#Trucking Compliance Services

[truxsolutions]

Experience The Best Trucking Compliance Services In Canada At Trux Solutions!

Explore Our Services @ http://www.truxsolutions.com/

[artisticdivasworld]

Regulations: A New Trucker's Guide to Staying Compliant and Safe

This is the third in our series of blog posts for new truckers. This information is very basic, but even if you have been a trucker for most of your life, this information is still valid. Today, let’s talk about something crucial: regulations. These are the rules of the road that go beyond just stopping at red lights and obeying speed limits. In the trucking world, there’s a whole layer of…

[dotsafetyservice]

Comprehensive DOT Compliance Services for Trucking Companies

Working in the Transportation Industry for over 14 years, providing essential services to the trucking industry to ensure safe DOT SAFETY COMPLIANCE to our Clients business.

Committed to help our clients from the beginning as forming their corporation to granting their correct type of authority and maintaining their authority in compliance with FMCSA.

Providing a welcoming team that will assist with any issues or concerns you may have.

[gngtruckingsolution]

The trucking industry prioritizes safety to prevent costly collisions and injuries. Regular vehicle inspections are crucial for road safety.

📩 info@gngtruckingsolution.com ☎️ 403-455-4258 🌐 www.gngtruckingsolution.com

[eldmandate9]

Transforming the Trucking Industry with ELD Mandate and Advanced Technologies

In the ever-evolving landscape of the trucking industry, staying compliant with regulations while ensuring efficiency and safety is paramount. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate, introduced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has significantly impacted how the industry operates. At Eld Mandate.biz, we understand these challenges and are committed to providing comprehensive solutions that not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance fleet management and road safety.

Understanding the ELD Mandate

The ELD Mandate, which became effective in December 2017, requires commercial motor vehicles to use electronic logging systems (ELS) to record a driver’s Record of Duty Status (RODS). This regulation aims to improve compliance with the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, reduce paperwork, and enhance the efficiency of the trucking industry.

Our Solutions: ELDs, GPS Tracking, and More

At Eld Mandate.biz, we offer a range of solutions designed to help trucking companies comply with the ELD Mandate and enhance their operations:

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Our ELDs are FMCSA-compliant and come with advanced features such as real-time tracking, automated logs, and easy-to-use interfaces. These devices not only help drivers stay compliant with HOS regulations but also provide fleet managers with valuable insights into their operations.

GPS Tracking

Our GPS tracking solutions allow trucking companies to monitor their vehicles in real-time, enabling them to optimize routes, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance overall fleet management. With our online portal, fleet managers can access detailed information about their trucks' locations, speeds, and more.

### Fleet Management

Our comprehensive fleet management solutions go beyond ELDs and GPS tracking. We offer a range of tools and services, including proactive ELD monitoring, driver coaching, and compliance consulting. Our goal is to help our clients not only meet regulatory requirements but also operate more efficiently and safely.

Why Choose Eld Mandate.biz?

Compliance: Our solutions are fully compliant with FMCSA regulations, ensuring that your fleet stays on the right side of the law.

Advanced Technology: We leverage cutting-edge technology to provide our clients with the most accurate and reliable solutions.

Customer Support: Our team of experts is always available to assist you with any questions or issues you may have.

Conclusion The ELD Mandate has transformed the trucking industry, and at Eld Mandate.biz, we are committed to helping our clients navigate this new regulatory landscape. With our advanced ELDs, GPS tracking solutions, and fleet management services, we can help you achieve compliance, improve efficiency, and enhance road safety. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive in the digital age of trucking.

[zvaigzdelasas]

“Very aggressive” homeless encampment sweeps, as recently touted by Mayor London Breed, began Tuesday morning in San Francisco following a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

The Standard witnessed aggressive enforcement action under the Central Freeway, carried out by police, the Department of Public Works, Department of Emergency Management, Homeless Outreach Team and San Francisco Fire Department.

Homeless people were not notified of the sweeps ahead of time, as has previously been the norm, according to a schedule of encampment clearings and a city official who was on the scene.[...]

“One of the DPW workers started hollering past me, ‘I’m taking everything today,’ ” Tannahill said. “They were adamant that there wasn’t going to be enough time to pack up the tent.”

By 10:30 a.m., all city workers who were clearing the encampment had moved down the block, to the corner of 13th and Harrison streets.

Brandon Cunningham, the fire department’s incident commander at the scene of an encampment sweep near 13th and South Van Ness streets, told The Standard he was unsure whether people living at the site were notified beforehand. Tuesday’s schedule of encampment clearances, obtained by The Standard, does not list the location.[...]

City staff have previously given notice to encampment occupants days before conducting a clearing.

In a video captured by The Standard, a police officer can be heard explaining to a person whose belongings have just been thrown onto a truck bed that encampments are “no more.”

“London Breed, the mayor, Gov. Gavin Newsom says no more on the streets, no more encampments. No more. This is what it’s come down to. This is our laws,” the officer said.

Max Gunn and Kara Sullivan, who have been homeless in San Francisco for roughly two years, told The Standard the city threw away some of their clothes. Gunn said members of the Homeless Outreach Team told him there were no shelter beds available.

“They got my clothes,” Sullivan said. “They laughed at me and did a mocking New York accent and acted like they were tough.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Emergency Management disputed the individual’s account, saying everyone was offered shelter during Tuesday’s action.[...]

Nisha Kashyap, an attorney representing the Coalition on Homelessness in the suit against the city, called the sweeps “alarming” and “unacceptable.”

“The city’s conduct blatantly violates the existing injunction against property destruction and disregards its own laws and policies that mandate advance notice and the provision of shelter and services,” Kashyap said in a statement Tuesday. “By ignoring the injunction, the city is not only acting unlawfully but also stripping people of their basic survival necessities, making it harder for them to exit homelessness.”

A statement from the mayor’s office said the city’s “street response will consist of offers of services and support on a daily basis, targeted encampment resolutions, and coordinated efforts to prevent re-encampments and new areas from being encamped.”

In a memo shared Tuesday by the mayor’s office, officials said they seek to prevent encampments from cropping up again once they have been cleared.[...]

The memo also outlines the consequences homeless individuals may face if they continue to camp on the city’s streets and refuse shelter. These penalties include citations and possible arrest.

“The goal is not punishment, it is compliance,” the memo reads.

30 Jul 24

[smartelds]

Eld Compliance Solutions - SmartElds

SmartElds is one of the best ELD Compliance solutions to manage your fleets of all sizes and types. Our device allows for easy installation, is user-friendly, and generates IFTA reports in a few minutes. SmartElds app is designed for simplicity and is backed up by 24/7 support.

[capybaracorn]

(The Hague, February 26, 2024) – The Israeli government has failed to comply with at least one measure in the legally binding order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in South Africa’s genocide case, Human Rights Watch said today. Citing warnings about “catastrophic conditions” in Gaza, the court ordered Israel on January 26, 2024, to “take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid,” and to report back on its compliance to the specific measures “within one month.”

One month later, however, Israel continues to obstruct the provision of basic services and the entry and distribution within Gaza of fuel and lifesaving aid, acts of collective punishment that amount to war crimes and include the use of starvation of civilians as a weapon of war. Fewer trucks have entered Gaza and fewer aid missions have been permitted to reach northern Gaza in the several weeks since the ruling than in the weeks preceding it, according to United Nations Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“The Israeli government is starving Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians, putting them in even more peril than before the World Court’s binding order,” said Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch. “The Israeli government has simply ignored the court’s ruling, and in some ways even intensified its repression, including further blocking lifesaving aid.”

Other countries should use all forms of leverage, including sanctions and embargoes, to press the Israeli government to comply with the court’s binding orders in the genocide case, Human Rights Watch said.

Human Rights Watch found in December 2023 that Israeli authorities are using starvation as a weapon of war. Pursuant a policy set out by Israeli officials and carried out by Israeli forces, the Israeli authorities are deliberately blocking the delivery of water, food, and fuel, willfully impeding humanitarian assistance, apparently razing agricultural areas, and depriving the civilian population of objects indispensable to its survival.

Israeli authorities have kept its supply of electricity for Gaza shut off since the October 7 Hamas-led attacks. After initially cutting the entire supply of water that Israel provides to Gaza via three pipelines, Israel resumed piping on two of its three lines. However, due to the cuts and widespread destruction to water infrastructure amid unrelenting Israeli air and ground operations, only one of those lines remained operational at only 47 percent capacity as of February 20. Officials at the Gaza Coastal Municipalities Water Utility told Human Rights Watch on February 20 that Israeli authorities have obstructed efforts to repair the water infrastructure.

According to data published by OCHA and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the daily average number of trucks entering Gaza with food, aid, and medicine dropped by more than a third in the weeks following the ICJ ruling: 93 trucks between January 27 and February 21, 2024, compared to 147 trucks between January 1 and 26, and only 57 between February 9 and 21. A survey of impediments to the entry of aid faced by 24 humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza between January 26 and February 15 pointed to a lack of transparency around how aid trucks can enter Gaza, delays and denials at Israeli crossings and inspection points, and concerns about safety of trucks.

By comparison, an average of 500 trucks of food and goods entered Gaza each day before the escalation in hostilities in October, during which time 1.2 million people in Gaza were estimated to be facing acute food insecurity, and 80 percent of Gaza’s population were reliant on humanitarian aid amid Israel's more than 16-year-long unlawful closure. High-ranking Israeli officials have articulated a policy to deprive civilians of food, water, and fuel, as Human Rights Watch has documented. The Israeli government spokesperson said more recently that there are “no limits” to aid entering Gaza, outside of security. Some Israeli officials blame the UN for distribution delays and accuse Hamas of diverting aid or Gaza police for failing to secure convoys.

The Israeli government cannot shift blame to evade responsibility, Human Rights Watch said. As the occupying power, Israel is obliged to provide for the welfare of the occupied population and ensure that the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population are met. The Israeli human rights group Gisha challenged the Israeli government’s claims that it is not obstructing entry or distribution of aid and also found that it is not complying with the ICJ order.

Israeli authorities have also obstructed the aid that enters Gaza from reaching areas in the north. The survey of humanitarian organizations found that “almost no aid is distributed beyond Rafah,” Gaza’s southernmost governorate. On February 20, the World Food Programme paused deliveries of lifesaving food to the north, citing lack of safety and security. Israeli forces struck a food convoy on February 5, the UN said and CNN documented.

Between February 1 and 15, Israeli authorities only facilitated 2 of 21 planned missions to deliver fuel to the north of the Wadi Gaza area in central Gaza and none of the 16 planned fuel delivery or assessment missions to water and wastewater pumping stations in the north. Fewer than 20 percent of planned missions to deliver fuel and undertake assessments north of Wadi Gaza have been facilitated between January 1 and February 15, as compared with 86 percent of missions planned between October and December, according to OCHA.

“Israel’s ground forces are able to reach all parts of Gaza, so Israeli authorities clearly have the capacity to ensure that aid reaches all of Gaza,” Shakir said.

Since the ICJ order, Israeli authorities have also apparently destroyed the offices of at least two humanitarian organizations in Gaza and taken steps to undermine the work of UNRWA, the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Gaza, which more than half of other humanitarian organizations rely on to facilitate their operations. The head of UNWRA, Philippe Lazarini, said in a February 22 letter to the UN General Assembly president that the agency has reached a “breaking point” due to multiple government suspensions of funding and Israel’s campaign to shut the agency down.

Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said on February 13 that he had blocked a US-funded flour shipment to Gaza, because it was going to UNRWA. Israel has alleged that at least 12 of the agency’s 30,000 employees participated in the October 7 attacks, which the UN is investigating.

In late December, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a multi-partner initiative that regularly publishes information on the scale and severity of food insecurity and malnutrition globally, concluded that over 90 percent of Gaza’s population is at crisis level of acute food insecurity or worse. The IPC said that virtually all Palestinians in Gaza are skipping meals every day while many adults go hungry so children can eat, and that the population faced famine if current conditions persisted. “This is the highest share of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity that the IPC initiative has ever classified for any given area or country,” the group said.

On February 19, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) found that 90 percent of children under age 2 and 95 percent of pregnant and breastfeeding women face “severe food poverty.” On February 22, Save the Children said families in Gaza “are forced to forage for scraps of food left by rats and eating leaves out of desperation to survive,” noting that “all 1.1 million children in Gaza [are] facing starvation.”

In response to a request by South Africa for additional provisional measures following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order for Israeli authorities to explore a possible plan to evacuate Rafah ahead of a ground incursion, the ICJ said that the “perilous situation demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures” throughout Gaza – but not new measures – and highlighted Israel’s duty to ensure “the safety and security of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”

Beyond enabling the provision of basic services and aid, the measures in the ICJ’s binding order require Israel to prevent genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and prevent and punish incitement to commit genocide. The ICJ issued these measures “to protect the rights claimed by South Africa that the Court has found to be plausible,” including “the right of the Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide.” Although South Africa asked the court in its oral arguments during January hearings on the provisional measures to make any report it ordered public, the court did not indicate that it has done so.

Between January 26 and February 23, more than 3,400 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, according to figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry compiled by OCHA.

South Africa’s case against Israel for genocide is distinct from the proceedings on the legal consequences of Israel’s 57-year-occupation, which began at the ICJ on February 19.

“Israel’s blatant disregard for the World Court’s order poses a direct challenge to the rules-based international order,” Shakir said. “Failure to ensure Israel’s compliance puts the lives of millions of Palestinians at risk and threatens to undermine the institutions charged with ensuring respect for international law and the system that ensures civilian protection worldwide.”

[girlactionfigure]

🟥 SUNDAY morning - events from Israel  

SRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

⚠️NORTHERN GOLAN & UPPER GALILEE.. protective measures alert: stay near protected areas.

⚠️UPPER GALILEE - SCHOOL OPENING DELAY.. Latest report: school opening delayed until 10:00 AM.

❗️Follow Up of Rocket alert throughout central Israel.

.. IDF spokesman: Missile was launched from Yemen at central Israel. The explosive sounds heard were from the interceptors.

.. Appears unsuccessful interception, investigating - rocket hit a field near Lod, small wildfire.

.. Various reports of 1 to 3 ballistic surface-to-surface missiles from YEMEN.

.. Emergency services, no casualties, a number of calls for people who can’t exit their protected space (door stuck).

.. After consultation The Ministry of Education says that schools will operate as usual.

.. IDF spokesman:  There is no change in the directives of the Home Front Command.

.. SHRAPNEL hit the train station in Modi’in, breaking some glass.

▪️NORTH..  In a strategic discussion that took place on Thursday, the Prime Minister said that Israel intends to expand the operation in the north - "We are heading for a broad campaign of one intensity or another."

▪️POLITICS.. Amit Segal: Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is re-establishing a field organization and is actually returning to politics. In the last few days, Bennett's headquarters began re-mobilizing.

▪️TERROR THWARTED.. An explosive device was found and neutralized yesterday by the security forces on 443 Modi'in Jerusalem road.

▪️INFILTRATORS CAUGHT.. at the Maccabim checkpoint: 23 infiltrators were caught inside a garbage truck. (Most of these are coming for work.)

♦️LEBANON.. overnight IDF attacked the ammunition depots of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in deep and southern Lebanon, in Bekaa and Baalbak in the depths of Lebanon.

▪️ILLEGAL PROTEST.. overnight, a protest in Zion Square in Jerusalem with the participation of hundreds of demonstrators. In the continuation, its participants *without coordination or permission from the police* began to go to the procession while obstructing the movement of vehicles and without obeying the policemen's instructions to get on the nearby sidewalk.  Police: “freedom of protest for everyone as long as compliance with the law and order is maintained, and will act towards troublemakers”.

▪️PROTEST ARREST.. police arrested seven suspects at a demonstration on Begin Street in Tel Aviv, with bags containing shredded tires and substances suspected of being flammable.

✡️ A brief daily word of Torah: If you know Aleph, teach aleph!. Every person can teach and influence their surroundings with spirituality, regardless how little he or she may know. You don’t have to be a scholar to teach, and you don’t have to be perfect in order to help people perfect themselves. - The Lubavitcher Rebbe

[truxsolutions]

ELDs and Data Compliance: Staying Ahead of the Curve in Canada

Staying Ahead of the Curve in Canada

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) have revolutionized the Canadian trucking industry by electronically recording drivers' hours of service (HOS). 

While ELDs have undoubtedly enhanced safety and compliance, managing the data they generate and navigating the legal landscape surrounding it can be complex. 

This blog post delves into the world of ELDs and data compliance, offering valuable insights for Canadian trucking companies to stay ahead of the curve.

The Rise of ELDs in Canada

Since June 2022, Transport Canada mandated the use of certified ELDs in all commercial vehicles across the country. This shift from paper logs to electronic systems has brought numerous benefits, including:

Improved accuracy and data integrity: ELDs eliminate manual log errors and discrepancies, ensuring accurate HOS recording and compliance.

Enhanced safety: By preventing drivers from exceeding HOS limits, ELDs reduce fatigue-related accidents and contribute to safer roads.

Simplified compliance: ELDs automate data collection and record-keeping, easing compliance audits and inspections.

Increased operational efficiency: Real-time data on driver activity and vehicle location enables better fleet management and route optimization.

Data Management: Beyond Compliance

While ELDs primarily serve compliance purposes, the data they generate holds immense potential for optimizing trucking operations. Canadian trucking companies can leverage ELD data for:

Driver performance monitoring and coaching: Identify areas for improvement, such as excessive idling or speeding, and provide targeted coaching to enhance driver efficiency and safety.

Fuel management and route optimization: Analyze fuel consumption patterns and optimize routes to reduce fuel costs and improve driver productivity.

Predictive maintenance: Monitor vehicle health data to identify potential issues early and schedule preventive maintenance, minimizing downtime and repair costs.

Customer service improvement: Track delivery times and provide accurate ETA updates to customers, enhancing transparency and service quality.

Navigating the Legal Landscape of ELDs

ELD data is subject to strict privacy regulations and legal considerations. Canadian trucking companies must:

Choose certified ELD solutions: Ensure your ELDs comply with Transport Canada's technical specifications and certification requirements.

Train drivers on proper ELD use: Educate drivers on data accuracy, privacy protocols, and potential misuse of ELDs.

Implement data security measures: Securely store and transmit ELD data to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation.

Establish data access and retention policies: Determine who can access ELD data, for what purposes, and how long it must be retained.

Prepare for data inspections: Maintain readily accessible ELD data for potential audits and investigations by Transport Canada.

Staying Ahead of the Curve with a Trucking Compliance Partner

Managing ELDs, data compliance, and the evolving legal landscape can be overwhelming for trucking companies. Partnering with a reputable trucking compliance and safety consultancy like ours can provide invaluable support. We offer:

Expert guidance on ELD selection and implementation: We help you choose the right ELD solution for your needs and ensure proper installation and driver training.

Comprehensive data management strategies: We develop customized data management plans to ensure data accuracy, security, and accessibility.

Legal compliance assistance: We stay updated on the latest ELD regulations and advise you on best practices to avoid legal challenges.

Driver training and support: We provide drivers with comprehensive training on ELD use, data privacy, and safety protocols.

Regular compliance audits and assessments: We conduct periodic audits to identify and address any potential compliance gaps.

Investing in ELDs and data compliance is an investment in your company's safety, efficiency, and long-term success. 

By choosing the right ELD solution, managing data effectively, and partnering with a trusted trucking compliance expert, Canadian trucking companies can navigate the ever-changing ELD landscape and stay ahead of the curve.

Don't hesitate to contact us for consultation and learn how we can help your trucking company thrive in the age of ELDs and data compliance.

[artisticdivasworld]

Getting to Know FRC Part 3: Full Service Catalogue

Renee Williams, President, Freight Revenue Consultants, LLC (FRC) At Freight Revenue Consultants (FRC), we’re all about making your trucking operations run smoother and more profitably. With our deep knowledge of the transportation industry and advanced data analytics skills, we tackle everything. What sets us apart is our extensive experience and strong network of contacts and vendors, which…

[galacticdrift]

WILD energy during my road trip down to San Fran and back for BigBadCon.

FOUR cybertrucks (on top of an absurd number of regular teslas, eugh)

a truck towing a small trailer straight up marked "Explosives"

another one towing a trailer marked "Asbestos" (especially notable because it looked like a livestock trailer but fully enclosed in sheet metal)

SO many poorly-behaved semis. if there are three lanes then I should ABSOLUTELY NEVER SEE A SEMI IN THE FASTEST LANE, GET YOUR ASS OVER YOU PIECE OF ABSOLUTE DOGSHIT

midway point hotel on the way down was right by a trucker stop and had an honest to god bitcoin ATM next door (I cannot express how much this hotel was miles and miles from ANYTHING other than a shithole little town, so I can't imagine why anyone there would want BTC in the first place)

the tonal whiplash going from the inland I-5 corridor roadside ads/signs (Trump, Jesus, Casinos) to the Bay Area ads/signs (AI, AI, SOC 2 Compliance, AI, Open Source)

pulled over by a cop on my last day in SF -- I thought for an inappropriate sudden left turn but it turns out I have a burned out tail light

went for (I thought) a nicer midway point hotel on the way back, only to walk into my room and find two (2) spiders, three (3) beetles of various sizes, and one (1) cockroach over an inch long. you bet your ass I peeled up all the bedding and checked the mattress for bedbugs before I went to sleep.

also half that town apparently closes down on Monday nights

ended up at a nice restaurant on the river and had a dish with salmon from that very river. the salmon was overcooked, the 'smashed fingerling potatoes' were undercooked and not even a little bit smashed, the 'beurre blanc' was a watery soup, and the 'seasonal vegetable' was one (1) singular giant broccoli stalk. also I think it was the day before the restaurant went under new ownership?

passed a (small) Trump convoy, consisting of a van with deranged Jesus nonsense scribbled all over it and a pickup truck, both flying giant ratty-ass USA & Trump flags. hope the secret service has eyes on the WA-03 race because Kent is absolutely frothing at the mouth to start his own little riot/coup. it's a safe bet he's somehow responsible for the burned ballot boxes in Portland/Vancouver tbh.

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE TRUCK ART. dragon on the left side. same dragon on the right side. same dragon on the tailgate, but there also CUDDLING A BOBCAT.

shoutout to Maverick Jack's in SF, though. genuinely, unironically, some of THE BEST burgers I've ever had in my entire fucking life.

[workersolidarity]

[ 📹 Children of Gaza protest the extreme hunger and famine they are experiencing, chanting slogans saying, "We have been under brutal siege for 135 days. No food, no water, no medicine!"]

[ 📸 An infographic published by the Quds News Network detailing that food aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip have been reduced by more than a third.]

🇮🇱⚔️🇵🇸 🚨

ISRAELI ENTITY REFUSING TO COMPLY WITH ICJ DECISION, FOOD AID TO GAZA DROPS BY A THIRD

In a report issued by Human Rights Watch, the rights organization says that, in the month since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued its ruling, the Israeli entity has refused to comply with the decision, continuing its genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and preventing humanitarian aid from reaching the Palestinian enclave.

Back on January 26th, 2024, the ICJ issued a ruling where, citing "catastrophic conditions" in the Gaza Strip, the ICJ ordered Israeli authorities to “take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid,” and to report back to the Court with evidence of its compliance to the ordered measures “within one month.”

Now, one month following the ICJ ruling, the Israeli occupation continues to "obstruct the provision of basic services and the entry and distribution within Gaza of fuel and lifesaving aid," all while committing "acts of collective punishment that amount to war crimes and include the use of starvation of civilians as a weapon of war."

Human Rights Watch says that "fewer trucks have entered Gaza and fewer aid missions have been permitted to reach northern Gaza" in the month after the ICJ ruling, over the weeks preceeding it, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“The Israeli government is starving Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians, putting them in even more peril than before the World Court’s binding order,” said Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch. “The Israeli government has simply ignored the court’s ruling, and in some ways even intensified its repression, including further blocking lifesaving aid.”

Human Rights Watch emphasized that "other countries should use all forms of leverage, including sanctions and embargoes to press the Israeli government to comply with the Court's binding orders in the genocide case."

Human Rights Watch previously found in December of 2023 that the Israeli authorities were "using starvation as a weapon of war" as part of a policy "set out by Israeli officials and carried out by Israeli forces" to deliberately block the delivery of food, water and fuel, "willfully impeding humanitarian assistance."

According to data published by OCHA and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA), the average number of trucks entering Gaza with food, aid supplies and medicine "dropped by more than a third in the weeks following the ICJ decision, with 93 humanitarian aid trucks entering Gaza between January 27th and February 21st, 2024, compared with 147 trucks between January 1st and January 26th, 2024, and only 57 trucks between February 9th and February 21st, 2024.

A survey of "impediments to the entry of aid" faced by the 24 humanitarian organizations operating in the Gaza Strip between January 26th and February 15th, 2024 "pointed to a lack of transparency around how aid trucks can enter Gaza, delays and denials at Israeli crossings and inspection points, and concerns about safety of trucks."

By comparison, Human Rights Watch says that an average of 500 trucks filled with food and goods entered Gaza each day prior to the escalation of hostilities beginning on October 7th, 2023, during which time 1.2 million Palestinians in Gaza were estimated to to be "facing acute food insecurity," with 80% of Gaza's population reliant on humanitarian aid under Israel's 16-years-long blockade of the Palestinian enclave, which Human Rights Watch calls "unlawful."

"High-ranking Israeli officials have articulated a policy to deprive civilians of food, water, and fuel, as Human Rights Watch has documented," the rights organization said.

The Israeli authorities, for their part, blame the UN for "distribution delays," and accuse Hamas of "diverting aid" and the Gaza police for "failing to secure aid convoys."

"The Israeli government cannot shift blame to evade responsibility," Human Rights Watch said in its report.

"Israel is obliged to provide for the welfare of the occupied population and ensure that the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population are met. The Israeli human rights group Gisha challenged the Israeli government’s claims that it is not obstructing entry or distribution of aid and also found that it is not complying with the ICJ order."

Human Rights Watch also accuses Israel of destroying the offices of at least two humanitarian organizations and have undermined the work of UNRWA, the largest such aid organization currently operating in the Gaza Strip, with the organization's chief, Phillippe Lazzarini, stating in a letter on February 22nd that the aid organization has reached the "breaking point" due to suspensions of funding after accusations by Israel that a handful of its personnel were involved peripherally in the October 7th attacks on illegal Israeli settlements.

The report also blames Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, for blocking aid shipments, including a shipment of Flour from the United States, because "it was going to UNRWA," based on the accusations that 12 of the Agency's 30'000 employees might have participated, directly or indirectly, in the October 7th attacks, which the United Nations is currently investigating.

According to the report, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a multiparty initiative, concluded that "over 90% of Gaza's population is at a crises level of acute food insecurity or worse," with the IPC emphasizing that "virtually all Palestinians in Gaza" are regularly skipping meals as a result of near famine conditions in the enclave, while adults commonly go without eating entirely in order for their children to eat.

“This is the highest share of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity that the IPC initiative has ever classified for any given area or country,” the group is quoted as saying.

Furthermore, on February 19th, a study published by the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that over 90% of children under the age of 2, and 95% of pregnant and breastfeeding women are facing "severe food poverty," while on February 22nd, the organization Save the Children said Gaza's Palestinian families are "forced to forage for scraps of food left by rats and eating leaves out of desperation to survive." The organization also added that, "all 1.1 million children in Gaza [are] facing starvation."

The ICJ's ruling orders Israel to "protect the rights claimed by South Africa that the Court has found to be plausible," including "the right of the Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide," and although South Africa asked the Court to provide "provisional measures" to make any report it ordered public, the court has not yet done so.

However, since the Court's ruling, in the period from January 26th to February 23rd, the Israeli occupation has slaughtered more than 3'400 Palestinians, according to figures from Gaza's Ministry of Health and compiled by OCHA.

According to Human Rights Watch, "South Africa's case against Israel for genocide is distinct from the proceedings on the legal consequences of Israel's 57-year occupation, which began at the ICJ on February 19th."

According to Human Rights Watch's Israel and Palestine director, Shakir Omar, "Israel’s blatant disregard for the World Court’s order poses a direct challenge to the rules-based international order."

“Failure to ensure Israel’s compliance puts the lives of millions of Palestinians at risk and threatens to undermine the institutions charged with ensuring respect for international law and the system that ensures civilian protection worldwide," the director added.

#source

#videosource

#infographicsource

@WorkerSolidarityNews

[kitonmitons]

Israel Not Complying with World Court Order in Genocide Case

Written by Human Rights Watch, published 26 February 2024

The Israeli government has failed to comply with at least one measure in the legally binding order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in South Africa’s genocide case, Human Rights Watch said today. Citing warnings about “catastrophic conditions” in Gaza, the court ordered Israel on January 26, 2024, to “take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid,” and to report back on its compliance to the specific measures “within one month.”

One month later, however, Israel continues to obstruct the provision of basic services and the entry and distribution within Gaza of fuel and lifesaving aid, acts of collective punishment that amount to war crimes and include the use of starvation of civilians as a weapon of war. Fewer trucks have entered Gaza and fewer aid missions have been permitted to reach northern Gaza in the several weeks since the ruling than in the weeks preceding it, according to United Nations Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“The Israeli government is starving Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians, putting them in even more peril than before the World Court’s binding order,” said Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch. “The Israeli government has simply ignored the court’s ruling, and in some ways even intensified its repression, including further blocking lifesaving aid.”

Other countries should use all forms of leverage, including sanctions and embargoes, to press the Israeli government to comply with the court’s binding orders in the genocide case, Human Rights Watch said.

… The daily average number of trucks entering Gaza with food, aid, and medicine dropped by more than a third in the weeks following the ICJ ruling: 93 trucks between January 27 and February 21, 2024, compared to 147 trucks between January 1 and 26, and only 57 between February 9 and 21.

By comparison, an average of 500 trucks of food and goods entered Gaza each day before the escalation in hostilities in October, during which time 1.2 million people in Gaza were estimated to be facing acute food insecurity, and 80 percent of Gaza’s population were reliant on humanitarian aid amid Israel's more than 16-year-long unlawful closure.

“Israel’s ground forces are able to reach all parts of Gaza, so Israeli authorities clearly have the capacity to ensure that aid reaches all of Gaza,” Shakir said.

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How to Find Truck Loads for Owner Operators

More than 70% of transported goods are moved by trucks in the United States. More than 90% of companies in the United States long-distance freight trucking industry are owner-operators. Getting frequent, reliable, and well-paying truck loads is crucial for the smooth running of any trucking business. In the past, owner-operators had to constantly check physical load boards, wait in truck shops, or make several calls a day in order to get loads. Times have now changed. The internet, smartphones, apps, etc. offer an advantage to finding a reliable source to get truck loads. If you are still in the researching phase of becoming a new owner operator please see our full guide on how to start a trucking business in 2024. 

Below are a few ways in which an owner-operator can find loads:

Load boards

Load boards are the most common way to find loads. This is especially a reliable option for a new business to get rolling quick. A Load board is essentially an online site that provides a shared platform for shippers and truckers/owner-operators. The shippers post information of the load such as the origin, distance, destination and other important details, and owner operators can apply to pick up transport those loads. Load boards can be very helpful if the business is not leased onto a dedicated carrier. 

Load board apps are also available on smartphones that provides multiple listings to help owner-operators find suitable loads. Load boards differ from one service provider to another. While some may provide the services for free, others charge a fee to access the boards. We discuss the best load board sites for owner operators:

Paid load board websites that also offer free trial:

Direct Freight - https://www.directfreight.com/home/

DAT - https://www.dat.com/load-boards

Get loaded - http://www.getloaded.com/

Truckers Edge - https://www.truckersedge.net/

Load Match - https://www.loadmatch.com/

Free load board websites:

Trucker Path - https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board/

Trulos - http://www.trulos.com/

DSSLN - http://www.dssln.com/

Freight Finder - https://www.freightfinder.com/

Load up - http://www.usacanadaloadup.com/

Apps:

Trucker Path

DAT

Truckloads & Freight

All the websites or apps above should give a start to owner operators on how to find truck loads with a load board. Other options apart from public load boards are below. 

Lease-on

Some companies have a private load board. These are specifically for owner-operators to lease-on with that company. This option provides the owner-operator with the stability of a big company – which is an added advantage for a new owner-operator. It also gives the freedom to choose the freight directly from a load board. Some companies also offer discounts on operating expenses to owner-operators. Hence, it helps the owner-operator utilize its purchasing power. Owner-operators may also get paid a fuel surcharge versus per mile.

Freight brokers

Freight brokers help finding loads. Choosing a freight broker can be a handy option if an owner-operator is not looking to lease-on with a trucking company. A freight broker eases the process by doing most of the leg-work. This includes dispatching loads, tracking shipments, payrolls, invoicing, etc. A freight broker assists a shipper in finding a carrier that is qualified to move its load. Once a deal is negotiated, the broker connects the shipper with the owner-operator. The broker negotiates the highest amount with the shipper for the load, and connects the shipper with a carrier that is willing to move it at the lowest amount. The margin is called a spread, and is charged by the broker as a fee for the service provided. The spread is usually 15-25% of the profit. 

For example, an owner-operator agrees to move a load for $6000. A freight broker negotiates with the shipper for $7000 to do the trip. The margin of $1000 is the spread, goes directly to the freight broker.

A freight broker can be an individual or a company. When looking for one to partner with, it is recommended to find ones who are registered with the FMCSA and cover insurance costs. It is a great option for beginner owner-operators who are yet to get a strong foothold in the industry. It is important to have clarity regarding the impact of the spread on the profits made for a business. 

Dispatchers

A dispatcher manages the flow of the freight for efficient movement of the truck load. This is done by avoiding empty miles in the trips. Doing so helps in maximizing profits for owner-operators. One of the keys to smooth functioning of this service is constant communication with the owner-operator. A dispatcher ensures compliance and usually provides customer service. In addition to finding loads for the owner-operator, dispatchers also aid in various backend operations. This includes all associated paperwork like tax records, permits, insurance, etc. Some dispatchers provide end to end services. This means the dispatcher takes care of finding and managing the loads, as well as ensuring timely payment from the shipper. The fee is charged either at a flat rate, or as a certain percentage of the load. An owner-operator can hire an individual dispatcher or a trucking dispatch service provider. This is another way for owner operators to find truck loads.

Government Contracts

Federal, state, and local governments often outsource their transportation requirements. To be considered as an option for moving government loads, an owner-operator has to register on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) website as a company. Registering as a government contractor can help an owner-operator find loads in their own city/area. Obtaining contracts can vary depending upon the security clearance required for winning the bids. A contract with government entities like the US postal service or getting the business’ name on the GSA list can bring in steady work-flow and also offer great pay. Government contracts are a great option for finding loads for an owner operator.

Prospecting

Prospecting is the continual process of finding loads. It revolves around researching shippers in the local area. The owner-operator should research the number of shippers, the kind of loads needed to move, destinations catered to, etc. This will help the owner-operator determine a prospect shipper to get loads from. The process requires the owner-operator to connect with the prospect shipper by reaching out to them. In the communication, an owner-operator can enquire about the shipper’s requirement and any trips suitable for the owner-operator to undertake. It also helps in finding any future opportunities that the shipper might offer. This requires a bit more work for the owner operator but also provides a good opportunity to find more loads.

Networking

Just like any other business, networking can be a key step for ensuring an owner-operator’s visibility and possible growth in the industry. Creating friendships can lead to prospective clients. Getting involved in associations like the American Association of Owner Operators (AAOO) or other local events can help in professional connections that may be a great pathway for getting loads. It not only helps in staying informed about news in the trucking industry, but also helps in tips and guidelines to grow business.Owner operators should choose a strategy or combination of strategies above to determine what works best for the business. At first, an owner-operator might not have a lot of load options to choose from. The owner-operator may have to take up any available job to keep the business running. Though overwhelming at first, it gets easier with each trip. Owner Operators need the best technology and ELD Mandate provides some of the best products from Asset Trackers, Dash Cams, ELDs, Tablets and Data for all owner operators.