Economy

Vitran makes first quarter gains

TORONTO -- Vitran Corporation released first quarter financial results for 2008, which noted an improvement from 2007 numbers.

Latest truck tonnage reading ‘a setback’

ARLINGTON, Va. -- After edging up the last couple of months, U.S. truck tonnage sank 3.3 percent in March 2008 -- the largest month-to-month contraction since August 2006, according to the American Trucking Associations' advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index.

Bridgestone Bandag rolls out ‘one stop shop’

MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Bridgestone has folded together its Bridgestone, Firestone and Dayton businesses and the recently acquired Bandag retreading operation into a single operating unit, the company announced.

Rail on the right track

TORONTO -- When the world's richest man is all of a sudden sweet on your industry, it's a safe bet that something's going right.

Trucking slips as GDP contributor

OTTAWA -- Transportation-based GDP fell in February as lower activities in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade led to a decline in truck transportation, while lower extraction of natural gas affected pipeline transportation

Mullen closes acquisition of crude hauler

CALGARY -- After a short hiatus from fleet-buying, the Mullen Group Income Fund announced the closing of its acquisition of R.E. Line Trucking and David Tuffs Holdings (collectively, "R.E. Line"), private companies based in Coleville, Sask.

Oil, metals keep manufacturers treading in ’07: Report

OTTAWA -- Soaring industrial product prices and robust demand for resource-based goods offset declines in some of Canada's key durable goods industries in 2007.

Canada’s largest operation continues upward trend

MONTREAL -- The first quarter of 2008 showed improved results from the previous for TransForce Income Fund, which ranked first in our Top 100 list as Canada's largest carrier in March.

No Temperature Tantrum: Sector the right prescription for ATS

ETOBICOKE, Ont. -- ATS boss Michael Andlauer might find it fitting that penicillin comes from bread.

ArvinMeritor to spin off light-duty business

TROY, Mich. -- ArvinMeritor has announced a plan to spin off its Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business to its shareholders

Manac resumes parts distribution

BOUCHERVILLE, Que. -- In order to better meet customer needs, Manac has resumed the distribution of genuine parts at its service centers in Boucherville and Mississauga as well as at its parts counter in St. Nicolas, near Quebec City.

Cnd trade gap expands between US and the world

OTTAWA -- Canada's merchandise trade surplus with the world continues to expand.

Truck orders crawl upwards; but no sign of recovery yet

NEW YORK -- Preliminary North American truck orders in April show that class 8 demand is modestly better than expected, while medium-duty is on an incline, reports the transportation division at analyst firm Bear Stearns.

Titan Trailer opens ‘green’ plant expansion

DELHI, Ont. - The recent 37,000 sq-ft addition to the Titan Trailers Inc. head office and factory includes a newly expanded home for the company's in-house research and development engineering team.

ArvinMeritor bills for commodity price increases

TROY, Mich. -- In an effort to offset the surging cost of steel and oil, ArvinMeritor is introducing a new, monthly commodity surcharge starting June 1, 2008.