OZARK NATIVE AND SINGER SONGWRITER ISRAEL NASH GRIPKA RELEASES SONGS FOR JOPLIN TORNADO RELIEF
Donate $5 TODAY and Receive the 3 Song EP Missouri
All Donations go to the "United for Joplin" Campaign by
Heart of Missouri United Way
On May 22, 2011, a tornado destroyed 1/3 of Joplin, MO and killed more than 100 people. The survivors need assistance to rebuild. In an effort to help, singer/songwriter and Ozark native Israel Nash Gripka announced today the release of Missouri, a collection of new and original songs written and inspired by the tragedy.
"The emotional and physical destruction endured by those residents of Joplin, MO is nothing less than a tragedy," says Gripka. "My aim is to promote hope through the power of song and to raise money for the victims, the city of Joplin, and the continued efforts that must be done." Donate $5 and receive a link to download Missouri. All proceeds from the EP will go to the "United for Joplin" campaign by Heart of Missouri United Way to benefit tornado victims in Joplin. Click HERE to donate today.
"Having lived most of my life in the Ozarks, I have always recognized the spirit of generosity and community that people have there," says Gripka. "Living in New York and not being able to physically help has been tough. I wanted to get involved and thought the best thing that I could give would be my songs."
The three song EP features two brand new songs and one from his latest album Barn Doors & Concrete Floors that was released earlier this year. "Bellwether Ballad (Oh Missouri)" from Barn Doors & Concrete Floors and "Mystic River" and "These Days Rejoice These Days" showcases Gripka's deep affection for his Missouri roots and thoughtful reflection during this emotional time. "With the continued dedication of people helping people, tomorrow will always come," says Gripka.
“When disaster strikes, whether near or far, it affects us all,” said Tim Rich, executive director of the Heart of Missouri United Way. “The devastating Joplin tornado yesterday has impacted the Heart of Missouri United Way as well. Brent Beshore, board member, was born and raised in Joplin. Four of his close friends have lost everything in this disaster and countless others have been affected. Heart of Missouri United Way is mobilizing to provide desperately needed relief and we need your help!”
Gripka recently released his sophomore album, Barn Doors & Concrete Floors, building on the success of his debut release, New York Town (2009). He continues to increase his fan base both stateside and abroad. Multiple tours in the US and Europe and growing recognition as a songwriter have left Gripka with renewed passion. Harkening back to the days of Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Gripka presents a musical experience that is both old and new. In an almost conflicting manner, he uses his upbringing as the son of a southern Baptist minister to contrast the realities of his life through music. His songs are stories and reflections that kick like classic Rock N’ Roll all while pining with the heart of Americana roots.
For more information about Israel Nash Gripka, visit www.israelgripka.com.
About United for Joplin Fund:
On Monday, May 23, 2011 the Heart of Missouri United Way (HMUW) established the United for Joplin Tornado Relief fund to benefit survivors of the Joplin tornado disaster. By 10am that day, the Joplin, Mo Tornado Recovery Facebook page (established by a Board Member) had 40,000+ followers. By Thursday, May 26, more than 170,000 followers and had raised more than $1 million in support. United Way Worldwide designated HMUW as the Joplin Tornado Relief Fund of the United Way system. Sam’s Club Foundation provided a $200,000 gift to the fund to help small businesses in Joplin recover long-term. The story and effort has been published worldwide both online and through traditional media outlets including Oprah Winfrey, Huffington Post, CNN, The New York Times, the L.A. Fox News affiliate, National Public Radio and many more through Twitter and Facebook. Heart of Missouri United Way is sending its executive director to Joplin on June 1 to forge partnerships with reputable relief organizations in an effort to provide fast, efficient and responsible distribution of the funds for service to people in need. Key partners include the United Way of Southeast Missouri & Eastern Kansas, Rebuild Joplin, Joplin Business Recovery Center and the Greater Joplin Chamber of Commerce. Heart of Missouri United Way has pledged that 100% of donations will go to serve the people of Joplin and has waived all administrative and overhead fees, credit card and text-to-give transactions fees (normally paid by HMUW).
TruckDriver.com
Carrier of the Month
Tango Transport, LLC
For Tango Transport, LLC., it all started small - a trailer bought at an auction for $3,500 to serve as an office, two trucks to haul freight and a couple of employees, all in a town with a population of 200. In fact, the only thing about this start-up operation that wasn't small was its founders' dreams.
With unwavering dedication to their vision and the help of a core group of loyal employees, today, the same humble start-up, more than two decades later, employs hundreds, provides services to thousands and spans the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Tango Transport was established in 1991 by the father-and-son team of Robert E. Gorman and BJ Gorman. Robert Gorman's youngest son, Chris D. Gorman, became Executive Vice President soon after joining Tango in 1994. Tango Transport is recognized by communities for its contributions, honored by business groups for its success and serves as a model to follow by its associates and competitors alike. It is a remarkable institution for not only achieving so much with so little, but also by doing it while defying so many rules of the current business climate.
At the heart of the company are principles and values that seem almost old fashioned today: Its owners and officers are not consumed by the bottom line, but rather by doing what is right for its employees, associates, and customers. This commitment to integrity has led the company to not only impressive growth, but also life-long employee, driver and customer relationships.
Operating a terminal in Shreveport, La., where the company's corporate headquarters are also located and operating facilities in Sibley, La., West Memphis, Ark. and Madisonville, Ky., Tango Transport continues to expand steadily and progressively. Discussions of opening future terminals, expanding its fleet and developing opportunities in other markets are underway.
Whether you're looking for a dependable carrier, a top-line employer or a trusted business partner, we have the solution for your transportation needs.
DriveForTango.com
About eManifest
Canadian Border Services Agency
After several years of planning and significant consultations, on October 31, 2010, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) implemented the first stage of the eManifest initiative — one of the Agency’s largest undertakings to strengthen our nation’s security and at the same time modernize and improve commercial border processes.
When fully implemented, eManifest will require all commercial import trade partners (carriers, freight forwarders and importers) in all modes of transportation (air, marine, highway and rail) to electronically transmit advance trade data to the CBSA for risk assessment purposes.
By risk assessing pre-arrival information, health, safety and security threats related to commercial shipments can be identified before the goods arrive in Canada. The CBSA can then focus its resources on those people, goods and conveyances posing the greatest risk to the security and prosperity of Canada.
eManifest will result in an improved commercial process that rewards compliance with predictable and expedited processing at the border.
eManifest – Advance Trade Data Requirements
To reduce the administrative burden on businesses, eManifest advance trade data requirements will build on existing Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) data sets and be harmonized to the greatest extent possible with the World Customs Organization and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The CBSA will publish the required data element details and guidelines in Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Documents (ECCRDs) in advance of the respective implementation timelines. The ECCRD for the highway mode is available on the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca (click on the eManifest button and then “ACI/eManifest Highway Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD)” in the “In Focus” box).
eManifest – Before the Border
The CBSA must receive highway carriers’ electronic cargo and conveyance data a minimum of one hour in advance of goods arriving at the border using either:
an existing EDI method:
• Value Added Network (VAN): a public EDI network used to exchange data through a single communication interface;
• Third Party Service Provider: a CBSA-approved third party that transmits data for their clients using a variety of communication modes;
• Customs Internet Gateway (CIG): a gateway used by the trade community to transmit cargo, release and accounting data over the Internet to the CBSA;
• Direct Connect to the CBSA: an alternative that provides trade partners with a direct connection to the CBSA.
OR
the eManifest Portal, an Internet-based option developed by the CBSA to facilitate compliance and ease the transition from paper reporting to pre-arrival electronic data transmission for small- to medium-sized enterprises. The eManifest Portal will be available to highway carriers in summer 2011.
eManifest – Implementation Timeline
Recognizing that it will take time to adjust to the new reporting requirements, eManifest will be implemented over a number of years, by client type, using an 18-month implementation timeline. There will be an initial 12-month period to allow clients to incorporate eManifest requirements into their business processes followed by a six-month period of informed compliance. After this period, clients may be subject to administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) for non-compliance.
eManifest – Key Implementation Dates
o Highway carriers
Beginning October 31, 2010, current EDI options for data transmission included functionality for the transmission of highway carriers' cargo and conveyance data. The CBSA will offer an eManifest Portal option beginning in summer 2011. Although registered and tested EDI clients could begin transmitting eManifest information on October 31, 2010, the 18-month implementation timeline for all highway carriers to transmit cargo and conveyance data will begin in summer 2011.
o Rail carriers
In late 2011 / early 2012, the 18-month implementation timeline will begin for rail carriers to transmit cargo and conveyance data.
o Freight forwarders
In 2012, the 18-month implementation timeline will begin for freight forwarders in all modes of transportation to transmit secondary cargo / house bill data.
o Importers
In 2012, the 18-month implementation timeline will begin for importers in the marine mode to begin transmission of advance trade data (formerly called Importer Admissibility Data or IAD).
Note: The implementation dates for importer data in other modes and crew/passenger data in all modes will be confirmed at a later date.
Early Adopters
The CBSA encourages clients to adopt eManifest requirements early within each implementation timeline. Being an ‘early adopter’ will allow clients time to streamline business practices and operational efficiency before requirements become mandatory.
With the implementation of eManifest, all carriers are required to use carrier codes assigned by the CBSA. The use of the itinerant highway carrier code “77YY” was eliminated on March 31, 2011. For further information on the process for obtaining a carrier code, visit the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca (click on “Commercial sector” then “Commercial carriers”).
eManifest – Client Support
The CBSA will provide ongoing support to clients by telephone and e-mail — before, during and following the implementation of eManifest.
For general questions about eManifest policy or operations:
Call the Border Information Service (BIS) at: From within Canada (toll-free): 1-800-461-9999 United States: East 1-506-636-5064 West 1-204-983-3500 TTY within Canada (toll-free): 1-866-335-3237
(for those with hearing or speech impairments)
E-mail the eManifest Help Desk at: eManifest-manifestelectronique@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
eManifest Technical Support Unit
The CBSA will offer EDI technical support by e-mail and telephone to those highway carriers that choose to use the EDI transmission option. Support will be extended to eManifest Portal users when that option becomes available in summer 2011.
For EDI technical support, contact the eManifest Technical Support Unit by:
E-mail: tsu.ust@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Phone: Calls within Canada and the U.S. (toll-free) available 24/7: 1-888-957-7224 Callers outside Canada and the U.S. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday: 1-613-946-0762 Callers outside Canada and the U.S., outside of business hours, evenings, holidays and weekends: 1-613-946-0763
For the most up-to-date information on eManifest, visit the eManifest section of the CBSA’s Web site regularly, or subscribe to the CBSA RSSnewsfeed.
Changes are coming — stay informed!
A New Factor in Choosing What Company to Drive For
www.DOTJobHistory.com
Lisa, if you don't like your job you don't strike. You just go in every day and do it really half-assed. That's the American way. - Homer Simpson
Homer doesn’t give good professional advice to commercial drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Regulations require a potential employer to contact your past employers. There’s certain information that past employers must provide such as DOT accident and drug and alcohol testing information. But this information that is required to be investigated and provided by past employers is a minimum—not a limitation what can be asked and what can be provided.
- Section 291.23 of the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations states “The investigation may consist of personal interviews, telephone interviews, letters, or any other method for investigating that the carrier deems appropriate. Each motor carrier must make a written record with respect to each previous employer contacted, or good faith efforts to do so. The record must include the previous employer's name and address, the date the previous employer was contacted, or the attempts made, and the information received about the driver from the previous employer.”
Almost all potential employers are going to ask, and most past employers will provide more information about your performance than required by regulation. And this information can be negative and keep you from getting the job.
There are New Considerations for Choosing (and Staying) with a Company.
But there’s more to it now than just your own performance. You need to evaluate potential employers too. CSA is more closely tracking the safety performance of companies and drivers. And as a commercial driver, it is important that you choose a company to work for that is safety conscious. Their training, policies and even attitudes and culture will affect your ability to get a job in the future.
Does the company for which you thinking about working for have good equipment? Are the vehicles well maintained? Are all the tools made available so that you can properly secure your load? When you have a roadside inspection, these items will be examined.
What is the company culture? If a customer is screaming for a load, you get close to the receiver but run out of hours, what are you encouraged (officially and unofficially) to do? When dangerous weather conditions exist an you feel it necessary to park it, are you encouraged to take the load just a little farther?
Your employer should be your partner in safety. If you violate the safety regulations it will affect their safety score—but be aware that their actions can affect your CSA PSP report for many violations. The PSP report will show the past 5 years of crash data and results from the past 3 years of roadside inspections. Many employers are obtaining your PSP report prior to hiring you and if you have too many violations, they may assume that you will continue to get violations when employed by them and hurt their safety score.
How Can you Check out the Company and Compare to Others?
Go to this website: http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx.
From this page, you may type in the company’s DOT or MC number or their name. That page will take you to a company snapshot, giving information about the company, and at the bottom, it will give that company’s comparison on inspection results with the national averages.
If you want more detailed information, look in the top right-hand box of the page for “Other Information For this Carrier.” Choose “SMS Results.” From this page, you can detail down to a BASIC. For example, you may click the “Vehicle Maintenance” heading and see a detailed report on what has been found, when it was found and how the carrier ranks in this category compared to others.
To sum up, you should check out companies to protect yourself. It is easy to do, it’s free and it could affect your future livelihood.
_____
Derek Hinton is the CEO of TIES, LLC, better known as DOTJobHistory.com. DOTJobHistory allows drivers to obtain and verify their employment (DAC), driving and criminal records. They may then make this information available over the web to employers who can access the information instantly.
Derek has over 20 years experience in the areas of employment screening, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Motor Carrier Safety regulations. He began his career at DAC Services in 1984 and is the author of The Criminal Records Manual, a book that details criminal records in the hiring process.
Contact information for Derek can be found at www.dotjobhistory.com
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