Cornerstone was listed at #36 overall and #2 in the Logistics category.  Cornerstone has been included in the Top 100 Private Companies list every year since 2001.  Chosen companies are listed by gross revenue.

 

 

Armstrong & Associates creates a profile on each company that includes financial information, key personnel, equipment, numbers of warehouses and more.  Cornerstone was also listed in 2007. 

What exactly is it?  Readers have asked for the 411 so here it is...

 

A carbon footprint is a measure of the exclusive global amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, emitted either by a human activity...or...accumulated over the full life cycle of a product or service.  It is meant to be useful for individuals and organizations to conceptualize their personal or organizational impact in contributing to global warming.  The goal is to reduce your carbon footprint and become more eco-friendly...in other words...become more lean and green.  

 

Having said all that, what does that have to do with moving freight?  Both the rail and trucking industry have put significant efforts into determining their carbon footprint and they want you to take notice. 

 

The AAR (Association of American Railroads) states that the industry is investing a record $10 billion in rail infrastructure and innovation, and that they care about the environment.  The industry is saying they offer the most fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly modes of transportation, with lower fuel consumption and a smaller carbon footprint than airplanes, trucks or barges.    Railroads are beginning to test new ultra-low emission engines,  and are touting their greener approach by moving "a ton of freight 423 miles on a single gallon of fuel".  Many of the major railroads now have calculators, analyzers or challenges on their websites wanting you to compare your freight moving rail vs truck, providing you with CO2 emission comparisons in each case and much more.  

 

The ATA (American Trucking Association) states that they plan to reduce fuel consumption by 86 billion gallons, thus reducing the carbon footprint of the trucking industry by nearly a billion tons over the next 10 years.  They are committed to a series of measures designed to reduce the carbon emission of trucks and believe they will deliver immediate benefits to the environment.   The trucking industry has a six component program that will deliver a "cleaner tomorrow" (see website listed below).

 

There are countless websites to learn more but here are a couple to get you started.    

 

What is a Carbon Footprint? - General Info

 

Freight Rail Works - Rail Info

 

Our Recommendations for a Cleaner Tomorrow - Truck Info

 

Contract negotiations between the ILWU and PMA still continue.  The deadline last Tuesday night came and went but there were several key issues that still remained unresolved.  Two weeks ago a statement was released that a tentative agreement was reached on health care benefits but as of today, spokesmen for both parties say there are still a number of issues being discussed and they are focused on getting a contract signed as soon as possible.  

 

The soaring costs of fuel is helping drive a gradual return to manufacturing to the U.S.   Some bulky products, such as furniture, is beginning to migrate back to the U.S.   Locating the manufacturing/production closer to the consumer cuts down on transportation costs and reduces diesel emissions.  Rapidly-increasing transportation costs is becoming more of a factor than finding lower labor costs in Asia and Mexico.  The Institute for Supply Management reported U.S. manufacturing levels expanded in June, for the first time in five months. 

  

On Friday, June 27, The Port Authority Implementation Act of 2008 was filed.  The new Senate bill is seeking to increase port security for all containers entering the U.S. by establishing minimum security standards.  Originally Congress wanted 100% scanning by 2012 but federal officials said they would be unable to meet a 2012 deadline and many opponents felt it would slow world trade.  This new bill would require cargo to be monitored from the time it is loaded into containers until it reaches the U.S.  Containers that do not meet the new standards would be refused entry.  Another topic in Washington to watch is the upcoming hearing in July on increasing the maximum allowable weight limits of trucks.  Advocates groups, including the ATA, is seeking a 20% increase in the federal weight limit on heavy trucks, increasing it from the current 80,000 lb limit to 97,000 lbs.  They state that heavier trucks will reduce the number truck trips needed, therefore reducing fuel consumption and pollution, and save shippers billions of dollars.  Opponents, including the Teamsters and highway safety groups, say bigger trucks are more dangerous and cause more damage to bridges and roads.