The AMTR Resources page contains links to relevant freight auditing information and news for your business.
The transportation industry is ever-evolving. As the economy changes—and by extension, the needs of shippers and carriers—we in the industry must remain abreast of these changes. A great number of print and electronic periodicals are available to those in the industry who wish to remain “in-the-know”.
American Shipper
American Shipper magazine offers a yearly subscription which includes delivery of the print edition, a digital edition, full web access, webinars, and daily newsletters. Here you will find opinion pieces and news articles regarding regulatory changes, company mergers, and the economy.
DC Velocity
DC Velocity is a free magazine which mainly focuses on new technology and material handling as they relate to transportation.
Inbound Logistics Magazine
Inbound Logistics Magazine provides searchable access to a substantial online database of carriers, third party logistics companies, logistics IT providers, and logistics schools. Archived newsletters and digital back issues are available for free download. Print subscriptions are free to qualified subscribers in the United States.
The Journal of Commerce
The Journal of Commerce serves the container shipping and international supply chain industries, and a subscription is required for full access. While JOC reports on various transportation-related topics, most of the articles relate to trade, the economy, and the government.
Logistics Management
Logistics Management is a monthly print and online magazine catering to professionals in the supply chain and logistics industries. The website contains some free content, but a subscription is required to view all of the articles, blogs, and webcasts. Logistics Management produces a weekly newsletter for free by signing up on the site.
Transport Research Board
The Transportation Research Board is a division of the private, nonprofit National Research Council. It was established in 1920 and its mission is “to promote innovation and progress in transportation through research.” In addition to information about the board itself, the website also provides access to many resources, such as webinars, publications, and freight transportation news.
Transport Topics
Transport Topics is a weekly freight transportation newspaper which is available in print and online. You will need a full subscription to access all of the site’s events, classified ads, news, and analyses.
Trucking Info
Trucking Info is a resource for blogs, webinars, and news pertaining to professionals in the trucking industry. You can sign up for a free weekly newsletter on their site to receive up-to-date information on fuel, safety, management, and equipment.
Networking is becoming more important, as businesses become more and more driven by social media. As a shipper, group memberships can help you to grow your business, exchange ideas, and keep informed.
Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)
Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is a group for 3rd party logistics providers, focusing on political advocacy, networking, and education.
National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC)
National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) members are shippers, intermediaries, and consultants who influence freight decisions within a company. Member benefits include education, industry news and information, and advocacy.
Transportation and Logistics Council, Inc.
Transportation and Logistics Council, Inc. focuses on education for a wide range of users, from shippers and carriers to 3PL, by rail, truck, sea, or air. Membership benefits include monthly TransDigest, access to Q and A forum, political advocacy, as well as the opportunity to purchase various publications related to the transportation industry.
National Industrial Transportation League (NITL)
National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) is an organization that focuses on the interests of shippers. Membership benefits include networking, political advocacy, and education.
Today, access to the most cutting-edge technology is crucial to the fields of transportation and logistics. As a shipper, it can be very advantageous to be familiar with some of the standard industry tools used by freight carriers, logistics companies, and large-volume shippers.
Trimble MAPS
Trimble MAPS provides logistics and navigation software, including PC*Miler, a widely used tool for calculating route mileage. Maps and technology news are also available on the website.
Railinc Corporation
Railinc Corporation is one of the most prolific providers of IT and information services to the railroad shipping industry. Railinc provides tracking and tracing services, waybills, and trip plans, as well as tools for damage prevention, car accounting, loading services, and equipment repair.
The National Average Diesel Fuel Price as listed by the Department of Energy
The National Average Diesel Fuel Price as listed by the Department of Energy is the basis for most transportation fuel surcharge programs. Here, the average fuel price per gallon over a week is calculated and entered on the following Monday. Averages are also available by region, and a full history of averages is available going back to 1994.
SMC3
SMC3 membership provides a variety of LTL tools for both shippers and carriers.
Commodity Classification Standards Board
Commodity Classification Standards Board defines classifications and details of all aspects of commodities for transpiration rating purposes.
The National Motor Freight Classification®
The National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®) is a standard that provides a comparison of commodities moving in interstate, intrastate and foreign commerce. It is similar in concept to the groupings or grading systems that serve many other industries. Commodities are grouped into one of 18 classes—from a low of class 50 to a high of class 500—based on an evaluation of four transportation characteristics: density, handling, stowability and liability. Together, these characteristics establish a commodity’s “transportability.”
Arguably the least static aspect of the freight transportation industry is legislation. Laws and regulations change frequently. It is imperative to remain adaptable and knowledgeable regarding new legislation affecting freight classification, safety, claims, insurance, and other aspects of shipping.
The AAR Railway Accounting Rules (RAR)
The Rail, Inc. website contains this regulation which is designed to provide guidance related to the waybilling and settlement of interline rail shipments via the Interline Settlement System (ISS), Switching Settlement Data Exchange (SSDX) and the Railroad Clearinghouse (RCH).
Eno Center for Transportation
The Eno Center for Transportation is a source for all modes of transportation. Their mission is to help cultivate the leadership within the transportation sector. In doing this, they provide updates on legislative measures and highlight important transportation trends.
Federal Highway Administration
The Federal Highway Administration is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation and is charged with preserving the country’s highways, tunnels, and bridges. Here you will find regulatory information, statistics, publications, and the latest news on safety, new projects, funding, and more.
Federal Maritime Commission
Federal Maritime Commission is a federal agency that regulates international ocean transportation, such as rates, licensing, contracts, and resolves shipping disputes.
Federal Motor Carrier Association
Federal Motor Carrier Association is a branch of the DOT (Department of Transportation) that sets and enforces safety regulations that impact trucks, such as limits on hours of service for drivers, hazardous material transport procedures, and driver testing.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is part of the Department of Transportation devoted to improving and promoting safety in terms of regulatory compliance and driver licensing.
Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Railroad Administration is another DOT agency that is charged with ensuring the safety and efficiency of rail transportation, and sets rules and regulations for rail network development, operator safety, etc.
National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.
National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. publishes the National Motor Freight Classification book (NMFC). Carriers who become members of the NMFTA are published in the book is “participating members” and agree to use the classification system outlined in the book. On the NMFTA website, you may purchase copies of the NMFC, view public docket files for proposed changes to NMFC items, and take part in educational seminars and training.
National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council
National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council membership benefits include free legal advice, updates on latest legislative and regulatory flings, as well as political advocacy.
SAFER System
SAFER System (Safety & Fitness Electronic Records) is offered by the FMCSA. The SAFER System provides searchable FMCSA databases and company safety profiles.
Surface Transportation Board
Surface Transportation Board is a government regulatory agency that replaced the ICC in 1995. Resolves railroad rate and service disputes and review proposed rail mergers.
Transportation Law Center
Transportation Law Center’s website provides a collection of online resources with information regarding transportation law changes.
Truck Law Blog
Truck Law Blog – the laws and rules of the transportation market are always changing. See what transportation lawyers are blogging about, to help you stay informed and prepared for the changes are happening now, in the future, or may have been missed.
U.S. Department of Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation was established in 1966 by Congress. Under the D.O.T. are over a dozen agencies, such as the Surface Transportation Board and the Federal Highway Administration. The Freight Transportation portion of the D.O.T.’s website provides regulatory news, statistics, analyses, and publications.
Continuing education and development are extremely vital in the freight transportation industry, just as it is in any other industry. Shippers who take advantage of the classes, seminars, webinars, and training currently available from numerous sources are at a great advantage; first-hand knowledge of the transportation process from a carrier’s or logistics company’s perspective may help to streamline your shipping process and drive down freight and product costs.
APICS, The Association for Supply Chain Management
APICS, The Association for Supply Chain Management offers supply chain education and has multiple certification programs. This includes certifications in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), SCOR Professional (SCOR-P), and Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD).
Certified Claims Professionals Accreditation Council, Inc.
Certified Claims Professional Accreditation Council, Inc. supplies its members with education for the ultimate goal of certification in the field of freight claims administration or negotiation.
Transportation and Logistics Council, Inc.
Transportation and Logistics Council, Inc. is an organization that focuses on education for a wide range of users, from shippers and carriers to 3PL, by rail, truck, sea, or air. Membership benefits include monthly TransDigest, access to Q and A forum, political advocacy, as well as the opportunity to purchase various publications related to the transportation industry.
