I’m told that these Blogs are read by thousands of people. So it’s not surprising that one reader took me to task and let me know that he was frustrated by these articles that suggest that he can be a difference maker, because he said: “I’m just one person.” With all the things that are happening, what can you expect one person to accomplish in this marketplace?

Since the title of this Blog is “It’s Personal,” allow me to share the fact that I love the music of James Brown, "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.” But what the heck does James Brown have to do with a call to action in the transportation industry?

We’re operating in a pressure packed environment. With the incessant need to cut costs and do more with less, it’s no surprise that people are feeling overwhelmed and reluctant to get involved in trying to address critical transportation issues. If you are in that camp, take heart because you can make a difference if you take some advice from the Godfather of Soul himself, to “Get up offa that thing, and dance ’till you feel better!”

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Let me give you two examples of where you “can get up offa that thing” and make an immediate impact:

Externally - Right now the US Senate and House of Representatives are considering legislation S.2910 and H.R. 5997 that could have disastrous consequences for any shippers, carriers and brokers who use owner operator truck drivers. H.R. 5977 and H.R. 5934 appear to be innocuous, and are being billed as legislation to mandate that fuel surcharges be passed through to the owner operator who pays for the fuel. However, the Bills also contain provisions which could require carriers and brokers to provide pricing and margin data. Additionally, if history is any predictor of future behavior, you can count on OOIDA to use this legislation to threaten litigation by OOIDA and its members if they are not satisfied with the remuneration for fuel.

Calling your Congressional and Senate offices takes just a couple of minutes. You can go to the Tranzact web site for this information or search Google to get copies of the legislation (which is very brief), and the numbers for your Representatives offices. When you get their office, express your concern about the legislation, and that you would appreciate their support to oppose the bills. The person taking your call will record your name and number and thank you for your time. Like I said, it is not complicated and it is important that your voice be heard.

Internally - Within your organization, you need to “get up offa of that thing” and ask yourself:  What have you done to research some options on how your company can deal with the skyrocketing cost of fuel? In case you’ve been asleep, on January 28, 2008 the price of diesel was $3.25 and yesterday the price was $4.33 – this is an increase of $1.08 in 100 days!

There are numerous articles on how you can manage transportation costs with these rising fuel prices. This publication, Logistics Management, had a conference call a couple of months ago on ideas to reduce costs. And recently, we published a White Paper on cost reduction strategies. In short, there is a book of information for you to use, but this book is like a parachute – it only works when it is opened. You need to decide to open the book and you need to “get up offa of that thing,” and take action.  

And just in case you’re still wondering if you can make a difference, remember the words of Beverly Sills: “You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.” So listen to James Brown and “Get up offa that thing, and try to release that pressure!” 

TranzAct Technologies, Inc.