John G Smith

U.S. trucking revenue hit record in 2015: ATA

ARLINGTON, VA - The U.S. trucking industry collected record revenues in 2015, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

BC to require 13,431 new drivers in next decade: study

VANCOUVER, BC - British Columbia's transportation and construction industries will need to fill 110,000 jobs in the next decade - and truck drivers will be among those most in demand, according to Asia Pacific Gateway Labor Market Outlook 2016-2025.

UPS hits 1 billion mile mark with alternative fuels

ATLANTA, GA - UPS has officially covered 1 billion miles (1.6 billion kilometers) with a "rolling lab" of 7,200 vehicles powered by alternative fuels such as natural gas and propane - and reached the goal a year earlier than planned.

ZF tops SAF-Holland bid for Haldex

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - ZF Friedrichshafen AG has outbid SAF-Holland in the race to buy Haldex, which produces brakes and air suspensions for heavy trucks, trailers and buses. The cash deal worth 100 kronor (CDN $15.33) per share has been approved by the Haldex Board of Directors, and values Haldex at $670 million. The cash deal worth 100 kronor (CDN $15.33) per share has been approved by the Haldex Board of Directors, and values Haldex at $670 million. It is still subject to regulatory approval. SAF-Holland had made its unsolicited bid last month, offering about $14.25 per share. Just last year, ZF purchased U.S.-based TRW, and has since said that it aims to provide a full lineup of commercial vehicle systems needed for autonomous trucks - all part of a corporate vision that has been dubbed "See-Think-Act".

Transport Canada begins consultations on ELDs

TORONTO, ON - Transport Canada has officially launched "informal" consultations around Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) -- a move that the Canadian Trucking Alliance sees as a precursor to mandating the equipment for federally regulated carriers. Such consultations come before the more formal process of publishing a proposed rule in Canada Gazette Part 1, which the alliance expects sometime in early 2017. A 60-day comment period would then be required before a final rule is published, and a compliance date would be one or two years after that. "The momentum is clearly building towards a mandate," said David Bradley, president and CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). He also called on provincial governments to "get on board and start preparing" for mandates that mirror those at the federal level.

U.S. truck orders slump to 2010 levels: ACT Research

COLUMBUS, IN – The U.S. demand for Class 8 vehicles slumped in July, dropping to levels not seen since September 2010, ACT Research reports. Preliminary numbers from the market analysts…

Bison names new CAO and COO

WINNIPEG, MB - Bison Transport has introduced two new members to its executive team, naming Trevor Fridfinnson Chief Operating Officer, and Mike Ludwick Chief Administrative Officer.

E-cigarettes create hazards around trucks: U.S. regulators

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a safety advisory for those who use battery-powered e-cigarettes or vaporizers around commercial vehicles, citing potential hazards including explosions, serious personal injuries and fires. The warning extends to any battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices. "The explosions regularly involved the ejection of a burning battery case or other components from the device, which subsequently ignited nearby flammable or combustible materials," regulators said in a bulletin released this morning. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates there have been 25 related incidents between 2009 and August 2014. Some new sources suggest there could have been more than 1,500 explosions.

Purolator honors Ayr, Seaboard

TORONTO, ON - Purolator has named recipients of its 2015 Carrier of the Year Award, with Ayr Motor Express named Long Haul Carrier of the Year, and Seaboard Transport named Short Haul Carrier of the Year. It's the second consecutive win for Ayr Motor Express.

Fuel for the Fire: Tax change fails to recognize how diesel is used

A house is not a home -- and in the eyes of the taxman it appears your sleeper is no longer a house on wheels. How else can we explain the end of Federal Excise Tax (FET) exemptions that have long been applied to the diesel that pumps through Auxiliary Power Units and bunk heaters? The heating oil used to warm a house is exempt. Add a few working axles underneath that house and it's a different story.

Tri-Truck honored by Hino for second year

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Hino Motor Canada has for the second consecutive year named Tri-Truck Center of Barrie, Ontario as Dealer of the Year.

Tesla to build trucks, defends autonomous vehicles

PALO ALTO, CA - Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk is turning his sights to commercial vehicles, unveiling a "master plan" for the company that includes producing a new Tesla Semi. "In addition to consumer vehicles, there are two other types of electric vehicle needed: heavy-duty trucks and high passenger-density urban transport," he writes in the plan that was posted last night. "Both are in the early stages of development at Tesla and should be ready for unveiling next year. We believe the Tesla Semi will deliver a substantial reduction in the cost of cargo transport, while increasing safety and making it really fun to operate."

Unified Registration System rollout delayed three months

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is delaying the rollout of a simplified online registration system until January 14, 2017, adding three months to an original September 30 deadline.

Lester named Volvo’s senior vice president – sales

GREENSBORO, NC - Jeff Lester has been named Volvo Trucks North America's first senior vice president - sales, effective August 1.

Dana Holding Corporation being renamed Dana Incorporated

MAUMEE, OH - What's in a name? Something that reflects the way a company conducts business. So says Dana Holding Corporation, which plans to change its name to Dana Incorporated on August 1.