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John G Smith
John G. Smith is the editorial director of Newcom Media's trucking and supply chain publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, TruckTech, Transport Routier, and Road Today. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.
Daimler commits to new North American show
CHICAGO, IL - The North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACV Show) today announced that Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has signed a letter of intent to exhibit at the inaugural NACV Show in Atlanta, Georgia from September 18-22, 2017, as well as the 2019 and 2021 NACV Shows. DTNA also joins the NACV Show exhibitor advisory committee. "Daimler Trucks North America has diligently reviewed numerous concepts and proposals for the next evolution in shows and exhibitions in the North American commercial vehicle market, and we have chosen the North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) Show as the one commercial vehicle event that can meet our business goals and needs," said Daimler Trucks North America President and CEO Martin Daum. "The NACV Show is the perfect platform for Daimler Trucks North America to connect with our suppliers and fleet customers, launch new products and meet with industry press."
Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway project completes third season
YELLOWKNIFE, NWT - The third season of construction has been completed on the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway - a 120-kilometer all-weather highway that will offer a land connection to Tuktoyaktuk for the first time. Today, the only way to get there is by airplane.
Fuel economy, automation among 2017 Kenworth highlights
CHILLICOTHE, OHIO -- Most of Kenworth's trucks roll off the assembly line at Chillicothe, Ohio, so it was only fitting that the manufacturer showed off its 2017 lineup by rolling vehicles past the facility's front gates. Maybe "gliding" would be a better word. Enhanced fuel economy is clearly driving some of the most recent updates.
Mack testing zero-emission drayage trucks
GREENSBORO, NC - Mack is testing Class 8 drayage trucks capable of producing zero emissions as part of a California-based project looking to reduce air pollution at "freight-intensive" locations. And the work will receive funding through a $23.6-million grant from the state, it was announced during the recent Advanced Clean Technology (ACT) Expo.
Kenworth plant takes cabs higher, predicts healthy market
CHILLICOTHE, OH - Kenworth cabs are heading to new heights thanks to a second storey being added to a production facility in Chillicothe, Ohio. The $17-million building-on-building will soon hold painted parts like cabs and hoods, which to this point have been stored outside. Think of it as an automated vending machine for cabs, which are lifted into the space until being lowered back onto the line when they're needed. "That is to be commissioned in November to avoid another winter of having cabs in the snow," plant manager Judy McTigue said during a briefing to industry media today. "We'll have employees doing more value-added activity as opposed to tugging product around."
Trucking HR Canada unveils new board
TORONTO, ON - Trucking HR Canada -- an organization that promotes best practices in human resources -- has unveiled a new slate of directors following a year-long strategic review and board "enrichment" process. Two new positions have also been added to the board that now includes representatives from across Canada. "Our strategic review confirmed our key priorities align with industry needs," said CEO Angela Splinter.
PHOTO GALLERY: Western Star Transformer, 5700 XE
GREENVILLE, SC -- Western Star unveiled updates to the 5700 as well as a new Extreme Duty (XD) Offroad package and MBT-40 Transformer chassis last week. Here's a sneak peek of a few images from the Larens Proving Grounds. For complete coverage, see the July edition of Today's Trucking.
Western Star unveils true transformer
GREENVILLE, SC - Western Star enjoyed time on the silver screen when a pre-production model of the 5700 was customized to star as Optimus Prime in an installment of Transformers. But the manufacturer's true "transformer" was unveiled to media at the Laurens Proving Grounds on Thursday. A new Extreme Duty (XD) Offroad package was unveiled along with the MBT-40 Transformer chassis, which with a 68,000-pound Palfinger G68 hooklift is able to switch from watering truck to dump body in less than 10 minutes - quicker than it would take to refuel. And the open platform means there are other applications to come, ranging from cranes to fuel and lube trucks. That means much higher productivity for construction companies and mines that might traditionally leave specialized trucks parked for extended periods.
Prepare to be Schooled
A Class 1/A licence falls well short of proving that someone is ready to work as a truck driver. Ask any industry recruiter. Hang around a busy loading dock long enough, and you'll likely have the chance to pick up a few extra dollars from frustrated newbies, all eager to hand the keys to someone who can actually reverse into tight spaces. This is especially true for people who, with a minimal amount of training, managed to learn just enough to earn the licence itself.
Trucking HR Canada report makes case for diversity
OTTAWA, ON - Trucking HR Canada, an organization that promotes the industry's best practices in human resources, has unveiled a report that makes the business case for diverse workplaces. Changing Workforce combines labor market data and practices already established by fleets including Bison Transport, Canada Cartage, Kriska Transportation, Northern Resource Trucking, Trimac Transportation, and Westcan Bulk Transport.
Ontario carrier heads to Alberta with relief
WHITBY, ON - The cars and pickup trucks have been coming and going all morning at Cam-Scott International, and they're bringing cargo with them. The Toronto-area fleet used social media to share an offer to deliver relief supplies to Fort McMurray, Alberta residents displaced by fire. And the response began within hours. It's come in the form of brand new baby clothes, still on the hangers, blankets and more. Cam-Scott's relief effortsBy tonight, the first load will be heading to a warehouse in Edmonton, adding to the fleet's regular weekly Alberta-bound shipments. "Alberta has been good to us over many, many years," says fleet president Glenn Weddel. "It's a great opportunity to help and give something back to them in their time of need." It is the latest example of industry support offered in the last couple of days. The trucking industry has already responded with donations from associations including the Canadian Trucking Alliance, Ontario Trucking Association, and Alberta Motor Transport Association. The Mullen Group reports that Alberta employees and families have opened their homes to those in need. By tonight, the first load will be heading to a warehouse in Edmonton, adding to the fleet's regular weekly Alberta-bound shipments.