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John G Smith
John G. Smith is the editorial director of Newcom Media's trucking and supply chain publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, TruckTech, Transport Routier, and Road Today. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.
VW shows interest in majority Navistar stake
MUNICH, Germany – Volkswagen is showing interest in acquiring a majority of Navistar “at some point,” building on a minority stake that has already been secured. Volkswagen Truck and Bus acquired 16.6% of Navistar in 2016, and has already committed to developing a joint big bore powertrain for the North American market, as well as a medium-duty electric powertrain. Now Volkswagen's commercial arm is also preparing for a potential stock listing as it looks to take on other global manufacturers including Daimler and Volvo.
Honoring Humboldt: We must learn the lessons that emerge
The only thing we really know about the collision at the intersection of Saskatchewan highways 35 and 335 is the extent of the tragedy. Sixteen members of the Humboldt Broncos family, all too young, were lost in early April when a bus and truck collided. Thirteen more were injured. The scars, both physical and emotional, remain.
Intermodal volumes on the rise
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Intermodal volumes and related rates are on the rise this year, buoyed by a strong U.S. economy, but a shortage of rail capacity is also pushing more of the freight onto trucks, FTR Transportation Intelligence reports. “We’re still expecting healthy growth in rates, even in the back half of the year,” said senior transportation analyst Todd Tanausky, during a webinar on the topic.
Volvo unveils electric truck in Europe
GOTHENBURG, Sweden – Volvo Trucks has unveiled its first all-electric commercial truck in Europe, with the Volvo FL Electric that will begin production in 2019. With a gross vehicle weight of about 35,000 pounds, the model is designed for applications like urban distribution and refuse collection.
XL adds galvanized trailer to line-up
XL Specialized Trailers has expanded its galvanized trailer series to include the Mechanical Full-width Gooseneck (MFG) model. The 80 MFG, like the other galvanized lowboys, is made with T-1 flange, and 80K web, with the hot-dip galvanizing process providing a barrier between the natural elements and steel. Every area is protected by fully submerging the trailer in hot zinc, the company says.
New CTA chairman looks to raise regional voices
TORONTO, Ont. -- This isn’t the first time Scott Smith has occupied a seat at the head of a boardroom table. The president and chief executive officer of Ontario-based JD Smith led the Ontario Trucking Association from 2004-06. Now, just a little over a decade later, he has been handed the gavel for the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). As familiar as the role might appear, this is a time of significant change among some of Canada’s largest trucking associations. Stephen Laskowski is entering his first full year as chief executive officer of the Canadian Trucking Alliance itself. Recent months have seen changes to senior staff at the British Columbia Trucking Association and Alberta Motor Transport Association, too.