Class D renewal requirements to tighten
TORONTO, ON -- Ontario is preparing to tighten the requirements to renew Class D licences, bringing medicals and knowledge and vision tests in line with other commercial classes, the Ontario Trucking Association reports. The changes would be effective July 1, 2018.
Navistar ending medium-duty engine production
LISLE, IL - Navistar will stop producing medium-duty engines at its plant in Melrose Park, Illinois, beginning in the second quarter of its 2018 fiscal year. Most of the proprietary engines made in Melrose Park are nine- and 10-liter models for Class 6 and 7 trucks. Navistar reintroduced the option of a 6.7-liter Cummins engine in 2013, followed last year with the option of a nine-liter Cummins. Cummins engines for Class 6 and 7 trucks are produced in Indiana and North Carolina, while Navistar makes big-bore engines for Class 8 trucks in Alabama.
Daimler “prints” first metal truck part
STUTTGART, GERMANY - Engineers working for Daimler's European truck brand, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, have successfully used a 3D printer to create a metal thermostat cover - proving a process that could reshape the way spare metal parts are produced and distributed. With the potential of decentralizing production, 3D printing could improve parts availability, shorten delivery times, and reduce warehousing and distribution costs, the company notes. Daimler's brands in North America include Freightliner and Western Star. "With the introduction of 3D metal printing technology, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is reasserting its pioneering role among global commercial vehicle manufacturers," said Andreas Deuschle, head of marketing and operations - customer services and parts with Mercedes-Benz Trucks. "We ensure the same functionality, reliability, durability and cost-effectiveness with 3D metal parts as we do with conventionally produced parts."
OTA supports zero-tolerance for drivers on weed
TORONTO, ON - As it engages in consultations with the provincial government, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is supporting the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) position that the trucking industry should be held to a zero-tolerance policy on for being under the influence of marijuana.
Trucking HR: teach your kids to love trucking
OTTAWA, ON - This November Trucking HR Canada is calling on all fleets to introduce the pint-sized members of their families to the trucking industry. The organization is working with The Learning Partnership, a group devoted to advancing publicly funded education, and encouraging more fleets to participate in national Take Our Kids to Work Day, November 1.
Michelin applauds Alberta for allowing Super Singles
LAVAL, QC - Michelin Canada is lauding the recent choice by the Alberta Government to allow wide-based single tires on provincial highways. The North American arm of the tire company said it recognized the leadership of the Alberta Ministry of Transportation and the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) for working together to make the new environmentally-friendly regulation possible.
Elite rewards comes to Continental Canada
MISSISSAUGA, ON. - Continental Tires is giving its Canadian customers a chance to join the ranks of the elite. The company announced a new automotive aftermarket rewards program called the Elite Rewards Program Member (RPM) Club. The club is modeled after its U.S. version, but with the addition of improved features for professional repair technicians and distributor counter staff. The program offers rewards for redemption of proofs-of-purchase of Continental Elite products, but is also offering professionals additional avenues to engage with the company, says Dave Wenger, marketing manager for Continental's North American automotive aftermarket products.
Bayview Kenworth opens fourth New Brunswick location
JACKSONVILLE, NB. - Bayview Kenworth is moving into Jacksonville, New Brunswick with a new 19,000 square-foot parts and service dealership. Located just north of Woodstock, New Brunswick, the facility will have eight service bays and a 2,500-sq. ft. parts department, but will also boast a drivers' lounge complete with showers, a large flat-screen television, and vending machines. Mike Nagle, dealer principal of Bayview Kenworth, says the dealership is being opened due to an increased demand from customers in the area.
Cost of ground transportation higher in May
TORONTO, ON - Nulogx's Canadian General Freight Index (CGFI) is reporting the total cost of ground transportation for Canadian shippers has climbed. Total freight costs were 1.7% higher in May 2017 over the same time last year. The Base Rate Index, which excludes the impact of accessorial charges assessed by carriers, increased by 0.3% in May 2017 over April's results, as well.