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Even while providing an essential service to Oregon’s
agricultural and other industries, Continental is affected by a
variety of challenges in transportation. “Fuel costs are rising
across the United States,” says Newell. “Getting about 5 miles per
gallon, it can cost trucks $1,000 to fill up.” And it isn’t just
fuel that is drastically affecting overhead. Other vehicle
maintenance and insurance costs have risen exorbitantly as well.
Continental makes an effort to remain sensitive to these issues
and work as a steady middle man between the carriers and shippers.
“We check fuel prices everyday and try to coordinate shipments and
routes as much as possible so we are not using empty trucks,” says
Newell. “We also communicate with drivers about being professional.
Their service has to be top notch because it’s so expensive.”
To add to the stress of the national transportation crisis,
Oregon has its own set of challenges. Requirements unique to this
state can make it difficult to find trucking companies willing to
come here. According to Newell, Oregon is one of few states that
implement a ton-mile tax. This tax is levied based on weight carried
and miles travelled for each trip in the state and can add as much
as $.68 per gallon on top of fuel costs.
There is also the simple question of geography. “The Willamette
Valley is the farthest point from anywhere in the Northwest. We lose
carriers to California and Washington because we are so far,” said
Newell. And once in the state trucks are required to maintain a 55
mile per hour speed limit even on rural highways, making the trip to
Oregon a test of endurance and financing for many trucking
companies.
Despite all these deterrents, “there is always a silver lining,”
says Newell. “90 percent of truckers like hauling nursery, so that
works in our favor.”
Newell is clearly proud of the local products he helps deliver
across the country. “Oregon has the best nursery [product] in the
nation. It’s expensive, but people still want it,” he says.
“Oregon’s agriculture in general is the best in the nation. Shippers
should hold their heads high and not apologize for something that we
cannot control.”
With all the challenges facing transportation, Continental takes
its position in the shipping industry very seriously. The employees
– most of whom have been there for thirty years or longer – work
hard to foster understanding and communication between shippers and
carriers. “We want to keep trucks in business and also be sensitive
to keeping shippers in business because without them we have no
business,” said Newell.
Another clever ad campaign was developed over the course of
Continental’s history. “We’re here for the long haul.” After fifty
years in the business, Continental is sure to withstand any
transportation challenges that arise and continue to work with
shippers and carriers to provide reasonable shipping solutions –
“Any load. Any time. Anywhere.”
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