John G Smith

The possibility — and limits — of remote diagnostics

MONTREAL, QC - Manufacturers are more closely connected to individual engines than ever before. Telematics make it possible to monitor fault codes in real time, inform vehicle owners of the problems, and even identify service locations that stock the required parts. Stephane Godbout, the president of SG Consulting, just wants more. He understands the value of data, having worked for a fleet that adopted Detroit Technician in more than 500 trucks as early as 2012. "It was a lot of data to start out with," Godbout recalled during the SCEF maintenance summit in Montreal. "We had to scale back because our people were swamped with data. They didn't know what to do with it."

A Canadian Pete, eh

This is Canada's sesquicentennial and Peterbilt is helping to celebrate with the new Canadian 150th Anniversary Edition Model 389.

All-aluminum platform trailer

Dorsey Trailer's Aluminum Giant all-aluminum platform trailer trailers can carry 80,000 pounds overall, and 52,000 pounds in four feet, but it is also saving weight. The new models have starting tare weights of less than 8,900 pounds.

Upgraded goosenecks from XL Specialized

XL Specialized Trailers has updated its low-profile Hydraulic Detachable Gooseneck (HDG) models with a low-profile gooseneck that features a relief cutout that provides extra space between the trailer and truck.

Equalizing beam with bushing

The Hendrickson Genuine Parts equalizing beam now comes with a patented rotating bar pin end bushing to support easier installations.

Trailer for medium-duty construction equipment

XL Specialized Trailers' new XL 80 Power Tail trailer is designed to move medium-duty construction equipment, and features a hydraulic fold-under flip tail ramp for quick loading and unloading.

Extendable lowboy with galvanized protection

The new Mechanical Detachable Extendable (MDE) model from XL Specialized Trailers combines an extendable lowboy with galvanized metal to protect against corrosion.

Free video series explains CVSA inspections

TORONTO, ON - Today's Trucking magazine has launched a free online video series that offers new insights into roadside inspections, and already posted the first five installments at www.todaystrucking.com.

Train names national sales manager

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Train Trailer Rentals has promoted district sales manager Shawn Rogers to the newly created position of national sales manager for Canada.

Penske unveils data platform

READING, PA - Penske Truck Leasing has unveiled a proprietary data platform -- Penske Connected Fleet -- that lets the company connect its systems to virtually any truck and engine configuration or telematics service provider.

After-hours networking makes a difference: Pylypiw

CALEDON, ON -- If you just work nine to five and typically shun the after-work social networking scene with a shoulder shrug or lame excuse, you may be missing out on valuable tools that could be advancing your career or simply making your job easier. Most of work around the same people every day, often developing routines that can be hard to shake. But if you can try breaking out of the rat race, Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Network director Jennifer Pylypiw says that's the time you can shine. When the clock strikes 5 p.m., after-work fellowship can do more to define an employee as a person, she says, and that will enrich your career. "If you're only working nine to five, you're really missing out on the industry you're working in," says Pylypiw. "It's about the work life and the personal life coming together, and you making a personal investment."

Recommended tire repair, retread practices online

FALLS CHURCH, VA - The Tread Rubber and Tire Repair Materials Manufacturer's Group has published new Recommended Practices for retreading and repairing tires, with details now published on the Tire Retread and Repair Information Bureau's (TRIB's) website.

Carrier Transicold acquires Westport APU

ATHENS, GA - Carrier Transicold has acquired selected IMPCO product lines including the ComfortPro Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) from Westport Fuel Systems - and will now lead related development, engineering and manufacturing.

Loads rising, rates lagging: DAT

PORTLAND, OR - The national average spot rates for vans and reefers increased just a penny in March, to a respective US $1.62 and $1.87 per mile, analysts at DAT have found.

Trailer Wizards reaches out to Punjabi truckers

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Trailer Wizards has unveiled a Punjabi version of its website, reflecting a growing share of people in the trucking industry who speak the language.