John G Smith

Stalled nuclear shipments back on the road

FORT ERIE, ON -- The first few hundred gallons of highly radioactive liquid nuclear waste will begin its journey along Ontario highways later this month, in the wake of a U.S. court decision that allows the material to cross the Peace Bridge into the U.S. About 6,000 US gallons of the material, officially known as Highly Enriched Uranyl Nitrate Liquid (HEUNL), were initially to be transported last year from nuclear research facilities in Chalk River, Ontario. However, a federal lawsuit filed last August by American-based non-profit Beyond Nuclear and six other U.S. environmental groups stalled the shipments over concerns raised about potential public health, safety, and environmental hazards.

Daimler truck and bus chief resigns

STUTTGART, GERMANY -- Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard is stepping down as the head of Daimler Trucks and Buses a year before his contract expired, citing personal reasons. Chief executive Dr. Dieter Zetsche will head the business unit until a successor is appointed. "We regret this resolution, but we have a number of outstanding managers to succeed. We thank Wolfgang Bernhard for his committed work and respect his personal decision," stated Manfred Bischoff, chairman of the supervisory board.

Two Canadians on 2017 Kenworth council

KIRKLAND, WA - Kenworth has included two Canadians on its eight-member 2017 Dealer Council that represents the company's 380 dealerships.

End of the road for Fergus show

FERGUS, ON - After more than 30 years of showing and shining, Ontario's Fergus Truck Show has come to an end. In a Facebook note posted last night, organizers announced the show ceases operating immediately and will not host future events. "The Board of Directors would like to sincerely thank all of our volunteers, attendees and drivers that have come through our gates for the past 30+ years. It is with the utmost of gratitude and appreciation that we thank you for your support over these past years," said the note, which also thanked the groups individually.

Driver app tracks from acceptance to delivery

TECUMSEH, ON – CX North America Information Services has launched a new mobile app for drivers, with the promise of improving efficiencies in the process. App features include real-time job…

Atlas agents move to fight hunger

OAKVILLE, ON - Atlas Canada, whose 130 agents offer moving services, has partnered with Move for Hunger to support local food banks.

Truck will be auctioned to help fight human trafficking

TOLLESON, AZ - Inland Kenworth -- which operates more than 20 dealerships in Canada and the U.S. -- has assembled a T680 with an "Everyday Heroes" paint scheme that will be auctioned to support Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT).

Exports and imports rose in December

OTTAWA, ON - Canada recorded a trade surplus for the second consecutive month in December, with exports up 0.8% on the strength of higher energy products, and imports up 1%, largely on increases in aircraft and industrial machinery, Statistics Canada reports. But in terms of volumes, exports were down 1.4% because of drops in metal ores, non-metallic minerals, motor vehicles and parts. Import volumes were up 0.4%, based largely on industrial machinery, equipment and parts.

Toronto luncheon to discuss cargo theft, fraud

TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Trucking Association is giving people the chance to take a bite out of crime while enjoying an afternoon bite.

BCTA hires new policy director

LANGLEY, BC -- The BC Trucking Association (BCTA) has hired Cory Paterson as its new director - policy, in a role that involves advancing association positions and interests.

Temporary delay in U.S. driver training bill

WASHINGTON, DC -- Thanks to a "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review" issued by the White House on January 20, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has "temporarily delayed" the effective date of its final rule on minimum entry-level CDL training requirements until March 21. However, while the rule's effective date has been extended, the agency did not adjust the rule's all-important compliance date- which remains February 7, 2020. In practical terms, that means this delay is only a move on paper.

Freightliner, Altec equipment included in recalls

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's latest vehicle recalls include the instrument clusters and turn signals on selected 2016/17 Freightliner Business Class M2, 108SD and 114SD trucks, as well as telescoping aerial devices from Altec Industries.

Camilleri named assistant editor

TORONTO, ON - Today's Trucking has appointed former fleet service writer Nicholas Camilleri to the role of assistant editor, the publication has announced.

Deal signed to support BYD

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Mississauga Bus, Coach and Truck Repairs has signed a deal to support BYD electric vehicles in Eastern Canada. The Mississauga, Ontario company will handle parts, service and warranty for the products. "One of the biggest concerns we had was being able to support any vehicles from California or China. With this agreement in place, these concerns are alleviated," said Ted Dowling, vice president of BYD Heavy Equipment. "It's a great vote of confidence in our product and technology to have them associated with BYD." "We were very impressed with the plants our team visited in China and in California. With the concern over emissions and the move toward zero-emission vehicles, we know that electric vehicles will be part of the future of transportation. Our dedicated technicians look at this as a great opportunity to learn a new skill," added Mahendra Mahadeo, president of Mississauga Bus, Coach and Truck.

Run with the virtual bull

TROY, MI - Meritor, which has recently been promoting itself with a tagline of "run with the bull", has entered the world of virtual reality with a new app.