Midwest Intermodal Freight

The intermodal freight volumes are going up and that is definitely moving in the right direction for Calhoun Truck Lines, according to its President Brent Bois.

And this of course is very good news for the five operational facilities run by the Midwest intermodal freight operation. Since the summer of 2012, Minneapolis, MN-based Calhoun Truck Lines has invested money into its infrastructure, expanding into new locations, adding top talent from the intermodal community, and elevating its service, truck fleet and capacity to handle more business.

Now, today in the summer of 2013, Calhoun Truck Lines offers customers intermodal freight services and trucking capabilities from five locations – Minneapolis, Chicago, Omaha, Detroit and Indianapolis. Each of these locations are fully and professionally staffed, have electronic monitoring of freight, are certified to move freight among all the 48 contiguous states, and meet all the industry standards for driver safety and fuel efficiency programs.

“We made it a goal to hire and contract with talented employees and more “A-level” players throughout the intermodal community,” said President Brent Bois. “Those decisions throughout the past 12 months are really paying dividends right now. I have been contacted by other industry players and drivers who are interested in what we have going on at Calhoun and want to be a part of it,” said Bois.

This momentum for Calhoun Truck Lines was fueled in part by its name change in summer 2012 to its current name, after competitors were confusing Calhoun’s customers and partners with similar trucking outfit names. Through this change and a ramping up of talent and services, Calhoun has developed a strong name in Midwest intermodal trucking.

The company has reinvested money back into its infrastructure, using new servers, Qualcomm devices for all Calhoun trucks, and better support for the field offices, according to Bois. In addition, Calhoun has increased compensation to their owner operators and added an incentive-based bonus pay for safe and accountable drivers.

As important as it is for Calhoun to reinvest in their infrastructure, Bois believes that the drivers come first. Over the next three years Bois believes Calhoun will invest more money in driver retention than technology. “Once a driver contracts with our company and establishes a good working relationship with dispatch,” remarked Bois, “we want to make sure they are going to be with us for the long run.”

Calhoun’s commitment to helping owner operators succeed is critical in an environment that is starting to feel the impact of qualified drivers. This is important, as it helps make Calhoun Truck Lines a great option for safety conscious drivers looking to make good money and a solid trucking opportunity. For more information on the company and driving options, go to www.calhountrucklines.com.

Essential Cookware for a Contemporary Kitchen

The Evolution of Cookware Materials
Cookware has undergone significant transformations, with a variety of materials now available to cater to different cooking needs and preferences. Each material offers unique benefits and can impact the taste, nutritional value, and appearance of your food.

Non-Metallic Options for Safe and Convenient Cooking
Non-metallic cookware is a favorite for microwave and oven use. However, not all materials are suitable for high temperatures. For instance, stainless steel can pose risks in microwaves due to sparking. Here’s a closer look at non-metallic options:

Ceramics: Contrary to popular belief, ceramic cookware is typically metal with a sol-gel coating that provides a non-stick surface. This coating releases silicon oil when heated, making cleanup a breeze.
Silicone: Ideal for baking, silicone can withstand temperatures up to 360°C (680°F) but begins to melt around 500°C (932°F). It’s known for its flexibility and lightweight nature.
Glass: Borosilicate glass is a safe choice for high-temperature cooking, though it’s not recommended for stovetop use. Its transparency allows for easy monitoring of food.
Metallic Cookware for Superior Heat Conductivity
Metals are chosen for cookware due to their excellent thermal conductivity. However, some metals can react with certain foods, altering flavor. Here’s what you need to know about popular metallic cookware:

Stainless Steel: Renowned for its heat conductivity, stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, durable, non-reactive, and doesn’t require additional coating to prevent rust.
Copper: Known for its rapid heating, copper cookware often features a stainless steel lining to prevent reactions with food and to enhance durability.
Aluminum: Widely used for its light weight and good thermal conductivity, aluminum is available in various forms, including cast, sheet, and anodized, which are all corrosion-resistant.
Carbon Steel: Less expensive than stainless steel, carbon steel provides efficient heat distribution and is commonly used for frying pans, woks, and knives.
Cast Iron: Highly versatile and durable, cast iron cookware retains heat well and is suitable for ovens, grills, and stoves. It often comes pre-seasoned to protect the cooking surface.
Key Considerations When Choosing Cookware

Before investing in new cookware, keep the following tips in mind to ensure you select the best options for your kitchen:

Heft Matters: Cookware that conducts heat effectively is often heavier due to thick cladding.
Clad Cookware: Clad materials, made with layers of metal under high pressure, offer superior heat distribution.
Essential List: Create a list of necessary cookware to avoid purchasing items you won’t use.
Personalized Sets: Choose cookware sets that contain only the pieces you need to save space and money.
Versatile Use: Opt for cookware that is compatible with both microwaves and stoves for convenience and time-saving.
Conclusion
Cookware is an integral part of our daily lives, with a vast array of options available in the market. Whether you’re cooking on a stove, in a microwave, or an oven, the right cookware can make all the difference. By understanding the materials and features of modern cookware, you can make informed decisions that will enhance your culinary experiences and contribute to a well-equipped, contemporary kitchen.

For more insights into the cookware market and the latest trends, you can explore research by KBV Research here.

Elevate Your Online Presence with the Best SEO Services — VMD Digital

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. It’s not enough to have a website; you need to ensure that it’s easily discoverable by your target audience. This is where the best SEO services come into play, and VMD Digital is a company that stands out in this domain.

https://vmddigital.ca/seo-services/

What Are SEO Services?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results. When potential customers search for products or services related to your business, you want your website to appear at the top of the search results. This is where SEO services come in.

Why Do You Need the Best SEO Services?
The digital landscape is highly competitive. Without a well-executed SEO strategy, your website can easily get lost in the vast ocean of the internet. The best SEO services can help you cut through the clutter and make your website stand out.

VMD Digital is a company that specializes in providing top-notch SEO services. With a team of experienced professionals who understand the nuances of search engine algorithms, they can help your website climb the rankings and attract more organic traffic.

The Benefits of Choosing the Best SEO Services
Increased Visibility: When your website ranks higher in search engine results, it becomes more visible to potential customers. This increased visibility translates into more website traffic.
Targeted Traffic: The best SEO services not only focus on increasing traffic but also on bringing in the right kind of traffic. They optimize your website for relevant keywords, ensuring that the people who visit your site are genuinely interested in your products or services.
Improved User Experience: SEO involves making your website more user-friendly. This not only helps with rankings but also enhances the overall experience for your website visitors. A well-structured and easily navigable website is more likely to convert visitors into customers.
Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to many other forms of digital marketing, SEO is often more cost-effective. Once your website ranks well, you can enjoy a consistent stream of organic traffic without the need for extensive paid advertising.
Long-Term Results: A well-optimized website can maintain its ranking for an extended period. This means that the benefits of SEO services can be long-lasting, providing a solid return on investment.
Why Choose VMD Digital for Your SEO Needs?

VMD Digital is not just another SEO company. They are a dedicated team of experts who are passionate about helping businesses succeed online. Here’s why you should consider VMD Digital for your SEO needs:

Proven Track Record: VMD Digital has a track record of delivering results. They have helped numerous businesses improve their online visibility and increase their traffic.
Tailored Strategies: VMD Digital understands that every business is unique. They tailor their SEO strategies to meet your specific needs and goals.
Transparency: You’ll always be in the know about what’s happening with your SEO campaign. VMD Digital believes in transparency and will keep you informed about the progress of your project.
Continuous Optimization: SEO is an ongoing process, and VMD Digital is committed to continuous optimization. They’ll adapt to changes in search engine algorithms and keep your website performing at its best.
Comprehensive Services: VMD Digital offers a wide range of SEO services, including keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and content creation. They have all the tools necessary to boost your online presence.
Conclusion
In the digital world, a strong online presence can make or break a business. To ensure that your website is easily discoverable by potential customers, it’s essential to invest in the best SEO services. VMD Digital is a company that excels in this field, with a proven track record and a commitment to helping businesses succeed online. Don’t let your website get lost in the vastness of the internet; choose the best SEO services to elevate your online presence and promote VMD Digital today.