Economy

For-hire fleets hauled 745.5 million tonnes in 2014

Canada's for-hire trucking operations hauled 745.5 million tonnes of freight in 2014, up 7.9% over 2013, Statistics Canada reported today. The related revenue was up 14.8%, reaching 14 cents per tonne-kilometre, while domestic freight generated 16 cents per tonne-kilometre. Most of the weight (86.2%) involved domestic shipments, which rose 8.3% in the year. General freight led the way in Ontario and Quebec, while petroleum was the driving force in Alberta. General freight and motor vehicle parts accounted for most of the cross-border shipments by weight.

The Nipigon Catastrophe: Latest Updates

NIPIGON, ON -- While drivers and fleets, and certainly local residents, await word on the status of repairs to the Nipigon River Bridge, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) has offered some useful new information. In a word, things are improving

U.S. In-Transit Rules Relaxed for Nipigon Detour

NIPIGON, ON – If you’re looking to avoid delays after the partial closure of the Nipigon River Bridge on Hwy. 11/17 near Thunder Bay, we’ve learned from the Canadian Trucking…

Tallman Group Acquires Lease Portfolio

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Tallman Group on Thursday said it completed its purchase of certain full service lease truck assets from Tandet NationaLease on the final day of 2015.

BC Truckers Warned of Limited Ferry Service

VICTORIA, BC - British Columbia Ferry Services is advising truck drivers to take the Horseshoe Bay to Nanimio Ferry if they are traveling to Powell River, due to limited space on the Earls Cove Ferry to Powell River, according to the British Columbia Trucking Association. The reason is the temporary removal of one vessel from service on the Comox-Powell River route to repair a propeller hub while another ferry will operate on a modified schedule now through Feb. 1. According to Global News, this is the third time in a year the Queen of Burnaby has been pulled from service for repairs, frustrating Powell River Mayor Dave Formosa, especially for those who depend of the ferry for business purposes.

Diesel Still Getting Cheaper, Gasoline Higher Than in 2015

LONDON, ON and WASHINGTON, D.C. - Diesel prices started out the New Year continuing their downward trend in both Canada and the U.S. while gasoline is actually up over the past year here at home.

December Truck Orders Post Strong Rebound

BLOOMINGTON and COLUMBUS, IN - Two new and separate preliminary reports show truck orders spiked in the final month of 2015 following a disappointing November.

What Drives You in Trucking?

WINNIPEG, MB - One of the largest trucking companies in Canada is calling on transportation industry professionals from across North America to share what motivates them.

Brantford Puts Brakes on Big Rigs Along Lorne Bridge

BRANTFORD, ON -- The City of Brantford, ON has approved a by-law limiting gross vehicle weights for five months out of the year along one span.

Freight Shipping Costs Decline for Second Straight Month

TORONTO, ON - The latest results published by the Canadian General Freight Index (CGFI) show the total cost of ground transportation for Canadian shippers decreased by 2.7 percent in October when compared with September.

6 Takeaways from 2015 in Truck Parts and Service

The truck parts and service aftermarket got a lot of attention in 2015, as the focus of many fleets shifted to total cost of operation rather than cost per mile. This shined a bright spotlight on maintenance and repair practices as ways to keep asset utilization high. Here's a look back at some of the major aftermarket issues from the past year. This year saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association along with the Equipment and Tool Institute, the Auto Care Association and Heavy Duty Aftermarket Canada. As a result of the MOU, fleets and independent repair garages will have access to service information - previously only available to dealers - for model year 2010 and later trucks and buses over 10,000 pounds sold in the United States and Canada.

2015 Ending with Lowest Diesel Costs in Years

LONDON, ON and WASHINGTON, D.C. - As 2015 draws to a close average prices for both diesel and gasoline in Canada and the U.S. are at their lowest levels in years. The Canadian national average price of diesel has fallen for the seventh straight week, down $0.009 from last week, to $0.986 per liter, according to the petroleum information services provider The Kent Group. Not only is this the lowest price since August 2010 it is $0.194 less than this time last year. For all of 2015, the fuel averaged $1.092 per liter compared to $1.339 last year.

Custom Truck Sales Opens New Parts, Service Facility

SWIFT CURRENT, SK -- Custom Truck Sales recently opened a new parts and service facility in Swift Current, SK, on Highway 4 and the TransCanada Highway.

For-Hire Price Index Falls to Lowest Level Since 2011

OTTAWA, ON - A measure of freight rates has posted another decline, according to new figures released by Statistics Canada.

Element Closes on Funding for Fleet Management Business

TORONTO, ON - Element Financial Corp. has closed on US$4.8 billion in rated asset-backed security (ABS) funding that will fuel the company's aggressive move into the U.S. fleet management business. In June, Element Financial Corp. reached an agreement to acquire GE Capital's remaining North American fleet management operations in the U.S. and Mexico, along with as GE Capital's fleet management operations in Australia and New Zealand.