Economy

US businesses glum on worsening recession: Survey

WASHINGTON -- As if we needed further confirmation, a survey released by the National Association for Business Economics concludes that the U.S. recession deepened in the fourth quarter of 2008, depicting the worst business conditions since the survey began in 1982.

First ’09 truck orders weakest in 30 years

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Preliminary January numbers show Class 8 vehicle total net orders for all major North American OEMs at 7,608 units, down 12 percent from December 2008 and the weakest January in the 30 years t

Vitran hurdles over tough 4Q

TORONTO -- Despite a nearly 12-percent fourth quarter loss in 2008, Vitran Corp. was able to ride more than a 50-per-cent jump in logistics revenue to finish the year in the black.

Detroit Diesel takes on SCR-DEF ‘myths’

ORLANDO, Fla. -- At a press conference held to introduce its new lineup of 2010 BlueTec engines , Detroit Diesel used the opportunity to counter what it says is misinformation floating around about the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology

Companies align to develop non-urea SCR system

LAKE FOREST, Ill -- Tenneco and GE Transportation have signed a joint agreement to develop a proprietary selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment technology designed to reduce and control diesel engine emissions without the use of urea.

Challenges, yes, but CEOs see light in the distance

TORONTO -- Chief executives in the global transport and logistics industry admit they are less optimistic about growing their business than they were last year, according to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

Navistar launches value parts brand

WARRENVILLE, Ill. -- Truck and engine maker Navistar International has an answer for truck owners struggling with the deepening recession: a lower-priced private label brand for truck parts that wear out quickly.

Ice road truckers feel the economic freeze

YELLOWKNIFE -- The winter road in Canada's north that received worldwide attention as part of the U.S.-based History Channel's hit show Ice Road Truckers is seeing a little less action these days.

Canada plants spared from 50,000 in automakers’ jobs cuts

DETROIT -- Embattled U.S. automaker GM is slashing its global workforce by 47,000 jobs. Chrysler reportedly is axing another 3,000 jobs.

Truckers endorse BC budget; includes tax, clean truck incentives

LANGLEY, B.C. -- Only "modest" deficits projected for B.C. over the next couple of years "are no small accomplishment," in light of the growing economic recession affecting much of North America, says the president of the BC Trucking Association.

Manufacturing jobs plummet last four years

OTTAWA -- Canada lost nearly 322,000 manufacturing jobs from 2004 to 2008, with more than one in seven manufacturing jobs disappearing over the period, reports Stats Canada.

Transportation a ‘team sport’ in a ‘flat’ world: Expert

DENVER, Col. -- Despite the current global economic slump, the future of worldwide intermodal transportation will be strong and vibrant, said Peter Keller,

ArvinMeritor to close Ontario brake plant

TILBURY, Ont. -- The trickle effect on a shrinking southern Ontario automotive sector has caught up to ArvinMeritor as well.

Freight outlook at 25-year low: Analyst

NASHVILLE, Ind. -- North America's freight market is looking to be in as bad as shape as it was during the critical 1982 recession, says industry forecaster FTR Associates

Contrans, Mullen surf above rough waters

WOODSTOCK, Ont. -- Two of Canada's largest trucking operations managed to increase revenue during 2008, despite the troubled economy.