Month: June 2015

Finding A Global Logistics Partner Part 2

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Accessing a new freight broker or shopping for one initially often comes with some confusion.  Every freight broker works a bit differently, no two are the same.  There are several things to consider in your quest to find a perfect match with your business philosophy.  We will look in depth at questions to use when you are interviewing freight brokers.  Remember that the freight broker you choose will be an integral part of your business success; your goal is to find a dependable company to work that has the same customer service philosophy as you do.

How do they select their carriers?

Just like you have to research a freight broker they have to investigate carriers to work with.  You need to ask about the selection criteria they use to choose carriers for shipping your freight.  They should be concerned with the carrier’s safety records, reputation within the industry, length of time they have been in business, the age of their equipment fleet and the number of trucks and drivers they have.  Their carriers are about to become your LTL freight shippers.

How are their communication skills?

You need to choose a freight broker that works with carriers that will represent your company and product as if you were hand delivering it.  The carrier’s dispatchers will be working directly with your clients on status updates, delivery notices and ensuring that the shipment arrives where it should and in the condition it was promised.  How well the broker communicates with you is a solid indicator of how well communication runs throughout their operation.

How good is their billing department?

This may not seem super important to you but in reality is a key aspect of logistic organization.  Find a freight broker that offers accurate, detailed and timely billing.  This is important to your business as many times the cost of shipping can be passed off to your customers.  Inaccurate billing on the part of the freight broker in turn leads to billing errors to your customers, thus throwing off the finances within your logistic department.

Ask them to provide references?

Check out the freight brokers references.  Meet with references that manufacture and ship similar goods to what you offer in the same areas that you ship too.  This will give you a complete idea of what you can expect from them.  Talk in depth about recent performance, including issues and how they have been handled.

There is a lot to consider when choosing a broker to handle your LTL freight services.  Follow your instincts.  The cost of their services should not be the only reason to hire or not hire a freight shipping broker as good customer services is often worth some extra pennies here and there.

Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com.

 

Detroit LTL

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Steps To Take Before Divorcing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Before a couple decides that their marriage is over and a divorce is inevitable it is advisable to seek out alternative options.  While not every marriage is salvageable it is best to be sure yours isn’t before taking the step to dissolve it permanently.  Divorce is a difficult process not only for you and your spouse but also for your children and extended family.  Strongly consider looking into some or all of the options below before calling it quits.  Divorce is the last step in marriage and considerably one that should be worked to avoid.

Seek out the advice of a divorce attorney even as you try to salvage your marriage as they can also help you to protect yourself in this volatile state.  A divorce attorney has critical advice to share as well as contacts within your local community to help you as you salvage your marriage and thereafter if divorce is the chosen option in the end.

Marriage counseling is the first step that is often recommended to couples who are struggling to keep their marriage intact.  Marriage counseling takes commitment and work from both partners to have any hope at success.  Counseling will help you identify problems in the marriage and work towards resolution.  Even if in the end you feel like a permanent separation in the form of divorce is needed you and your spouse should take away a good deal of information to help lead towards productive communication as issues come about in the divorce and custody process.

A trial separation may be a next step to consider as it will allow you and your spouse to work on your issues apart.  The hard part of a trial separation is when it comes to your children.  Try to work out a solution that allows you to separate but not uproot the children and their day to day routine and activities.  The space that comes with a trial separation is invaluable.  In order for this to be an effective manner in which you continue to work on your marriage you must work together.  Create a timeline so that both parties have specifics on how long the separation will last and what each of you desires upon reconciliation.

When moving forward with either of the above options or both of them it is important that you seek advice from an attorney specializing in divorce.  Seeking council should not be considered a step closer to the dissolution of your marriage but instead as a way to protect yourself if in fact a divorce is inevitable even after marriage counseling and/or a trial separation.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Longton Law

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Focusing On The Positive Effects Of Divorce On Your Children

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The effects your divorce has on your children don’t all have to be negative.  Some aspects of divorce can actually affect your children in a positive manner.  If your marriage is one of unhappiness and void of love and respect your children see this hurt every day.   So even though divorce will be difficult on your children positives may occur.  Your children’s reality is built around you both as parents.  This does not mean that it is the only way in which this can occur is under the same roof.

There will be issues that come and go with having parents under separate roofs but they are not any worse than those that can arise with two parents under one roof that are not working as a one.  There are several ways in which parenting together under different roofs leaves your children better off than the alternative.

Communication is the key to ensuring your kids are not afflicted by the negative effects divorce can have on them.  The dissolution of your marriage and those issues are between the two of you and have absolutely nothing to do with the children you created together.  Leave your children out of the discussion that surround finances, property division, custody agreements and such.  Let your kids be kids.  When you are with them communicate in an appropriate manner with your ex.  Be civil enough to communicate with one another with the details surrounding visits as well as the children’s day to day life.  You don’t have to agree but those are the details that should be left out when talking with your children or when they are in ear shot.

Your children should not be expected to change the lifestyle they are accustomed to because of your divorce.  This is something that is not always possible but working together should be probable.  Money spent on your children, for your children and such is just that, money spent on the children you chose to have together.   If your children are accustomed to having a cell phone for instance, this is not an expense that is normal to be included when deciding upon a reasonable monthly child support stipend.  Make arrangements with your ex to split the bill no matter whose name the bill is under.  These situations will arise time and time again with driver’s education, school field trips or outings with friends.  Be clear that the money that is spent for child’s support if used for the basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter.  The extras should not be expected to be taken from this fund.

The effects of your divorce on your children will depend on the two of you.  Good communication does not mean that you agree on each and every decision what is does mean is that the effects of your divorce on your children will be more positive then negative.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce.  For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Longton Law

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Decisions In Finishing Your Pools Interior

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Are you dreaming of an in-ground pool for your backyard?  There are many details to consider when installing a pool.  A solid foundation, piping needed for the pools water system and electricity are crucial decisions and details that need to be considered and worked out before ground is broken for the installation of your new pool.  After working out the crucial details that affect the longevity of the pools structure it is time to consider the dramatic affects that will make your pool area aesthetic and not to mention protected.

Various materials can be used as the final layer over the gunite structure of your pool.  The interior material of the pool is what creates the unique visual aspect of your pool.  Not only can it offer color it enhances the reflections around the pool area and enhances the benefits derived from the interior.  Another detail that is provided by the interior material of your homes pool is texture.  You need to choose a material that adds a desirable amount of texture as well to help create a safe, slip free pool interior.

Various pool materials need special care as well. When considering the material to install within the interior of your pool take into consideration not only the appealing nature of the materials but also the maintenance, up keep, life span and cost of replacement.  Below you will find a detail of materials available to create the outdoor space you have been dreaming of.

Tile:  Using tile on the interior structure of your pool is a popular option that can add a lot of flair to your pool.  If the exterior landscape of your pool area is simple this is a great way to add some flair without adding a lot of maintenance to the area.  Tiles offer a longer lifespan than many gunite pool interiors but can be timely to install.  This is countered by the cost saving advantage that comes from using tile for the interior surface of your pool.

Pebble: If you are looking for a natural material feel to your pool are pebbles are the way to go.  Picture in your head the look of a lagoon, a waterfall with a picturesque waterfall.  This is the effect achieved when using a mixture of aggregates.  Using pebbles is a great option to avoid the use grout and the aggregate is highly durable and resistant to stains as well as to the chemicals used in treating your pool’s water.

Plaster:  Plaster is the most popular option in pool interiors.  It is the most economical way to achieve the luxury of owning an in-ground pool.  When the plaster needs to be replaced it is a simple manner in which experienced pool plasters can do without a lot of downtime.  If you choose to use plain white plaster in the pool the water is beautifully enhanced by the natural color of the sky, sun and surrounding landscape.

Vinyl:  Vinyl is a low maintenance option for an in-ground pool.  Vinyl can be used to design basically any shape or size pool you desire.  They do not crack easily and have a long life span due to the ability to flex and resist the affects of ground movement.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass is the priciest option in interior pool materials.  Fiberglass offers a smooth surface that feels great on your feet.  Because fiberglass is non-porous it is resistant to algae growth.  It is also said to be stronger than many other types of pool finishes.

There is a lot to think about when designing and installing an in-ground pool.  Every decision you make will come with pros and cons.  You need to weigh them, over the cost of the project to build a dream recreation area within your allotted budget and time frame.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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Bathroom Modification That Make Aging In Place Possible

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The baby boomer generation is reaching the age of retirement.  They are starting to take into consideration the options that they have on where to live.  Seniors have more options than ever before because of the advancements in the technology that makes living within their own homes possible.  In the past a retirement home or assisted living facility was the only option older adults had.  This has been forever changed with the improvements found with age in place modification.

Professional contractors that specialize in handicap construction, ADA building codes and age in place modifications are a new breed of home improvement specialists.  They are able to take an ordinary home environment and make small renovations to greatly increase the quality of life for this older generation. One of the biggest worries for most of us is the safety of our parents as they go about the daily task of caring for themselves.  The number one room in the house for life altering accidents for seniors is the bathroom.  Specific bathroom age in place renovations will help decrease the likelihood of this occurring to someone you love.

The first thing that should be installed is high quality grab bars.  When installing grab bars, professional age in place contractors will use special anchors to ensure that no matter how much weight is put on the bar that it will not fail.  The anchor used is as important as the grab bar.  Grab bars should be placed in the shower as well as on the wall used for support exiting the shower area.  It is preferable at this point in life that a stand up shower without an entry lip is installed over the ordinary bath tub shower combinations that have been present in the past.

A seat should also be installed within the shower area, preferably a seat that is built in and permanently placed.  A temporary shower seat is an okay substitution when necessary but if the bathroom is being completely renovated work to build in a convenient seat for users.  A shower seat is extremely helpful to help older adults clean in areas unreachable from a standing position.  Your age in place specialist will also recommend a removable shower head.  This too adds convenience in accessing and thoroughly cleaning spots that water is unable to reach well from a standing position.

Cabinet hardware and shelving should be upgrades to options that make access simpler.   Seniors often lose mobility in their hands making cabinet hardware difficult to grasp.  Cabinet hardware should be changed to the type that allows them to be pulled open.  The same is true for shelving.  Install shelving that slides in and out.  This makes the entire cabinet accessible without having to dip down or bend over.  Both tasks become more difficult with aging.

As far as the electrical changes in the bathroom it is important to add extra lighting lower electrical outlets.  If a wheelchair is needed the lower electrical outlets will allow seniors to avoid reaching out of their chairs to plug appliances in or turn lights on.  Extra lighting is important as well.  It is important to enhance existing lighting with florescent bulbs and add direct lighting where needed.

Being independent leaves seniors living higher quality longer lives.  Age in place remodeling can ensure this gift is one that you can be bestow upon your loved ones.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Tips When Comparing Entry Driveway Gates

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When comparing entry systems a driveway gate is one of the most effective methods that can be used to keep your home or business secure and inaccessible.  Depending on the level of security you desire along with your budget you have a variety of options to choose from with your entry gate system.  You will want to take into consideration the size and variety of vehicles that will be entering the premise to prevent entry and exit hassles.  All while concentrating on the size, strength and features you desire in an entry gate.

Consideration When Comparing Driveway Gates

Size of the Driveway Gate: The mistake many people make when purchasing an entry system is that they size the gate off of the size of their vehicle without the consideration of other vehicles that may need to enter.  Entry gates must be large enough that emergency vehicles can safely enter and exit the area without hassle.  Leave additional space to prevent accidents and mishaps that can come with automatic driveway gates.

Entry Access System:  When choosing an access control system for your driveway gate the greatest consideration should be ease of use.  A manual entry system has the same inconveniences that come a conventional entry way.  You will have to enter and exit the vehicle each and every time you open and close the gate.  This also leaves room for the gate to be easily accessed by others.  Choose an entry system that allows for automatic entry.  This can be in the form of a remote control, key pad or several other options. Automatic entry access systems are growing in popularity due to their effectiveness in providing privacy, security and convenience.

Driveway Gate Design:  A driveway gate has two different design options: sliding or swing.  There are also several different ornamental style options to choose from as well.  Swing gates are often less expensive than sliding gates.  Sliding gates need adequate space on both sides of the gate where as a sliding gate needs additional room to the front and back of the entrance.   Both options are popular amongst homeowners and commercial users.  The deciding factor for which is better for your entry way will be the space in which it is to be installed.

Material Durability: Your driveway entry gate must be made from a material that is made for durability in the climate you live.  It must be resistant to the harsh weather of your area.  Consider the materials sturdiness and maintenance level as well when picking a material for your fence.  Wooden entry gates are beautiful but require expensive upkeep to keep them looking as if they were just installed whereas aluminum and wrought iron gates are a bit more expensive upfront they don’t require the intense maintenance of wood.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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Increase Your ROI On Industrial Equipment With Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In manufacturing it is important to extend the life of your equipment.  The return on investment is examined in great detail even before pieces are purchased.  The equipment alone can’t be held responsible for this feat; the people running the machines need to be responsible to perform regular, routine maintenance as well.  To ensure a proper ROI look into developing a companywide policy on the residual care of equipment.  Below are some considerations to look at as you develop a plan of action to extend the life of your equipment.

One of the first steps to take when working to improve the longevity of industrial equipment is to ensure the employees running the machines are trained properly.  If there are multiple users for certain larger pieces of equipment maintain a usage log along with a checklist of procedures to perform before, during and after the machine is used.

Make sure that all operators of equipment are set with the knowledge they need to spot issues before they arise.  Replacing electrical wear items before failure saves manufacturers thousands of dollars.  Not only do you prevent employee down time while the machine is being serviced you also prevent emergency service fees which quickly add up to triple the cost of regularly replacing electrical components that are known to wear with extended use.

Create a checklist for machines with many moving parts.  Ensure that these pieces of equipment are on a regular schedule for lubrication.  Lubricating parts that are constantly moving increases the longevity of the machine.  Create a checklist that is specific to each piece of equipment and the types of oils and grease to be used on each.  Teach users what to look for to help diagnosis problems before the problem becomes critical.  Check for residual build-up and signs of excess oil during this process as these issues can be a sign of problems before they arise.

By simply replacing electrical components as they begin to wear companies can save themselves a tremendous amount of money.  Electrical components on large equipment each have a unique life span.  Take this into consideration and replace items such as fuses, circuits, bus plugs, transformers and switchboards.  Even if the component has not failed yet replacing it before it does works to benefit the equipment.  A components failure while in use can cause more damage to the piece as a whole.  A modern example of this is refilling the gas in your cars tank before it is completely empty.  Running a car without gas causes many other components within the car to fail.  The same is true of running manufacturing equipment with failed electrical components.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Roofing Within An Allotted Budget

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is important for homeowners to consider what they want in a new roof, roof replacement or roof repair and how to go about getting it within their allotted budget.  In order to do this it is crucial that you know exactly what you can afford to spend on the venture and define cost saving alternatives available to help make your project work within your allotted budget.  Below you will find steps to help you refine the roofing process.

Should you replace or repair your roof?

This question is one that is not easily answered.  In order to determine if your roof is in need of repair or replacing you must take into a variety of considerations.  Repairing a leak in your shingle roof may be a preferable option over a complete roof replacement due to lower cost and time restrictions.  However, there are several things to consider before jumping to that conclusion.  Some of the things you will need to look at are the age of the roof, the history of previous repairs on the roof and the consideration of finding materials that will match the existing roof structure.

How will the structure and design of your roof affect the materials available and cost of labor?

The selection of roofing materials to choose from in replacing your roof will be limited to the underlying structure of the roof.  Not all existing structures can support new materials.  It isn’t common to replace a shingle roof with tile or slate which is the heaviest of roofing materials.  Different roofing materials, as well as the design and angles of your roof can increase the cost of a new roof significantly.

What style and cost considerations are there?

When looking into putting a new roof on your home you must take into consideration the style of your home.  If you have a shingle roof budget but a villa style home you need to seriously consider one of two things: saving more money or looking for a material that is complementary to the homes style that fits within your allotted budget.  It is crucial to the curb appeal of your home to consider the aesthetics of the new roof.

Who will you choose as your roofing contractor?

A quality roofing contractor is even more important than superior quality roofing materials.  Instead of looking for the lowest bid look for an experienced roofing contractor that has a proven record for installing the materials you are choosing for your new roof.  Quality installation makes the difference in all home improvement projects your roof included.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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The Cliff Note Version Of Obtaining A Mortgage Loan

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The real estate market is currently in full bloom.  Mortgage rates had been at an all time low however recently have started to come back up.  This makes people want to buy a home sooner than later.  Everyone is looking to pay the lowest interest rate possible on a new mortgage.  With mortgage rates slowly rising many people find now is the time to buy a home.  The steps below are the cliff notes when it comes to finding a mortgage while the rates are still at record lows.

Get Your Credit Rating Ready

Your credit score is one of the biggest factors when determining if you will get approved for a home loan and if so what type of interest rate you will qualify for.  If you know you are going to be looking for a home and therefore a home loan it is important that you get a copy of your credit report and start working on improving your credit score.  Errors on your credit report, applying for more debt and several other factors can affect your credit score.  This in turn can make a huge difference when working to achieve the lowest interest rate on a new mortgage loan.  It can also be the difference between getting approved and not getting approved.

Improve Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Take inventory of how much you have going out verse how much money you have coming in.  This is another large consideration when applying for a loan.  It is important to reduce your debt before applying for a mortgage.   This can be done by making larger payments on credit card debt, car loans and outstanding loans to help boost your ratio.

Start Saving For a Down Payment

A large down payment can save you big bucks immediately.  Without a decent down payment you most likely will end up paying a PMI amount each month with your mortgage payment.  This can add up to an extra payment that could be used towards the principal of your mortgage but instead is being wasted on mortgage insurance.   Most mortgages require a down payment that falls between five and twenty percent to get the best possible interest rate and avoid paying mortgage insurance.

Find a Mortgage Lender or Broker

When looking into buying a home an experienced mortgage lender or broker can completely transform your mortgage experience.  Shop around until you find someone you are comfortable working with.  Find someone who is willing to work closely with you and that works to help you understand the complete home loan process.  Find a lender who is straightforward and cuts through the idiosyncrasies of the process to get you the best interest rate available that you qualify for.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

 

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Tips In Buying Your First Home After Your Family Has Been Established

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you are a first time home buyer with a family there are chances you are a bit anxious to begin the process of finding a home to call your own.  Buying your first home when you are single and unattached is different than buying a home when you are married with a family to consider.  There are other people’s needs and desires to take into account and therefore more to think about.

One of the first things to bear in mind is the cost of a new home, not just the payment but the increase in expenses overall.  You will want to determine what you can afford; in order to do this you will want to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan.  The amount that you are pre-approved for is just an estimate of what a lender is willing to lend to you and not to be used as a bench mark on the amount you need to spend on your first home.  Use the amount as a guideline.  Be willing to look at homes under and slightly above your pre-approval amount.  This can be used as a solid negotiation tool if you find a home slightly above your price point in getting the seller to negotiate a lower asking price.

After you have been pre-approved it is time to look into finding a real estate agent to work with.  An experienced, full time agent will help you find a home that meets the needs of your family within your price point.  A realtor will have foresight and connections into homes that are currently on the market and also those that are soon to be coming available.  This can be helpful to you as a buyer with a family because they can put you ahead of other buyers in the chase to find a home within a certain location.  Location will be everything to you as a buyer with a family.  Whether it is a certain school district or distance to and from work you will be more specific on a location over first time home buyers without a family.

Another point to consider when buying a home with a family is that you must have the home inspected.  When you have a family your home needs to be virtually move-in ready.  Minor updates and aesthetic items can be overlooked but when it comes to major structural damage or repairs above and beyond normal maintenance you may want to consider moving on in your quest to find the perfect home.

Buying your first home with your family in tow may not be the easiest of all situations but will for certainly be worthwhile and rewarding.  Take time find a reputable real estate agent that will help you find a solid home well within your budget in a location that works well for your entire family.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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