John G Smith

Goodyear adds tires, tech

AKRON, OH - Goodyear is expanding its Total Solution lineup to include the Endurance LHD premium long-haul tire and a new service management tool, among other offerings.

Truckload group lobbies against twin 33-foot trailers

ALEXANDRIA, VA - The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) is calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose twin 33-foot trailers, arguing that the configurations would offer an unfair advantage to Less-than-Truckload operations and render 53-foot trailers "antiques".

Mid-Ontario secures Volvo honors

BARRIE, ON -- Volvo Trucks North America has named Mid-Ontario Truck Center of Barrie, Ontario as its 2016 Canada Dealer of the Year. North American Dealer of the Year honors went to General Truck Sales of Muncie, Indiana.

Canadian operations among Best Fleets Top 20

MARKHAM, ON - Five Canadian fleets have been recognized in the 2017 Best Fleets to Drive For competition run by CarriersEdge and the Truckload Carriers Association. The Canadian fleets in this year's list include Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba; Challenger Motor Freight of Cambridge, Ontario; Kriska Holdings of Prescott, Ontario; One For Freight of Milton, Ontario; and TransPro Freight Systems of Milton, Ontario. "These companies represent the best of the best in truckload. As industry innovators, they bring fresh ideas that not only create a desirable workplace for employees, but also propel trucking to exciting new terrains," said John Lyboldt, Truckload Carriers Association president.

Eaton Advantage clutch upgrades

Eaton has upgraded its Advantage Series clutches with changes designed to improve durability, reduce vibrations, and enable smoother shifts. And it's reduced the number of part numbers in the process.

Accuride’s 40-pound aluminum wheel

Accuride has unveiled its new Quantium 99 alloy aluminum wheel that weighs in at just 40 pounds.

Expanded no-ream kingpin kit

Meritor has expanded its FastSet King Pin Kit to include 45 no-ream kits that support faster aftermarket king pin replacements.

Chao confirmed as U.S. Transportation Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate has confirmed Elaine Chao as U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Kelley named VP at ConMet

VANCOUVER, WA - ConMet has named Ken Kelley as vice president - North American sales. He will oversee OEM truck sales, aftermarket sales, trailer sales, and sales operations.

IN PRINT — On Thick Ice: Inside the real world of ice road trucking

"Four north on 49, last one is wide." "OK convoy, we have a wet spot right after the portage, and security is making sure we're staying at 10, then we'll be back to 25 at the half-K sign. Keep your spacing in the slow zone."

IN PRINT — Natural Investments: Will carbon taxes boost natural gas trucking?

Times were different when C.A.T. signed the deal for 100 trucks that run on Compressed Natural Gas. The Canadian and U.S. dollar were essentially valued at par, increasing the fleet's buying power on U.S.-made equipment. Quebec's provincial government also pledged $15,000 per truck, helping to offset any sticker shock around the emission-friendly designs, and natural gas was clearly cheaper than diesel when oil was close to $100 per barrel.

IN PRINT — Creature Comforts: Sleeper options not limited to size alone

The choice of one sleeper over the next inevitably comes down to a tape measure, and for good reason. This is clearly a spec'ing choice where size matters. Regional bulk haulers, looking for every possible way to shed weight, might opt for a 40- or 52-inch area behind the seats if drivers spend only a night or two on the road. But that would be downright claustrophobic for team drivers who live long-hauling lives.

Cool running Webb drum

The brakes on trailers with side skirts are feeling the heat, but Webb Wheel has unveiled brake drums with Cool Running Technology vents to help keep operating temperatures under control.

PMTC launches benchmarking survey

MILTON, ON - The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) is looking for Canada's private and dedicated fleets to offer their insights through a new benchmarking survey, now posted online.

QTA balks at Autoroute 30 toll increase

MONTREAL, QC - The Quebec Trucking Association is calling on Transport Minister Laurent Lessard to help block the latest toll increase on Autoroute 30, and has met with elected representatives from throughout the region in a bid to find a long-term solution to skyrocketing prices.