Today's Trucking Staff

UPS Goes All In with Collision Mitigation Technology

NORWALK, OH -- The operator of the largest truck fleet in North America said it will make collision mitigation technology standard equipment on every new Class 8 tractor the company orders. UPS Inc. said during a special event this week in Ohio that each of the more than 2,600 new Class 8 tractors that it takes delivery of this year will feature the system from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, which alerts drivers to moving and stationary objects in front of the tractor and moving objects surrounding the vehicle.

Mack Barks 25,000 Telematics Connections

GREENSBORO, NC -- The truck maker sporting the bulldog hit a milestone recently with an activation of its integrated telematics system.

Game Over! Canada Beats U.S. in Truck Safety Blitz

GREENBELT, MD - Just released figures from a previously unannounced one-day truck safety crackdown show inspectors in Canada found a fewer percentage of problems than in the U.S. According to results released Wednesday by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), which certifies truck inspectors, more than 6,300 trucks and buses were checked on May 6 in 32 Canadian provinces and U.S. states, along with Puerto Rico, as part of its Operation Airbrake. Overall, nine percent of the more than 6,000 vehicles inspected were placed out of service (OOS) for out of adjustment brakes, an improvement from last year's rate of 9.5 percent. However, in Canada this rate was just four percent compared to 11.3 percent for the U.S.

U.S. Spot Freight Rates, Availability Continue Lull

BEAVERTON, OR -- The availability of truckload freight on the U.S. spot market hit a lull during the week ending July 18, according to DAT Solutions, which operates the DAT network of load boards, leading to a decline in load-to-truck ratios and rates across all three equipment types and at their lowest points in at least the past four weeks.

Mullen Group’s Second Quarter Profit Plummets

OKOTOKS, AB -- Mullen Group Ltd. has reported a huge drop in its second quarter profit as business in Canada's energy industry has also sunk. The trucking and related oilfield services transportation provider said net income totaled $0.9 million or $0.01 per share, a decrease 96.5 percent compared to the same time a year ago.

Webb Wheel Products OEM Business Gets New President

TELL CITY, IN -- Mike Postma has been named president following the promotion of Chad Plank to pursue what the company said is "targeted strategic growth opportunities for Marmon Highway Technologies." Plank was appointed to the role in May 2013.

Canada’s Dicom Transportation Extends Reach Into U.S.

MONTREAL - The Canadian trucking and logistics operation Dicom Transportation Group announced Tuesday has added final mile and distribution capabilities in the Western U.S. through its acquisition of California carrier.

Average Canadian Diesel Cost Lowest Since February

LONDON, ON and WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The average Canadian cost of diesel has moved lower for the fourth straight week, according to new figures released from the petroleum information services provider The Kent Group.

MTO Reminds Trucking to Use New Parkway

TORONTO -- The Ontario Minister of Transportation is reminding trucking company dispatchers and others the new Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor which connects from Hwy. 401 has been open for more than two weeks and Hwy. 3 is closed heading to the bridge crossing, according to the Ontario Trucking Association. MTO says many truck drivers still appear unaware the new expressway is accessible and instead they continue to head down Hwy. 3, then they try to find their way around the closure by winding around residential streets, much to the annoyance of residents. It also urges travelers and carriers to be patient with some growing pains as the entire project moves toward full completion. The partial opening of Hwy. 401 allows for traffic to be shifted from Hwy. 3 to Hwy 401 so that construction works can be completed on Hwy. 3. During this stage of construction, travelers will experience short-term ramp and road closures along with other construction works.

Great Dane Shuffles Leadership Team

SAVANNAH, GA - The trailer manufacturer Great Dane this week made some changes to its leadership team, including two newly created positions.

Take A Break, Get Ready for Brake Safety Week

GREENBELT, MD - Mark your calendars and be sure the brakes on any trucks you drive or own are on are in proper working order, because one of the biggest safety enforcement efforts of the year is just around the corner.

Test Center Opened for Connected, Autonomous Vehicles

ANN ARBOR, MI -- One truck and engine maker along with automotive and technology companies are supporting a new test site for connected and automated vehicles that had its grand opening on Monday.

Beaver Truck Centre Opening New Location

WINNIPEG -- The Manitoba-based Volvo and Hino dealership, Beaver Truck Centre, will soon open a new location in Brandon and have an open house.

Truck Tonnage Falls in June from May, Up Over Last Year

ARLINGTON, VA - The amount of truck tonnage hauled in the U.S. fell slightly in June, as manufacturing and retail sales also declined, according to the latest survey of carriers by one fleet group.

North American Truck Orders Slow in June

COLUMBUS, IN - Orders for new Class 8 trucks in North America slipped a little during June from the month before while they fell dramatically in the medium-duty Class 5 through Class 7 sector, according to new figures released on Monday by commercial vehicle industry data provider ACT Research.