We are pleased to announce that Hannic has been accepted as a SmartWay Transport Partner! The following is a portion of the press release:

Hannic Freight Forwarders, Inc. today announced that it joined the SmartWaySM Transport Partnership, an innovative collaboration between U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
Hannic will contribute to the Partnership's goal to reduce 33 to 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012 by improving the environmental performance of our freight operations. Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas, and nitrogen oxide is an air pollutant that contributes to smog. By joining SmartWay Transport Partnership, Hannic demonstrates its strong environmental leadership and corporate responsibility. Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year. The Partnership brings together major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, logistics companies and trade/professional associations to pursue mutually beneficial efficiencies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies. The Partnership currently has approximately 1,700 partners.

We are very proud of this membership and would like to contribute as much as possible to this good cause. Therefore, we are asking our carriers to look into becoming SmartWay Partners as well. The new technology available allows for less fuel consumption and less emissions, (read: less money spent on fuel and tax breaks from the government.) The EPA has several different ways to become certified, from updating your current tractor/trailer to buying a new/used SmartWay certified truck to financing options that help with either of these. For more information, visit the SmartWay website at: www.epa.gov/smartway/index.htm

The main point brought out in this conference is that 'we're in interesting times'. There was more talk this year than any other about scams taking place. Also, because of an increase in bankruptcies and companies closing their doors, the protections that were needed to reduce or avoid the loss exposure. The legal-issue meetings along with the insurance meetings were well attended. Debbie and Hans joined some of their old TIA friends to catch up on things and met some new TIA friends and discussed their issues and what issues brought them to the TIA conference. The exhibitors selling technology and communications along with security and real time internet tracking has brought the transportation intermediary a long way from the desk, phone and rolodex-way of doing business.

US Cold Storage has opened the brand new doors of its 5.7 million cubic foot facility located in Wilmington, Illinois. They celebrated by throwing an 'open house', inviting some associates to come and check out the new place, and Hannic was more than happy to stop by for a visit. After being warmly greeted by the US Cold staff, including the US Cold Penguin Mascot, Deb Maass, Hans Maass and Pam Hansen, along with a group of other visitors, were given a tour of the modern, state-of-the-art warehouse. After the tour, time was made for questions, networking, visiting with acquaintances and refreshments.

It IS easy being 'green'!

With ground freight (trucks and locomotives combined) accounting for up to 20% of the nation's transportation fuel consumption, the trucking business isn't exactly the most environmentally friendly. But there are a few changes that are easy to make, because even the small things we do count in the grand scheme. Why not try: e-mails instead of faxes; teleconferencing instead of driving/flying to meetings; unplugging electronics not being used; shutting off computers when leaving for the day; planting a tree in the office yard; and (of course) become a SmartWay Transport member!

Summer is on the way -- already here in some parts of the country -- and it's gonna be hot. Now is the time to make sure your reefer unit is in tip-top shape so it doesn't guzzle the fuel, or worse, break down in the middle of a load. Also, here are some friendly reminders for keeping you (and your freight!) out of the hot seat during the sultry summer months:

• Set your reefer temp a few degrees lower as the heat goes up outside (confirm the proper temp with dispatch as well, don't just go by what's on the B/Ls)
• Check reefer unit regularly throughout the load to confirm fuel levels are sufficient and the reefer is at the proper temperature setting
• Keep a thermometer and digital camera with you at all times, just in case there is a discrepancy at the delivery
• And as always, even if the freight temps warm, keep your cool and call dispatch

Pam Hansen

   "I have worked for Hannic for over 5 years. It is an interesting place to work. No two days are alike, which makes it like an adventure. Working with the different customers, meeting different people, and trying to solve problems that arise. I assist with solicitation and dispatch. My areas are the Midwest and Texas out of the Midwest. My hours are 7 to 4pm CST Monday thru Friday." ~PH

Tracy Brown

   "Hello! First let me introduce myself. My name is Tracy Brown and I am the East Coast Dispatcher for Hannic.
I have worked with Hannic since July of 2006. Before I started, I had approximately one year of trucking experience, but worked in a warehouse shipping/receiving environment for approx. seven years. I know the problems of logistics from all ends now.
   My current lane is out of the Chicagoland area to the East and Northeast. I enjoy the puzzle that my loads form on a weekly basis. They are never the same twice! Ahhh, the East… where receiving hours are short, the roads are narrow, and the snow is deep!
   However, I believe my drivers realize that no matter what happens or where they final, I am there to help them figure out the best solution to dropping their freight in a safe and timely manner. I also listen to them when they need someone to vent on.
   My drivers are some of the best. They know their trucks better than anyone else and I will always lend an ear when they have advice on running the load. Without mutual respect neither of our jobs can get done well!
   The East and Northeast can be rough, but when you have teamwork, it is worth the effort." ~TB

Tammy Furmanski

   "My name is Tammy Furmanski. I started here at Hannic in May of 2005. I have been in the transportation industry since the age of 16 when I worked for a local messenger service, and then moved into the 3PL industry, finally winding my way here to Hannic.
   I work on the lanes from the Midwest to the South East and the East Coast to Texas. I work with multi-stop, full truck loads and LTL.
   I have met and talked to some great people since I have been here. The customers, shippers, receivers and especially the drivers I work with every week are wonderful. I have made lasting friendships with the very professional people that I work with. We count on each other every day even if it is just to throw out new ideas and get everyone's input." ~TF

Stacy Furmanski

   "You could call what I do here Data Entry. A large portion of my job consists of keeping our internal records, such as insurance and contact information, up to date and compiling information we've gathered regarding matters like the ever-fluctuating fuel surcharge into one chart so we may continue to work off of figures as accurate as possible.
   However, I've always considered myself to be more of a Dispatch Assistant; I'm here to help whoever may need it with things ranging from making appointments for the trucks, to typing up the loads we send to our carriers, and on occasion I do simple dispatching, like giving drivers delivery information and confirmation numbers.
   Working at Hannic has given me my first taste of the trucking business and I can honestly say that if this is what trucking is, it's a good business to be in. Like any business, it has its ups and downs, but the people I work with everyday, co-workers, truckers, and customers alike, are good people and make sure that the pros of the business always outweigh the cons." ~SF