Arkansas offers real-time drug test results
Friday, August 29, 2008
Arkansas offers real-time drug test results (Fleet Owner)"Nearly eight months after its creation, Arkansas’ one-of-a-kind online alcohol and drug test database for commercial truck drivers is getting positive feedback – and it’s being looked at as a possible model for developing a similar system for tracking alcohol and drug test results on a national basis."
Other trucking industry headlines from Friday, Aug. 29, 2008:
Fleet Owner
Load binder released
Wabash announces price increases
$14.7M designated to improve safety on rural roads
ATA submits brief in ports challenge
Trailer/Body Builders
Waltco Consolidates Manufacturing Operations
Blogs
Steel & Chrome (Trucks At Work)
"Since Labor Day is the holiday weekend that traditionally heralds the end of the summer, I thought we’d close things out with a bang and have a little fun – which for me means combining big rigs and heavy metal!"
Other stories
DOT Won’t Block DHL-UPS Air Deal (Transport Topics)
Transportation Secretary Mary Peters told Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) she does not believe a plan by DHL Express to use UPS Inc. for its U.S. air cargo operations constitutes unfair competition.
June NAFTA trade up 6.6% from last year (Commercial Carrier Journal)
Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners Canada and Mexico was 6.6 percent higher in June 2008 than in June 2007, reaching $74.1 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Teamster Driver Speaks at Democratic National Convention (Truckinginfo.com)
Last night, more than 75,000 attendees to the Democratic National Convention in Denver heard from a real-life truck driver -- Teamster Roy Gross from Taylor, Michigan.
posted by benmcclanahan @ 11:08 AM,
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Choosing Up Sides at California Ports
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Choosing Up Sides at California Ports (Outsourced Logistics)"Associations, legal entities and truckers are among those getting involved in the controversial program to be instituted at the nation’s busiest ports aimed at significantly lowering emissions and regulating drivers."
Other trucking and logistics industry headlines from Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008:
Fleet Owner
Prophesy collaborates with Nationlink
NRS commits to L.A.’s clean port program
CargoWise edi names business development manager
LeasePlan announces CEO change
Major beverage distributor joins hybrid crowd
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) infrastructure in good shape
Outsourced Logistics
Fuel Surcharges Irrational
Jacksonville Port Elects Board Members
TNT Speedage Integration Complete
Office Depot Selects Hubspan
Modal Shift Affecting Intermodal
Three of Seven UK Airports May Have to Be Sold
DP Partners To Develop $37 Million Las Vegas Site
Public-Private Partnerships To Benefit California
Another Air Cargo Carrier Goes Out of Business
Trailer/Body Builders
Penton Launches Site to Connect Buyers, Sellers of HD Equipment
Con Edison Of New York Orders Hybrid Electric Trucks From Azure Dynamics
Discovery's Mike Rowe to Give Keynote Address at Work Truck Show
Blogs
Virtual truck training (Trucks At Work)
"Though it’s been rolling around the industry for over three years now, Dart Transit Co.’s mobile training simulator still gets people’s attention. The full-motion simulator is built into a 53-foot trailer that acts as both a classroom and as an exhibit for educating the public about the dangers drivers face on the highways – and the skills needed to overcome them."
Other stories
Utah's I-15 corridor project clears environmental review (etrucker.com)
Utah’s plans to build the Interstate 15 corridor in Utah County now can move forward, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Week-long closure of Chesapeake Bridge set for February (Thetrucker.com)
SUMMIT, Del. — Officials with the Army Corps of Engineers say the Summit Bridge over the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal will be closed for a week in February for an estimated $1 million repair project.
Economy rebounds in 2Q, mostly spurred by exports (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON - The economy shifted to a higher gear in the spring, growing at its fastest pace in nearly a year as foreign buyers snapped up U.S. exports and tax rebates spurred shoppers at home.
posted by benmcclanahan @ 2:47 PM,
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Refrigerated Transporter August issue now online
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
posted by benmcclanahan @ 1:02 PM,
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Ford finds reliability with fuel cells
Ford finds reliability with fuel cells (Fleet Owner)"Ford Motor Co. research into the use of fuel cell propulsion systems – fueled by hydrogen gas – to power a range of vehicles finds that technology withstands real-world usage far better than expected."
Other trucking industry headlines from Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008:
Fleet Owner
Arvin Meritor opens new axle plant
Tire panel to tackle fuel economy
Celadon to assist Priority with loads
GE’s my.FleetOffice launches
SmartScale now available for mechanical suspensions
Refrigerated Transporter
U.K. supermarket uses biomethane-fueled truck
Maple Leaf Foods expands voluntary product recall
Trailer/Body Builders
ArvinMeritor Dedicates Facility in Monterrey, Mexico
Volvo’s Deliveries Up 2% in July
ATA Truck Tonnage Index Falls 0.3% in July
Blogs
The eagle rises (Trucks At Work)
"It’s no wonder that precision, discipline, attention to detail, and resilience are deeply ingrained in Don Turkelson, as he served in the U.S. Army for 28 years – 21 on active duty and seven in the reserves – retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel."
Other stories
Volvo’s North American Sales Drop 2% (Transport Topics)
Volvo AB said deliveries by its four truck brands rose 2% worldwide in July, and fell by 2% in North America, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.
ATA Tonnage Index Falls in July (Truckinginfo.com)
The American Trucking Associations' advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 0.3 percent in July, marking the first month-to-month drop since April.
Celadon Group to assist Priority Transportation (Commercial Carrier Journal)
Celadon Group Inc. announced Tuesday, Aug. 26, that one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries has signed a receivables collection and equipment marshalling agreement with Priority Transportation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Priority America.
posted by benmcclanahan @ 11:28 AM,
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Big trucks banned from left lane in Missouri
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
New Missouri law bans big trucks from left lane on interstates
"ST. LOUIS | There are some big changes for big trucks on Missouri interstates.
Starting Thursday, trucks weighing more than 48,000 pounds can no longer travel in the far left lane on highways in urban areas throughout the state.
This applies mostly to semi and heavy-freight trucks.
The rules will be enforced in Missouri’s urban areas.
Trucks will not be banned from the left lane in rural parts of the state.
| The Associated Press"
posted by benmcclanahan @ 2:51 PM,
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Hybrids serve New York City’s hungry (Fleet Owner)
Hybrids serve New York City’s hungry (Fleet Owner)"The latest hybrid technology is finding its way to the streets of New York, as City Harvest—which collects excess food and delivers it for free throughout the five boroughs—has purchased four DuraStar Hybrid trucks from Penske Truck Leasing. Penske is providing full-service support for the 18-ft vehicles from International Truck and Engine Corp."
Other trucking industry headlines from Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008:
Fleet Owner
Western Star to use DD15 engine
Kenworth to add new axle tube
Bridgestone increases North America prices
New green technologies website for Peterbilt
Refrigerated Transporter
Weeklong tribute a collective 'thank you' to truck drivers
Penske helps City Harvest refrigerated fleet go green
Trailer/Body Builders
Utility Launches 4000D-X Composite
East, Meritor WABCO Introduce Trailer Communication System
Blogs
Trailers in transition (Trucks At Work)
"The combination of high fuel prices, higher equipment costs (due to costly emission reduction mandates) and slumping freight volume is taking a horrendous toll on truckers large and small. According to recent data, some 1,900 trucking operations shut down in the first six months of this year due to the caustic business environment we’re in. So what’s an equipment manufacturer to do? Well, if you make trailers for a living, it seems you boil your strategy down largely to one word: innovation."
Other stories
Delphi unsure when it will exit bankruptcy (The Detroit News)
Nearly three years after Delphi Corp. filed for bankruptcy, its prospects for emerging soon remain deeply uncertain as the Troy-based auto parts supplier faces growing pressure from investors and the government.
Consumer confidence up in August (Transport Topics)
Consumer confidence rose in August, as fuel prices fell as gasoline prices fell, the New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday.
Transportation Security Administration looks at the trucking industry (shippingdigest.com)
Officials at the Transportation Security Administration are turning an eye toward the trucking industry.
posted by benmcclanahan @ 1:36 PM,
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Michelin rolls out new wide-base tire
Monday, August 25, 2008
Michelin rolls out new wide-base tire (Fleet Owner)
"The new X One XDN2 wide-base on-highway drive tire introduced by Michelin Americas Truck Tires at the Great American Truck Show last week aims to be an all-in-one solution for truckers – providing optimum fuel efficiency, long life, and improved traction."
Other trucking industry headlines from Monday, Aug. 25, 2008:
Fleet Owner
Mitsubishi Fuso opens new Michigan headquarters
Fontaine to use Dometic system on new trucks
New accessories package available for Cascadia
Utility unveils 4000 D-X composite model
Trailer/Body Builders
Old Dominion Relocates Service Center to Florence, SC
Poll: Lack of Skilled Workers Hurts the Most
Blogs
Lights, camera, trucking (Trucks At Work)
"W.O.W. That’s my reaction after seeing Navistar’s film 'Drive and Deliver' this past Friday: a movie that started out ostensibly as a grandiose 45-minute commercial for its new LoneStar Class 8 highway tractor but became oh so much more than that in the talented hands of director Brett Morgen and the three drivers he culled from a pool of over 700 candidates."
Other stories
Swift, Knight will enroll in L.A. Clean Truck Program (CCJ)
The Port of Los Angeles announced that it received letters of intent from Swift Transportation and Knight Transportation to plan to become drayage concessionaires under the Port of Los Angeles Clean Truck Program (CTP).
Senior members of the Conservative government have discussed a possible $1-billion cut to a tax on diesel fuel, sources say, a move that would benefit cash-strapped manufacturers and municipalities.
PA to enhance safety on I-83 (truckinginfo.com)
Pennsylvania officials Friday announced new measures to improve traffic safety on the northbound Interstate 83 approach to the interchange with Route 581 in Lemoyne, Cumberland County.
posted by benmcclanahan @ 3:24 PM,
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Traffic fatalities reach lowest total in decade
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Traffic fatalities down 4%, DOT says (Fleet Owner)"According to a report released by the Department of Transportation, the number of fatalities on U.S. roadways fell 3.9% in 2007, reaching the lowest total in more than a decade and the lowest fatality rate on record."
Other trucking industry headlines from Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008:
Fleet Owner
Port of Tacoma trucker’s guide available
Experts talk about driver behavior and fuel economy
Great Dane revamps site
Con-way Freight names executive vp of operations
Outsourced Logistics
American Air Links Up With British Air and Iberia
Corpus Christi To Add Venezuela Service
Working Together to Speed Border Crossings
Exel To Support Chrysler Dealer Network
Why the Post Office Lost $1.13 Billion
Indiana University Adds Supply Chain Curriculum
Refrigerated Transporter
Subway serves top supply chain award to C.H. Robinson
Trailer/Body Builders
General Truck Body’s PEVs a Hit With U.S. Army
Freightliner, Meritor WABCO Offer Collision Safety System
Blogs
Semper Fi, Sarge
"How do you properly thank our military veterans for the tours of duty in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and other nasty hotspots around the world? How can we even come close to offering a proper gesture for men and women who’ve lived through some of the worst trauma human beings can go through, day after day, month after endless month?"
Other stories
Goodyear to close 92 retail stores (Transport Topics)
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plans to close 92 retail stores with about 500 full-time workers by the end of the year because of their lack of profitability, Bloomberg reported.
50,000 expected at this week's Great American Trucking Show (Land Line Magazine)
With the doors set to open at noon on Thursday, Aug. 21, the 2008 Great American Trucking Show in Dallas promises trucking professionals the latest in truck technology, truck gear and truck entertainment.
New Brunswick residents respond to carbon tax legislation (Times & Transcript)
He's not saying it will happen, he's not saying it won't happen. What Premier Shawn Graham is saying is that he's fully aware of the reaction some have given this summer to his government's proposed carbon tax.
posted by benmcclanahan @ 12:55 PM,
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Outsourced Logistics August issue online
The August issue of Outsourced Logistics is now available online:Why is this pig smiling?
The Continuing Challenge of Doing Business in China
Customers Helping Customers Helping Customers
When the Middleman Doesn't pay
posted by benmcclanahan @ 10:24 AM,
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Study examines rear-end crash causes
Monday, August 18, 2008
New analysis highlights rear-end crash causes"Rear-end crashes are one of the most common claims for most fleet operations, whether comprised of light, medium, or heavy-duty vehicles, yet the cure for this issue remains relatively simple: increase the following distances between vehicles on the highway."
Other trucking industry headlines from Monday, Aug. 18, 2008:
Bulk Transporter
PCA predicts cement consumption downtrend
Fleet Owner
Give Fleet Owner your feedback
FreightScan names vp of engineering
Dometic refrigerators available for Cascadia
LPI announces custom work platform
ConocoPhillips unveils newest synthetic engine oil
Outsourced Logistics
Construction Begins Near Port of Charleston
Green Retail Initiatives Drive Cost Savings
Logistics Service Provider Is Outstanding Woman Business Owner
Refrigerated Transporter
Mack, Volvo reorganize North American operations
Kenworth, Mack 'tops' in customer satisfaction
Trailer/Body Builders
Navistar Projects Industry Sales Drop
Spartan’s Furion Taking Off
Blogs
It’s safer out there (Trucks At Work)
"The highways are getting safer, with big rigs contributing to that safety improvement in a huge way. Let’s hope that trend line continues – and that trucking gets some props for making it happen."
Other stories
Auto suppliers struggle to stay afloat (Detroit Free Press)
The rest of this year and next will be a matter of survival for many cash-strapped auto suppliers.
Volt electric car off to Europe (Financial Times)
General Motors is planning to rebadge its Chevrolet Volt electric car as an Opel or Vauxhall to bring it to Europe as part of the US carmaker's plans to expand the model range of its highly anticipated new vehicle.
FMCSA declares Liberty Charter & Tours imminent hazard (CCJ)
Motor coach vehicles and drivers used by Liberty Charter & Tours that are or recently were affiliated with Angel Tours Inc., Iguala Busmex Inc. and Angel De La Torre have been declared an “imminent hazard” by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This declaration requires Liberty’s interstate and intrastate operations involved with Angel Tours Inc., Iguala Busmex Inc. and Angel De La Torre to cease immediately.
posted by benmcclanahan @ 1:55 PM,
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Trucking industry news archive
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Fleet Owner magazine recently added an archive for its Newsline daily newsletter. Readers can click on any date to view Fleet Owner's daily trucking news articles.FleetOwner Newsline archive
posted by benmcclanahan @ 7:44 AM,
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Paid back: Aiding owner-operators on fuel
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Paid back: Aiding owner-operators on fuel"There is enough for owner-operators to worry about without having to keep a constant eye on what diesel prices are averaging. A number of carriers have programs in place to alleviate that concern through surcharge programs that pay a significant portion of contracted carriers’ fuel bills."
Other trucking industry headlines from Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008:
Bulk Transporter
ATA challenges Boston hazmat routing
Texas renewable fuels request denied
EPA testing new online audit program
Time to submit Russell award nominations
FMCSA updates safety education materials
CVSA supporting truck safety technology
Fleet Owner
Continental offers new steer tire
Eaton Truck Group promotes Standen
PacLease opens three lease locations in Michigan
Oil prices down fifteen cents
Outsourced Logistics
Law Suit Attacks LA/Long Beach Port Trucking Plans
Too Many Big Ships May Mean Excess Capacity
Politicians Climb Onto the DHL-UPS Deal
TNT Again Target of Rumors
California Container Fee Hits Snag
Global Distribution Strategies--Asia
Trailer/Body Builders
Supreme’s 2Q Net Sales Down 14.6%
JOST Opens New Factory in India
NTEA Sets Business and Market Planning Summit
Performance Panels a Bargain Amid Soaring Material Prices
Blogs
Fatigue … and death (Trucks At Work)
"Let me give you this scenario. A young truck driver (let’s say 25 or 26, been driving for three years now) falls asleep at the wheel of his 80,000-pound rig and causes an accident, leaving a 57 year-old man dead – a man with a wife and kids."
Other stories
Madison named FHA Administrator (CCJ)
New York looks to photograph license of every vehicle to enter Manhattan (New York Times)
Technology as a money saver (Transformationenablers.com)
posted by benmcclanahan @ 3:08 PM,
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Deadly Chesapeake Bay Bridge truck crash
Monday, August 11, 2008
Fatal fall (Trucks At Work)"To me, it’s one of my worst nightmares – a personal horror show suddenly writ large in bold, ghastly type. This weekend, a truck driver lost his life when his tractor-trailer plunged 40 feet off the eastern span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, following a collision with two other vehicles."
Other trucking industry headlines from Monday, Aug. 11, 2008:
Bulk Transporter
Tracking wash data part of university study DPC meeting features tank cleaning issues Hurricane season good time to make disaster plans NIOSH offers hazmat pocket guide Cleaning, security guides on FDA Web site OSHA posts information for confined space entry ASSE, ASTM offer combined safety publication
Fleet Owner
FleetOwner news available on mobile devices via Twitter Manufacturing steady in July Continental names director of replacement sales Jiffy Lube rolls out fleet card Kenworth LNG trucks operating at CA ports
Refrigerated Transporter
Using CESAR to boost carrier's fleet efficiency
Trailer/Body Builders
Supreme Industries Declares 2% Stock Dividend
SAF-HOLLAND Repositions its Aftermarket Business
PacLease Announces Three New Eastern Michigan Locations
Other stories
Turning exhaust heat into energy (The Detroit News)
Researchers are competing to meet a challenge from the U.S. Department of Energy: improve fuel economy 10 percent by converting wasted exhaust heat into energy that can help power the vehicle.
A looming Congressional showdown over a controversial program that allows Mexican trucks free rein on U.S. highways threatens one local company's plans.
UPS looking to buy European delivery service TNT (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
UPS has held talks to buy Europe's TNT, the continent's second-biggest express delivery service, for $15 billion, according to press reports in Europe.
posted by benmcclanahan @ 1:37 PM,
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Get Fleet Owner news on Twitter
Friday, August 8, 2008
Check out the new Fleet Owner page on Twitter. If you're unfamiliar with the service, it allows you to receive updates on your mobile device and much more. View a Twitter FAQ.
posted by benmcclanahan @ 2:36 PM,
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Liability for payment of freight charges
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
When the Middleman Doesn't Pay (Outsourced Logistics)
"Liability for payment of freight charges has evolved into a complex legal problem that seems to be arising frequently when a shipper has arranged for a middleman (termed “3PL”, “broker”, “forwarder”, “logistics manager” or whatever) to arrange for the transportation of the shipper’s freight. After the carrier delivers, the carrier looks to the middleman (let’s call him a “broker” because that is the term used in the US Code) to pay it. However, what happens if for some reason the broker does not or cannot pay the carrier?"
Other trucking industry and logistics headlines from Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008:
Fleet Owner
Drivers must do their part to save fuel, too
Sterling shows new sleeper, 13L diesel, LNG truck
SAF-Holland forms aftermarket business unit
National truck driving championship to be held
HD America members can now choose Karmak
Outsourced Logistics
Tropical Storm Forces Evacuations in China
Why is this pig smiling?
How the biosecurity program works
PierPass Working on US West Coast
Schneider National is Wal-Mart Intermodal Carrier of the Year
DHL Appoints Hickler to Global Customer Solutions
Legislative First: 3PL Defined
Cross-Border Controversy: Cancelled or Continued?
Rail Safety Could Spell Shipper Costs
Customs Brokers File Tariff Exemption
Averitt’s New Asian Service Promises Faster Transit Times
CH Robinson Acquires Transera
New FedEx Plane Boosts Capacity, Adds Regional Reach
Trailer/Body Builders
Index Suggests More Softening in Labor Market
Blogs
More tea leaves…
"A piece by Larry Rohter in the edition for August 3rd, “Shipping Costs Start to Crimp Globalization,“ explains how the massive spike in fuel costs is already leading some global manufacturers to rethink their supply chains including where they manufacture their goods in the first place."
Toy Truckin’
"Now, a ton of interesting things are coming out of the 6th annual PeopleNet Users Conference being held down here in Naples, FL – and you’ll be reading about them in this space very soon, everything from the economic outlook for trucking, different tactics for improving fuel efficiency, plus why leveraging technology will be a much more vital strategy for fleets in order to save money and be more profitable in the future. We’ll get to all of that – but first you’ve got to see the 14.5-inch scale model remote control truck Paul Agustin built."
Other stories
Queens councilman looks to seize law-breaking trucks (Queens Ledger)
"Councilman Tony Avella is promoting a plan that would allow the city to seize the actual vehicles of truck drivers who violate truck route rules three times within an 18-month period."
White House expedites Columbia River Crossing (Transport Topics)
"The Columbia River Crossing between Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash., has received national priority status from the White House to expedite the project, the U.S. Department of Transportation said late Tuesday."
Atlantic Province Trucking Association opposes proposed carbon tax (New Brunswick Business Journal)
"The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association made it quite clear yesterday that it is against federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion's proposed carbon tax."
posted by benmcclanahan @ 3:42 PM,
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Ice Road truckers in Bulk Transporter
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The July issue of Bulk Transporter is now available online, including two stories about the popular History Channel series Ice Road Truckers:ARS braves Canadian Arctic hauling diesel to mines
Midseason Mayhem: Equipped for any emergency
All July 2008 articles
posted by benmcclanahan @ 8:16 AM,
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