July 17–21, 2013
CRA RV Campout at Lake Lopez – Arroyo Grande, CA more...

July 21–24, 2013
SAIA 2013 Annual Convention & Exposition – Nashville, TN more...

August 21, 2013
Tri-County Territory & ARA of CA joint meeting, hosted by Ventura Rentals – Ventura, CA

August 23, 2013
San Diego Territory of CRA Annual Golf Tournament – Carlsbad, CA more...

 

CRA is happy to announce that the following Exhibitors have recently reserved booth space for the CRA Rental Rally on January 14 & 15, 2014 in Pomona, CA:

Alert Management Systems • Bandit Industries, Inc. • Ebbert Company • Electric Eel Mfg. • Excavation Supply 4 Less • General Equipment • Mi T M • Solutions by Computer • Tsurumi Pump • Virginia Abrasives

Click on "Learn More" below to see a complete List of Rental Rally Exhibitors along with their product descriptions.
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Golden Pacific Rental offers CRA members special pricing that is typically 25% or more below market price for their rental contracts. The company offers members rental contracts with the most up-to-date, CRA-recommended Terms & Conditions, which can save members money and protect their businesses. GP Rental also offers a program utilizing their Ready to Rent tags that is endorsed by Jenkins / Leavitt Insurance Group, along with many promotional products for your company.
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Elavon now offers a complete, easy-to-use and secure online bill-payment solution tailored to the needs of small business billers — even if they generate as few as 100 bills each month. This service is delivered through a convenient, hosted portal that carries the business's brand, allowing customers to easily connect and pay with a credit card, or deduct the amount directly from their checking account using ACH electronic check payment. Bills will often get paid much sooner than those mailed at the end of the month — in fact, up to 40% will be paid on the same day you send the email — so you get quicker access to your funds. Online bill payment also reduces the frequency of "lost" or forgotten payments, further improving your cash flow. Bill Payment Portal supports convenience fees for government or educational institutions, utility providers, and other industries where allowed. You’ll extend convenience to your customers, while protecting your bottom line.
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Royal Business Forms supplies CRA members with contracts, envelopes, checks, labels and tags. Royal now has a new website where you can purchase Promotional and Apparel products, www.royal.proformacolorpress.com. Call Andrew Whiteford at 800-255-9303 to learn more or for a price quote on some of their new products. Be sure to mention your CRA membership to receive special pricing. You can also visit www.RoyalBF.com for more information on Royal's office products.
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Chicago Pneumatic's mobile app, CP ToolBox, offers comprehensive tool information anytime, even in locations without an Internet connection. You can choose the products, catalogs and other documentation that you really need and keep them handy — your favorite tools will only be a few taps away. With CP ToolBox, you can choose to synchronize data, documentation, and pictures for the whole app, or your favorites. The application will inform you about updates, allowing you access to the most recent information. Available now in several languages, CP ToolBox will soon be available for Iphone and Android devices.
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The Husqvarna PP 518 power pack is the next step in ensuring hydraulic equipment is supplied with enough power to handle any job. It replaces the popular PP 418 power pack with an improved front end control panel and reduced noise. The PP 518 is a highly portable, self-contained power pack. It creates optimum power with precise flow due to the unique hydrostatic pump system, which does not use engine rpms to regulate flow. This provides more consistent and accurate flow for any hydraulic tool requiring 5, 8, or 10 gpm flow at 2,000 psi. The automatic power-on-demand saves fuel and adjusts to different tools and hose lengths, ensuring you are always operating at optimal power. The power-on-demand feature can be switched off for constant power when needed.
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The Ditch Witch organization recently announced the release of the new RT30, a ride-on, dedicated trencher with a sturdy, durable frame and field-proven components designed to provide consistently solid performance. The RT30 is built to handle some of the toughest conditions a jobsite can offer. It has an exceptionally robust trencher drive motor that utilizes a larger shaft and bearings than those of smaller trenchers, ultimately resulting in less maintenance and greater productivity. Its advanced, maintenance-free pivot design is simplified and raised to keep the RT30 above dirt and debris. And its 24.8-hp (17.9-kW) Kubota diesel engine provides plenty of power for trenching in a wide variety of ground conditions.
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Kubota Tractor Corporation recently announced the addition of the new Grand L60 Series to its lineup. Available now at dealerships nationwide, the new series includes six models, including the L3560, L4060, L4760, L5060, L5460, and the L6060 flagship tractor. The Kubota Grand L60 Series is equipped with highly advanced, yet user-friendly, computer controls. Additionally, the eye-catching series offers enhanced style and operator comfort with a deluxe Grand Cab™ and a sharply styled, one-piece hood. Clean engine emissions, favorable fuel economy and uncompromising power further define the Grand L60 models as a best-in-class tractor series.
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Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), an international trade association representing more than 500 leading manufacturers and distributors of construction equipment and other related products, recently recognized the long-standing membership of Bobcat Company. As a longtime member of AED, Bobcat contributes to and benefits from a variety of quality services, including public policy advocacy, industry education and public relations efforts that advance the role of equipment distributors across industry lines.
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The Toro Company is pleased to welcome five additional underground equipment dealers to its comprehensive distribution network. These five equipment dealerships will now carry the full line of Toro underground equipment, including directional drills, compact utility loaders, trenchers, vibratory plows, and stump grinders. "These new additions to the Toro Underground family will not only provide trusted underground equipment to new markets, but will also provide the high level of service and support that end users have come to expect from Toro," explains Butch Greeninger, senior national sales manager for Toro. "We are pleased to have these top-notch dealers representing the Toro brand," he adds.
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Doosan is sponsoring The Open Championship (also known as The British Open), the world’s most prestigious golf event, again this year. This year’s tournament will take place at the Muirfield Golf Club in Edinburgh, Scotland from July 18 to 21. Doosan has been a sponsor of this event for four consecutive years since 2010, enabling it to elevate its brand awareness on the global stage through various campaign ideas using sites both in and outside the venue.
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The White House announced on July 2 that it was delaying implementation of the employer mandate portion of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act until 2015. The U.S. Treasury also issued a notice of the delay. The mandate originally was scheduled to begin January 1, 2014.
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The July 2nd CalChamber Alert newsletter reported that two California Chamber of Commerce-opposed "job killer" bills that will place costly workplace mandates on employers passed policy committees in the second house on June 26. AB 10 unfairly imposes an automatic $2 increase in minimum wage over the next five years that will continue to increase costs on employers of all sizes, regardless of other economic factors or costs that California employers are struggling with to sustain their business. SB 404 makes it virtually impossible for employers to manage their employees and exposes them to a higher risk of litigation by expanding the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to include a protected classification for any person who is, perceived to be, or associated with an individual who provides medical or supervisory care to a listed family member.
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The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently released its annual data series tracking how crude oil reaches the refinery gate. Not surprisingly, the 2012 data show heightened reliance on crude receipts via barge, truck and rail. There has been much discussion about the rise in U.S. crude oil production and the resulting overhang in inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma and elsewhere in the midcontinent because of pipeline infrastructure that has not kept pace with burgeoning domestic crude oil supply. The supply-pipeline mismatch is encouraging market participants to increasingly rely on alternative transportation options. Click on "Learn More" for to see more on EIA's "This Week in Petroleum" website.
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Consumer Reports recently reported that the Ford F-250 pickup truck has replaced the Cadillac Escalade as the vehicle with the highest theft rate for 2010–2012, according to a new report from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), a division of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. New anti-theft technology on the Escalade and its waning popularity are two reasons cited for its fall from first to sixth place on the list. Clearly, pickup trucks and SUVs are popular among thieves. The F-250 has a claim frequency of nearly six times the average of all vehicles. However, thefts are declining due to ignition immobilizers, which prevent thieves from hot-wiring a vehicle. For the 2012 model year, 89 percent of vehicles had this technology; it is standard on most cars and SUVs, but not on as many pickup trucks.
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All diesel-fueled trucks, buses, trailers and transportation refrigeration units operating in California, including those based out of state, have requirements to reduce air pollution and improve the state's overall air quality. Avoid penalties due to manufacturer delay — order soot filters by Sept. 1, 2013, to meet Jan. 1, 2014, requirements for the Truck & Bus Regulation. Only purchase CARB-verified filters. Check before you buy! See the DPF handbook: A Truck Driver’s Guide to Care and Maintenance of Diesel Particulate Filters.
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The ARB's Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program and Periodic Smoke Inspection Program were adopted into law in 1988 to control excessive smoke emissions and tampering from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses. The regulations, title 13 CCR, sections 2180-2189 for HDVIP, and title 13 CCR, sections 2190-2194 for PSIP, governing these programs were last amended in 2013. The HDVIP program requires heavy-duty trucks and buses to be inspected for excessive smoke and tampering, and engine certification label compliance. Any heavy-duty vehicle traveling in California, including vehicles registered in other states and foreign countries, may be tested. Tests are performed by ARB inspection teams at border crossings, CHP weigh stations, fleet facilities, and randomly selected roadside locations. Owners of trucks and buses found in violation are subject to minimum penalties starting at $300 per violation.
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Owners or operators of portable engines and certain other types of equipment can register their units under the Air Resources Board's (ARB) Statewide Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) in order to operate their equipment throughout California without having to obtain individual permits from local air districts. As of January 1, 2013, the Portable Engine Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) fleet standards went into effect. The ATCM requires owners of portable engines to submit a statement of compliance signed by a Responsible Official to the Air Resources Board by March 1, 2013. In addition to the statement of compliance, a summary that identifies each portable engine in the fleet and the associated emission rate (g/bhp-hr) must be included.
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The small off-road engine (SORE) category consists of off-road spark-ignition engines below 25 horsepower, including small utility equipment, lawn mowers and weed trimmers. This category does not include compression-ignition engines, watercraft or recreational vehicles. ARB has a page on its website that includes general information regarding small off-road engines and ARB's SORE program. Click on "Learn More" to access this page.
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The regulation requires diesel trucks and buses that operate in California to be upgraded to reduce emissions. Heavier trucks must be retrofitted with PM filters beginning January 1, 2012, and older trucks must be replaced starting January 1, 2015. By January 1, 2023, nearly all trucks and buses will need to have 2010 model year engines or equivalent. What's New? Advisory on Manufacturer Delays (July 9, 2013): Staff has posted Mail-Out 13-15, which clarifies requirements for the manufacturer delay extension and how compliance is determined when the fleet owner orders equipment four months prior to the compliance deadline.
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This area of the Off-Road Mobile Sources website pertains to off-road large spark-ignition (LSI) equipment greater than 25 horsepower and powered by gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other alternate fuels — forklifts, airport service vehicles, large turf care equipment, portable generators, and other agricultural, construction and industrial equipment. Posted August 13, 2012: ARB has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency authorization to enforce the Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Fleet Regulation), including the fleet average emission level standards. Enforcement Advisory 441 announces that all provisions of the LSI Fleet Regulation are enforceable and that ARB intends to commence enforcement of all its requirements. ARB has updated the LSI Fleet Regulation tutorial to reflect regulatory changes that were adopted in December 2010, and changes became effective December 14, 2011.
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On July 26, 2007, the Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted a regulation to reduce diesel particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from in-use (existing) off-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles in California. For more information, please call the diesel vehicle information hotline at (866) 6-DIESEL or (866) 634-3735. Posted April 23, 2013: The revised Fleet Average Calculator for large fleets is now available. The calculator is for the large fleet January 1, 2014 compliance date only. The Fleet Average Calculator is an Excel spreadsheet designed to assist fleet owners in calculating their Fleet Average Index and Fleet Average Targets, based on the equipment model year and horsepower input. The calculator allows fleets to experiment with different turnover, repower, and retrofit strategies to plan for compliance with the in-use off-road diesel vehicle regulation.
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The Truck and Bus Regulation will reduce diesel exhaust emissions from privately owned and federal government diesel trucks and buses. Privately and publicly owned school buses have different requirements and do not need to be reported. This CARB site has the Truck Regulations Upload and Compliance Reporting System (TRUCRS) and was last reviewed February 8, 2013.
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In December 2011, major amendments to the Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation, which include delaying the first compliance date to no earlier than January 1, 2014, became effective. The changes to the regulation are reflected in the fact sheets, advisories and answers to frequently asked questions available on the Knowledge Center for the Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation web page.
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Driving Toward a Cleaner California (DTCC) is a coalition of owner-operators, farmers, construction contractors and other business and community leaders committed to working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to craft a sensible truck and bus replacement rule that both cleans the air and keeps California's economy moving forward.
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