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With climate change and renewable energy sources being a priority for the last few years, the use of biodiesel has risen in popularity.  Made from modified vegetable oils and mixed with diesel, biodiesel is biodegradable and can be grown in the U.S., thus reducing our dependence on foreign oil sources.

Over the past six years, production of biodiesels has grown as both federal and state governments offer incentives to make the switch.  Blends are used most often as either B-5 of B-20, and smaller blends such as B-2 are used as additives to improve engine performance and longevity.

The Environmental Protection Agency indicates that biodiesel fuels emit 11% less carbon monoxide and 10% less particulate matter than diesel which reduces tailpipe emissions and the amount of soot released into the atmosphere.

One potential downside is the quality of available biodiesels.  Fueling stations must be diligent in their storage methods.  Since it’s made from vegetable-based products, correct storage temperature is imperative.  If stored too warm, mold will be able to grow; if too cold, biodiesel can thicken and flow rate will be greatly reduced.

At Carbon Express, we take environmental concerns seriously and do our part to reduce our environmental impact.  Our Green Fleet transports 17% more with every load. We transport more products at a lower cost for our clients while doing our part to help the environment. Let us show you how you can save money on your transportation budget and help the environment at the same time. Put our 40+ years of experience to work for you. Talk with one of our team today: 973.328.0050

We’re proud to announce the recent addition of our flatbed transportation fleet.  For nearly forty years, we have been your trusted resource for your bulk liquid transport needs.  This addition enables us to transport both HazMat and Non-HazMat materials across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Our bulk liquid fleet includes tankers for oils, solvents, flammables, corrosives, poisons, chemical, or petroleum products.  Whether you need stainless insulated, non-insulated, aluminum insulated or non-insulated, single or multi compartment… we’ve got you covered.

All of our drivers have both TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) Cards and HazMat Certifications so you can rest easy knowing your product is safe with us.

If you’d like more information, or need to transport Hazardous or Non-Hazardous materials, you can reach us by email at Orders@CarbonExpress.com or by telephone at 973-328-0050.  We look forward to working with you to safely transport your products wherever they need to go.

Have you ever noticed the diamond shapes signage on the back or sides of trailers and wondered what they mean?  The US Department of Transportation requires trucks carrying hazardous materials to display these placards as a way to inform first responders of the contents in the case of a crash or other emergency.

There are 9 main classes of hazardous materials:

1. Explosives
2. Gases
3. Flammable and Combustible Liquids
4. Flammable Materials
5. Oxidizer and Organic Peroxide
6. Poisons
7. Radioactive
8. Corrosive
9. Miscellaneous

In addition to numbers, the second most recognizable characteristic of these placards is color:

• Orange – explosive materials such as dynamite, fireworks, or ammunition.
• Red – flammable goods such as gasoline, isopropyl alcohol, paint, or acetone.
• Green – nonflammable substances such as compressed or liquified gasses.
• Yellow – oxidizers such as ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, halogens, or nitric acid.
• White – poisonous and biohazardous substances such as dyes, acids, aerosols, or medical wastes.
• Blue – dangerous when wet such as sodium, calcium, or potassium.
• Red and White – dangerous when exposed to air such as aluminum or lithium alkyls or white phosphorous.
• Red and White Stripes – flammable solids such as matches or magnesium.
• Red and Yellow – organic peroxides such as methyl ethyl ketone peroxide or benzoyl peroxide.
• Yellow and White – radioactive substances such that are commonly found in medical equipment.
• White and Black – corrosive materials such as batteries, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or sodium hydroxide.
• White and Black Stripes – miscellaneous dangerous goods such as asbestos or dry ice.

These placards offer clear and easy to interpret information about the contents of transport carriers.  Carbon Express is extensively trained in the handling and transporting of hazardous materials, so there is no need to worry when traveling near and around trucks on the road.  We put safety first for our clients, our drivers, and the public.

Commercial Truck Drivers are essential during the Covid-19 pandemic, and staying healthy and safe is a top priority.  Take a look at these safety precautions we’ve compiled to keep your chance for infection as low as possible.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Keep your nose and mouth covered with a scarf or bandana if a facemask is unavailable during pickups and drop-offs.  While gloves aren’t recommended to wear all the time, it’s a good idea to put some on when pumping fuel and also when using the keypad to pay.  Try to avoid paying with cash.  And of course, wash your hands as often as possible.
• It’s a good idea to limit your takeout.  Bring along a cooler with plenty of ice and pack your meals when you can.  If that’s not feasible, try to avoid eating inside a restaurant.  When stopping at a convenience store, try buying in bulk to limit the number of stops you have to make, thus limiting your contact with others.
• When you stay the night in a hotel or motel, practice good hygiene after touching anything in the room, and try not to walk around with bare feet.  You might even consider bringing your own blankets, sheets, and pillowcases if you’re able.
• Use your devices to check for updated information from the CDC and WHO.  Social Media sites are well known for spreading false information.  And use programs like FitToPass to keep yourself in good mental and physical health on the road.

Of course, keep your distance from others, avoid social gatherings, be safe, and follow expert advice.

Whether you need to move hazardous or bulk liquids, choosing the right company for your specific needs is vital.  The consequences of a poorly executed travel plan could be catastrophic for the trucking company, your business, and the environment.

Here are some things to consider as you make your decision:

• Read reviews, and check to see if there are any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.  You want to be sure you’re choosing a company with a positive reputation for safety, professionalism, and overall services.  You need a company you can trust.
• You’ll want to choose a company with a newer fleet.  The newer the fleet, the better the safety features and chances are the navigation equipment will be more up to date to give you the most information when planning your route.
• It’s important to find a company with experienced drivers who are experts in their field.  A company with a high employee turnover might not value training and experience.

Give us a call at 973-328-0050 to discuss all of your transportation needs.  We take care of our fleet and our drivers so they can take care of you.

In the midst of all the Covid-19 closures, there is one industry that is still operating at full capacity, if not more.  The commercial trucking industry is responsible for delivering consumables to keep us fed, materials to keep us clothed, heating fuel to keep us warm, and medical supplies to keep us healthy.  The trucking industry handles more cargo than trains, ships, and planes.  And even when we factor in those modes of transportation, the goods won’t get from rail yards, ports, and airports without the trucks.  If trucking stopped, the economy would as well.

Truckers are on the road night and day bringing everything you need to try to maintain your expected quality of life regardless of the current pandemic, bad weather, or traffic nightmares.  Each product in your home, your office, or your yard has likely seen the inside of a truck.  The things we take for granted are only possible because truck drivers delivered the goods you needed when you needed them.

If the trucking industry were to ever shut down, hospitals would begin to run out of supplies, gas stations would run out of fuel, and mail delivery would end, all within 24 hours.  Waste and refuse would begin to reach unsanitary levels.  There is no allowance for a pandemic in the trucking industry.

Our drivers are heroes.  They are soldiers fighting an enemy that can’t see and going out there every day.  I am in absolute awe of their bravery.