Rise in Oct. tonnage means a happy holiday: ATA
ARLINGTON, VA - For-hire truck tonnage was up in October, suggesting a happy holiday season is to come, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA). The ATA's seasonally adjusted for-hire truck tonnage index rose 3.3% from the month before, after a decline of 1.9% was posted in September.
VersaCold launches Phase 1 on new facility
MILTON, ON - VersaCold Logistics announced the opening of Phase 1 of its new Milton distribution center, as part of their overall growth strategy that includes an expanded partnership with Nestle's Canada. With more than 19.1 million cubic feet, the company's biggest-ever capital investment will be one of Canada's largest third-party operated refrigerated facilities once it's completed next year.
Pilot Flying J ‘harvesting’ extra food for those in need
KNOXVILLE, TN - At the beginning of a season of giving, Pilot Flying J and Food Donation Connection (FDC) have announced a partnership to supply extra food items to local non-profits and food bank agencies to help families facing hunger next year. The largest operator of travel centers in North America said they will be participating in the Harvest Program, a nation-wide initiative in the United States to combat hunger in areas Pilot Flying J is located by 'harvesting' surplus food - such as hot PJ Fresh pizza slices, burgers and premium breakfast sandwiches - and safely prepare and freeze it for donation to local food banks and shelters.
Eberspaecher NA growing; recognized by GM
WIXOM, MI - Eberspaecher's North America says it's poised for growth while celebrating its General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award for 2016. The exhaust technology business was recently given the award for the 2016 calendar year. The recognition was for the Wixom manufacturing facility for achieving what the company calls a very stringent set of quality performance criteria set by GM, and for its support of the GM organization.
Penske rolls out ELD compliant app for rental trucks
READING, PA - With less than a month to go before the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate takes effect in the United States, Penske Truck Leasing has released a new application (app) for its commercial rental customers to help them be compliant when on the road.
Dauch named chairman of the HDBF
DEARBORN, MI - The president and CEO of Accuride is the new chairman of the Heavy Duty Business Forum (HDBF). Rick Dauch is the 38th chairman of the HDBF, and won the position for 2018 at elections held following the group's 80th biannual meeting last week. Dauch succeeds Stephen Mance, president and CEO of Defiance Metal Products.
Pirelli brand truck tires coming to Canada
SAN DIEGO, CA - A Pirelli-owned brand of commercial truck tires will get a wider distribution network in Canada through a partnership between TP Commercial Solutions and Dynamic Tire. The companies announced the partnership to distribute the tires as part of TP Commercial's North American expansion plan since its roll-out of the Pentathlon D, Formula Driver II, G:85 Series, and Pentathlon C tires earlier this year.
18 wheels is bringing Christmas to those in need
DIEPPE, NB - The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) and the Trucks for Change Network are loading up Christmas on to 18 wheels, and bringing it to those in need this year. The groups are organizing an industry-wide food collection drive from Nov. 27 to Dec. 11 to support food banks in communities across Atlantic Canada. The drive is being called the "18 Wheels of Christmas in Atlantic Canada." The groups say it was inspired by Rosenau Transport who originally developed the project several years ago to support food banks in Alberta.
Tesla Class 8’s will hit Canadian roads
MONTREAL, QC - More than 30 of Tesla's new fully-electric Class 8's could be on the road in Canada as soon as 2019. Three companies - including Canadian grocery and pharmacy giant Loblaw Companies - have wasted no time in making the move to the newly launched trucks. Tesla showcased the new Class 8 vehicles with an unveiling event in California last Thursday. Loblaw, J.B. Hunt, and Walmart announced Friday they each had secured pre-orders with the company. Although a final price for the trucks hasn't been listed yet, Loblaw put deposits of $5000 per truck on 25 of the vehicles, currently set to be released sometime in 2019. Walmart is also reporting a buy-in of 15 trucks, 10 of which will go to its Canadian operations, while the others will go to operations in the United States.
More drivers are buckling up: FMCSA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - More truck drivers are wearing their seat belt, according to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A national survey conducted by the group found that seat belt usage in the U.S. was up to a record level of 86% in 2016, from just 65% in 2007. FMCSA deputy administrator Cathy F. Gautreaux says while the results of the survey are good news, work would continue on the issue until 100% of drivers buckled up on the road.
OTA releases five-point safety action plan
TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) released a five-point action plan for improving truck safety this morning. The plan aims to work with law enforcement officials to assure the public that safety on the roads is the top priority of fleets owners, drivers, and other members of the industry, after a recent string of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles on Ontario highways had Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Vince Hawkes calling trucks "missiles."