John G Smith

Driver turnover dropping at U.S. fleets

ARLINGTON, VA - Driver turnover at large truckload fleets has plunged to 71%, reaching the lowest point in six years, the American Trucking Associations reports. The rate has now dropped for four straight quarters.

Quebec renews support for natural gas trucks

MONTREAL, QC - Quebec's latest budget has renewed the Ecocamionnage (green trucking) program until 2020 and offers more financial support to those who want to fuel up with natural gas. And $20.5 million continues to be available to expand the fueling network.

Purolator, Teamsters avoid strike

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Purolator has reached a tentative agreement with Teamsters Canada, avoiding a strike that led the courier to temporarily stop accepting packages on March 28. It now returns to normal operations.

Battery-powered AC

Bergstrom's new NITE Phoenix Space Saving Innovation (SSI) system, which offers battery-powered air conditioning, comes with Bluetooth controls and fits into any sleeper.

Isuzu engine durability

Isuzu has increased the B10 rating of its 4HK1-TC diesel engine to about 600,000 kilometers. This is the point where 10% of engines would require a major repair or…

Lineup of visibility products

Ancra International, known for cargo handling and restraint systems, has launched a new lineup of wearables, flags, banners and reflectors.

Mack Super Econodyne Direct

Mack has combined its Super Econodyne spec' with a direct drive version of its mDrive Automated Manual Transmission, boosting fuel economy by as much as 1%. The option is designed for trucks with Gross Combination Weights of less than 80,000 pounds and remain in top gear for most of the time.

Next-generation GPS from Rand McNally

Rand McNally has unveiled a fifth generation of its Global Positioning System in the form of the TND 740, enabling over-the-air updates among other features.

Extreme-duty poly V-belt

Continental has unveiled a new extreme-duty poly-V belt available in eight-, 10- and 12-ribbed profiles for Class 6-8 trucks.

Allison TC10 automatics for PACCAR

Allison TC10 fully automatic transmissions will be available on trucks including the Kenworth T680 and T880 and Peterbilt 567 and 579 later this year, supporting applications that need up to 1,850 lb-ft of torque and Gross Combination Weights up to 110,000 pounds.

Navistar telematics with ELD

Navistar has unveiled its new OnCommand Connection Telematics, including hardware and software to support all Class 6-8 trucks with J1939 or J1708 diagnostic ports. While the existing OnCommand Connection linked 300,000 vehicles, the new offering will be offered to those who have not used telematics in the past, the company says.

Capacity is tight, but rates will rise: FTR

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Analysts at FTR are reporting a tighter freight capacity for shippers this year, but believe that "regulatory drag" will likely be slowed under the Trump Administration and a Republican-controlled US Congress.

OTA seeking hero, top driver

TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association is looking for nominees for 2017 Volvo Trucks/OTA Ontario Truck Driver of the Year and the Bridgestone/OTA Truck Hero Award.

Bergstrom promotes two directors

ROCKFORD, IL - Bergstrom, which makes climate control systems for commercial vehicles, has promoted Joe Kirby to director of fleet sales and market intelligence. George Lamoureux has been named director of new and advanced product introduction.

Braswell replaces Kirk at TMC

ARLINGTON, VA - Management changes continue at the American Trucking Associations (ATA) with Robert Braswell now serving as acting executive director of the group's Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC).