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.
Trucking is growing, but watch NAFTA and driver shortage
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Trucking activity is surging thanks to an array of economic factors in the U.S., but there would be a steep price to pay if U.S. President Donald Trump follows through on threats to pull out of NAFTA. “NAFTA trade via truck supports over 46,000 jobs in our industry, including nearly 31,000 truck driver jobs,” the ATA's Bob Costello observed during Omnitracs’ fourth-annual Outlook conference.
Ryder preaches safety. The Canadians lead the way.
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- The safety messages are found at every turn, usually in a bold red and black. There are reminders not to smoke, and the need to wear safety glasses and safety shoes. Lockout tags and keys hang from door handles to ensure vehicles are not unexpectedly started while someone is working underneath. They’re the not-so-subtle signs of Ryder’s commitment to safety in this Mississauga, Ont., shop and beyond.
