Economy

Freight Bottlenecks Are Coming to U.S.: Special Report preview image Freight Bottlenecks Are Coming to U.S.: Special Report article image

Freight Bottlenecks Are Coming to U.S.: Special Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A report released Tuesday provides a thorough snapshot of not just overall business conditions in the U.S. logistics industry but also a look at economic conditions and other issues affecting the trucking industry. And the report suggests that although freight volumes will keep growing, capacity won't, so you can expect some pretty tight conditions in the near future.

New Rules Rely On Yet Unproven Technology: ATA preview image New Rules Rely On Yet Unproven Technology: ATA article image

New Rules Rely On Yet Unproven Technology: ATA

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Industry reaction to the proposal announced Friday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to improve fuel efficiency and cut carbon pollution for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks has been swift and more positive than negative in tone. The plan for the 2021-2027 models years, which also calls for trailers to be subject to fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for the first time, drew support from the American Trucking Associations, but the fleet group said it remains concerned the rule may result in the use of certain technologies on vehicles before they can be fully tested.

Easing Rates, Capacity Lead to Weaker Trucking Biz preview image Easing Rates, Capacity Lead to Weaker Trucking Biz article image

Easing Rates, Capacity Lead to Weaker Trucking Biz

BLOOMINGTON, IN -- A measure of trucking industry business conditions fell in April as capacity and pressure on rates eased up.The Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) from the freight forecasting firm FTR shows a 9% decline from the previous month to a relatively modest reading of 6.7, but still higher than the same time last year. A reading above zero indicates a positive business environment while one below zero is negative. It also said lower fuel prices during April resulted in a positive effect on the index.

Quebec Fleets Form Strategic Partnership preview image Quebec Fleets Form Strategic Partnership article image

Quebec Fleets Form Strategic Partnership

LANORAIE, QC and L'ASSOMPTION, QC -- The trucking companies Express Mondor and Transport l'Épiphanie have announced they have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate their growth.The two will harmonize the management and operation of their fleets in order to optimize equipment use and better meet the needs of their customers across North America, according to a news release. Express Mondor, based in Lanoraie, QC, and Transport l'Épiphanie, based in L'Assomption, QC, specialize in oversize transportation, serving a cross-section of customers in a variety of industries in Canada and the U.S. The two say the agreement will make it possible for them optimally manage, maintain and operate a combined fleet of more than 80 tractors and 200 modern trailers.