trucks world news: September 2008

The test of independence * Canada - Not all truckers can qualify as independent contractors

ONT,Canada -Truck News -26 Sept 2008: -- The use of an "independent contractor" can appear to be a hassle-free alternative to hiring an employee... There's no need to worry about deductions for such things as income tax, Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) or Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) contributions. Such deductions become the responsibility of the independent contractor, who also has the opportunity to claim business-related expenses. Nor do those who contract the service need to remit their share of CPP/QPP contributions or EI premiums to Revenue Canada and le ministere du Revenu du Quebec.Yet the process of convincing a driver to set up a so-called "single-driver service" as a means to avoid such charges can be costly – particularly since government agencies may not recognize the independent status, and could come looking for unpaid taxes, premiums and other financial penalties... "It's mainly the ma and pops," says Global Driver Services vice-president George Iacono, referring to smaller fleets that attempt the practice. "The for-hire sector is so competitive. The companies doing it are offering low-ball rates."... A variety of deductions can account to 15% to 20% of a driver's salary, and some of the savings are passed on to shippers to help secure contracts, he says... But if a government agency determines the trucker should be defined as an "employee," unpaid deductions will need to be paid...

Labels: independent contractors

All-female Convoy * Canada's - First one rolling out next month

Cornwall,Ont,CAN -Truck News, by Adam Ledlow -26 Oct 2008: -- Canada's first all-women convoy will be rolling out from the Fifth Wheel Truck Stop in Cornwall, Ont. Oct. 18... The convoy begins at the Cornwall stop at noon and ends at the Cardinal Truck Stop, about halfway between Cornwall and Kingston, at 7:30 p.m... The driver who collects the largest amount of donations will have the honour of leading the convoy. All proceeds will go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation...

Labels: covoys

* USA - Department sues Mexican company for drivers’ back wages

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine - September 26, 2008: -- The U.S. Labor Department has filed a lawsuit against Cemex, a Mexican-owned company with U.S. headquarters in Houston. Cemex, a provider of cement and concrete products, allegedly failed to pay overtime to about 2,000 cement truck drivers in eight states in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act... Affected employees of Cemex worked in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina... The Houston Chronicle reported that the government estimates the drivers are owed more than $5 million in back wages for overtime they put in during the past three years... A spokesman for Cemex contends the company is in compliance with all U.S. labor laws...

Labels: dangerous enterprises

Hold the port - USA - Commission launches another clean truck investigation

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine -September 26, 2008: -- A low-profile federal shipping commission may yet slow down the enactment of new “clean truck” requirements at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles... Officials with the Federal Maritime Commission announced Wednesday, Sept. 24, they are opening another investigation into the activities of the twin ports... “The commission appreciates the potential environmental and public health benefits under the Ports’ Clean Truck Program; however, certain aspects of the Ports’ CTPs may violate the Shipping Act (of 1984). Accordingly, the investigation initiated today is tailored to focus on those elements of the CTP that cause the greatest concerns under the Shipping Act,” according to the Maritime Commission’s statement...

Labels: "Clean Trucks" Program, trucks

RE-VALIDATION * Portugal - October drivers’ license renewals for the over-50s

Lagoa,Algarve,Portugal -The Portugal News -27 Sept 2008: -- In October, all drivers aged 50 or 60 will receive a notification letter stipulating the deadline by which they must renew their drivers licenses, the Institute for Mobility and Terrestrial Transports (IMTT) said this week... The measure was implemented on January 1st this year, and is irrelevant of the validity date on drivers’ existing documents. If the driver is aged 50 or 60 the license must be revalidated... This also applies to truck and lorry drivers, as well as drivers of collective passenger transports, like coaches and buses, who must re-validate their licenses at the age of 40... According to the IMTT, this new legislation aims to “better control drivers’ physical and psychological aptitudes”... Those who fail to renew their documents within deadlines will be granted a two-year period in which it can be done, though if caught by police, may be subject to fines...

Labels: drivers' licences

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - Kenworth Offers AG130 Front Air Suspension Brochure

Kirkland,Wash,USA - Truck Net, by Craig Zwiener -September 24, 2008: -- The new Kenworth AG130 Front Air Suspension brochure is now available from Kenworth dealers in the United States and Canada... The brochure features the Kenworth AG130, a new generation of front air suspension that utilizes an innovative design, advanced technology and high-performance components. Available in 12,000- and 13,200-lb. ratings for the Kenworth T660, T800 and T2000 Class 8 models, the AG130 features a four-bag spring configuration where other competitive systems typically offer two. With two air bags per side designed to handle 75 percent of the vertical load and a lower leaf spring to handle the rest, the AG130 reduces vibration into the cab and chassis, thus helping to reduce driver fatigue and chassis maintenance. The AG130 also is lighter by 20 pounds over traditional 12,000-lb. rated, taperleaf front-end suspensions...

Labels: truckmakers' news USA

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - Group urges action to ease financial woes

Truckers serve as a gauge of U.S. economy health because they haul about 70 percent of manufactured and retail goods

New York,NY,USA -Associated Press/Forbes -25 Sept 2008: -- The primary trade group representing the U.S. trucking industry on Thursday urged Congress to swiftly stabilize the country's financial system, pointing to severe consequences for the sector and the broader economy...American Trucking Associations President and Chief Executive Bill Graves said in a statement that without legislation, the tightening credit markets will make it difficult for all kinds of trucking companies to finance the purchase of new trucks or equipment... The ATA represents about 37,000 companies across the industry... The Arlington, Va.-based trucking group's members include United Parcel Service Inc. and Knight Transportation Inc...

* Ahead of the Bell: Analyst downgrades 3 truckers

New York,NY,USA -Associated Press/Forbes -26 Sept 2008: -- A Stephens Inc. analyst downgraded three trucking companies to "Equal-Weight" from "Overweight" Friday, citing deteriorating demand and weaker pricing... Analyst Thom Albrecht cut his rating on less-than-truckload carriers YRC Worldwide Inc., Saia Inc. and Vitran Corp... Albrecht predicts that poor pricing and slowing demand will overshadow company initiatives and Vitran and Duluth, Ga.-based Saia, while he raised concerns that a new integration effort at YRC will be slow to take hold...

Labels: trucking industry news USA

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * Australia - Inquiry warned of 'safety crisis'

The inquiry is investigating a link between truck driver pay and road accidents

Sydney,VIC,AUST -ABC -Sep 26, 2008: -- The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has told a Government inquiry the industry has a safety crisis... The union's national secretary, Tony Sheldon, says competitive pressure contributed to 235 deaths in truck accidents last year... "In the case of owner drivers, if you haven't got enough pay then you can't maintain your vehicle and the only way of doing it is doing extraordinary hours," Mr Sheldon said... "Fifteen per cent of long distance truck drivers admit to doing over 100 hours a week because of client demand, trying to keep their trucks on the road"...

Labels: trucking industry news Australia

AWARDS * USA - Decker Truck Line and Truck Drivers Receive Recognition on Safety efforts

Fort Dodge,Iowa,USA -Truck Net, by Craig Zwiener -September 26, 2008: -- Decker Truck Line, Inc. was recognized at the Iowa Motor Truck Association's "Best of the Best" awards luncheon held September 17th, 2008 in Des Moines, IA at their Annual Management Conference... Decker Truck Line, Inc. received the 2008 IMTA Fleet Safety Award for Truckload Carrier over 15 million miles. Decker Truck Line, Inc also received the 2008 IMTA Grand Trophy-Iowa Fleet Safety. Decker was selected from 23 first place division winners... As an award winner, the company has demonstrated its continued dedication to safety with accident free miles, excellent safety ratings and an ongoing commitment within the company to make safety a top priority...

* Ruan Truck Driver Receives Million Mile Safety Award

Des Moines,Iowa,USA -Truck Net, by Craig Zwiener -September 26, 2008: -- Ruan Transport Corporation recently honored driver Steve Muirhead, who received the Ruan Million Mile Safety Award. This remarkable achievement recognizes his one million miles of accident-free driving for Ruan... When asked what tips he would share with other drivers, Muirhead advised to always be alert, pay attention and slow down. He has received 7 safety awards from Ruan and is a firm believer in the company’s motto: “Safety First”...

Labels: awards

TRUCKMAKERS' WORLDWIDE SHOW * Germany: IAA 2008 Hannover Truck Show.

International Truck of the Year 2009 !!! ... and the winner is ... The new Mercedes Actros !!!

Hanover,Germany -Biglorryblog (London,UK) -25 Sept 2008: -- The new Mercedes-Benz Actros (that's it pictured above), has been elected International Truck of the Year 2009 by the 20-strong jury of leading European commercial vehicle journalists. This brings up the hat-trick for Actros in the commercial vehicle industry's most prestigious accolade... Many jury members commented on the fact Actros is now offered with a complete safety package including laneguard system, ESP and ACC which is made available to all customers, including their own CharterWay rental company. Safety of commercial vehicles and other road users is of primary concern to everyone involved in the sector and the jury welcomes the initiatives shown by Mercedes in this area. The Actros has benefited from a number of improvements to the driveability and efficiency of the truck and this was also commented on by the jury members when making their decisions. The addition of the new automated Powershift transmission, as standard, is a major step forward in driver comfort, as is the addition of the new bunk arrangement...

Actros fought off a strong challenge from the new Iveco Eurocargo (pictured 2 ) to take the trophy...The new Volvo FH (Picture 3 ) and Scania R Series with EGR engine shared the third position.

Labels: truckmakers' show

TRUCKS MARKETS * Europe - Truckmakers Surprised by Sharp Drop in Orders

London,UK -Bloomberg, by Tom Biesheuvel -Sept. 26, 2008 -- European truckmakers have been surprised by the sharp decline in western European orders during recent weeks, the Financial Times reported, citing Continental AG executive board member Hans-Joachim Nikolin... Scania AB Chief Executive Officer Leif Oestling said any forecast he made now he would likely regret in a few months, according to the FT... The "financial meltdown'' will certainly affect the trucks market, Oestling said, according to the FT. "When too much sand percolates into the gear box, the whole system is affected,'' he told the newspaper...

Labels: trucks markets worldwide

Transport and Climate * Germany - On the Road to Nowhere?

Study: Transportation is the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gases. See how different modes of transportation are affecting the climate, and how they could become more sustainable

Munich,Germany -Allianz Knowledge Partnersite, by Thilo Kunzemann -September 25, 2008: -- Planes, trains and automobiles are more than just means of transportation. They are necessities of any advanced economy. They also symbolize a way of life. Unfortunately, this freedom to go wherever we wish and get things from wherever we want is 95-percent reliant on burning oil... According to the UN, the transport sector emits about 13 percent of global man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Over the past decade, GHG emissions from transportation have increased faster than those from any other sector, while CO2 emissions from transport are projected to be about 80-percent higher than current levels by 2030. Not all forms of transportation are equally carbon-intensive, but in almost all cases skyrocketing demand has outpaced the development of cleaner, greener vehicles... With high oil prices, consumers and governments may force the transport sector to become more fuel-efficient and explore alternative fuels. Even road traffic, undoubtedly the most widespread form of transportation, has the potential to drastically reduce its carbon footprint... Some of the examples that follow show that a mobile society does not necessarily lead to an environmental dead end. Lifestyles can change. In a few years, gas-guzzling SUVs might be ridiculed as modern dinosaurs, while electric cars symbolize real freedom... Between 600 and 700 million cars, trucks, and buses worldwide produce about three quarters of all greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. The United States has about 30 percent of the world’s automobiles, and contributes 45 percent of the world’s automotive CO2 emissions, but car production in places like China, India, and Brazil is catching up fast... Cars sold in the EU in 2004 emitted about 12 percent less fossil fuels than in 1995. The European Commission has proposed legislation that would reduce the average emissions of CO2 from new cars further from around 160 to 130 grams per kilometer by 2012. Hybrid-electric engines or plug-in electric cars could lower the average even further... Immediate emissions reductions, however, only result from changing consumer behavior. One key factor is the price at the pump. In June 2008, driving in the United States dropped by 4.7 percent. In the face of record gasoline prices, Americans drove about 12.2 billion miles less... (Picture: Reuters - An Albanian man tows his trashed car back home with a horse cart. This car has a perfect carbon footprint, but there are also other ways to make transportation more sustainable)

* European truckmakers pledge to cut fuel consumption

Hanover,Germany -Business, by Bruce Meng -25 September 2008: -- European truckmakers pledged on Tuesday to reduce fuel consumption by 2020 in line with a European Union objective, but called on legislators not to oppose the industry’s own attempts to cut emissions... "The commercial vehicles industry has united behind the ‘Vision 20-20′: We will further decrease the consumption of modern trucks by on average 20 percent per tonne/kilometer by the year 2020", Daimler Trucks chief Andreas Renschler said... Speaking as commercial vehicles head of Brussels-based industry association ACEA, the Daimler executive said he appreciated an offer from the European Commission to discuss future regulations in a fair and cooperative manner... European truckmakers support an integrated approach that would shift some responsibility onto the oil industry, hauliers, truck operators and even the drivers, since the way a truck is driven can reduce fuel consumption by 10 percent on its own... Renschler said the truck industry remains the backbone of the global economy, carrying nearly 80 percent of freight in industrialised countries and directly employing 250,000 people in Europe alone...

Labels: green news

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

* USA - Navistar dedicates Huntsville heavy-duty engine plant

Huntsville,ALA,USA -Truck News, by James Menzies -23 Sept 2008: -- Navistar dedicated a massive high-tech engine plant as part of its 75th anniversary as a diesel engine manufacturer. The International MaxxForce 11- and 13-litre engines will be built at this 300,000 sq.-ft. plant, which was constructed last year... Huntsville was chosen as the site for the engine plant thanks to a cooperative government, strong workforce and an adjacent existing Navistar plant which builds V6 and V8 engines for light-duty vehicles, buses and RVs... The plant has the capacity to build 30,000 MaxxForce engines per year with one shift active, company officials explained at the gathering. The MaxxForce 11 and 13 are offered only on International ProStar, TranStar and WorkStar trucks and will also be available on the newest member of the International family, the LoneStar... (The MaxxForce 11 (pictured) and 13 are now being produced at Navistar's Huntsville, Ala. plant.)

* USA - Kenworth offering new hybrid tractor for local haul applications

Kirkland,WASH,USA -Truck News, by Adam Ledlow -24 Sept 2008: -- A new Kenworth T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid tractor for local haul applications, including beverage, general freight, and grocery distribution, has officially rolled off the line... Kenworth's goal for the T370 hybrid tractor is to improve fuel economy by up to 25% in local haul applications. The tractor will be available in various wheelbases, starting as short as 153 inches. The new Kenworth hybrid tractor (See Photo)will be a featured participant during the Oct. 16 Ride and Drive event at the annual Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) in South Bend, Ind...

* Italy - Fiat SpA sees China truck sales at 150,000

Turin,Italy -Bloomberg News/ The Detroit News -26 Sept 2008: -- Fiat SpA 's Iveco truck division predicted China sales will climb to 150,000 vehicles in two to three years as the Italian manufacturer expands offerings through joint ventures... Sales by Iveco's three China partnerships are forecast to climb 22 percent to 115,000 units this year, Chief Executive Officer Paolo Monferino said Thursday at the IAA Commercial Vehicles fair in Hanover, Germany... Iveco made up 19 percent of Turin, Italy-based Fiat's sales last year... Iveco has joint ventures with China's SAIC Motor Corp. for trucks and diesel engines, and a light commercial vehicles partnership with Nanjing Automobile Group Corp ... Iveco sold 211,700 vehicles globally last year...

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS * MERGERS and ADQUISITIONS WORLDWIDE

Strategic Buyers - International Deals

* Norway -15 Sept: Nettbuss AS has acquired Risør og Tvedestrand Bilruter AS. Based in Tvedestrand, Norway, Risør provides public transport services. Terms were not disclosed.

* Lithuania - 15 Sept: Terminal Investments Ltd. has acquired a majority interest in LKAB Klaipedos Smelte. Based in Klaipeda, Lithuania, LKAB provides stevedoring and logistics services. Terms were not disclosed.

* The Netherlands - 15 Sept: Verbrugge Internationale Wegtransporten B.V. has announced the pending acquisition of Schotpoort Transport Groep B.V. Based in Eerbeek, The Netherlands, Schotpoort provides freight trucking services. Terms were not disclosed.

* Germany - 17 Sept: Eurogate Intermodal Gmbh and ICE Transport Kft have acquired 74.0% of Floyd ZRt. Floyd provides railway transportation in Hungary. Terms were not disclosed.

* South Africa - 17 Sept: Petmin Limited has acquired the remaining 30.0% of Petmin Logistics (Pty) Ltd. for $379,000. Based in South Africa, Petmin provides logistics services related to minerals mining and processing.

* Kuwait - 17 Sept: Global Logistical Services Company W.L.L. has acquired National Express Cargo Co. LLC for $3.7 million. Based in Salmiya, Kuwait, National Express provides freight forwarding services.

* Italy - 17 Sept: Railion Italia S.r.l. announced the pending acquisition of 49.0% of NORDCARGO Srl for $4.2 million. Based in Novate Milanese, Italy, NORDCARGO provides rail freight transport services in both France and Germany. NORDCARGO had TTM revenue of $51.6 million.

* South Korea - 17 Sept: Hanjin Corp. has acquired Shinsegae Dream Express Co., Ltd. for $26.9 million. Based in Seoul, South Korea, Shinsegae provides corporate logistics and housing delivery services.

* Lithuania - 18 Sept: flyLAL Group AB announced the pending acquisition of UAB Baltic Ground Services. UAB offers ground handling services at the Baltic State international airports in Vilnius, Kaunas and Riga. Terms were not disclosed.

* Turkey - 19 Sept: Ceva Logistics B.V. has acquired Varan Cargo. Varan operates a bus line based in Turkey. Terms were not disclosed.

* India - 19 Sept: Adani Infrastructure Services Private Limited has acquired 19.7% of Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone Limited. Based in Kutch, India, Mundra Port is a non-captive, private sector port in India with TTM revenue of $204.3 million. Terms were not disclosed.

* Australia - 19 Sept: Business Air Holdings Pty Ltd. announced the pending acquisition of Aeropelican Air Services Pty Ltd. for $497,000. Aeropelican offers air transportation services from its base in Williamtown, Australia.

* Malaysia - 19 Sept: Axis REIT Managers Bhd. announced the pending acquisition of a warehouse owned by Bizlot (M) Sdn Bhd. for $9.2 million. The single story detached warehouse is located in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

* Belgium - 19 Sept: CWT Commodities Pte Ltd. announced the pending acquisition of HNN Logistics N.V. for $23.8 million. Based in Antwerpen, Belgium, HNN offers logistics and warehouse services.

Financial Buyers

* USA - 16 Sept: Creo Capital Partners, LLC has acquired Sataria Distribution and Packaging, Inc. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Sataria provides warehousing logistics and transportation services. Terms were not disclosed.

Labels: T and L Mergers and Acquisitions worldwide

DISCUSSIONS * USA - CAL's Proposition 10

1· Fueling a cleaner California

Los Angeles,CAL,USA -The Los Angeles Times, by Fred Keeley -25 Sept 2008: -- The Times' Sept. 19 editorial, "Reject Proposition 10,” misses the mark on what the ballot measure would do for California and why it is necessary. Proposition 10 would authorize the state to sell $5 billion in bonds to finance alternative-energy projects -- a move that would bolster California's reputation as the nation's leader in investigating ways to clean up the environment... The Times makes the point that bonds are generally used for "bricks and mortar" programs rather than projects such as replacing fleets of diesel-fueled trucks because of the long-term aspects of bond issues. The founding idea behind the promotion of Proposition 10 is to begin the process of weaning Californians from gasoline and diesel fuel -- as much as 70% of which is imported from foreign sources -- to cleaner, cheaper, domestic sources of energy, one of which is natural gas... On the issue of state-issued rebates being a source of income for owners who may buy trucks in California then sell them in Nevada, the initiative states that a person seeking to obtain a vehicle rebate from the state Board of Equalization "shall submit proof of residency, proof of purchase or lease, proof that the vehicle is eligible for the rebate and proof of vehicle registration in California"... We would expect that the Air Resources Board, under its mandate to administer this program, might issue additional requirements such as installing a GPS system to track a truck's location, which would be consistent with the letter and spirit of the measure... Moreover, Proposition 10 is not a boondoggle for billionaire T. Boone Pickens or any one person or company. It is a pathway to the future of cleaner technologies to power trucks, buses and automobiles in California. The Times should be supporting that goal, not engaging in ad hominem attacks against one person...

2 · Why Prop. 10 is a boondoggle

San Francisco,CAL,USA -The San Francisco Chronicle -September 25, 2008: -- If timing is everything in politics, then Proposition 10 would seem to be a surefire winner. It would funnel $5 billion in state bond money into subsidies for clean-and-green energy alternatives with $3 billion of the total going to subsidies to boost natural gas as a road fuel... But wait: The chief backer and bill payer for the measure is T. Boone Pickens, the folksy Texas oilman and apostle for energy independence who founded a firm that just happens to supply natural gas for cars and trucks... If the foul scent of self-interest doesn't sink Prop. 10, its specifics should. The bulk of the bond proceeds would be doled out as subsidies for vehicle buyers. A high-mileage, gas-burning hybrid would mean a $2,000 subsidy for a buyer, even though these cars are already selling briskly. The measure would sweeten the deal to $10,000 for a car powered by natural gas and up to $50,000 for a long-haul truck... These may sound like smart inducements. But why single out natural gas for special favors when other technologies are in their infancy? These fields are drawing private investors who haven't asked for a Pickens-sized bond measure... But Prop. 10 couldn't even win a free pass for good intentions. It's opposed by an A-to-Z list of ballot-savvy organizations including the anti-tax Howard Jarvis group, California Chamber of Commerce, Sierra Club and the California Labor Federation. On the other side: Pickens and his checkbook... California needs low-polluting alternative fuels in its future. But voters shouldn't be misled to think this measure is a balanced answer. Vote no on Proposition 10...

Labels: discussions trucks subsidising

Protesting Truck Drivers * USA - Get Trucks Impounded

Truckers who came to the capital this week to protest high fuel prices suffered a setback when their vehicles were impounded

Landover Hills,MD,USA -ABC 7 News/The Washington Times -September 25, 2008: -- ... The towing company demanded $2,000 for their return. The drivers are members of Truckers and Citizens United, a group that claims to represent the interests of thousands of trucking employees and drivers... Trucker Steve Link drove roughly 700 miles from Michigan to attend the rally Tuesday. He says the group found two trailers and a tractor-trailer missing from outside their motel on Wednesday morning... They had planned to return to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers. Truckers say they were told at the motel that they could park at a shopping center near the motel. They say they didn't see a small no-parking sign...

Labels: truckers' protest

MARKETS * Russia - Gulf-Russia trade lane busy despite political tensions

USA -Break Bulk (Newark,NJ,USA), by Alan M. Field -24 Sept 2008: -- ... Companies that do business in Russia see growing opportunities in the Russian market. U.S. exports to Russia grew 56 percent last year, reaching $7.4 billion, and are expected to grow nearly 60 percent this year, according to the U.S.-Russia Business Council... Much of the cargo leaving the Gulf of Mexico for the countries of the former Soviet Union bloc is equipment and machinery for the oil and gas, mining and agriculture industries, said Milena Dimitrova, vice president of freight coordination for CIS Navigation, the head office for Atlantic Ro-Ro... Atlantic Ro-Ro is one of carriers offering regular service between the Gulf of Mexico and the Baltic region, particularly to St. Petersburg... In addition to oil and gas equipment, the Russian market is also keen on new and secondhand U.S.-manufactured trucks... The Balticon Line, based in Hamburg, Germany, was established in 2006 and provides liner services to Baltic ports from Europe as well as the US... Balticon owns two vessels, the geared ’tweendeckers Hamburg and Antwerp, and charters in other vessels as needed and as they are available. The two owned vessels are ice-class and thus operate year-round, including during the ice season of December through March... According to Luc Rom, Hamburg-based managing director of the company, plans to buy or build several new vessels to add to the fleet. The company is considering buying two general cargo ’tweendeckers, as well as investigating the resale of new construction in the Far East for delivery in 2009...

Labels: market news

FEES & TAXES * USA - Congress May Link Change in Truck Size to Vehicle Miles Tax

Congress may link any change in truck size- and-weight limits in upcoming highway legislation to a new commercial vehicle-miles-traveled tax

Washington,DC,USA -Transport Topics, by Sean McNally -Sept. 22, 2008: -- ... Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), chairman of the House Highway and Transit Subcommittee, said last week... DeFazio said Sept. 16 at the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s annual “Public-Private Ventures in Transportation” meeting, there were fewer issues, such as privacy and technological upgrades, with imposing a mileage fee on large trucks than on passenger cars and that would make the conversion simpler...

Labels: trucks fees

WARNING * Mexico - Keep NAFTA unchanged

President Calderon says altering the trade pact will lead to 'distrust' between the countries

New York,NY,USA -Bloomberg/The Detroit News, by Fabiola Moura -September 25, 2008: -- Mexican President Felipe Calderon called on the U.S. to preserve the North American Free Trade Agreement and increase competitiveness with Europe and Asia, saying any renegotiation could harm both countries' economies... U.S. critics of free trade have been more vocal this year as confidence in the economy erodes, and presidential candidate Barack Obama has said NAFTA should be changed to include labor and environmental standards. He warned against protectionism and said there needs to be "more investment in Mexico, to get more jobs for Mexicans in Mexico"... Calderon, 46, said Mexico's "labor-intensive" economy compliments America's "capital-intensive" economy, and the two countries need to work harder to integrate their markets...

Labels: NAFTA debate

Program for Hybrid Trucks * USA - House Passes Legislation That Would Create it

The House passed a bill Wednesday designed to spur the development of plug-in hybrid utility and delivery trucks

Washington,DC,USA -CQPolitics.com, by Kathryn A. Wolfe -Sept. 24, 2008: -- The measure, which passed by voice vote, would create a competitive grant program at the Energy Department to help businesses research, develop and ultimately sell these vehicles... During a June hearing on the bill, sponsor F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. , R-Wis., said delivery trucks often drive short distances but idle for hours once they reach their destinations... A plug-in hybrid engine in a utility truck, he said, could use up to 60 percent less fuel... The bill would authorize $16 million a year through fiscal 2011 for the program...

Labels: hybrids trucks

TRUCKING STATISTICS * USA - ATA Truck Tonnage Index Fell 1.6 Percent in August

Arlington,VA,USA -MarketWatch -Sept 24, 2008: -- The American Trucking Associations' advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 1.6 percent in August, marking the largest month-to-month drop since March of this year. Additionally, the index fell 0.9 percent in July, a downward revision from the 0.3-percent drop reported Aug. 26. In August, the seasonally adjusted tonnage index equaled 113.6 (2000 = 100), its lowest level since November 2007. The not seasonally adjusted index decreased 3.4 percent to 115.0 in August... The seasonally adjusted index was 2.6 percent higher compared with August 2007, marking its tenth consecutive year-over-year increase. The gain was more than one percentage point lower than the improvement in July. Year-to-date, the index was up 3.4 percent compared with the same period in 2007. Tonnage contracted 1.7 percent and 1.5 percent in 2006 and 2007, respectively...

Labels: trucking statistics

FUEL COST SOLUTIONS * USA - Senate Passes Energy Measure

Trucking Seeks ‘Comprehensive Solution’

Washington,DC,USA -Transport Topics -24 Sept 2008: -- The Senate approved a bill that would provide tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency, the Associated Press reported, and a top trucking official urged Congress to pass comprehensive measures to help lower fuel costs... The energy tax credits were part of a bigger tax bill that included business and personal tax credits, and now travels to the House for final consideration, AP said... Meanwhile, a trucking executive speaking on behalf American Trucking Associations urged Congress and the Bush administration to implement a comprehensive energy plan to help ensure affordable supply of oil and limit the effect of rising fuel costs on the overall economy...

Labels: fuel cost solutions

FUEL TROUBLES * USA - Major steps are needed to remedy oil and gas situation

“It is clear that our energy crisis is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive solution,” said Barbara Windsor, President and CEO of Hahn Transportation

Arlington,VA & Washington,DC,USA -Logistics Management, by Jeff Berman -24 Sept 2008: -- A trucking industry official called on the White House and Congress this week to implement a comprehensive energy plan that will ensure an affordable supply of oil and limit the effect of rising fuel costs on the US economy, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA)... Hahn added that the US needs a comprehensive energy plan that decreases demand for fossil fuels, increases domestic energy production and ensures transparency in the petroleum markets. A plan is vital, according to Hahn, as the trucking industry is currently on pace to spend $159.9 billion on fuel this year. This tally tops 2007 by $47 billion and doubles 2004’s trucking fuel bill... Even though oil prices are down from record levels that approached nearly $150 per barrel earlier this summer and diesel prices are below the $4 per gallon mark for the first time in ten weeks, the ongoing issues shippers and carriers have experienced from rapid price shocks have not subsided. Various industry experts have told LM much more work is needed to ensure that things get on more solid footing forward... Another option for reducing fuel costs and conservation is increasing productivity within truck fleets by trucks with multiple trailers up to 330,000 pounds 525 feet long, according to Tim Radbourne, President of Radbourne Consulting in Adrian, Mich...

Labels: fuel cost crisis

COMPLAINS * USA - State Looks at Keeping Big Rigs off Small Roads Bud Lowell

The New York State Department of Transportation is hoping to keep more big trucks off state highways and on the interstates

Rochester,NY,USA -WXXI (Rochester,NY) -24 Sept 2008: -- ... It's rolling out a new set of regulations at a meeting Wednesday night in Syracuse that will tighten restrictions on where long-haul trucks can roll. DOT spokesman Charles Carrier says there will be efforts to slow down traffic on certain state highways through towns and villages. Heavy trucks will have to stay on interstates or designated state routes unless they're heading for a terminal or making local pickups and deliveries. The DOT also wants to make it less desirable for truckers to drive state highways by stepping up inspections and permit enforcement checks on those roads... Carrier says the DOT has worked with local communities and the trucking industry to try and satisfy both sides without hurting business...

Labels: neighboring complains

CLEAN TRUCK PROGRAMS * USA - Feds urge ports to delay program

Federal authorities said Wednesday they are investigating whether a plan to ban older trucks from entering the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach imposes unfair regulations and fees on truckers and shippers

Los Angeles,CAL,USA -Associated Press/The San Francisco Chronicle, by DAISY NGUYEN -September 24, 2008: -- ... The Federal Maritime Commission said certain aspects of the clean truck program might violate the Shipping Act, which prohibits ports from giving "unreasonable preferences or imposing any undue or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage". It urged port authorities to delay implementing the program, which is scheduled to begin Oct. 1, until the details of the plan have been properly evaluated... The ports vowed to proceed with the program... The cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach passed plans earlier this year aimed at reducing truck emissions at the nation's busiest cargo container complex by as much as 80 percent. .. The American Trucking Associations, which represents 37,000 trucking companies, sought a court order to stop the program but a federal judge denied the request and an appeals court on Wednesday upheld the ruling... The industry group said it does not oppose efforts to clean up the air but objects to costly regulations on truckers... The federal commission said it will look into the restricted access, cargo fees and other measures associated with the program... The two ports handle about 40 percent of the nation's imported goods...

* Port of Oakland Issuing Funds for Truck Emissions Systems

Oakland,CAL,USA -Transport Topics -22 Sept 2008: -- More than 1,500 truckers at the Port of Oakland, Calif., have applied for 1,000 subsidies to retrofit their trucks to reduce emissions, the San Francisco Business Times reported Monday... The money, which is coming from the port, state bond proceeds and the local air quality management district, is part of a broader effort at the port to clean up exhaust from trucks, ships and other equipment, the paper reported... But the program could be slowed if truckers can’t come up with $9,000 to pay for the systems, which can run to $24,000. The subsidies per truck go as high as $15,000, the Business Times said...

Labels: "Clean Trucks" Program

INFRASTRUCTURES * Australia - Victoria flags new trucking and rail hubs

Melbourne,VIC,AUST -ATN -23 Sept 2008: -- The Brumby Government is looking at introducing trucking and intermodal rail hubs across Victoria as part of its new rail plan... The Department of Transport's Director of Freight and Logistics John Clarebrough says short-haul rail is not commercially viable and rail will only succeed if trucking and intermodal hubs are operating alongside interstate trains to eliminate doube stacking... It is rumoured Pallas is currently identifying areas for the construction of the outer ring road in Melbourne to align “western and northern activities”... However, he says industry should not "hold your breath”...

Labels: infrastructures

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

* Germany - Truckmakers upbeat as trade show starts in Hanover

Hanover, Germany -The Earth Times -25 Sep 2008: -- World truckmakers were optimistic about huge opportunities in emerging markets Thursday at the IAA truck fair in Hanover. "The technological potential in this sector has not yet been fully tapped," said German Automobile Industry Federation (VDMA) President Matthias Wissmann in a speech opening the biennial event... Emerging economies with rapid rates of growth have helped cheer truckmakers amid concern of recession in the West... Expanding industry and commerce in Russia, South America and South Africa mean much larger numbers of trucks are needed to deliver goods... That growth is also reflected in the growing number of Russian, Indian and Chinese truckbuilders with booths at the IAA fair... "Wherever there are expanding economies, they need trucks," explained Stephan Schaller, chief executive of Volkwagen's commercial vehicles division... Wissmann said he sees opportunities for the industry in reducing emissions that cause climate change and improving the safety of trucks and vans... Earlier this week, Germany's Environment Ministry highlighted how cutting emissions does not just mean reducing fuel use, but also replacing climate-killer gases in truck refrigeration and air- conditioning systems... The expo, one of the world's biggest, runs through October 2 and has attracted more than 2,000 manufacturers of trucks, buses, vans and related technology...

* India - Volkswagen eyes trucks, partner in

Mumbai,India -Reuters -Sep 25, 2008 : -- Volkswagen plans to make light commercial vehicles in India with a local company, and is in talks with some potential partners, the Business Line newspaper said on Thursday, citing a company official... The plan was part of the German automaker's international strategy involving China and India, and required vehicles to be made locally there, it cited Harald Schomburg, a board member of its commercial vehicles' sales and marketing arm, as saying... Volkswagen, whose new plant in India will become operational in 2009 with a capacity of 110,000 vehicles, is already importing small volumes of its Crafter and Caravelle light trucks in India, the Business Line said...

* Australia - Hino says sales success is automatic

Sydney,Australia -ATN -17 Sept 2008: -- As the only truck manufacturer offering a fully automatic truck in the light duty segment, Hino is sitting pretty with sales of its 300-Series trucks... Steve Lotter, Chief Operating Officer for Hino, says the take-up of Hino 300 six-speed fully automatic trucks has seen the company already exceed its full-year 2007 automatic model sales in just seven months in 2008... The take-up with rental fleet owners has been particularly strong - in fact an electronically controlled automatic transmission makes sense for any application where the drivers do not come from the ranks of professional truck drivers... Hino's best-selling automatic is the 616 Auto model (See picture), with 127 trucks sold year-to-date (YTD) 2008, compared with 148 in the full year 2007. The 816 Auto is another strong seller, with 38 trucks sold YTD July 2008, compared with 53 manual variants YTD July 2008 and 50 automatics sold in 2007. Hino also offers its six-speed automatic transmission in volume-selling 716 Medium and 816 Crew Cab models...

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

TRUCKING PRODUCTS WORLDWIDE

* USA - Accuride plans 392 job cuts after CEO resigns

Evansville,IND,USA -Associated Press/The Chicago Tribune -September 23, 2008: -- Accuride Corp., a maker of commercial vehicle wheels and other trucking industry products, announced Tuesday the resignation of its CEO and plans to cut nearly 400 jobs -- 11 percent of its work force -- in a company shake-up... The company has been struggling along with other companies that serve the trucking industry, which has been hit hard by high fuel prices... Aside from cutting 392 positions, Accuride said it will also take a charge of about $14.3 million in the third quarter. Company officials said the moves will save the company $6 million in 2008 and generate annual savings of about $27.5 million thereafter... Accuride said orders for large truck and trailer components have struggled and that the "freight environment remains weak and trucker profitability remains low following record high fuel prices," it said... Last month, the company reported that its second-quarter net profits plunged 31 percent while sales were flat...

* Australia - McLaughlin’s runs cold withPeki

Australia -ATN -23 Sept 2008: -- Gold Coast-based operator McLaughlin Freightlines says its new Peki ‘Polar’ trailers are red hot when it comes to delivering fresh and frozen chicken for Bartter-Steggles... The new Peki “Polar” Freezer Semi Trailers (See Picture) are remarkably efficient trailer units, designed to operate at temperatures down to -25°C... As part of providing optimal insulation whilst minimising refrigeration plant fuel usage, the trailer has been constructed using a polyurethane foam core insulated roof and walls, with bonded reinforced fibreglass ribs for strength and improved thermal performance... The doors also utilise fibreglass composite panels whilst the rear door and door seal insulation have also been optimised to minimise refrigeration plant fuel usage... Complementing the body design is a host of equipment accessories including BPW suspension, Alcoa polished aluminium wheels, polished aluminium splashguards and polished fuel tank... As is the case with all refrigerated units, these trailers are all regularly hot washed with a pressure cleaner and are also periodically sterilised using acid based chemicals...

Labels: trucking products

TRUCKMAKERS' WORLDWIDE SHOW * Germany

The Hannover IAA Show 2008 ...welcome Mercedes ... !!!

Hanover,Germany -First news from Biglorryblog (UK) -24 Sept 2008: -- ... Zetros!... the Mercedes-Benz pre-show evening bunfight. A new 4x4 heavy duty off-road truck called the Zetros... And here it is, an 1833, so that's an 18-tonner with a 330hp engine, which suggests it's the 7.2-litre inline six rather than the vee-six. The three-man cab looks as if it's been put together using various bits from the Merc parts bin too...

And here's another surprise ... a hybrid Axor tractor - one of no fewer than 11 'green truck/alternative fuel/hybrid vehicles' on show... The diesel-electric driveline could save weight and fuel and provide an extra boost of power to the diesel engine whilst hill climbing or pulling away from lights. The diesel-electric option also provides the potential to downsize on the diesel engine too...

Just to prove Daimler's a global truck maker it had plenty of its brands on display including this rather smart looking Mitsubishi Fuso cabover 6x4 tractor which goes by the modest name of 'Super Great'...

Freightliner M2e Hybrid is ready for the North American low-emission market...
While Hybrid Canters have already started in-service trials in the UK and mainland Europe... Nothing 'hybrid' about this mother - a double-tough Freightliner Coronado long-haul tractor with all the necessary whistles and bells for the discerning US owner-driver...

Yet another hybrid--this time based on an Econic low-cab refuse truck...

Labels: truckmakers' show

CLEAN TRUCK FEE * USA - Long Beach Delays Truck Fee

Long Beach,CAL,USA -Journal of Commerce/Traffic World, by Bill Mongelluzzo -24 Sept 2008: -- The Port of Long Beach will delay for several weeks the collection of a $35 per-TEU clean-trucks fee that was scheduled to take effect on Oct. 1... In a statement Tuesday, the port explained that it is still developing the computerized PortCheck collection system. It expected the system to be operational "a few weeks" after Oct. 1... It is uncertain if the Port of Los Angeles will also delay collection of the fee. Port executives could not be reached for comment...

Labels: trucks fees

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - Con-way Truckload Supports Military Veterans With Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program

Company Joins Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs to Create Career Opportunities for Veterans and Reservists

Joplin,MO,USA -MarketWatch -Sep 24, 2008: -- Con-way Truckload, a full-truckload carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc., today announced that it has become a participant in the U.S. Department of Labor National Apprenticeship Program, which permits eligible veterans and active members of the Guard and Reserves to receive paid on-the-job training using GI Bill benefits... The program enables military veterans who choose to start truck driving careers with Con-way Truckload to use their GI Bill benefits to supplement their income in the first year of employment, which is considered an apprentice period during which new drivers fulfill a series of skills qualification, training and safe driving performance milestones as a condition of continued employment. Qualifying veterans or reservists can receive up to an additional $1,000 a month in tax-free GI Bill benefits under this apprenticeship program during their first year with Con-way Truckload...

* Hundreds attend DOT meeting on controlling truck traffic

Syracuse,New York,USA -WSYR-TV -24 Sept 2008: -- Hundreds turned out at a public hearing at the State Fairgrounds Wednesday evening to discuss the state Department of Transportation's proposal to keep large trucks from traveling through local towns and villages... It's been a hot topic in the Finger Lakes for years and in May, Governor Paterson announced a draft statewide regulation to address the problem... Truckers have used roads such as Route 20 in the Skaneateles area as short cuts to save on gas and Thruway tolls, and avoid weigh stations...

Labels: trucking industry news USA

Trucking Industry * Australia - In Crisis

... In the world it is now apparent that increasing costs are having increasingly drastic effects...

Sydney,Australia -Freightscene.com, by Findlay Osborn -24 Sept 2008: -- The truck transport industry in Australia is one industry in Australia that faces crisis... With the industry already suffering from low margins and high costs associated with the price of diesel fuel, moves by the Federal Labor Government to increase the diesel fuel excise and other charges are ultimately considered untimely and unwelcome... Addressing the Parliament of Australia on the issue, Federal Liberal MP for Forrest, Nola Marino, criticised the Government for wanting to place additional pressure on the truck transport industry... A decision by the Rudd Government to increase the diesel fuel excise was, according to Ms Marino, "yet another round of inflationary tax rises," from the government... Since 2001, Australia’s diesel excise has been fixed at 38.143 cents per litre, however in February the Federal Minister for Transport, the Hon Anthony Albanese announced a 1.367 cent per litre increase to the levy, as well as indicating that the excise would return to being indexed from next year...

Labels: trucking industry news Australia

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * WORLDWIDE

* USA - Navistar dedicates heavy-duty engine plant

Huntsville,ALA,USA -Fleet Owner, by Max Heine -24 Sept 2008: -- Navistar Engine Group dedicated its new MaxxForce big bore engine facility Sept. 23, also celebrating the 75th anniversary of its first production of a diesel engine, the D-40... The plant in Huntsville, Ala., has been producing the MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13 at low volumes. Officials said the company expects a steady increase in volume. Navistar has an older engine plant a mile away that produces V6 and V8 diesels for consumer vehicles, commercial trucks, school buses and recreational vehicles... (Photo: Navistar’s MaxxForce 11, produced at the new Huntsville, Ala., plant, has a torque range of 1,250 to 1,400 lb.-ft.)

* Germany - MAN trucks boss says profits won't collapse in 2009

Hanover,Germany -Reuters -Sep 24, 2008: -- The head of MAN AG's commercial vehicles business expects profits to remain solid next year even if its core western European truck market contracts... Anton Weinmann said on Wednesday during the IAA truck show in Hanover, "We will earn considerably more than 6.5 percent (of revenue)"... MAN has targeted an 8.5 percent operating margin on average over the business cycle, allowing for peaks and dips depending on market conditions. He also said that he expected to reach a deal to supply engines for large shareholder Volkswagen's heavy truck unit based in Brazil...

* Holland - DAF aims for 20 pct share of European truck market

Hanover,Germany -Reuters, by Christiaan Hetzner & Arno Schuetze -September 24 2008: -- Paccar's Dutch truck brand DAF expects to chip away at the European market, gaining 0.7 percent points a year on its way to eventually delivering every fifth lorry sold on the continent... DAF has a lot of room to grow in the market for rigids -- trucks with attached bodies -- since it already has a strong position in tractors that carry trailers. It also aims to target countries where a domestic brand has a dominant share, and correspondingly a lot to lose... Too are considering third assembly plant, capacity 10-15,000 vehicles...

* Germany - Mercedes-Benz Trucker Selection: practical and stylish, products for the driver

Stuttgart,Germany -MB Blog PRESS RELEASE -September 24, 2008: -- Useful and practical, stylish and comfortable: the newly designated Trucker Selection from Mercedes-Benz features 50 products which are specifically aimed at truck drivers. The functional items help make for a smoother working day, and the products have a look and a user-friendly design which will appeal to long-distance drivers. The range embodies the “Trucker” attitude and features outstanding design – and all items of clothing and accessories are infused with a quality of material and craftsmanship which reflect the brand values of Mercedes-Benz. The product range is divided into three segments:
* “Safety and Technology”: robust workwear
* “Freedom and Emotion”: dressed for the long trek
* “Practicality and Mobility”: accessories on the move

Labels: truckmakers' news USA

TRUCKER'S STORY * USA - Former welder makes career of trucking, and loves it

Woodland, Calif,USA -The Trucker. by BARB KAMPBELL -24 Sept 2008: -- John “Jack” Dobbins, an owner-operator who lives in Woodland, Calif., said he has “no idea” why he got into trucking, but once he did he stayed. He’s been a driver for 28 years and drives flatbed to the 48 states and Canada, in his 1997 Mack... Dobbins was a welder who had gotten pretty bored with the job... Dobbins said his favorite thing about being on the road is the privacy and the control... “If I drive 450 miles and feel like quitting I don’t have to ask anybody. I just shut it down”... And despite all his comments about the negatives of trucking it’s not all that bad, he said... “I do love trucking, to be honest,” Dobbins said. “My wife said she could never imagine me doing anything else. She said I’m really good at it; I don’t know about that”... (Photo by Barb Kampbell/The Trucker - Jack Dobbins loves the freedom of the open road)

Labels: truckers' stories

Salt shortage & High prices * USA - May mean slippery roads across nation

Indianapolis,IND,USA -The Associated Press/The Trucker, by CHARLES WILSON -23 Sept 2008: — A shortage of road salt and skyrocketing salt prices could mean slippery roads this winter in communities across the nation as officials struggle to keep pavement clear of snow and ice without breaking their budgets... Heavy snow last year heightened demand for salt, and now many towns can't find enough of it. The shortage could force many cities to salt fewer roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Other communities are abandoning road salt for less expensive but also less effective sand or sand-salt blends... (Prices have also tripled from a year ago. The salt industry says the increased demand and higher fuel costs are to blame. But some officials insist salt prices have spiked more dramatically than fuel)

Labels: dangerous roads

The Hire Road * USA - Some crimes prevent hazmat endorsements

Washington,DC,USA -The Trucker News Services, by DEREK HINTON -23 Sept 2008: -- The following information answers this question and is direct from the Transportation Security Agency... Please note: Any Hazmat truck driver who has a disqualifying offense that prohibits holding a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) must immediately surrender the HME to the state Department of Motor Vehicles... The following list was specifically designed to identify disqualifying crimes that pose a potential threat to the nation's transportation network. The list is comparable to assessment standards applied to millions of airport and airline employees... These crimes are only disqualifying if they are considered felonies in the appropriate jurisdiction, civilian or military... An applicant is disqualified from holding an HME if he or she was convicted* or found not guilty by reason of insanity within the past seven years, was released from prison within the past five years, or is wanted or under indictment, for any of the following crimes: ... ... ... (At the conclusion of the series, the most common question was “exactly what crimes will prevent me from obtaining a hazmat endorsement on my CDL and what crimes will cause the endorsement to be rescinded”)

Labels: HME Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Auction's jumble * Canada - Replaces machinery's rumble

Financiers have lost confidence in B.C.'s forestry sector

Chemainus,B.C.,CAN -The Globe and Mail, by BRENNN CLARKE -September 23, 2008: -- In a scene that has become all too familiar in Vancouver Island's struggling forestry sector, the leftover assets of Ted Leroy's once-thriving trucking company rolled off the auction block in Chemainus yesterday... One of Vancouver Island's largest independent logging contractors, with about 500 employees, Ted Leroy Trucking was forced to file for bankruptcy protection last December when the Royal Bank of Canada demanded the company repay $18-million in loans... Retired forestry executive Bob Larter, Madill's vice-president of marketing until the company's demise last spring, said financiers have lost confidence in B.C.'s forestry sector...

Labels: trucking bankruptcy

TEAMSTERS' STRIKE * USA - At Auburn trucking company

Oak Harbor Freight Lines, a transport company based in Auburn, is hiring replacements for its striking Teamsters, a company spokesman said

Seattle,Wash,USA -The Seattle Times, by Noelene Clark -September 22, 2008: -- ... The Teamsters at the company's Auburn and Portland facilities walked out Monday night, said Oak Harbor spokesman Mike Hobby. Their labor contract expired last Oct. 31, and negotiations have failed to resolve disagreements about the company's proposed health-care plan nearly a year later, Hobby said... He could not comment on the company's latest proposal, offered Monday, until union officials have time to review it... In the meantime, the company is hiring replacement workers, he said...

Labels: strikes

INFRASTRUCTURES * Australia - New alliance for on/off ramps to the West Gate Freeway

Maribyrnong,Victoria,Australia -The Footscray, Yarraville, Braybrook Star, by Belinda Nolan -23 September 2008: -- Maribyrnong Truck Action Group has formed an unlikely alliance with Western suburbs truckies over the one proposal in the Eddington report they can all agree on – the need for on/off ramps to the West Gate Freeway... MTAG President Peter Knight joined Maribyrnong City Councillors: Michael Clarke and Janet Rice and local residents to launch the campaign at the site of the proposed ramps under the WestGate Freeway last week... In a surprise turn of events, trucking associations have lent their support to the scheme, despite a long history of antagonism between the two groups... The ramps, part of Eddington’s Truck Action Plan, would create a route for trucks that bypasses residential streets.It’s the best solution, according to Mr Knight...

Labels: infrastructures

CARGO THEFTS * USA - North Texas a hot spot in nationwide ones

Another market is booming. Authorities say nationwide losses from cargo thefts, largely truck heists, have reached at least $15 billion annually

Dallas,TX,USA -American Truckers At War, by rtaylor83305 -23 Sept 2008: -- ... And North Texas is one of the hot spots... "People don’t realize how big it is,” said J.J. Coughlin, a former Dallas police officer who chairs the Southwest Transportation Security Council. “It’s kind of a silent crime. It’s not romantic and exciting. Bonnie and Clyde don’t do it, but crooks have figured out if they can steal one tractor trailer with the right load, it’s worth millions”... Silent, perhaps, but daring and sometimes sophisticated. We all know the drill - be VERY aware of your surroundings, never disclose your destination and/or your cargo. Don’t park in poorly lit areas. Take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your cargo... More from the Dallas Morning News: The article gives an example of the light sentencing these gangs are getting for cargo theft:
In May 2007, Carlos Alarosa, a Cuba native, stole nearly 2,800 Tom Tom global positioning units and an 18-wheeler worth $842,000 in Dallas, authorities said. Police quickly caught him in Mesquite with the stolen load... Five months later, he received five years of deferred adjudication, meaning the offense won’t count on his criminal history if he successfully completes probation...

Labels: cargo theft

SAVING FUEL * USA - Thermo king steps up production of fuel-saving units

Hong Kong,China -Cargonews Asia -22 Sept 2008: -- The high oil price has spawned the production of more fuel-saving temperature-controlled units by Thermo King for the trucking industry in the US... The company has launched a new SB+ line of temperature-control units for trailers to help offset the growing challenges faced by the trucking industry such as higher fuel and operating costs and increased driver turnover. Every unit comes with a system that makes choosing optimum unit settings simple for drivers and reduces errors. Thermo King has also come up with an innovative system called SmartPower, which helps save fuel and cut operating costs by up to 75 percent. The system when added to the new SB210+ unit allows it to operate on electric power in addition to being powered by the standard diesel fuel engine, enabling big savings in fuel costs...

Labels: saving fuel

Study * USA - Truck Emissions Regs Limited

Washington,DC,USA -Traffic World, by Paul Page -22 Sept 2008: -- Regulators looking to toughen enforcement of emissions in the trucking industry should consider the costs new restrictions would impose on small trucking companies and to shippers who may many of their transportation providers go out of business, a new report on environmental regulation says... University of California at Berkeley Professor Robert A. Kagan said in a statement on release of the report titled "Compliance Costs, Regulation, and Environmental Performance: Controlling Truck Emissions in the U.S." the report was issued as the trucking industry faces an attempt to regulate the kinds of trucks that operate at maritime ports in Southern California... Kagan says in the report published in the journal Regulation & Governance that although mandates for engine manufacturers have tightened, truckers themselves face little incentive to improve environmental performance... Although truck engine manufacturers are required by law to build truck engines that emit fewer pollutants, trucking companies are not legally obligated to use the best pollution control technologies, according to the report... Kagan said that is because the trucking industry is filled with many small companies that cannot afford to buy the newer, cleaner trucks...

Labels: studies

BIG 3 GOV's HELP * USA - $25B fed auto aid in sight

By week's end Congress expected to OK low-cost loans for struggling domestic industry, officials say

Washington,DC,USA -The Detroit News, by David Shepardson -September 23, 2008: -- Congress is likely to approve by the end of the week funding for $25 billion in low-cost government loans to aid the struggling domestic auto industry after more than a year of debate, congressional and auto officials said Monday... The money is included in a House bill drafted by Democrats to fund the ongoing operation of the federal government; a copy of the draft bill was obtained by The Detroit News on Monday. The bill could be introduced in the House as early as today and voted on by Wednesday. The Senate is expected to vote by Friday... The 30-page draft bill would be used to fund the federal government, perhaps until March, because Congress and the White House haven't agreed on a fiscal 2009 budget. It must be approved or the government would be forced to shut down. Congressional aides said Monday they thought the auto industry loans would most likely be attached to that bill... The Congressional Budget Office said last week that Congress had to set aside $7.5 billion to cover the risk of automakers defaulting on their obligations. The draft measure allocates the full amount plus $10 million to the U.S. Energy Department to administer the loans for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program. Detroit's Big Three CEOs held meetings last week with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other key members of both parties...

Labels: automakers' news

INFRASTRUCTURES * UK - London to showcase green roofs

London,UK -edie.net, by Sam Bond - 17 Sept 2008: -- A sea of green roofs could be London's best way to visibly demonstrate its commitment to the environment when the world turns its gaze upon the city in the run up to the 2012 Olympics... This was the opinion of Richard Blakeway, environmental advisor to Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, when he spoke at the World Green Roofs Congress in the capital on Wednesday. Mr Blakeway spoke of London's projected growth and its need to provide homes for a million more inhabitants by 2018. "What we've got to ensure is that as many as possible of these new buildings have green roofs," he said... The concept of pushing green roofs is in keeping with the emerging flavour of Mr Johnson's environmental policy, which favours promoting improvements to the capitals open spaces and tree planting over technical carbon-based fixes that the public can sometimes struggle to understand...

Labels: "green" infrastructures

CLEAN TRUCKS * USA - Ports of LA / LB Program to Proceed

Go-ahead comes as industry challenges to the plan fail in court

Long Beach,CAL,USA -Cal Trade Report -23 Sept 2008: -- Despite a pair of legal challenges, the Clean Trucks Program (CTP) at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will reportedly go into effect on October 1... As of that date, trucks manufactured in 1988 or before will not be allowed to access the both port’s terminal facilities in an effort to “reduce air pollution from the truck fleet by 80% by 2012”... The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach – the two busiest container ports in the US – will begin distributing window stickers this week to truck operators that will temporarily allow access for compliant trucks, identified through the port's concession agreements... In a few weeks, both ports are planning to implement electronic systems to monitor compliance to the CTP... To date, nearly 500 companies operating more than 6,000 trucks had applied for concessions, representing more than 6,000 trucks... In addition to adhering to the clean truck plan, effective October 1, all truck drivers hauling cargo in to and out of the ports will be required to have a government-issued Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) as part of their concession agreements or show evidence that they have applied for the TWIC... The Port of Long Beach is currently developing a computerized PortCheck system – similar to the existing PierPass system – that will oversee the collection of Clean Trucks fees from cargo owners... The fees generated by the program, both ports have said, will be used to create a fund to offer one-time financial assistance and other incentives to help affected truckers transition to new “environment-friendly” trucks...

Labels: "Clean Trucks" Program

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

* Europe - Volkswagen, Daimler Say Asia to Help Truck, Bus Sales

London,UK -Bloomberg, by Chris Reiter & Andreas Cremer -Sept. 23, 2008: -- Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG and Fiat SpA's Iveco unit said economic growth in China, India and Latin America will sustain commercial-vehicle sales this year, making up for slowdowns in U.S. and European markets...

* USA - LNG gains foothold in ports

USA -Fleet Owner, by Justin Carretta -Sep 22, 2008: -- ... The eight Kenworth T800s equipped with LNG fuel systems that went into full-time drayage service in California last month under the Clean Trucks Program are an example of how the emerging technology is beginning to make an impact... Kenworth’s LNG fuel system reduces typical diesel emissions 95%, while saving $1 to $1.50 per gallon, Andy Douglas, Kenworth's sales manager, specialty markets, said, adding that a $28,500 federal tax credit is further financial incentive to install LNG... According to Westport Innovations, which equipped the vehicles with its High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology, the trucks reduce greenhouse gasses by 20% and NOx by 75%... According to Douglas, the price to install the LNG system is about 30% of the net cost of the vehicle, but with fuel savings and tax credits, it can usually pay for itself within three years. In addition, several states—including California and Texas--are providing additional grant money to purchase LNG trucks... Most of the 200 trucks that have been upfit with the LNG system have been aftermarket-installed. According to Douglas, the trucks can run 300 mi. on a single tank or 500 miles on a double, six times further than a similar CNG (compressed natural gas) system... Kenworth said it will begin full production of the T800 LNG trucks in 2009 at its Renton, WA, manufacturing facility...

* Sweden - Hybrid rubbish trucks and buses launched in Europe

Gotenburg,Sweden -edie.net -22 Sept 2008: -- Being woken up early in the morning by the sound of a rubbish collection truck rumbling along the road is a familiar irritation of modern life... But residents of Göteburg, in Sweden, have been given longer lie-ins since waste firm Renova started piloting a hybrid rubbish truck made by the Volvo Group, which is virtually silent and reduces emissions... The rubbish truck uses an electric engine at low speeds and when stationary, and the diesel engine kicks in when the speedometer reaches 20 kilometres an hour (about 12 miles per hour)... It is one of a number of large vehicles, including buses and construction equipment, on which Volvo is installing what it calls its fourth-generation hybrid technology, where an electric motor and diesel engine work in parallel and are used where they are most effective... Volvo said this has increased the engine capacity compared with other hybrids, while reducing fuel consumption and improving driving characteristics... (Noisy: Traditional rubbish trucks can be a disturbance and waste a lot fuel while idling during rounds)

* Germany - Daimler Trucks demand stagnant in Jan-Aug

Hanover,Germany -Reuters -Sep 23, 2008: -- Daimler, the world's biggest commercial vehicles manufacturer, saw growth stagnate in the first eight months of this year as demand for trucks stalled in the United States... It sold 311,000 new trucks from January to August, up from 309,656 in the same period last year, the company said on Tuesday. New orders rose 3 percent... Demand sagged in particular in the North American market, where sales dropped 18 percent to 72,000 vehicles, in line with market expectations, mainly due to the worsening economic situation in the United States... But sales of its Mercedes-Benz brand trucks rose 9 percent to 110,000 vehicles in January through August, mainly due to a surge in growth in Brazil and the Middle East, and Daimler expected a sales record for the brand this year... The company said it received 20,000 orders for its revamped flagship Actros long-haul truck since its sales launch, with the first vehicles of the third-generation truck to be delivered to customers within days...

* Sweden - Volvo Trucks looks beyond Euro V with launch of EEV engines

Goterborg,Sweden -Easier Motoring (London,UK) -23 Sept 2008: -- Volvo Trucks will start delivering its first FH and FM trucks with EEV (Enhanced Environmental friendly vehicle) engines during 2009. The new engines will help improve air quality by reducing particulates and smoke drastically, going beyond the requirements of Euro V. The first stage of Volvo’s EEV engine offer, based on an optimized D13 engine with SCR, will cover the majority of the D13’s current sales volume... The Volvo EEV engines are designed to help improve air quality by keeping the emission of particulates and smoke to an extreme minimum. The emissions are far better than the already tough requirements set by Euro V, which will become mandatory in October of next year...

* Sweden - Unique bird’s eye view to be tested on Volvo’s hybrid truck

Goterborg,Sweden -Easier Motoring (London,UK) -23 Sept 2008: -- Volvo’s Overview Surveillance System, developed together with Toshiba Corporation, gives drivers a unique bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings for advanced driving assistance and safety. This groundbreaking system has been installed on Volvo’s hybrid refuse trucks for on-the-job testing... The new Overview Surveillance System gives the driver a dynamic bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings for greater control. It is designed primarily to support the driver in slow speed situations, such as when backing, parking or driving down narrow city streets. With the system installed, the driver can quickly see – and grasp – the situation for greater control and safety...

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

MEXICANS' TRUCKS * USA - Mexican lobby fights for truck program

John Hill said, “Ending this program sends a horrible message to our trade partners”

Washington,DC,USA - Politico, by ERIKA LOVLEY -22 Sept 2008: -- The House has made it veto-proof clear: The controversial pilot program allowing big Mexican trucks to cross the U.S. border and travel into the country must end. The Senate has yet to act, though. And Mexico and its U.S. big-business allies are ramping up their efforts to block the repeal, including a renewed warning by Mexican officials to retaliate against U.S. exports if the program is abolished... Mexican Embassy officials say the year-old pilot program has been a positive development for both countries, allowing Mexican and American drivers to deliver goods across the border... Lobbyists supporting the program say they are already having an increasingly tough time getting the attention of the Senate. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is bolstering Mexico’s efforts to save the program, arguing that the Mexican trucks are tightly regulated and offer unique business opportunities to the U.S. economy... And to highlight the issue, Chamber President Thomas Donohue recently traveled to Mexico to confer about the program with key officials. “This whole issue is much more wrapped up in immigration and anti-Mexican sentiment that you see across the board,” said Chamber lobbyist Janet Kavinoky, who leads the Americans for Transportation Mobility... Defending the program, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator John Hill said it is necessary to comply with NAFTA, which promotes open trade among the United States, Mexico and Canada. And the administration reports that the pilot trucking program with Mexico has cut transportation costs and reduced truck emissions by eliminating short-haul trucks at the border. Hill said, “The real losers here are the American consumers, who will be paying more for products.”... (Photo: AP - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is bolstering Mexico’s efforts to save the truck program, arguing that the Mexican trucks are tightly regulated and offer unique business opportunities to the U.S. economy)

Labels: mexicans' trucks debate

TRUCKERS' PROTEST * USA - Truckers and Citizens United to Hold Massive Convoy On Capitol Hill

Ask Congress & Pres. Bush to address gas prices caused by record-high gas prices and curb rampant oil speculation

Washington,DC,USA -Market Watch -Sept 22, 2008: -- Truckers and Citizens United (TACU), a nationwide organization that represents the interests of thousands of professional drivers and trucking employees, is gearing up for a massive convoy around Capitol Hill on Tuesday, September 23rd, to ask Congress and President George W. Bush to back energy legislation that would make gas prices more affordable. The convoy, which could slow traffic in the nation's capital for hours, will start at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, and travel to downtown Washington, DC, where it will parade around the U.S. Capitol by mid-morning. The group wants Congress and the President to pass and sign energy legislation before Congress adjourns that would address the hardships caused by record-high gas prices and curb rampant oil speculation. Hundreds of truckers are expected to participate in the event, with drivers bringing their rigs from New York, West Virginia, Maine, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, and Texas... The truckers are calling for legislation to reduce high gas prices that are severely hurting the trucking industry and legislative reforms that will stop excessive oil speculation. Specifically, the truckers are asking Congress to close loopholes that allow speculators to manipulate oil prices without ever planning to take delivery of the oil, as well as lift some of the bans on offshore drilling, and allow smaller refineries to be built around the Gulf region...

Labels: truckers' protest

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - Trucking market continues to go soft

Analysts, execs report declining volumes

USA -Purchasing, by Dave Hannon -22 Sept 2008: -- As the U.S. economy continues to struggle, so do trucking volumes, which means more competition anng both LTL and truckload carriers and better pricing... Baird analyst Jon Langenfeld said some LTL carriers are reporting a continuing decline in pricing and even losing money on fuel surcharge programs in the current market.
In a recent not to clients Thomas Wadewitz of JP Morgan said falling tonnage trend in the LTL market has worsened in the recent months and is expected to persist through 2009... But while truckers will compete harder for business, the volatile economy trends of late could push even more trucking firms out of business. Longbow Research analyst Lee Klaskow told the AP last week that privately-held Swift Transportation Co. is likely at the most risk in the current shaky markets...

Labels: trucking industry news

ELECTRIC TRUCKS * USA - Caterpillar to Introduce Electric-Drive Mining Trucks

Washington,DC,USA -The Green Car Congress -22 September 2008: -- Caterpillar Inc. will unveil new electric-drive mining trucks, along with improved safety features, Tier 2 compliant engines and new integrated technologies in the existing Cat mining fleet, at MINExpo 2008 in Las Vegas, NV (22-24 September)... While Caterpillar believes mechanical drive is the best solution for the vast majority of situations, the company listened to its customers and explored the situations and conditions where electric drive would be the preferred option. Cat is the only manufacturer of 200-ton and above mining trucks with both drives... Cat will produce mining trucks for every application—uphill, downhill, flat or extreme conditions—and now with electric as well as mechanical drive... The next generation of trucks will be phased into production over the next two years, with the Cat AC drive models expected to go into production in late 2010...

Labels: electric trucks

FOREIGN LORRIES DEBATE * UK - Eight times more dangerous than British trucks

Foreign lorry drivers are eight times more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal accident than their British counterparts, official figures show

London,UK -The Telegraph, by David Millward -21 Sep 2008: -- ... Vehicles from overseas were involved in 163 accidents in which someone either died or suffered serious injuries in one year, while British hauliers were involved in 1,956... But with foreign HGVs accounting for only one per cent of the total in the country, the proportion of accidents in which they are involved is far greater... Campaigners say that foreign lorries are not maintained to the same safety levels as British ones... Many accidents are also caused because they are designed to be driven on the right hand side of the road and drivers cannot see motorists alongside when they are changing lanes on motorways and dual carriageways... More than one in five trucks operated by overseas hauliers have also been found to be unroadworthy... The findings reignited the debate over the need for tighter controls on thousands of lorries which come in from the continent, amid fears that many do not comply with UK safety standards... The UK haulage industry has now called on the Government to get tough with foreign lorry drivers who fail to meet British safety standards. (Photo)

* How the EU Superstate Has Created a Menace on Our Roads

London,UK -BNP News -September 22, 2008: -- ... Even the Executive Director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, Robert Gifford, has admitted that the problem lies in the EU open roads policy and the lack of British standards across all of Europe... “In addition to tougher penalties and better enforcement of the law once these vehicles have reached the UK, we also need to look at preventing them from coming here in the first place,” Mr Gifford said... “The UK licensing system, involving annual tests and roadside inspections, has resulted in UK lorries being the safest on the roads and, on a mile for mile basis, being involved in about half the number of accidents as cars.” ... “More consistent enforcement across Europe is essential, ensuring that our high standards of roadworthiness are supported throughout the EU.” ... The situation is about to get much worse as European truck drivers are set to swarm onto Britain’s roads because of new competition laws passed in Brussels...

Labels: lorries debate

New Border Projects* USA - Congestion-Relief Plans to Include Public-Private Partnerships

Drivers and freight shippers will experience fewer delays at U.S. border crossings in California, Texas and Washington state due to new congestion-relief projects that will include public-private partnerships

Washington,DC,USA -Transport Topics -22 Sept 2008: -- ... Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said the projects would receive priority access to discretionary programs, including innovative financing, and “demonstrate the types of innovative solutions needed to immediately and effectively reduce border congestion”... The projects will explore public-private partnerships, which combine traditional federal and state funds with private-sector expertise... San Diego’s Otay Mesa East border project will create a new port of entry and a 2.7-mile, four-lane highway linked to California’s highway system to provide more capacity for traffic flow through the region... In Laredo, Texas, the East Loop Bypass Project will build a new rail bridge across the border and new rail bypass around the city, adding rail capacity and improving safety, DOT said... At the U.S. northern border, in Blaine, Wash., a project proposes to provide real-time border-crossing wait-times and other travel information through a combination of technologies...(Photo by Tom Biery/Trans Pixs)

Labels: border projects

PROGNOSIS * UK - Logistics industry will feel the impact of banking sector chaos

At first glance, the collapse of major US-based global investment banks on Wall Street might seem to have very little to do with the logistics business... But Wall Street is at the heart of the global economy

London,UK -Transport Intelligence -16 Sep 2008: -- ... The most immediate effect must be a continuing re-assessment of the pattern of global economic activity and related requirements for logistics services. There has already been a clear downturn of demand in air, sea and road freight since the end of last year. Further job losses and caution in the banking system can only have a dampening effect in the US and many other parts of the world... In the long-term, the implications for consumer demand in the US must be serious. The US taxpayer has assumed vast liabilities over the past month, liabilities which will depress both government and consumer spending... If the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Renminbi finally rise substantially against the dollar and even the euro, that is likely to further support the reversal of the pattern of freight growth seen over the past decade... It is also quite possible that the financial crunch will affect merger and acquisition activities in the logistics sector... Such a scenario might, for example, influence the fate of European global express giant TNT in terms of any recently-rumoured possible takeover by FedEx or UPS; could it also affect the future of up-for-sale German container shipping operator Hapag-Lloyd?... However, there is one positive effect of the deepening global economic woes on the transport sector − its impact on oil prices. Those have already fallen to below $100 a barrel amidst lower economic growth and worsening general sentiment worldwide. That trend is likely to massage profits across the transport sector...

Labels: transport and logistics prognosis

TRANSPORT & LOGISTIC NEWS WORLDWIDE

Freight Forwarding

* Germany - DB Schenker consolidates activities in southern Norway
German global forwarder DB Schenker has now bundled the activities of its country organisation in Norway, Schenker AS, at a new location in Ganddal near Stavanger. (Freight Forwarding. Read Full News Here )

* K+N appoints Ulber to management board
Kuehne + Nagel International announced yesterday (September 15) that Peter Ulber had been appointed to its management board, effective January 1, 2009. (Freight Forwarding. Read Full News Here )

* Japan - Automotive business encourages Japanese forwarders to strengthen Monterrey presence
Yusen Air & Sea Service has become the second major Japanese global forwarder this year to announce a development in Monterrey, Mexico, encouraged by a developing local automotive logistics sector. (Freight Forwarding. Read Full News Here )

Contract Logistics

* USA - Pharma survey reveals supply chain costs as number one concern
UPS has published the results of a new survey providing insight into the main concerns of supply chain executives in the pharmaceutical industry. (Contract Logistics. Read Full Brief Here )

* USA - Menlo provides 3PL solution for NikeStore.com in Europe
Menlo Worldwide Logistics has announced that it is providing distribution services for products ordered through Nike-owned website http://www.nikestore.com in Europe. (Contract Logistics. Read Full News Here )

* UK - Grain business appoints DHL as logistics partner
DHL Exel Supply Chain has been appointed supply chain partner to Openfield, the planned new merged business of Grainfarmers and Centaur Grain in the UK. (Contract Logistics. Read Full News Here )

* UK - TDG establishes temperature-controlled delivery service
UK-based European logistics service provider TDG has announced that its temperature controlled services division is introducing a delivery service. (Contract Logistics. Read Full News Here )

* Germany - K+N to support new store openings for UK retailer
UK retailing group John Lewis has selected Kuehne + Nagel as its preferred partner for the provision of logistics support to its new department store opening programme. [Contract Logistics. Read Full News Here )

* UK - TDG wins European contract from consumer electronics giant
UK-based TDG yesterday (September 18) announced it had secured a contract from phone supplier VTech to operate its continental Europe supply chain over the next three years. [Contract Logistics. Read Full News Here )

Express & Mail

* USA - DHL boss - UPS deal no threat to competition
In his testimonies to the US Congress, DHL Express Global CEO John Mullen, has asserted that its potential contract with UPS will not harm competition and that his company is being generous to the employees it affects. (Express & Mail. Read Full Brief Here )

* Germany - Deutsche Post sells near 30% stake in Postbank to Deutsche Bank
As rumoured last week (Ti Logistics Briefing, News, September 12) DPWN has now confirmed the sale of a minority stake of 29.75% in its Postbank business to Deutsche Bank for €2.79bn. (Express & Mail. Read Full News Here )

* UK - DX Group acquires In-Night operations of Business Direct
UK mail and courier company DX Group has expanded through the acquisition of certain operations from Business Direct. (Express & Mail. Read Full News Here )

* USA - Dynamex announces latest results and search for new CEO
North American sameday delivery and logistics services provider Dynamex has announced its latest quarterly results and revealed that it is looking for a new CEO. (Express & Mail. Read Full News Here )

Road Freight

* USA - FedEx has a rough quarter
FedEx is optimistically expecting some growth in the US economy during the rest of 2008. However, the past quarter was an awful one for the company, it was revealed yesterday (September 18). (Road Freight. Read Full Brief Here )

* USA - ABF expands US next-day and second-day services
ABF Freight System Inc, a subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation, yesterday (September 15) announced faster transit times in more than 24,000 US station-to-station lanes. (Road Freight. Read Full News Here )

Air Cargo

* UK - BAA puts London Gatwick Airport up for sale
UK airport operator BAA today (September 17) announced plans to sell one of its three London area airports – Gatwick. (Air Cargo. Read Full News Here )

* Brazil - TAM Cargo begins operations at new Rio de Janeiro terminal
TAM Cargo, the cargo branch of Brazilian airline TAM Linhas Aereas, reported this week that it had begun operations at a new domestic cargo terminal in Rio de Janeiro. (Air Cargo. Read Full News Here )

* Luxembourg - Logwin strengthens presence in Brazil
Luxembourg-based international logistics service provider Logwin this week announced an expansion of its network in Brazil. (Air Cargo. Read Full News Here )

Warehousing

* USA - ProLogis signs new leases with Kuehne + Nagel in the US
ProLogis has reported the signing of new lease agreements totalling 386,000 sq ft at two distribution parks in the US with global forwarder and logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel. (Warehousing. Read Full News Here)

Shipping/Ports

* USA - American Commercial Lines publishes Q3 outlook
American Commercial Lines stated this week that it expected the company’s third quarter 2008 earnings per share to be 5% to 20% ahead of those for Q3 2007. (Shipping/Ports. Read Full News Here )

* UK - PD Ports targets Indian shipping business
UK port owner PD Ports is looking to further develop its deepsea container business from Asia during a visit to India this month. (Shipping/Ports. Read Full News Here )

* USA - Ports push ahead with ‘clean truck’ programmes
The key US west coast container ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are pressing ahead with the planned implementation of their ‘clean truck’ programmes from October 1. (Shipping/Ports. Read Full News Here )

Intermodal

* France - Channel Tunnel fire may have repercussions for chemical logistics
Last week’s Channel Tunnel fire could reignite general debate in Europe over the issue of transporting hazardous goods through road or rail tunnels. (Intermodal. Read Full Brief Here )

* USA - CSX raises 2008 and long-term financial guidance
US intermodal transportation company CSX Corporation has announced increased 2008 and long-term financial guidance. (Intermodal. Read Full News Here )

* France - Channel Tunnel freight services resume after fire
Freight train, truck shuttle and passenger services through the Channel Tunnel between England and France are back in operation after last week’s fire, although with restricted frequencies. (Intermodal. Read Full News Here )

* Norway - Stolt-Nielsen to acquire Taby tank container operations
Norwegian company Stolt-Nielsen has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire the tank container operations of German group Taby. (Intermodal. Read Full News Here )

* Germany - Eurogate Intermodal acquires Hungarian partner Floyd
German organisation Eurogate Intermodal announced yesterday (September 17) that it had acquired a 51% majority share in Hungarian rail transport company Floyd ZRt. (Intermodal. Read Full News Here )

* Germany - DB Schenker acquires 49% of Italian operator NordCargo
German global logistics group Deutsche Bahn this week announced that its DB Schenker subsidiary Railion Italia had acquired a 49% stake in Italian company NordCargo. (Intermodal. Read Full News Here)

(Data from: Transport Intelligence -22 Sept 2008)

Labels: transport and logistics news

DISCUSSIONS * New Zealand - Greens so wrong on trucks

Well why should I be surprised? The Green party response to the truckers protesting against a government that lied to them is to say "It is time to stop subsidising the trucking industry"...

New Zealand -Liberty Scott - (originally published) July 03, 2008: -- ... I've fisked this nonsense before, but if you dare... read on... You really do have to wonder how these people can say on one side of their face don't subsidise one industry, but go ahead, subsidise the competing one to the hilt!... They say "don't subsidise trucks"... Are trucks subsidised? Well as usual the simpleton kneejerk headline grabbing approach of the Greens obfuscates, confuses, distorts and frankly gets it very wrong... OK let's pull that one apart:

1. "At the moment" is wrong, the study was a snapshot of 2001/2002 statistics. Before the government bought back the track or the entire railway, before it started subsidising the maintenance of the railway track and before it increased Road User Charges on heavy trucks twice. Rail freight users are undoubtedly paying less than the putative 82% and truck "drivers" (well the owners) will be paying more than they are now. That's if we accept those figures, and I don't. After all I've read the report, many times.

2. If you break down the costs, which are total costs, then we go from costs that are real and actual, to ones that are putative and notional. This is when it gets complicated...

... The "56%" recovery of truck costs includes such things as return on capital of recoverable assets. Now since rail isn't expected to make a return on capital on the track and right of way, we can remove those from trucks too. Suddenly this 56% figure goes up to 72%. However that includes externalities mainly for pollution. The air pollution figure is telling, as it is back in the days when diesel was dirty with 1500ppm of sulphur (which is the dominant contributor to PM10 - particulate matter, which is by far the most damaging pollutant). Diesel now has 3% of the sulphur that it had in 2001/2002, easily stripping out the majority of the air pollution "cost". Then there is noise, which is valued at $87m. Now noise tends to be factored into property values, so arguably can be stripped out as well. So now this 56% cost recovery figure is 91%...

Labels: discussions trucks subsidising

TRUCKS' PURCHASE * USA - Ports OK Daimler Lease-To-Own or Borrow To Buy Finance Plans

Long Beach,CA,USA -The Cunningham Report -20 Sept 2008: -- Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles commissioners voted Thursday to approve three-year Clean Trucks Program loan and lease-to-own agreements with Daimler Truck Financial that will help trucking folks buy 2007-compliant diesel or alternative fuel vehicles... The contracts were negotiated over several months by the two ports and the company. Due to the differences in their programs, each port approved its own contract with Daimler. In Los Angeles, only licensed motor carriers are eligible for the program. In Long Beach, the program is open to both companies and owner-operators... The two ports will guarantee all leases in case of default... In addition to the lease-to-own program, a trucking company (or owner-operator in Long Beach) can choose to just take out a loan for a truck. They are not obligated to go through Daimler to do so, but only to give the company the right to first review. Purchase loans will not be guaranteed by the ports...

Labels: trucks purchases incentives

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

* Germany - MAN AG eyes record truck sales in 2008-magazine

Frankfurt,Germany -Reuters, by Peter Dinkloh & David Cowell -Sep 21, 2008: -- German truck maker MAN AG expects to sell a record number of trucks this year, beating last year's all-time high, a management-board member told German magazine Automobilwoche... The company "has very good chances" to sell 100,000 trucks in 2008 helped by its high order backlog, said Anton Weinmann, management board member of MAN AG, according to the magazine... The company expects to save some 30 million euros ($43.52 million) from moving its bus production abroad and "significantly" more than 10 million euros from merging the adminstration of trucks and buses, Weinman said, according to the magazine...

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

NEIGHBORHOOD COMPLAINS * USA - Many factors bring truckers into town, but no one is required to use bypass

Fatal semi/pedestrian accident

Crookston,MN,USA -The Crookston Daily Times, by Mike Christopherson -September 19, 2008: -- If the investigation into last week's fatal semi/pedestrian accident in downtown Crookston determines that the driver of the semi was somehow in the wrong, it won't be because he came through town instead of using the truck bypass..."To my knowledge, there's no requirement that any trucks take the bypasses," said Crookston Police Chief Tim Motherway. "You get drivers unfamiliar with the area and they might drive right past the bypasses not knowing what they are. But they aren't breaking the law when they do that"... If the investigation into last week's fatal semi/pedestrian accident in downtown Crookston determines that the driver of the semi was somehow in the wrong, it won't be because he came through town instead of using the truck bypass... (Mike Christopherson, photographer - PLAN B? - Thursday afternoon, this semi carrying an oversized load had to pull over on University Avenue because its cargo - a part for a dryer unit - at 18 feet tall, would have hit the railroad underpass on Sixth Street near Arby's. In the photo, the driver of the security company pickup escorting the semi speaks to a Minnesota State Patrol trooper, far left. The security representative said the semi was coming into Crookston on U.S. Highway 2 East but had to detour because a section of the eastbound lanes is closed due to cracking in the road caused by soil instability near the Red Lake River. The detour route brought the semi into town, where it became clear the cargo was too big to make it through downtown. About a half-hour later, the semi turned around and left Crookston on Highway 2 West)

* Residents fear the worst from intermodals

Joliet,IL,USA -The Joliet Herald News, by STEWART WARREN SWARREN -September 21, 2008: -- At the CenterPoint Intermodal Center, the diesel trucks go on forever... In a single hour, hundreds rumble through Elwood's 2,200-acre industrial park -- and the place is open around the clock, seven days a week. Some bring cargo in, others haul it out... The yard is a transfer point for goods, a spot to shift materials from a train to a truck, or a truck to a train... When it opened in October 2002, CenterPoint was the economic pride and joy of Will County. It brought the promise of more development to sleepy little Elwood. There were hundreds and then thousands of new jobs. At the time, everyone was high on CenterPoint... In the years since, other intermodals have been proposed for Will County and neighboring Grundy County. One is coming to Crete; another is in the works for Wilmington Township; the planning continues for the Seneca I-80 Railport; and CenterPoint is opening a sister intermodal south of Joliet... But the atmosphere has changed... (Photo by John Patsch - Laurie Summers (left) and Jill Hornick are concerned about the intermodal that is planned for Crete. They worry about the traffic and the proximity to schools and homes)

* Collisions persist between trucks and a hard place

West Harrison,NY,USA -The Lower Hudson Journal news -September 22, 2008: -- More than once a day, a tractor-trailer rig or some other truck gets onto one of Westchester County's winding parkways, where they're not allowed... Most of the drivers get right back off or get stopped by county police, who ticket them and tell them that the parkways are for passenger vehicles only. But some truck drivers - 29 so far this year - don't learn the lesson until they find out the hard way... The very hard way. As hard as the stone and steel of the parkways' low overpasses, which can rip the top off a passing trailer before a driver can stop his truck... Meanwhile, the accidents continue to happen. County police Capt. John Hodges, who has been on the county police force about 25 years, said it seems to be happening more frequently. That may be in part because drivers are relying on global positioning system devices and direction-generating Web sites that don't note which roads prohibit commercial traffic... (Photo by Danielle De Souza/The Journal News - This tractor-trailer was badly damaged when it struck the King Street overpass on the Hutchinson River Parkway last month. It was one of 29 trucks to strike a bridge or overpass on the region's parkways this year)

* Violations increase at I-95 truck weigh station

Greenwich,CONN,USA -The Courant/Associated Press -September 22, 2008: -- Violations recorded among big rigs checked at the Interstate 95 weigh station in Greenwich more than doubled after state police expanded the inspection hours, according to new state figures... The station, one of six in the state, recorded 5,236 safety and equipment violations in tractor-trailers and other large trucks in the first six months of 2008. That generated more than $1.2 million in fines... By comparison, the same period in 2007 produced 2,359 violations and $642,000 in fines... The 2008 boost came after Gov. M. Jodi Rell and lawmakers ordered weigh stations to be open more often... The new figures bolster the arguments of transportation advocates and others who have pushed for years to expand weigh station hours, said Jill Kelly, co-chairwoman of the Connecticut Citizens Transportation Lobby...

Labels: trucks accidents warning

CNG Trucks * USA - One Test Is Plenty For Two San Pedro Bay Ports

Long Beach,CA,USA -The Cunningham Report - -20 Sept 2008: -- The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach will split the cost of one compressed natural gas truck in order to test the alternative-fuel vehicle in port drayage service through the ports' joint Technology Advancement Program... Together, the ports will spend $223,155 to buy the CNG-fueled, heavy-duty truck equipped with an 8.9 liter Cummins ISL-G engine that meets U.S. 2010 EPA emissions standards... Cal Cartage will demonstrate the truck in its short and medium haul operations between the ports, Wilmington, Ontario and San Bernardino for one year. Partners in the pilot program include the Southern California Gas Co., which has committed to purchasing two additional trucks with its own money and funding from the South Coast Air Quality Management District...

Labels: CNG trucks

BLOCKADE * Jamaica - Truckers threaten to block access to Harbour View Bailey bridge

Kingston,Jamaica -The Jamaica Observer, by INGRID BROWN -September 20, 2008: -- A group of disgruntled truckers yesterday threatened to block access to the Bailey bridge in Harbour View - which links Kingston to eastern Jamaica - if nothing is done to speed up repairs to the ford which was washed out Thursday by heavy rains... The week-old ford was constructed by private quarry operators after heavy flood waters from Tropical Storm Gustav destroyed the Hope River bridge, cutting off access to eastern Jamaica. A Bailey bridge was subsequently constructed, but heavy vehicles cannot use the structure because of the 10-tonne limit. It was then that the ford was constructed by the group of quarry operators - whose business rely heavily on access to quarries in St Thomas... Yesterday, the truckers expressed dissatisfaction that Government had not yet started construction on a sturdier ford to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles... (Photo: Lionel Rookwood - The Harbour View ford which was washed out during rains Thursday)

Labels: drivers' blockade

Fuel Economy * USA - For 2008 may set 15-year high

US average fuel economy for 2008 model autos may be the best since 1993 as consumers buy fewer light trucks and manufacturers build more-efficient vehicles

Southfield,Mich,USA -Bloomberg News -September 20, 2008: -- ... The projected rate of 20.8 miles per gallon is 0.2 mpg better than in 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency said yesterday. The figures, intended to reflect real-world driving, differ from Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules automakers must meet... Light trucks' efficiency has improved 1.4 mpg since 2004, while cars have gained 1 mpg, the EPA said... Manufacturers are working to meet the so-called CAFE standards for their combined car-and-truck fleets of an average 35 mpg by 2020, with incremental increases leading to that level... Those rules, governed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are less rigorous than those used by the EPA, according to a statement from the Union of Concerned Scientists. For the 2008 model year, the CAFE standards are 27.5 mpg for cars and 22.5 mpg for light trucks...

Labels: fuel economy

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * WORLDWIDE

* USA - Daimler Trucks, Navistar Participate in NAD Forum - NAD Recommends Advertiser Modify, Discontinue Certain Claims

New York,NY,USA -MarketWatch -Sep 19, 2008: -- The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has recommended that Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) discontinue or modify certain advertising claims for the company's Freightliner Cascadia tractor trucks. However, NAD determined that the monadic claim "We were able to fine-tune the truck's design to maximize aerodynamics and fuel economy" is supported by the evidence in the record... NAD, the advertising industry's self regulatory forum, examined DTNA's print and Internet advertising following a challenge by International Truck and Engine Corporation (renamed Navistar, Inc.), maker of ProStar Trucks, a competing line of tractor trucks... Given the quantified nature of the fuel saving claims and the fact that NAD found certain aspects of the advertiser's test methodology did not fully reflect real world conditions which can impact on a truck's actual fuel consumption and, by extension, fuel efficiency, NAD determined that the advertiser did not provide a reasonable basis for the following claims and recommended that they be discontinued:
1) "We have more than the most fuel efficient design....it's official. Cascadia is the most aerodynamic truck on the planet...And a truck with less aerodynamic drag means better fuel efficiency and savings at the pump";

2) "[Using Cascadia Trucks] could save customers as much as $950 to $2,750 a year per truck." (Superscript: "based on 7.8% less drag");

3) "Industry leading aerodynamics...[with Cascadia] advantages in ALL areas of this truck when compared to our competitors....our aerodynamic superiority over every truck now in the market place is where you can show your customers the biggest cost savings of all"; and

4) a table with Cascadia listed as the most fuel efficient, International ProStar as the second most fuel efficient at +$948 more in fuel use, as well as Volvo, Kenworth and Peterbilt in the 3rd, 4th and 5th place.

5) With regard to the claims "Auto Research Center (ARC), an independent company...has reviewed and validated these results" and "ARC researchers compared the Cascadia with four other similarly spec'ed [sic] Class 8 vehicles," NAD recommended the advertiser modify these claims to make clear that ARC did not verify the advertiser's results, but simply independently concluded that Cascadia had the least amount of aerodynamic drag of the trucks tested...

* Sweden - Volvo Group introduces fourth generation hybrid technology

Gothenburg,Sweden -Truck News (Canada) -19 Sept 2008: -- Volvo Group says it's now rolling out its "fourth generation" hybrid technology... Volvo's hybrid technology is built upon the I-SAM (Integrated Starter, Alternator Motor) concept, which includes an electric motor that works in parallel with the conventional diesel engine... The most recent development includes the use of standard components, rather than costly specialized parts which have hindered high-volume manufacturing...

* Cummins receives sizeable order for ISX engines

Columbus.IND,USA -Truck News (CAN) -19 Sept 2008: -- With lackluster truck sales still hampering North America, Cummins has announced it has received an order for 101 Cummins ISX engines... US-based Wegmans Food Markets placed the order, and will receive the ISX-powered trucks this fall, Cummins announced... For its part, Wegmans said it plans to replace the remainder of the older trucks in its fleets in 2010...

See Video * USA - Freightliner Pick Up Truck

Labels: truckmakers' news USA

Tow Truck Parade * USA - NY attempt at record for largest one

Nearly 300 tow trucks rumbled through Queens and Brooklyn on Saturday in an attempt to set an unusual one for Guinness Book of World Records

New York,NY,USA -Newsday -September 20, 2008: -- ... The procession was part of the towing industry's bid to create the largest world's largest tow truck parade. Organizers think they hit the mark, with 292 vehicles participating, including flatbeds, wreckers and 50-ton rotators. The trucks left Shea Stadium in the morning and cruised the Van Wyck Expressway and Belt Parkway before finishing at Floyd Bennett Field, where they parked on an abandoned airport tarmac to spell out the words "New York"... Guinness Book of World Records representatives were on hand. The previous world record was set on Aug. 20, 2004, at Wenatchee, Wash., by a parade of 83 tow trucks... (Photo by The Seattle Times: Tow trucks on parade: 292 tow trucks rumbled through New York City on Saturday in an attempt to smash the world record for the largest parade of its kind. The trucks started at Shea Stadium and cruised down a couple of highways before finishing at an abandoned airport tarmac to spell out "New York." Guinness World Record officials were on hand. The previous record, 83 tow trucks, was set in 2004 in Wenatchee)

Labels: trucks parades

EVENT * USA - Truckin’ for Kids Truck Drags set next weekend in California

The 28th Annual Truckin’ for Kids Truck Drags and Show & Shine will be Sept. 27-28 at the Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, CA.

Irwindale, CA. ,USA -Land Line Magazine -September 19, 2008: -- Registration begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in the parking lot at the AAA Dragway at the Toyota Irwindale Speedway. More than 250 trucks from the U.S., Canada and Mexico – including owner-operators and small fleets – and a crowd of at least 5,000 are anticipated... Kicking things off Saturday night will be a light show at dark to pick winners in three categories. Drag racing events start up at 6 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, with setup. Judging for the Show & Shine begins at 8 a.m. with 192 trophies to be given out by the end of the day... A Truck Rodeo is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. with skill competitions in semi flatbed backing, including van, doubles, truck and pup, truck and trailer, and transfer dump... Truck drags will start at noon Sunday and continue with nonstop action. There will be entrants with everything from transit mixers to 12-second semis...

Labels: events

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * WORLDWIDE

* Japan - GM 'eyes selling truck business to Japan's Isuzu'

Tokyo,Japan -AFP -19 Sept 2008: -- Struggling General Motors Corp. is talking to Isuzu Motors about selling its truck business, in what would mark the first Japanese takeover of a business from the US Big Three, a report said Friday... The US Big Three automakers have been suffering major losses as soaring oil costs and a slowing US economy sap sales... GM is widely expected to lose its nearly eight-decade-old crown as the top world automaker this year to Japan's Toyota Motor Corp... Needing cash, GM decided in 2006 to sell its minority stake in Isuzu -- most of which was bought by Toyota... The Nikkei, which is usually well-informed, said GM approached Isuzu this month about buying its business in mid-sized trucks, most of which are sold in North America... The newspaper, which did not identify its sources, said it was not yet clear whether GM would sell its truck-making plant in the economically ailing US state of Michigan to the Japanese company... If the deal were to go through, Isuzu -- whose main business is small trucks -- would surpass Toyota affiliate Hino Motors as Japan's top truckmaker, the report said... GM is also believed to be considering selling part of stake in DMAX Ltd., an existing joint venture with Isuzu making diesel engines, so that the Japanese company's share would rise from 40 to 50 percent, the report said... (Photo: GM trucks at an assembly plant in Pontiac, Michigan)

* South Africa - SA firm to distribute Astra trucks in Southern Africa

Garden View,South Africa -Creamer Media's Mining Weekly, by Irma Venter -19th September 2008: -- Gauteng- and KwaZulu-Natal-based High Power Equipment (HPE) has gained the rights to become the sole Southern African importer and distributor of the Astra ranges of rigid dump trucks and articulated dump trucks. The range includes 28-t, 32-t and 40-t dump trucks, and the soon-to-be-launched 50-t rigid dump truck, and 25-t, 30-t, 35-t, and 40-t articulated dump trucks... With a tare mass of 20,5 t and payload of 28 t, the trucks tip the scales at 48,5 t. Power is delivered by a 10,3 l Iveco Cursor 10 F3A engine... The Italian-made Astra trucks will compete with a number of established products, such as the home-made Bell range... (Picture by: ASTRA - NEWCOMER Astra's range of rigid dump trucks are now available in South Africa )

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

SURVEY * Australia - What are the transitional periods for the new national heavy vehicle driver fatigue legislation?

Dear TWN Reader:

The new Australian heavy vehicle driver fatigue reforms will be implimented on the 29th September 2008. In South Australia, drivers working under the existing standard hours can continue to do so until the 28th March 2009 (six months grace). Those in the TFMS have 12 months to become Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) or Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) accredited. What are the arrangements in your State or Territory?

Please tell us about your recent experience in a brief online survey.

You’ll find the survey here:
http://www.linkedin.com/answers?viewQuestion=&questionID=322522&askerID=30099286&trk=nus_qst

Labels: TWN's surveyz

ROAD SAFETY * USA - Sensors take control to avoid collisions

Each year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes data on fatalities and work-related accidents by occupation. Each year, truck driving ranks between 4th and 10th.

Nashhville,TEN,USA -Road King, by PAUL ABELSON -19 Sept 2008: -- Crash rates have gone down each year, especially when measured in terms of rates per 100 million truck miles traveled but the dangers still exist... Today’s systems are roughly 32 times more capable than when ABS was finally required in the ’90s and was seamlessly integrated into trucking operations. Even more importantly, electronic devices have become miniaturized. Sensors and accelerometers, now smaller than a fingernail, are far more sensitive and responsive than ever before. They can detect rates of changes in motion, process the information and determine the best corrective action when abnormalities occur, all in far less time than a human can even detect that problems are starting...

Labels: road safety debate

T & L MERGERS and ACQUISITIONS WORLDWIDE

Strategic Buyers - International Deals

*- Norway - 8 Sept: DSV Road AS announced the pending acquisition of Waagan Transport A/S. Based in Norway, DSV provides domestic and international freight forwarding of refrigerated goods. Terms were not disclosed.

* France - 9 Sept: Telespazio S.p.A. has acquired 40% of Novacom Services. Based in Ramonville Saint-Agne, France, Novacom provides GPS vehicle tracking, fleet management and remote meter reading services via the Internet. Terms were not disclosed.

* India - 11 Sept: Mahindra Logistics Limited announced the pending acquisition of the logistics business of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. ("M&M") for $7.0 million. Based in India, M&M provides transportation and inbound and outbound logistics services.

* Germany - 12 Sept: Stolt-Nielsen SA announced the pending acquisition of Taby Group's tank container operations. Based in Hamburg, Germany, Taby Group provides tank container services for liquefied gases and cryogenics. Terms were not disclosed.

Labels: T and L Mergers and Acquisitions worldwide

Ergonomics * USA - Atlas Expert to Update American Trucking Association on

Murino,Montenegro.CAN -PR-CANADA.net - 18 September 2008: -- The American Trucking Association has asked Atlas Ergonomics, LLC to update its members on the state of ergonomics within the trucking industry... Atlas, specialists in reducing work-related injuries and their costs, will address industry safety and human resource leaders at the Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council Conference on September 25 in Nashville at 10:30 a.m... Atlas founder Drew Bossen has helped transportation companies reduce injury-related costs through the use of post-offer, pre-employment screening; driver, warehouse, and office ergonomics strategies; injury triage protocol; and on-site therapy and injury reduction educational programs...

Labels: safety events

INFRASTRUCTURES * USA - Senate committee OKs bill to dedicate $1 billion for bridges

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine, by David Tanner -September 17, 2008: -- Legislation that lawmakers say will prevent bridge disasters like the tragic collapse 13 months ago in Minneapolis has been approved by a committee and is on its way to the Senate floor... The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved the bill that calls for the federal government to revise its prioritization methods for structurally deficient and functionally obsolete bridges... HR3999 also calls for the federal government to provide states with strict guidelines for fast-tracking repairs and rehabilitation. It would also dedicate an extra $1 billion for bridges...

* Wyoming lawmaker pursues tolling for Interstate 80

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine, by David Tanner -September 17, 2008: -- A state senator in Wyoming continues to pursue tolling as a way to fund maintenance and improvements on Interstate 80 despite the federal government’s recent denial of a tolling application filed by Pennsylvania officials... Highway users, including OOIDA, continue to oppose tolling proposals on existing interstates that have been paid for through fuel taxes and other user fees...

* Environmentalists tout emission fee as transit fund generator

Denver,COL,USA -Land Line Magazine, by By Keith Goble -September 18, 2008: -- A special state panel in Colorado has been told that an emission fee could be used to pay for transportation work in the state... An environmental coalition is proposing that motorists be charged a “greenhouse gas emission fee” on their vehicles. The revenue from the fee would top $500 million annually for road and bridge repairs, as well as transit work, The Denver Post reported... Advocates for the plan say that not only would the money aid roads, bridges and transit, but it would also encourage people to travel fewer miles, use more fuel-efficient vehicles, and reduce emissions.

* COMMENT - Paying for Roads

Washington,DC,USA -The Washington Post -15 Sept 2008: -- Although Congress has approved a bill putting $8 billion into the Highway Trust Fund, lawmakers could face a similar crisis next year if they do not seek out new sources of transportation funding, says an editorial in the Washington Post... The fund had an $8.1 billion surplus last October, but Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters predicted the balance would reach zero by the beginning of October this year, largely because of lower gas tax revenue due to people driving less... The next administration must work with Congress to find sustainable, environmentally logical sources of transportation funding"...

Labels: infrastructures

New Technology * USA - Helps Enable Accident Avoidance on Low-End Vehicles

USA -Auto Body Repair News -19 Sept 2008: -- US Monolithics develops new automotive radar technology in alliance w/ Smart Microwave Sensors . Can be used for accident avoidance systems in low-priced cars... Technology is automotive radar "system on a chip". Small circuit has RF and digital control functions. Can determine position, speed, direction of multiple objects. Works w/ adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, collision avoidance... And other technologies that help drivers avoid accidents... New chips will drive down costs to benefit low-priced vehicles...

Labels: technonews

BORDER PROJECTS * USA - DOT Sets New Plans with Public-Private Partnerships

Washington,DC,USA -Transport Topics -19 Sept 2008: -- Drivers and freight shippers will experience fewer delays at U.S. border crossings in California, Texas and Washington state due to new congestion-relief projects that will include public-private partnerships, the Department of Transportation said Friday... Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said the projects would receive priority access to discretionary programs, including innovative financing, and “demonstrate the types of innovative solutions needed to immediately and effectively reduce border congestion”... The projects will explore public-private partnerships, which combine traditional federal and state funds with private-sector expertise, which “can reduce project costs, speed project delivery and protect the taxpayer from project risks,” DOT said...

Labels: border news

GREEN NEWS * USA - California Legislature OKs bill intended to curb sprawl, emissions

Sacramento,CAL,USA -Land Line Magazine, by Keith Goble -September 17, 2008: -- With the intention of slowing the increase in emissions, the California Legislature has approved a bill that would implement the nation’s most comprehensive effort to reduce sprawl... Sponsored by Sen. Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, the measure would tie greenhouse gas reduction to transportation funding and regional land-use planning... The first-of-its-kind plan is intended to reduce global warming emissions by drawing up regional plans to reduce miles driven by commuters. Also, most transportation funding would be routed solely to “smart growth” projects... To entice cities and counties to adopt a “smart growth” plan, the only developments that would be eligible for shares of state transportation money would be those that are built near transit or clustered near current developments...

Labels: green news

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - FedEx reports 22 percent loss for fiscal first quarter earnings

Despite decline, earnings top original expectations

Memphis,TEN,USA -Logistics Management, by Jeff Berman -18 Sept 2008: -- As the economy continues to reel due to high energy prices and this week’s news regarding historic losses on Wall Street, another glum update arrived in the form of FedEx' fiscal first quarter earnings, which were released today.
The company said that net income for the quarter at $384 million—or $1.23 a share— was down 22 percent from last year’s $494 million during the same period. This decline is reflective of the economic tumult that has been experienced by various freight transportation services providers in recent quarters, as volumes remain low, capacity remains high, and fuel costs continue to impact the bottom line... Although quarterly net income was down 22 percent, quarterly revenue at $9.97 billion exceeded 2007’s fiscal first quarter’s $9.20 billion by 8 percent. Quarterly operating income at $630 million was down 23 percent from last year’s $814 million, and FedEx’ quarterly operating margin at 6.3 percent was off compared to 8.8 percent in 2007...

* McLeod panelists zero in on key issues

Nashville,TEN,USA -">Fleet Owner, by Wendy Leavitt -Sep 18, 2008: -- A trio of trucking industry leaders dove into the issues most impacting truck fleets and truck brokerage firms to present a comprehensive watch list during a panel presented here this week at the 18th annual McLeod Software Users’ Conference... According to Doug Clark, president & CEO of Greatwide Freight Brokerage (formerly Cargo-Master) and 2008 chairman of the Transportation Intermediaries Assn., the Truck Act, initiatives to put more responsibility for food safety and security on carriers, and the continuing problem of high-cost litigation against fleets were three issues “on his radar screen”... Ray Haight, executive director of MacKinnon Transport, Inc. and 2008-2009 chairman of the Truckload Carriers Assn. (TCA) said it was also key to watch out for the new safety-related regulations that the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) expects to release by year-end, including a follow-up to the Interim Final rule on Hours of Service and a new rule requiring carriers with a “pattern of non-compliance” on hours of service to install electronic onboard data recorders (EOBRs). He noted that he did not expect the entry-level driver training initiative to move forward...

* ATA economist: Circumstances of current crisis make impact on trucking hard to predict

Arlington,VA,USA -The Trucker, by LYNDON FINNEY -18 Sept 2008: -- It’s hard to predict how the country’s current financial situation will impact trucking in the immediate future, a leading industry economist said today... “If the current economic situation continues to worsen and the country is pushed into a recession, sure it would hurt the trucking industry,” said Bob Costello, chief economist for the American Trucking Associations... But, he added, the real difficulty in knowing what might happen to the industry is the unknown...

Labels: trucking industry news USA

Chunnel fire * France - Cause still as dark as the tunnel itself

What happened in the Channel Tunnel?

Calais,France -The International Herald Tribune, by Caroline Brothers -September 18, 2008: -- A week after fire transformed one of Europe's most important transport arteries into a closed incinerator that destroyed a freight train and all 27 trucks on board, French and British investigators and the tunnel's operator have provided little insight into how it all occurred... Why, and where exactly, did the fire break out? What caused it? Did truck drivers who smashed their way out of the train with a hammer need to do so? And when will full service be restored, ending daily disruption for thousands of passengers and tons of cargo?... Not even officials of Eurotunnel, the company that operates the tunnel, have been given access to the actual accident site, 11 kilometers, or 7 miles, from the tunnel's exit on the French side, while French police and transport investigators, observed by the British police, carry out separate inquiries... The French land transport accident bureau is taking the lead in the investigation into the incident, said a spokesman for the British Secretariat to the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority... Although French officials have given no details about the cause of the fire, Transportation Minister Dominique Bussereau said last week that it "likely resembles something accidental," without elaborating... Eurotunnel's chief executive, Jacques Gounon, said he had no reason to believe the fire could have been "criminal" ...

Labels: tunnel accidents

Trucking Comments * USA - Execs talk on reasons for another weak Peak season

Washington,DC,USA -Logistics Management, by John D. Schulz -17 Sept 2008: -- The peak is weak, according to many trucking executives accustomed to being able to generate higher rates during the usual September-to-December surge in freight demand, which has not occurred the past three years the way it historically has... For survivors such as U.S. Xpress, Chattanooga, Tenn, the peak season is still profitable, just not the way it was from the period between 2002 and 2006 when truckers routinely were able to garner contractual rate increases of anywhere from 4 to 10 percent... But because there have been more than 2,000 closings or bankruptcies of truck fleets with at least five trucks since the first of the year, the survivors are able to pick up profitable loads in areas, where in the past they may not have been... In August, C.W. Johnson, a Louisville, Ky.-based carrier shut down in large part because a bank foreclosed on an $8.3 million loan. There could be hundreds of similar shutdowns over the next few quarters... Analysts say this closer scrutiny of marginal truckers will continue until the nation exits its financial crisis and until the values of truckers’ equipment and trailers have stabilized...

Labels: trucking industry comments

Universal Security Credential * USA - ATA Urges Making TWIC

Arlington,VA,USA -MarketWatch -Sept 17, 2008: -- The American Trucking Associations testified before a House Committee today about the status and uses of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Philip L. Byrd Sr., President and CEO of Charleston, S.C.-based Bulldog Hiway Express, spoke on behalf of ATA at a hearing held by the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism of the House Committee on Homeland Security... Byrd asked the committee to ensure that the TWIC is used as the single, universally accepted security credential for transportation workers that pre-empts all other security and access programs... ATA supports the original concept of TWIC having one enrollment process, one fee and one background check called a security threat assessment (STA), so that it can become a singular credential. Many drivers are now required to have multiple credentials for various ports, government facilities and state-administered security and access programs...

Labels: TWIC

SAFETY * USA - Trucker says safety is king of the road

Mount Holly,NJ,USA -The Gaston Gazette, by Amanda Millard -September 18, 2008: -- Phil Peterson drives for FedEx National LTL in Charlotte picking up and delivering packages... Peterson first had to try out for the competition. Drivers must have a clean driving record with no accidents or tickets... Peterson has been trucking 25 years and racked up 600,000 accident-free miles... His win brought him to the National Truck Driving Championship in Houston where he placed 16th out of 50 drivers... Drivers gain points in four areas: A written exam that tests trucking knowledge; a personal interview that measures truckers' attitudes toward the industry; a pre-trip inspection where drivers have to find defects on a truck; and field course where drivers make difficult maneuvers they might face in real life... Those who want to get into the trucking business need to take safety seriously, Peterson said...

Labels: truckers' safety

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * Sweden - Scania and Sveaskog Join in Environmental Effort

Stockholm,Sweden -BUSINESS WIRE -September 18, 2008: -- Scania is now running a training course in fuel-efficient driving for trucking companies that haul timber in parts of central Sweden for the Sveaskog forest product company. Results indicate that after training, the drivers can reduce their fuel consumption by 9 percent. For these truckers alone, this would represent 8,000 tonnes less carbon dioxide emissions each year... Scania’s driver training course is designed to meet the requirements of a new European Union directive on mandatory periodic training of professional drivers... The training course that Scania Sweden is providing to Sveaskog is part of Scania’s global training platform for professional bus and truck drivers...

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

'Clean Air for All' * Europe - The action plan will be Intelligent Transport Systems

Brussels,Belgium -EurActiv -18 Sept 2008: -- With two thirds of all European cities still exceeding EU ambient air quality standards, mainly due to high levels of pollution from transport, this year's theme, 'Clean Air for All', aims to encourage local authorities to organise initiatives highlighting the link between mobility and air quality. It also seeks to mark the launch of permanent measures to cut harmful emissions, such as the introduction of London-style low-emission zones or parking and bus shuttle services to city centres... According to Commission Director General for Transport Matthias Ruete, the main elements of the action plan will be Intelligent Transport Systems, interoperability and the definition of harmonised rules for green zones... But rail transport associations and green groups are sceptical, saying the introduction of 'monster trucks' would make road transport less expensive than it is now, creating a modal re-shift of freight transport from rail to road. They also say it would increase the gravity of road accidents and imply costly infrastructure changes...

Labels: clean air plans

COMMENTS * USA - Wall Street meltdown hurts trucking, too

The upshot for trucking is it will take even longer to get relief from tight credit-- not to mention to see any rise in the rate of consumer and business spending significant enough to boost the economy

USA -Fleet Owner (subscription), by David Cullen -Sep 16, 2008: -- The turmoil roiling top investment banks is colossal enough to further tamp down the anemic U.S. economy... The Wall Street mess is so big it shoved Hurricane Ike right out of the headlines and it isn’t even over yet... But even if lower interest rates could be offered, that doesn’t mean loans would be, points out analyst Chris Brady, president of Commercial Motor Vehicle Consulting... Brady said the main direct concern from this for truck fleets is whether businesses with good credit will be able to borrow—which of course would impact both new and used truck sales...

Labels: trucking industry markets comments

TRUCKERS' SAFETY * USA - Sleep-related crash prompts fed call for research

Trucking companies and the government should also make the nation's roads safer by studying fledgling technology that would keep drivers alert

Milwaukee,WIS,USA -AP, by DINESH RAMDE -17 Sept 2008: -- Trucking companies should work harder to enforce that their drivers get rest, and the government should move toward mandating the use of alarm systems to alert exhausted truckers, a federal board recommended... While drivers are ultimately responsible for getting enough rest, trucking companies and the government should also make the nation's roads safer by studying fledgling technology that would keep drivers alert, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday... The board hearing, held in Washington, D.C., and streamed live on the Internet, was held in response to an early-morning crash in western Wisconsin three years ago in which a bus carrying a high school band slammed into an overturned semitrailer, killing five people... NTSB investigators concluded that the truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and began to drift off the interstate's shoulder. When he swerved back onto the road, the rig overturned. The bus then plowed into the truck... Some technology still in the early stages may eventually prevent such fatigue-induced crashes, NTSB investigator Jana Price told the board... For example, a dashboard-mounted camera that tracks a driver's eye and eyelid movements could alert a driver who appears to be falling asleep...

Labels: truckers' safety

OPINION * USA - The Crisis on Wall Street Also Hurts Truckers

Although many may not see the connection, wall street has a huge impact on the trucking industry

USA - Freight Factoring -September 16, 2008: -- As the meltdown continues with some of the nation’s oldest and most respected financial institutions, the overall credit crisis is placing a strangle hold on many truckers’ ability to obtain a loan for fleet expansion or operating capital. The macro economy generally affects the amount of freight being shipped and the rate paid to move the freight... In summary, the overall economy impacts fleet operators by limiting the availability of credit and impacting the number of loads available to haul. Trucking operators with good credit are no exception. The trucking industry will continue to be under immense pressure until consumer spending picks up and the construction industry sees a recovery...

Labels: opinions

AWARD * Canada - Trucker celebrates 17 accident-free years

Vancouver,BC,Canada -The Vancouver Sun, by Gerry Bellett -September 17, 2008: -- In a perfect world, every one of the province's truck drivers would have driving records like Surrey's Julius Swecera, whose combination of good fortune and skill has protected him from any kind of driving accident for the past 17 years... If his record was normal, then WorkSafeBC's columns of figures tallying up the trucking industry's dead and injured would show nice round zeros at the end... His record as a driver is exemplary, but in general, the rate of accidents in the trucking industry has shown no sign of abating in recent years... (Picture by Steve Bosch/Vancouver Sun - Julius Swecera shows off his award for skilled and safe driving of trucks)

Labels: truckers' awards

Surcharge * Australia - Will extend disruptions into night

Sydney,New South Wales,Australia -The Sydney Morning Herald, by Brian Robins -September 18, 2008: -- The State Government will introduce a surcharge on goods passing in and out of Port Botany at peak times, which will force more trucks to load and unload during the afternoon and night, causing substantial disruption to residents... The Government said yesterday the new moves would reduce peak-time congestion at the port. Overseas, when peak pricing was introduced at places such as Los Angeles and Long Beach on the west coast of the United States, off-peak truck movements rose by as much as 40 per cent... Trucking movements in Botany and a range of neighbouring suburbs could be affected if warehouse operators respond to pressure to handle more traffic outside peak periods, including at night...

Labels: fees and taxes

ALTERNATIVE FUELS * Europe - EU Sets 10% Biofuels Requirement

Brussels,Belgium -Transport Topics -15 Sept 2008: -- The European Parliament’s energy committee voted to require that at least 10% of road transport fuel in 2020 come from renewable sources led by biofuels, while adding checks to prevent food shortages, Bloomberg reported... The committee said Sept. 11 that at least 4% of energy in European Union road transport in 2020 should come from biofuels that do not compete with food crops, Bloomberg said...

Labels: biofuels

FUEL SHORTAGE SOLUTIONS * USA - House Passes Energy Bill Allowing More Offshore Drilling

Washington,DC,USA -Transport Topics -17 Sept 2008: -- The House late Tuesday approved a bill that legislation that would open more offshore areas for oil and oil and natural gas drilling, pending states’ approval, the Associated Press reported... So far, the Senate has indicated it will not go as far as the House in expanding drilling beyond the western Gulf of Mexico, where energy companies have been pumping oil and gas for decades, AP reported... At least two proposals being crafted in the Senate would allow drilling in some areas along the southern Atlantic from Virginia to Georgia. But the Pacific coast and remainder of the Atlantic seaboard would not be affected, AP said...

Labels: fuel cost solutions

TRANSACTION * USA - Lawmakers Raise Concerns on UPS-DHL Air Deal

Up to 8,000 jobs could be lost at DHL’s air cargo facility in Wilmington, Ohio, if the agreement for UPS to handle DHL’s North American air cargo goes through

Washington,DC,USA -Transport Topics -17 Sept 2008: -- Ohio officials told federal lawmakers they have been rebuffed in their efforts to persuade DHL to consider alternatives to its proposed agreement to have UPS Inc. carry its North American air packages, the Associated Press reported... The proposed deal is the most complex transaction in 30 years of aviation deregulation and may violate federal antitrust law, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-Minn.) said at a hearing Tuesday in Washington, the Columbus Dispatch reported... Oberstar characterized the deal as more an acquisition than a merger, the Dispatch said... A UPS spokesman said that a formal agreement is expected by the end of the year, AP reported. It is expected to add up to $1 billion in annual revenue to UPS...

Labels: transaction

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * Sweden - Volvo truck deliveries rise 4 pct yr/yr in August

Stockholm,Sweden -Reuters -Sep 17, 2008: -- World No.2 truck maker Volvo said on Wednesday deliveries of its trucks rose 4 percent year-on-year in August as increased shipments in Asia offset declines in Europe and North America... Volvo, which sells trucks under the Renault, Nissan Diesel and Mack brands as well as its own name, said in a statement deliveries in its biggest market, Europe, fell 10 percent while they fell 18 percent in North America... Volvo said shipments in August of its trucks fell 17 percent year-on-year in western Europe...

* Brazil - Cummins Plans to Invest $100 Million in

USA -Transport Topics -15 Sept 2008: -- Cummins Inc., the maker of more than one third of North America’s heavy-duty truck engines, plans to invest another $100 million in Brazil during the next four years to meet higher demand in that country, Bloomberg reported... Cummins has invested $100 million in Brazil since 2004 to boost the output of engines and generators by 25%... Cummins expects to sell 85,000 engines this year in Brazil, a 31% increase from last year, Bloomberg said...

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

TRANSPORT POLICIES * China - Modern Logistics Network Construction

XinJian,China -XJTV, by zhaoqian --September 16, 2008: -- In order to form a modern logistics network that radiates Central Asia and the neighboring provinces and regions, XJ will make full use of its geograhpical and resource advantages,and construct 21 logistics centers and freight stations in 7 pivotal transport cities before 2015 with 1 bln Yuan, thus making it an important access between Central Asian countries and inland provinces... According to the plan, the 21 logistics centers and freight stations will cover 2.12 mln square meters,with the construction area of about 790,000 square meters.They will be respectively set up in Urumqi, Hami, Korla, Kashgar, Kuitun and Horgas of Ining. And they will become the important parts of the 179 pivitol highway transport cities in China... In a few years, XJ will cultivate about 10 large scale cargo transport and logistics companies and key transport enterprises(cargo enterprises above grade 4) that can lead the highway transport development and transport market. Their market share will reach 35%, and the number of professional logistics enterprises will reach 100...

Labels: transport policies

INFRASTRUCTURE * USA - New I-35 bridge to open Thursday in Minneapolis

Minneapolis,MINN,USA -Land Line Magazine -September 16, 2008: -- Just 13 months after the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, officials dedicated a new span and expect to open it to traffic three months ahead of schedule on Thursday, Sept. 18... A dedication ceremony of the new $234 million structure on Monday, Sept. 15, doubled as a memorial for the 13 who lost their lives in the collapse Aug. 1, 2007... “Thirteen months ago, Minnesota experienced a tragedy of historic proportions,” Gov. Tim Pawlenty stated during the ceremony... Pawlenty and others revealed the design of a privately funded memorial to be constructed nearby... The bridge structure contains state-of-the-art sensors that allow the Minnesota Department of Transportation to monitor structural health, officials announced...

Labels: infrastructures

Infrastructures's Trust Fund * USA - Short-term fix signed into law

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine -16 Sept 2008: -- State transportation planners around the country are breathing a little easier today after President Bush signed into law a measure that will put $8 billion into the nearly bankrupt Highway Trust Fund... The president signed the bill on Monday, Sept. 15, authorizing the $8 billion to be transferred from general Treasury funds into transportation coffers... The trust fund normally relies on fuel taxes for its income, but that revenue declined at the same time that transportation funding needs increased. The decline in tax revenue coupled with diversion of funds from the Trust Fund – estimated to be as much as 40 cents per tax dollar paid in – have been blamed for the fund going broke...

Labels: infrastructures's funds

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29.9.08

The test of independence * Canada - Not all truckers can qualify as independent contractors

All-female Convoy * Canada's - First one rolling out next month

* USA - Department sues Mexican company for drivers’ back wages

Hold the port - USA - Commission launches another clean truck investigation

27.9.08

RE-VALIDATION * Portugal - October drivers’ license renewals for the over-50s

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - Kenworth Offers AG130 Front Air Suspension Brochure

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - Group urges action to ease financial woes

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * Australia - Inquiry warned of 'safety crisis'

AWARDS * USA - Decker Truck Line and Truck Drivers Receive Recognition on Safety efforts

26.9.08

TRUCKMAKERS' WORLDWIDE SHOW * Germany: IAA 2008 Hannover Truck Show.

TRUCKS MARKETS * Europe - Truckmakers Surprised by Sharp Drop in Orders

Transport and Climate * Germany - On the Road to Nowhere?

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

25.9.08

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS * MERGERS and ADQUISITIONS WORLDWIDE

DISCUSSIONS * USA - CAL's Proposition 10

Protesting Truck Drivers * USA - Get Trucks Impounded

MARKETS * Russia - Gulf-Russia trade lane busy despite political tensions

FEES & TAXES * USA - Congress May Link Change in Truck Size to Vehicle Miles Tax

WARNING * Mexico - Keep NAFTA unchanged

Program for Hybrid Trucks * USA - House Passes Legislation That Would Create it

TRUCKING STATISTICS * USA - ATA Truck Tonnage Index Fell 1.6 Percent in August

FUEL COST SOLUTIONS * USA - Senate Passes Energy Measure

FUEL TROUBLES * USA - Major steps are needed to remedy oil and gas situation

COMPLAINS * USA - State Looks at Keeping Big Rigs off Small Roads Bud Lowell

CLEAN TRUCK PROGRAMS * USA - Feds urge ports to delay program

INFRASTRUCTURES * Australia - Victoria flags new trucking and rail hubs

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

TRUCKING PRODUCTS WORLDWIDE

TRUCKMAKERS' WORLDWIDE SHOW * Germany

CLEAN TRUCK FEE * USA - Long Beach Delays Truck Fee

24.9.08

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - Con-way Truckload Supports Military Veterans With Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program

Trucking Industry * Australia - In Crisis

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * WORLDWIDE

TRUCKER'S STORY * USA - Former welder makes career of trucking, and loves it

Salt shortage & High prices * USA - May mean slippery roads across nation

The Hire Road * USA - Some crimes prevent hazmat endorsements

Auction's jumble * Canada - Replaces machinery's rumble

TEAMSTERS' STRIKE * USA - At Auburn trucking company

INFRASTRUCTURES * Australia - New alliance for on/off ramps to the West Gate Freeway

23.9.08

CARGO THEFTS * USA - North Texas a hot spot in nationwide ones

SAVING FUEL * USA - Thermo king steps up production of fuel-saving units

Study * USA - Truck Emissions Regs Limited

BIG 3 GOV's HELP * USA - $25B fed auto aid in sight

INFRASTRUCTURES * UK - London to showcase green roofs

CLEAN TRUCKS * USA - Ports of LA / LB Program to Proceed

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

MEXICANS' TRUCKS * USA - Mexican lobby fights for truck program

22.9.08

TRUCKERS' PROTEST * USA - Truckers and Citizens United to Hold Massive Convoy On Capitol Hill

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - Trucking market continues to go soft

ELECTRIC TRUCKS * USA - Caterpillar to Introduce Electric-Drive Mining Trucks

FOREIGN LORRIES DEBATE * UK - Eight times more dangerous than British trucks

New Border Projects* USA - Congestion-Relief Plans to Include Public-Private Partnerships

PROGNOSIS * UK - Logistics industry will feel the impact of banking sector chaos

TRANSPORT & LOGISTIC NEWS WORLDWIDE

DISCUSSIONS * New Zealand - Greens so wrong on trucks

TRUCKS' PURCHASE * USA - Ports OK Daimler Lease-To-Own or Borrow To Buy Finance Plans

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

NEIGHBORHOOD COMPLAINS * USA - Many factors bring truckers into town, but no one is required to use bypass

21.9.08

CNG Trucks * USA - One Test Is Plenty For Two San Pedro Bay Ports

BLOCKADE * Jamaica - Truckers threaten to block access to Harbour View Bailey bridge

Fuel Economy * USA - For 2008 may set 15-year high

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * WORLDWIDE

Tow Truck Parade * USA - NY attempt at record for largest one

20.9.08

EVENT * USA - Truckin’ for Kids Truck Drags set next weekend in California

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * WORLDWIDE

19.9.08