Reduced Ship Speeds Aim to Protect Blue Whales



Good morning!  While Fox News lost Tucker Carlson and CNN lost Don Lemon yesterday… don’t worry. From global logistics challenges to emerging technologies, we've got you covered. 😉 So grab your cup of coffee and let's dive in!

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Ship strikes pose a significant threat to whale populations, as collisions with vessels can result in serious injuries or even death for these endangered creatures. Thankfully, over 23 shipping companies have now joined efforts to reduce their speeds in order to protect blue whales and minimize pollution across the Southern California coastline. This united effort is a promising step towards ensuring the continued survival and well-being of these magnificent creatures..

Check out today’s featured article from gCaptain to read about the incentives provided for participating in this voluntary program. Will more shippers join this bid to help the environment? Will there be additional incentives as the program progresses?


Featured Article:

Global Shipping Companies Reduced Speeds Off California Coast To Protect Blue Whales And Blue Skies | gCaptain

“Twenty-three shipping companies participated in Protecting Blue Whales & Blue Skies vessel speed reduction program in 2022, contributing to cleaner air, safer whales, and a quieter ocean.”


Trucker’s Lounge & Nest Generation 🚛

Trucking Takes the Spotlight in Children's Books

The newly released book, 'Trucker Kid' by Carol Gordon Ekster, is making waves in the industry. The heartwarming story follows a young boy named Jake who travels the country with his trucker dad, learning about different types of trucks, safety regulations, and the rules of the road. Along the way, they encounter challenges but also make new friends and have fun adventures.

'Trucker Kid' not only showcases the excitement of being a trucker but also highlights the vital role that truckers play in transporting goods across the country. It emphasizes the importance of staying connected with loved ones, no matter where you are. Although many children may lose interest in trucks as they grow older, this book aims to inspire future generations to consider the trucking industry. Inspired by a conversation overheard in a restaurant, 'Trucker Kid' is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of trucking.

Read more from Trucking Info ▶


Electric Vehicles & Fuel ⛽️

Electric or Gas-Powered: Which is the Better Option?

The ongoing debate between electric vehicles and gas-powered cars continues, with the question being whether EVs are truly better than gas-powered vehicles. While EVs may have a higher price tag initially, the cost is offset by the savings of roughly $6,000 in repair costs over the car's lifespan, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run. Additionally, as electric cars become more widespread, prices are gradually dropping, which may give them an edge in the market. EVs also offer several advantages over traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, such as producing zero emissions at the tailpipe, which reduces air pollution and its contribution to climate change. Electric motors provide instant torque, making EVs accelerate quickly and smoothly. They are also cheaper to operate than gas-powered cars due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs, with charging costs typically lower than gasoline prices.

With fewer moving parts, EVs require less maintenance and do not need oil changes, making them a more convenient option. EVs are also typically quieter and smoother to drive than gas-powered cars, making them a compelling choice for environmentally-conscious and tech-savvy drivers alike.

Read more from CNBC ▶


Let’s Get Global 🌎

🕵️‍♀️ Russian 'Spy Ship' Raises Concerns. A recent documentary produced by a group of public broadcasters from Norway and Sweden has highlighted the potential threat facing maritime and undersea energy infrastructure. The documentary reveals that a particular ship is actively collecting data on gas pipelines, wind farms, and power and internet cables, raising concerns about possible security breaches and the potential impact on these critical energy systems.

🛸 The Potential Harm to the Global Supply Chain Caused by Drones. A recent study has shown that by 2025, the revenue generated by commercial drones is expected to surpass that of military drones. This has spurred companies to test fleets of drones, which could potentially make instant delivery a more viable option. However, this shift could also have a negative impact on traditional supply chains and companies, potentially causing some to go out of business.

🇹🇭 Thailand Emerges as a Leading Automotive Hub. As the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand has established itself as a major automotive hub, with companies like Sony and Sharp setting up operations in the country. Thailand is also moving up the supply chain by producing car parts, cars, and electronics. However, China is following close behind with its efforts to establish a competing hub.


iLevel With You 🏡

More topics for the average American household to consider…

🚛 Knight-Swift Reports Weak First Quarter Results. A recent report indicates that the operating income of trucking companies' holdings has declined by 51% this quarter. Despite this setback, companies remain optimistic about the future, noting that they had anticipated the decline as early as 2021. Knight-Swift, for example, has expressed confidence in their ability to rebound quickly, citing their extensive preparations made in previous years.

🔎 Finding Skilled Blue-Collar Workers Proves Challenging. It is expected that the shortage of blue-collar workers will persist for another seven years, until 2030. Even if every qualified worker were to enter the industry, there would still be a shortage of approximately 44%. This scarcity can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a lower number of individuals pursuing college degrees and a generational shift away from manual labor as younger adults prioritize other career paths.

📈 Truck Tonnage Drops by 5% in the Previous Month. Truck tonnage refers to the weight of goods and materials transported by one or multiple trucks, typically measured in tons. It is a crucial indicator of the volume and weight of freight being transported, and therefore the overall health of the transportation industry and economy. The American Trucking Association (ATA) publishes a monthly Truck Tonnage Index, which tracks the amount of freight carried by trucks in the United States, providing valuable insights into the state of the industry and the broader economic landscape.


Get Smart 🧠

Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…

✈️ Tiny Battery Has Potential to Power Airplanes. Several Chicago-based institutions have collaborated to develop a battery approximately the size of a dime, capable of powering heavy trucks and airplanes. If successfully implemented, this technology could significantly extend the range of electric vehicles (EVs) and revolutionize their use in various industries.

🤝 New Intermodal Agreement with CPKC. Canadian Pacific Kansas City, a new railroad company, has announced its recent partnership with Schneider National for intermodal services. By 2030, Schneider hopes to double its intermodal business and expand its fleet of 28,000 containers.

⚾️ Oakland Port Baseball Stadium Project Faces Uncertainty. The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, also known as the Oakland Coliseum, is the home ballpark of the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball team, located in the Port of Oakland. However, the team's owners have recently purchased land in Las Vegas for the construction of a new stadium.


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