- March 16th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Police Officer Busted Tracking Ex-Girlfriend with GPS
Ex-police officer pleas ‘no contest’ to stalking ex-girlfriend with a GPS tracking device aka misdemeanor unlawful use of an electronic device.
Jackson Parker
625 posts
- March 16th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Man Pleads Guilty to Home Burglary, Caught By GPS Tracking Data
GPS tracking system data used to catch and convict home robbery suspect in Temecula, CA
Sometimes criminals get away with burglaries, and sometimes they don’t – not when there is solid GPS tracking evidence.
On Christmas Day 2008, Shawn Michael Smith burglarized a home in Temecula, CA. At the time of the robbery, Smith did not realize the work truck he was driving had a GPS tracking device installed under the hood.
During the police investigation, someone in the neighborhood told the police that a tow truck that had not been seen before in the neighborhood was parked near the house during the burglary. The detectives were able to determine which towing company owned the tow truck.
Police learned that the tow truck was outfitted with a GPS tracking device. Police then subpoenaed the GPS tracking system records and determined that the truck was, in fact, parked in front of the home during the time of the burglary. Shawn Michael Smith was the only driver of the vehicle.
- March 15th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
High Gas Prices Negatively Impacting Business Profits
Recently Price Lock and Automotive Fleet partnered to conduct a survey to gain insight on businesses’ views on fuel pricing, its impact on their fuel budgets and any steps they may have taken to proactively manage volatile gas prices. The survey said the two biggest issues for fleets are fuel efficiency and lack of control over gas costs.
What’s interesting about these results is that gas prices have risen almost $.40 since the polling ended. (The survey was conducted form January 20, 2011 to February 18, 2011.) If companies were feeling the pain at the gas pump a month ago, when gas prices were much less, then they really must be concerned now.
The results of the survey showed that 99% of respondents are concerned with fuel prices in 2011. 65% of survey respondents said that they were forced to absorb higher fuel costs, but only 16% are able to pass the increased costs onto the customer.
- March 14th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Gas Prices Spike, Obama Says May Tap Oil Reserves
Gas prices on Friday March 11,2011 are at $3.542 for a gallon of regular unleaded, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, up 76 cents a gallon from a year ago. Global oil prices have risen about 36 percent over the past year. People are getting more anxious because there is no relief in sight.
Violence in Libya has cut that nation’s oil production by 1 million barrels a day from its usual 1.7 million barrels. Rumors that the violence is spreading into Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil producer at 10 million barrels a day, is another big worry.
President Obama addressing frantic appeals from lawmakers to do something in response to rising gas prices, said Friday he is “prepared” to tap into the country’s ample oil reserve if necessary. Obama also said he encourages domestic drilling in a responsible way.
- March 14th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
AAA Fuel Data Says Gas Prices Have Increased 43 Cents Since Last Month
Gas prices are up 76 cents a gallon from a year ago. Libya’s civil war in North Africa and lingering anxiety over potential political unrest in oil-rich Middle East nations is a huge reason for the price increase.
Gas is more expensive on the West Coast than any other place in the US. One month ago, the national average gas price was at $3.115. Gas prices today are at $3.542, an increase of nearly 43 cents.
- March 11th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Obama Speaks to Nation About Rising Gas Prices
March 7, 2011, San Diego – Obama addressed the nation this morning about rising gas prices. Here is a summary of what he said…
‘In an economy that relies on oil, everybody is effected by the recent rises in gas prices – farmers, truck drivers, restaurants, doctors, lawyers. Businesses feel it in their bottom line and consumers feel the pinch at the pump. For Americans already facing tough times, it’s a new burden.
Today as global demand is increasing, and turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East escalates, gas prices are rising again due to tightened supply.
But rising gas prices are not a new phenomenon. Three years age before the recession hit, a combination of factors including rising demand from China, gas rose to $4 a gallon. Then worldwide recession and a decrease in demand pushed prices back down.
- March 11th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Rising Gas Prices Means Businesses Must Be More Efficient
Many small businesses say that as much as skyrocketing gas prices are cutting the bottom line, they’re doing everything they can not to raise prices — yet. Instead, businesses are realizing they can no longer overlook opportunities to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Cost savings initiatives include routing optimization, using more fuel efficient cars and trucks, considering other fuel alternatives, investing in fleet tracking technology and, in at least one case, using hedges to offset rising costs.
- March 10th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
US Energy Dept Expects Avg. US Gas Price to Hit $3.75 By Summer 2011
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) just released its updated short term outlook for gas prices.
EIA expects the retail price of regular-grade motor gasoline to average $3.56 per gallon in 2011, 77 cents per gallon higher than the 2010 average and about 40 cents above the projected price in the previous Outlook. EIA projects gasoline prices to average about $3.70 per gallon during the peak driving season (April through September) with considerable regional and local variation.
This is an 18 cent increase from today’s current gas prices, which are already astronomically high. Yesterday (March 8, 2011) the national average for a gallon of regular was $3.52, according to AAA, Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express.
EIA also predicts that the projected monthly average regular gasoline price will peak at $3.75 per gallon in June. Other analysts are saying gas prices will raise another $.50 by this years’ peak driving season.
- March 9th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
More Businesses Report Rising Gas Prices Affecting the Bottom Line
I filled my gas tank up this morning in San Diego. It was $4.21 for a gallon of regular unleaded. Premium gas was well over the $4.50 mark.And it’s only March! Yikes! Gasoline prices typically fall in the winter and rise in the spring as refiners switch to more expensive summer blends of gasoline. Since 2000, prices in May have been 52 cents per gallon on average higher than in February, according to the Energy Information Administration. Right now, California averages the most expensive fuel at $3.90 per gallon.
High gas prices can be a tough burden on small businesses. The recent surge is now putting pressure on already-price-conscious consumers and small businesses that rely on fuel to keep their businesses up and running. The situation is forcing tough choices on small-business owners who are reluctant to charge more for fear of losing cost-conscious customers.
There is a psychological effect of increased gas prices, as it creates more uncertainty and anxiety for small businesses. No one knows how high it will go. This is definitely on everyone’s mind. For example, Blank Label, a Boston-based start-up that sells customizable men’s shirts, told Inc Magazine that he has already seen quarterly 10-15 price increases from DHL, their shipping partner, in addition to higher input costs from the rise in price of raw materials. Like many retailers, Blank Label is seeing the rise in the price of gasoline affect their bottom-line. “There’s definitely quite a bit of margin pressure,” says Fan Bi, the company’s founder.
- March 8th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Eco-Friendly Driving Habits That Save Money On Fuel
n light of rising gas prices, here are some “Green” driving tips from AAA to help you conserve fuel. The benefits of fuel conservation include a healthier environment, financial savings and improved driver safety. The type of vehicle you drive, how well it’s maintained, and where and how much you drive are the most important factors to consider when trying to conserve fuel.
The high cost of gas is going to take its toll on the entire nation. Fears of inflation continue to fester as the cost of gas is expected to continue increasing throughout 2011.To conserve gas, drivers should slow down and find ways to do more with less.
A variety of transportation modes and commuting options offer choices to meet individual travel needs and help ensure a healthier environment. People are encouraged to try alternative options to driving in order to conserve fuel and protect the environment. For example, to be a more eco-friendly things you could try:
1. Carpooling. Carpooling, also referred to as ride-sharing, allows people to travel together to a destination in one vehicle.
2. Walking or riding bicycles more. Walking instead of driving is good for your wallet and your waist line.
3. Taking the train or coaster.
4. .Utilizing other public transportation options. Public transportation is an essential part of a balanced transportation system.
Trip Chaining
Trip-chaining – combining errands into one trip – is another option to save time and money. Here are a few trip-chaining tips from AAA:
- March 7th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Diesel Gas Hits $4.23 a Gallon in California
Gas prices are incredibly high and climbing. World oil prices are trading near some of their highest levels in almost three years as violent combat continues in Libya, one of Africa’s biggest crude oil producers. Many people wonder just how high prices will go, as fears arise that the fighting may thread throughout the Middle East.
- March 7th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Gas Prices Surge 33 Cents, Expected to Keep Increasing
Gas prices across the US have skyrocketed recently. A new survey of US fuel prices says the average price of regular gasoline in the United States has jumped 33 cents per gallon in the last two weeks, the second biggest price increase over a two-week span on record. Gas prices are expected to continue rising, according to the fuel price survey.
The latest Lundberg Survey, released Sunday March 6, 2011, found that gas prices have risen nearly 82 cents since September 2010. Today the average price of self-serve regular gasoline is $3.51; the average price for mid-grade is $3.64, and premium gas is at $3.75. Diesel fuel is up 29 cents, to $3.88 a gallon.
- March 4th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Auto Sales Rise 27% in February, Despite Record High Gas Prices
Auto sales in the US gained 27 percent in February, as consumers found it difficult to turn down some deep dealer discounts. GM (NYSE: GM) had the largest gains and sold more than 207,000 vehicles during February, up 46 percent year-on-year. According to the industry tracking firm ‘Autodata,’ the sales rate for February was 13.4 […]
- March 3rd, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Vehicle Telematics – Making the Car an iPhone on Wheels
Vehicle telematics is the combination of electronic technology and cars and trucks. The ultimate fantasy car in vehicle telematics would be similar to the Batmobile or Kitt from Night Rider. You can speak to these cars and they make driving easier, safer, and way more cool.
Constantly checking e-mail on BlackBerry devices is considered pretty standard by now, as many busy workers suffer from what’s known as “ringxiety,” but what if wireless technology could be integrated straight into your car? Cell phones and hands-off sets are becoming a big part of in-car electronics. With vehicle telematics, drivers will be able to seamlessly receive information and respond without taking their eyes off the road.
Vehicle telematics and other in-car electronic systems are about getting the best of both worlds — consumers are looking an easy way to integrate all their gadgets and businesses are willing to spend on advanced products for better efficiency, such as vehicle fleet tracking systems. Telematics today includes auto manufacturers with abundant service offerings and smartphones applications becoming a part of the vehicle’s interior — providing entertainment, navigation, traffic data and even social networking inside the vehicle. There is stiff competition between auto manufacturers, all trying to do outdo each other by designing the best in-vehicle telematics features.
- March 2nd, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Vehicle Tracking System Cuts Fuel Costs by over $175K
The high cost of gas is expected to continue to have a major impact on business operating expenses in 2011. Truck fleets will be feeling the most pain at the pump, since the cost of a gallon of diesel is predicted to remain higher than unleaded gasoline. Higher fuel prices will have a domino effect on increasing prices for other oil-based products, such as replacement tires.
Fleet management is looking at technology, tires, vehicle maintenance, and downtime to find ways to cut costs. One of the best ways to cut fuel costs is with a GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management system.
In 2008, BLS Trucking installed a GPS vehicle tracking system in its fleet of approximately 200 diesel trucks. By eliminating unauthorized use and unnecessary idling time, BLS Trucking saved $188,539 in fuel consumption alone during the first year, amounting to more than $900 in savings per vehicle.
- March 1st, 2011
- Jackson Parker
ATA Supports FMCSA Ban on Truckers Using Cell Phones
At the end of 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed a new safety regulation that would specifically prohibit interstate commercial truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating a commercial motor vehicle. The DOT says fleet management and approximately 4 million commercial drivers would be affected by this proposal.
FMCSA research shows that using a hand-held cell phone while driving requires a commercial driver to take several risky steps. In particular, commercial drivers reaching for an object, such as a cell phone, while driving are three times more likely to be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event. Drivers dialing a hand-held cell phone while driving increase their risk by six times.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) says it supports the proposed legislation, which would put an end to the use of handheld mobile phones by commercial truck drivers. According to the ATA website, ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said “Recognizing the risks of hand held mobile phone use, it simply makes sense to prohibit their use by all motorists to make the highways safer for everyone.”
- March 1st, 2011
- Jackson Parker
Two New Money Saving Technologies for Small Businesses
n light of today’s economy, most people are looking for ways to save money. People have become more conscientious and realize that saving a few extra dollars by changing their behavior can really pay off over time.
Upgrade the cell phone after two years? I doubt it. Exchange the flat-panel TV for an even thinner model? Maybe next year. Replace the pants with the hole? Maybe next month! People have cut back on eating out, shopping, traveling, you name it.
Recently, consumer spending has picked up, but for many Americans the recession has left something behind: a greater desire to make stuff last. Every dollar in a budget counts and must be stretched.
For a wide variety of goods — cars, phones, computers, even shampoo — the data shows a slowing of product life cycles and consumption. In many cases the difference is mere months, but economists and consumers say the approach just may continue due to the strong impression the downturn made on consumers. It’s similar to the Depression-era mentality when people stored canned goods and sewed clothes rather than replacing them for years.
In a recession, sometimes spending a bit on technology can actually end up saving your business money over the long term. Investments in Web conferencing, fleet management, and other technologies can pay off. There are countless ways technology can save organizations money. After all, technology is meant to be a tool and by definition is supposed to increase efficiency which always translates to saving money.
- February 28th, 2011
- Jackson Parker
How to Save on Fuel Costs, Despite Record High Gas Prices
How to Save on Fuel Costs, Despite Rising Gas Prices
High fuel prices are putting the squeeze on drivers, especially small businesses. Instead of worrying about gas prices, we should focus on consuming less gas. Gas prices are rising and there’s not much you can do about it. But you can take control by investing in more fuel efficient vehicles and developing driving habits that burn significantly less amount of gas.
Due to the economic recession, many small businesses are already suffering from razor-thin profit margins. With gas prices this high, it makes sense for small businesses to invest in a fleet GPS tracking system. Tracking and managing fleet vehicles can significantly reduce fuel expenses. The Aberdeen Group, an independent research firm, concluded that a GPS fleet tracking system can reduce fuel costs by 13.2% on average.
