969, his goal was accomplished, thanks to the support from Lyndon Johnson.

Air travel for the President also changed under JFK. His presidency is considered when Air Force One officially entered the jet age. The new Boeing 707, SAM 26000, became a moment in history a year after it entered service- it was the plane that flew Kennedy to Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, and, later that day, was where Johnson took the oath of office. At Johnson's request, the plane also transported Kennedy's body back to D.C. The plane last served as Air Force One for Bill Clinton.

Thank You

Today is Veterans Day. It is the day we honor all who served and sacrificed for our country. A favorite tradition is singing the songs of our Armed Forces.

This video is from the annual Memorial Day Concert allows us all (even those who may have forgotten the words) to sing along:

For information on the history of Veterans Day, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Spelunking: Be Like Peyton

No matter what team is your favorite, it is obvious Denver Broncos Quarterback Peyton Manning is a future Hall of Famer. He is the fastest ever to reach several passing records and has been named player of the year or MVP several times.

Of course, Steve Barnes and Krysten Parrish had to see they could be as great as Peyton at something. So, we checked the Wikipedia page, and found an accomplishment that seemed attainable- the Saltine challenge.

What is the Saltine challenge? It is a competition in which you must eat six saltine crackers within one minute. You may not drink anything during the challenge and all crumbs must be eaten. Peyton did it while in college at Tennessee, failing the first time, but beating it when he changed his strategy- he stacked them and ate them all at once.

Krysten got all six in her mouth, but still had full cheeks at the end of the minute. Steve came close, but also failed. Even Peyton failed the first time...

Spelunking: Happy Halloween

We are pretty good with the whole costume thing, so we have a little contest at BAT. This year, Ann Turner, dressed as a moonshiner, won the contest.

To let you in on the fun, here are our costumes and the costumes of our favorite little ones. Enjoy our parade of costumes!



Cindy as Dorothy

Sandra as a blonde bombshell, Anthony as Mr. Rogers,
Stephen as a black cat, Marissa as the stylish lion,
Phil as Phil in the blank, Katie as an '80s rocker, and
Ann as a moonshiner



Maureen Shea's kids,
Karson and Karley,
as Batman and Minnie Mouse

Spelunking: Halloween Past Haunts

As we make our final preparations for Halloween tomorrow, it's always fun to remember some of our favorite past costumes.

Many of us who were teens in the '90s remember the troubles Donna Martin had in her mermaid costume on "Beverly Hills 90210," but Katy Wilson lived it. She was once the Little Mermaid for Halloween. She suffered the same problem with the costume's tail making it hard to walk, but because Katy did not grow up in Beverly Hills, she had another obstacle- ice on the sidewalk! She slipped on every block she visited while trick-or-treating.



Maureen Shea (left) and a friend, about six years ago

Stephen Sinclair would have been sure to come to Katy's rescue if he actually had super powers. After he was Superman for Halloween when he was preschool age, he spent many days "transforming" into his favorite costume. He did this to provide whatever help was needed, including bringing his grandmother a glass of "freshly squeezed orange juice."

Some of our favorite costumes are from when we were past trick-or-treating age. There was Jon and Kate (plus eight), the SNL Bears Super Fans, Snooki and JWow, the Operation Game, and even Vanilla Ice.

Who will we be this year? Knowing the creativity involved with our past costumes, you know it will be good...

Echo: Holiday Season Starts Early For a Reason

As has become the norm, the glitz of lights and Christmas trees are well established in stores even though the shelves aren't clear of Halloween items yet. Don't worry, we'll still have fun next week for Halloween (and, if you've seen any of our past costumes, you know we will), but getting the goods across the country for those all too important November and December sales is a top priority.

This is the time of year the freight trains pass by a little more often and trucks are filling the roads. Retailers need their stores and warehouses stocked for the $602.1 billion in sales expected across the country over the next two months, according to the National Retail Federation.

How important are these sales? As you can see from the NRF's infographic, retailers earn 20-40% of their annual sales during November and December. It is important we help our clients get their products in time to take the maximum advantage of those sales. It's always better to be prepared (even if it is a month or two ahead of the official season) than behind.

Courtesy of: National Retail Federation

Echo: Truckers Plan Protest

Traffic in Washington, D.C., is usually on the slow side. But, starting Friday, some truckers plan to make it even slower.

The group of truckers, calling themselves "Truckers Ride for the Constitution," plan to circle the Beltway's Inner Loop in a convoy with signage asking for "restoration of our Constitution and freedoms under the law." The group is inviting non-truckers to join them in the three-day protest.

The American Trucking Associations announced on Tuesday that it is not a sponsor or supporter in any way of the protest.

Some reports exaggerated plans of the group. On Facebook, the group said they "do not intend to arrest anyone or blockade DC until Obama is impeached."

Spelunking: Ready For Football?

Every Friday night, Chuck Kizer exchanges his BAT shirt for a thankless one-- he officiates high school football. On Saturday, he sits back and enjoys watching the Ohio State Buckeyes. Then, on Sundays, he stays busy keeping up with the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals.

Not everyone at BAT devotes as much of their free time to the sport as Chuck does, but we do have some intense fans.



Katy Wilson shows her team spirit

For example, Liz Wayne blackened her hand and burst a blood vessel while clapping for her favorite player in his first game this year. Tyler, her son, plays quarterback for the Junior Pee Wee Trailblazers.

Nearby college teams have won some of our hearts. Nebraska's Huskers have two BAT fans, Katy Wilson and Maureen Shea, while the Iowa State Cyclones have Katie Forney cheering for them.

And, of course, there's a Florida Gators fan. Steve Barnes grew up watching the Gators with his brother, and now continues to do so in his memory.

On the professional level, Peyton Manning (who, by the way, was never able to beat the Gators) has Ashley Jankowski as a fan. She, by default, is a Denver Broncos fan, as is Katy Wilson. Maureen Shea also has thing for quarterbacks, as long as they are playing for the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, Anthony Harder has faith every Sunday that his Minnesota Vikings will pull out a win.

Which is your favorite team?



Spelunking: BAT has a "Chuck" problem

Chuck and Charlie

We had a problem about a month ago when Charles Elmore joined the BAT Logistics team. He usually is called "Chuck," but we already had Chuck Kizer on our government team. (As you know from the past couple of posts, this is a familiar problem...)

So, to verbally tell the two apart, we continue to call Kizer "Chuck" and call Elmore "Charlie." Or "Charles." Okay, "Chuckles" is another nickname for the new guy. (Something will stick soon, he hopes!)

Charlie was born and raised in Omaha and has a love for art. He also has an uncanny, um, "knowledge" of Celine Dion songs.

Chuck, on the other hand, has been with BAT for about six months and is a huge Ohio State fan. Don't let his time at BAT fool you- he enjoys sharing his skills to help others succeed.

Spelunking: Is that Katie or Katy?

Katy (in black) and Katie (in white)

That's right. We also have a Katie and a Katy at BAT. Katie Forney handles our accounting and Katy Wilson is on our National Account team. So, how do you make sure you get the right one?

We call Katie Forney the "Katie in accounting" and call Katy Wilson "new Katy." New Katy has that title because she's only been here for two months, while Katie has been with BAT for five years. (It's likely Katy still will be called new Katy five years from now, unless, of course, we hire an even newer Katie/y.)

Both have fun personalities. Katie is known for her hairstyle and loves underwater basket weaving. Katy has a great sense of humor and loves kittens, babies, puppies and rainbows.

Spelunking: Which Steve is which?

Stephen Sinclair (in white) and
Steve Barnes (in orange)

At BAT, there is one name more popular than all the others. Our team includes three guys named Steve- Steve Barnes, Steve Coenen and Steve Sinclair.

Steve Barnes is our team leader for customer service. Both Steve Coenen and Steve Sinclair are logistics representatives for our West Coast dispatch. To verbally tell them apart, we call Steve Barnes just "Steve," Steve Coenen "Coenen," and Steve Sinclair "Stephen."

Steve Barnes is well-known for his love of Syracuse basketball. Coenen is the shortest at 4'6" and he plays the xylophone. Stephen is the Jersey boy.

Hopefully, next time you're looking for Steve, Coenen or Stephen, you get the right one!

Spelunking: BAT Gets A Driver's View

Account Executive Phillip Kimsey gets
a driver's view of life on the road.

BAT employees learned more about the life of a truck driver today when one stopped by the office.

Driver Barry Frantz is a long-time friend of Owner Shawn Rorie, and was passing through with a load Thursday morning. Team members were given the opportunity to go inside the truck and see what drivers have to work with.

They learned about a variety of things, from the size of the bed to how to adjust a fifth wheel. Many felt this experience would help them interact with drivers better.

"It's so great to see up close what our drivers are doing first hand every day," said Account Executive Joe Kier. "It gives me a better perspective of what they are out there doing and a better appreciation for their job on the road,"

Echo: Dangerous Driving Decisions Lead to More Fatalities

Some scary news was released by the American Automobile Association yesterday. According to a study based on years of surveys, drivers are growing less concerned about dangerous driving decisions.

They are less concerned about decisions such as drowsy driving, drunk driving and texting while driving. More people also think it is acceptable to run a red light. For details, read the AAA release.

What does that mean for everyone on the road? The first increase in traffic fatalities in seven years, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.

Please, no matter what vehicle you are driving, don't make these dangerous decisions and help keep our roads safer.

Our Condolences

We were saddened to hear the news this morning that a UPS cargo plane crashed in Birmingham, Ala., killing both the pilot and co-pilot. We at BAT Logistics offer our condolences to the families of the pilot and co-pilot and will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

The NTSB is working to recover the black box to determine what caused the crash. A witness claimed he saw flames coming from the plane before it crashed.

For more information on the crash, visit the Alabama Media Group's website blog.

Echo: U.S. Rail Traffic Sees Increase

According to the American Association of Railroads, the past week saw an increase over the same week last year in all U.S. rail traffic.

Carloads were up 2.5 percent, while intermodal was up 2.4 percent. Total U.S. rail traffic was up 2.5 percent.

For more information on the increases, read the AAR's press release.

Echo: Gassing up

In case you missed it, the other big news from yesterday was the fuel prices. The prices for both diesel and regular gasoline are higher than last week and last year.

The national average diesel price is now $3.903 a gallon, up .036 from last week and .120 from last year. The highest prices are at $4.113 in California. The Gulf Coast area sees the lowest prices at $3.841.

While the prices aren't quite as high as when they reached a peak of $4.159 in February, they are getting dangerously close. And, since we are in hurricane season, it could take just one hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast to make the prices hit that peak.

For comparison, last year's prices did jump from $3.695 on July 16 to $3.796 on July 30. Prices continued to rise over the summer, ending the streak at a high of $4.135 on Sept. 17.

Source: Energy Information Association

Spelunking: What is Your Favorite Song About Travel?

Road trips are almost an essential ingredient of summer, and no road trip is complete without music perfect for the ride. So, to celebrate our desire to go somewhere this weekend, we'd like to know which song about travel is your favorite. (Feel free to add a favorite not listed in the comments!)

Echo: Safety Laws Cause Problems?

New safety laws went into effect today that force truck drivers to get more rest. However, the laws also force changes that put more trucks on the road and create higher shipping costs.

Check out this article from CNBC, and scroll down to read the comments from truck drivers, for more information:

Truck Drivers Not Revved Up About New Safety Rules

What do you think?

Spelunking: Happy Friday!

 

It may seem like just another Friday. But, today is also the first day of summer!

Don't worry, we're still hard at work-- we're just a little more casual than usual...

Photos provided by
Ashley Jankowski

In the Media: "Council Bluffs business helps move relief supplies to Oklahoma tornado victims"

BAT Logistics and Shawn Rorie were featured in The Daily Nonpareil of Council Bluffs over the Memorial Day weekend. The paper reported on our part to help tornado victims.

To read the article, visit the Nonpareil website.

Echo: Vacation Season Is Here

With the arrival of the summer vacation season also comes the arrival of more cars on the road. There are many things we can all do to keep us all safer on the roads.

Fortunately, the Secretary of Transportation shared a "packing list" of tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help us remember everything we should do before hitting the road.

Check out the tips - from tire pressure to distractions - here in his blog.

Press Release: BAT Donates Hole for Golf Tournament





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa-- BAT Logistics, one of the fastest growing 3PL providers of transportation services, sponsored a hole at the Cheryl Heimes Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament.

 

The tournament was held at Eagle Hills Golf Course in Papillion, Neb., on May 25. Money raised at the tournament funds scholarships for Omaha high school students. BAT Team Leader Steve Barnes, who introduced BAT to the tournament, also participated as a player.

 

　

About BAT Logistics

Backhaul and Track Logistics d/b/a BAT Logistics provides transportation solutions to the shipping community. Our core strength is full truck load services in dry, refrigerated, and rail commodities. Our services are executed using key national carriers with a focus on small to medium sized carriers. We operate in headhaul and backhaul lanes both regionally and cross-country. We also utilize door-to-door rail services that cover the entire nation. Our industry knowledge and experience using rail transportation gives us a clear and distinct advantage over the competition.

###

batgroup@batlogistics.com

Phone - 4028858100

Fax - 4028858101

20 Arena Way, Suite 2

Council Bluffs, IA 51501

www.batlogistics.com

 

Steve Barnes and his golf buddies Luke Nastase
and Mike Lesring take a break at Hole 14, sponsored by BAT.

Echo: Iowa Drivers Beware of Flood Waters

According to an AP article shared by the Daily Nonpariel, the record rainfall in Iowa is causing flood conditions that could stick around for at least the next week.

So, what should you do if you come across a flooded street? Don't drive down it, even if you think your car can handle it. The average vehicle can be swept off in just a foot of water, and a man driving an SUV in flooded waters died in northeast Iowa this week.

Plus, flooded roads can collapse. Pay attention to any signage and barricades. If you must drive down a flooded street, Progressive has more tips on their website.

Press Release: BAT Provides Services To Help Tornado Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa-- Today, BAT Logistics President Shawn Rorie announced the transportation service provider is offering its services to help those affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma.

BAT is helping Diversified Foods send a truckload of milk products from Logan, Utah to Oklahoma City. BAT is absorbing the costs as a charitable donation.

"Keep those folks down there in your thoughts and prayers," said Rorie. "They need it desperately."


About BAT Logistics
Backhaul and Track Logistics d/b/a BAT Logistics provides transportation solutions to the shipping community. Our core strength is full truck load services in dry, refrigerated, and rail commodities. Our services are executed using key national carriers with a focus on small to medium sized carriers. We operate in headhaul and backhaul lanes both regionally and cross-country. We also utilize door-to-door rail services that cover the entire nation. Our industry knowledge and experience using rail transportation gives us a clear and distinct advantage over the competition.

###

batgroup@batlogistics.com
Phone - 4028858100
Fax - 4028858101
20 Arena Way, Suite 2
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

www.batlogistics.com

Echo: Two States Encourage Safer Driving With New Effort

All drivers should brush up on their safe driving skills, or expect a ticket when driving through Indiana or Washington over the next month.

In Indiana, troopers will be looking for unsafe lane changes, following too closely, failure to yield the right of way and aggressive driving through June 8.

In Washington next week only, troopers will actually ride along with truckers to look for cars or trucks speeding and aggressive driving. When they spot someone, they will radio to another officer to stop the vehicle.

For more information, see the TruckingInfo website.

Spelunking: Goal Whipped

Last week, Operations Manager Ashley Jankowski challenged the BAT team with a goal she didn't think they'd achieve. In fact, she said she'd take a pie in the face if they were successful. Unfortunately for her, she wrong.

Check out the video in which Steve Sinclair gets the honor of pieing her. (By the way, after the video cuts off, she did make sure he went home with some whipped cream on him, too.)



(The video can also be viewed on our Facebook page under "Recent Posts By Others.")

Echo: Who's The Next Transportation Secretary?

On Monday, President Barack Obama announced Anthony Foxx was his nomination for Secretary of Transportation. Once confirmed by the Senate, he will replace outgoing Secretary Ray LaHood.

Here's a look at Foxx:

• He's the mayor of Charlotte, NC. A Democrat, Foxx announce three weeks ago he would not seek re-election in order to spend more time with his family.
• As mayor, he worked to expand a light-rail line, complete a major highway widening, improve a major bridge and open another runaway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
• He was the first black student body president at Davidson College. He earned a law degree from New York University.
• Today is his birthday. He is now 42 years old.

For more information, read the article published in today's New York Times.

Press Release: BAT Certified As A Veteran-Owned Business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa-- BAT Logistics, one of the fastest growing 3PL providers of transportation services, was verified as a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) by the Department of Veterans Affairs this month.

Some companies have freight set aside for veteran-owned businesses to handle. The designation makes BAT eligible for that cargo. The Center for Veterans Enterprise provides a database of businesses verified as a VOSB on its website.

BAT President and Owner Shawn Rorie was an Army Flight Engineer on Chinook helicopters from 1986-1989.

　

About BAT Logistics
Backhaul and Track Logistics d/b/a BAT Logistics provides transportation solutions to the shipping community. Our core strength is full truck load services in dry, refrigerated, and rail commodities. Our services are executed using key national carriers with a focus on small to medium sized carriers. We operate in headhaul and backhaul lanes both regionally and cross-country. We also utilize door-to-door rail services that cover the entire nation. Our industry knowledge and experience using rail transportation gives us a clear and distinct advantage over the competition.

###

batgroup@batlogistics.com
Phone - 4028858100
Fax - 4028858101
20 Arena Way, Suite 2
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

www.batlogistics.com

Echo: Railroading Goes Green

With Earth Day on Monday, many are using this weekend to educate the public on ways to help the environment. Then, there are also the stories of how businesses are doing their part to help the environment.

Here is one such story, posted on the Progressive Railroading website, which covers quite a few ways railroad companies are doing their part:

Sustainability: Freight car builders explore ways to make operations more environmentally friendly

We hope you have the opportunity to enjoy nature this weekend.

Spelunking: Special Delivery Arrives Early

We are happy to announce that Executive Vice President/Owner Jarrod Marinello got the delivery he's been waiting nine months for- a baby girl!

Charlize Rae was born last week. She weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 18.25 inches long. She and mom are doing great.

She is Marinello's second child, and she arrived two weeks earlier than expected.

Congratulations, Jarrod!

Spelunking: Sweet Office Fun

It's that time of the year again when a certain madness takes over the free time in offices across the country. It's the time when a college basketball expert can feel like a fool compared to the person who filled out a bracket based on places they'd rather be (ie. Florida Gulf Coast, Arizona) or mascots that remind them of spring (Kansas Jayhawks, Louisville Cardinals, Oregon Ducks).

The college basketball expert at BAT Logistics is Steve Barnes. On Monday morning, he was tricked when he saw a co-worker's bracket with only one loss displayed on the wall. He believed it was real, but it was actually a fake one made to look like it belonged to someone who actually did not participate. He's laughing with us now.

Steve's favorite team, Syracuse, plays again in the tournament Thursday night. However, he probably should also keep an eye on the calendar- April Fool's Day is coming up.

Echo: It's A SuperTruck!

Last week, you'll remember, we were cautious about gas prices. Since then, President Obama proposed a goal to get trucks completely off oil to avoid that worry over fuel prices. And, around the same time, the SuperTruck happened.

The SuperTruck, a collaboration between Cummins Inc. and Peterbuilt, tested to have a 54 percent increase in fuel economy in real world driving conditions. While the average truck gets between 5.5 and 6.5 miles per gallon, the SuperTruck gets 9.9.

That could mean a savings of $25,000 a year in fuel costs, according to an article on the Successful Dealer website.
 
The truck is still in the testing phase.

Echo: Gas Prices Continue to Drop

Have gas prices peaked?

From mid-January to the end of February, the national average diesel fuel prices increased about 27 cents and regular unleaded gas price jumped 49 cents. When prices rise this rapidly, it makes it hard for carriers to keep up since fuel surcharges are passed on based on the previous week's prices.

Diesel gas prices peaked Feb. 25 at a national average of $4.159 a gallon. Since then, prices have started to drop- slowly. As of the last report issued March 11, the price is down to $4.088.

But, as the American Automobile Association (AAA) pointed out in a February release, gas prices have increased in March for the past nine years.

According to AAA, higher gas prices in January and February were due to refinery maintenance, which results in a smaller supply. Future prices can be affected by the switch to summer-blend gasoline.

While prices are finally lower than they were a year ago, it is still best to be cautious. Expert planning is the key to keeping costs as low as possible.

Spelunking: Go With Seuss

Most of us grew up reading the words of Dr. Seuss. He inspired us to try new things on trains and boats, told us of the places we'll go and that we can find fun everywhere. Tomorrow is his birthday.

While modes of transportation (okay, and fish) always seem to pop up in his books, one book in particular had 37. In Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!, Dr. Seuss suggests feet, a jet and a zumble-zay as just a few ways to leave.

While we love all the creative modes of transportation, we also love the lessons we can still learn as adults from his stories. In Horton Hatches the Egg, for example, we learn the rewards of being faithful.

So, whether you have a bike, crank-car or mountain mover, get your hands on a Dr. Seuss book this weekend and see how he can continue to inspire you. Not sure where to start? Here are some of the BAT team members' favorite Seuss books:

• Steve Barnes- Green Eggs and Ham, followed by There's a Wocket in My Pocket
• Ralph Blank- Wacky Wednesday
• Lacey Carlson- One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
• Katie Forney- The Lorax
• Marissa Hough- Oh, The Places You'll Go!
• Ashley Jankowski- Fox in Socks or Oh, The Places You'll Go!
• Joe Kier- Hop on Pop
• Cindy Moreno- Fox in Socks
• Krysten Parrish- Green Eggs and Ham
• Maureen Shea- Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Echo: DOT Plans To Improve Freight Travel

In his blog last week, US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood explained plans to help our ecomony by improving the way goods get from here to there.

"If we want our economy to continue growing, we need to move increasing volumes of freight," he wrote. "And that means we need a more comprehensive system of arteries with smoother connections, more efficient transfer points, and planning that integrates our different modes of transportation."

The same day, LaHood announced the establishment of a National Freight Advisory Committee to provide recommendations for improving the freight system. He also announced the creation of a national freight network, which would focus on improving existing roads for our truckers. Both are the result of the transportation bill passed over the summer (MAP-21).

Read LaHood's blog
See the USDOT press release

Echo: Happy Birthday, President Lincoln

Most people remember Abraham Lincoln's role in abolishing slavery and the Civil War. But, he did something else probably still fresh on the minds of 5th graders.

The former railroad attorney connected people and resources of the two coasts of the United States with the transcontinental railroad. While he was dead before the first rails were laid, Lincoln did sign the act creating the railroad in 1862.

Read more about Lincoln and his ties to Union Pacific on the company's website.

Echo: Love This Girl

One 8-year-old girl in the Council Bluffs area did something that really touched us. She cut her hair.

But, that isn't the whole story. She did it to support her father and help kids who lost their hair because of cancer.

Click here to read the story.

Click here to learn more about Locks of Love.

Echo: Union Pacific Stays Safe

Union Pacific Railroad had its safest year ever for employees, the company reported yesterday. The best part? The previous best was the previous year!

Union Pacific touts its employees' commitment to caring, as well as its innovative technology to improve safety. For more information, read the company's press release.

Congratulations, Union Pacific!

Echo: Lawmakers Look At Mileage Tax

Depending on the state and even county, a small chunk of the price on gasoline is taxes to fund projects. Thanks to people either going green or just trying to save money, the taxes haven't raised as much as they used to lately.

As a result, lawmakers are looking at new ways to tax drivers to generate the funds needed. One idea is to tax drivers based on the miles they drive.

Read this Associated Press article about the taxes, and tell us what you think in the comments below.

Echo: Minnesota Tests New Technology To Help Truckers

Truckers are required to stop for a rest to maintain safety, but limited parking makes the task hard on drivers. Minnesota may have found a solution to the problem.

The state's Department of Transportation is testing technology that will let truck drivers know if parking is available at the next rest stop. Testing starts this month with one rest area along I-94, and is expected to expand to the other rest stops once testing is completed in April.

For details, visit TruckingInfo.com.

Echo: CSX is a Good Investment

CSX is getting noticed for its good work.

The Dividend Channel ranked the railroad company 16th on its "Top 25 Socially Responsible Dividend Stocks" list. To make the list, companies were judged on the environmental impact of business practices, as well as impacts on society.

Happy New Year

All of us at BAT Logistics wish all of you happiness and health in 2013.

 

 

In 2012, BAT saw its biggest month ever, was able to expand its staff and moved its headquarters as a result of the growth. BAT was also able to help others by giving to Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Fisher House Foundation and Operation Homefront. By the end of the year, BAT joined the American Society of Transportation and Logistics.

We cannot wait to see what 2013 brings us, and we would like to you to hang around for the ride.