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.
XL 110 features 15-inch loaded deck height
XL Specialized Trailers’ XL 110 low-profile hydraulic detachable gooseneck trailer has been unveiled with a 15-inch loaded deck height, which the company says is the lowest in the industry and can accommodate loads that would otherwise need a dropside trailer.
Normandin Transit sells to TFI International
MONTREAL, Que. – TFI International has purchased Normandin Transit, one of the highest-profile fleets in Quebec. The Napierville operation had grown to 300 tractors and 1,000 trailers since being founded in 1988, and offered LTL and truckload services across North America. It will now run as a unit within TFI’s LTL operating segment but will continue to be led by siblings Danielle and André Normandin.
U.S. proposal would pause 14-hour limits
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A recently proposed bill in the U.S. would allow truck drivers to effectively pause their 14-hour on-duty limits for up to three consecutive hours – as long as they are off-duty during the break. “I’m proud to introduce the REST Act and give America’s truckers the options they need to safely operate under today’s rigid federal regulations,” said Rep. Brian Babin, a member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This bill is an important step in making the way for improved highway safety.” According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, those running in the U.S. can't drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on-duty, following 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time.
Think Tanks: There’s a right way and wrong way to fill up
MONTREAL, Que. -- Some truck components have been around for so long that they rarely receive a second thought, and dual fuel tanks are a perfect example. Introduced to extend the range of trucks between refills, the tanks are usually mounted on opposite sides of the frame rails. But this also introduces hazards that emerge with two separate filling points.
Guiding Star, Shelley’s Destiny
AYR, Ont. – Shelley Uvanile-Hesch is beaming like anyone who receives the keys to a brand new truck. But the Sharp Transportation driver is particularly proud of the message her Western Star 5700XE will soon carry back and forth to the U.S. The truck is wrapped with pictures of women who have found a place in Canada’s trucking industry, and promotes the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada.
Freightliner led January sales
TORONTO, Ont. -- Freightliner was the clear truck sales leader this January, moving 676 Class 8 trucks in Canada, figures supplied by WardsAuto show. The brand also held the top market share in Class 7, selling 212 units. Even in Class 6, it led the way with 80 Canadian sales. Dip down to Class 5, though, and Ford held the top spot with 156 trucks.