John G Smith

Detroit Reman acquiring Mascot Truck Parts

DETROIT, MI - Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing is acquiring the U.S. and Canadian business units of Mascot Truck Parts, which remanufactures driveline components for heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks.

Wabco turns to steering with Sheppard deal

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - Wabco Holdings has signed an agreement to acquire RH Sheppard -- a U.S. maker of power steering gears -- securing access to a key piece of technology needed for self-driving vehicles.

Helpful Moves: Trucks come to the rescue in BC and beyond

British Columbia residents were still fleeing the path of wildfires in mid-July when Shane Reynolds took stock of the supplies on hand. "We're storing 5,000 cots, 5,000 blankets, and other material," said the operations manager at Landtran Logistics' facility in Prince George. "We'll be helping with local delivery of supplies when the Red Cross tells us what has to be done." Having grown up in B.C., then working around Fort McMurray, Alberta, Reynolds knows the devastation that wildfires can bring. With a job in trucking, he understands the challenge of moving relief supplies. He was even part of a team that set up distribution centers after Hurricane Katrina slammed into the U.S. in 2005. When disaster strikes, there are always goods to move and a need for trucks to move them.

SPECIAL REPORT: The early days of mandatory training

TORONTO, ON -- Darryl Robitaille belongs to a rare graduating class, one of the first future truck drivers to study under Ontario's new Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) regime. That means he had to complete at least 103.5 hours of approved training before the Ontario Ministry of Transportation would allow him to take the road test for an AZ licence to drive tractor-trailers. He failed on the first attempt. "The road test I did fine on," says the resident of Caledonia, Ontario, referring to actions like steering and backing. His challenge was with new questions linked to pre-trip inspections. "I was extremely nervous," Robitaille adds. This despite the fact that he personally completed a 200-hour training program, well above the mandated minimum introduced on July 1. But with a little extra studying he passed the test on his second attempt. Now he is looking to secure his first job behind the wheel. Robitaille can take comfort in knowing he wasn't alone.

Kenworth Ontario moves Ottawa-area dealership

OTTAWA, ON - Kenworth Ontario has moved its Ottawa-area dealership to a new 43,000-square-foot facility about 35 kilometers southeast of Parliament Hill.

Handheld LED spotlight

Larson Electronics has a new handheld LED spotlight that features an inline transformer and 100-foot cord reel.

New API for FleetWave

Chevin Fleet Solutions has introduced a new Application Program Interface (API) for its FleetWave product, providing external access to specific pockets of software data.

Swint to lead Travis Body and Trailer

HOUSTON, TX - Truck Bodies and Equipment International (TBEI) has named Stuart Swint as general manager and president of Travis Body and Trailer.

Wabash Canada earns 5-star designation

LAFAYETTE, IN - Wabash Canada is one of just a handful of companies that have been awarded five-star dealer status for 2016.

Consider it Sold: Tips to maximize used vehicle value

If you've spent any time channel surfing, it's impossible to avoid the proliferation of home improvement and house flipping shows. And they all reflect a common theme: preparing a pre-owned item always pays dividends when it comes time to sell.

Border Barriers: A trucking wish list for NAFTA

OTTAWA, ON -- So it begins. The North American Free Trade Agreement that governs every load of freight crossing the Canada-U.S. border is now formally being renegotiated. In the midst of talk about tariffs and taxes, however, regulators are also looking for ways to streamline the crossings themselves.

Drivewyze expands into North Dakota

EDMONTON, AB - Drivewyze's weigh station bypass service has expanded into North Dakota, including 13 different approaches to seven fixed weigh stations and eight mobile sites.

Speed up truck border crossings: CFIB

OTTAWA, ON - The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is asking the federal government to help speed up border crossings for trucks, as work begins to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Gibson Energy should shed trucks: Investor

LONDON, UK - M&G Investments is calling for a wide array of changes at Gibson Energy, including the exit of all trucking business not linked to core infrastructure assets.

Yako stepping down as BCTA chief

LANGLEY, BC - Louise Yako has announced that by the end of this year she will step down as president and Chief Executive Officer of the British Columbia Trucking Association (BCTA) - a role she has held for six years. She has been a staff member of the province's largest trucking association for two decades. "I am so fortunate to have been able to work at this great organization that represents such a necessary industry. Over the years, I've had the privilege to work with and for knowledgeable, dedicated and supportive members," she said in a written announcement. "BCTA has survived and thrived for more than 100 years. I know that its future will be at least as successful as its past."