Economy

Trucking rates have never been better: ACT Research

ACT Research’s For-Hire Trucking Index pointed to the strongest rates in April since it began tracking the data, despite some easing of freight volumes. The supply-demand balance remained tight, ACT…

Shippers experiencing toughest conditions on record: FTR

Conditions for U.S. shippers are the worst they’ve been since FTR began tracking them via its Shippers Conditions Index. A record-low reading of -17.8 reflects deteriorating conditions in all metrics…

Manitoba seeking input on trade and commerce route grid

The province of Manitoba is seeking public input on a proposed grid of trade and commerce routes across the province. Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said “International, interprovincial and regional movements…

Volvo, UAW reach tentative deal

United Auto Workers (UAW) union members at Volvo’s New River Valley truck plant have reached a tentative deal with the company The six-year tentative agreement covers about 2,900 employees in…

Stand-alone Daimler Trucks to focus on zero-emission future

Daimler Trucks is gradually turning away from internal combustion engines (ICE) as it prepares for a changing future — one that will involve battery-electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and life…

ABS Trailers expands Quebec manufacturing facility

ABS Trailers has expanded its manufacturing capabilities in Val-des-Sources, Que. The company, which manufactures live bottom trailers, purchased a building and land adjacent to its existing operations. Charles Dutil, president…

OEMS struggling ‘to turn orders into trucks’ amid supply shortages: ACT Research

Class 8 orders marked a seven-month low in April, a reflection of a full 2021 backlog rather than diminishing demand, ACT Research reported. “As we’ve said for some time, commercial…

Trailer orders decline as build slots fill up

Trailer order activity cooled in April, with ACT Research reporting preliminary orders of 14,400 units – less than half of March’s volume – but blamed it on lack of supply,…

U.S. truck tonnage shrinks in April, but outlook is strong

U.S. for-hire truck tonnage decreased 0.3% in April, according to the latest data from the American Trucking Associations (ATA). However, tonnage was up 6.9% year-over-year, reflecting the early softening of…

Michelin to raise prices

Michelin North America is increasing on- and off-road commercial truck tire prices by 13% effective July 1. The company says the price increase is “due to market dynamics.” (Photo: Michelin)…

Solera Holdings buys Omnitracs

Solera Holdings, a risk and management data and software supplier, has agreed to buy Omnitracs. Solera says the acquisition allows it to offer a unified platform offering safety, productivity and…

Ritchie Bros. sets Ontario auction record

Ritchie Bros. auctioneers sold more than 4,200 items in Toronto last week, amounting to more than $53 million in transactions. It was the company’s largest-ever auction in the province. Ritchie…

Carriers enjoying ‘strongest freight market ever’: ACT Research

Carriers are enjoying the strongest freight market ever, and there’s no quick solution to the supply chain issues that are keeping them from adding to their fleets. That’s the assessment…

U.S. economy back on track, but labor market, inflation are concerns

The U.S. economy will grow at about 9.3% this quarter, then growth will decelerate but still post a strong 6.3% GDP gain on the full year. That’s the most recent…

Trucking conditions hit record levels in U.S.

These are good days to be trucking in the U.S., according to the analysts at FTR. The organization’s Trucking Condition Index reached a record high of 16.27 in March, up…