trucks world news: October 2008

30.10.08

HYBRID TECHNOLOGY * USA - Coupling Delivery Trucks With

Hybrid systems and delivery trucks would seem to be an ideal partnership

New York,NY,USA -The New York Times, by IAN AUSTEN -October 30, 2008: -- ... Many hybrids store the energy created when a vehicle slows or brakes and use it later to make the vehicle go. Except for taxis and city buses, few vehicles do as much stop-and-go driving as delivery trucks... But a number of factors — some technical, most financial — mean that only about 1,000 of the trucks rumbling around American cities delivering soft drinks or lumber are hybrids. Commercial production of such vehicles began less than a year ago, and they are available, at least in North America, from only three companies... The hybrid trucks are sold by Paccar under the Kenworth, Peterbilt marques; International, which is owned by Navistar; and Freightliner, and they are far less ambitious than the passenger cars sold by Toyota and other automakers... (Photo: Courtesy Kenworth Truck Company - Kenworth Truck Company's new T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid tractor)

Labels: hybrids trucks

Fatigue Regulations * Australia - NSW 'back to the table' on

Sydney,NSW,Australia -ABC -30 October 2008: -- The New South Wales Government will meet with trucking industry representatives over concerns with the new fatigue laws, according to the Opposition... Last week the Coalition moved a disallowance motion on the Road Transport (General) Amendment (Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue and Speeding Compliance) Regulation... Shadow Road Safety Minister Andrew Fraser says the disallowance motion has had "a successful result"... Shadow Roads Minister Duncan Gay says industry was not properly consulted in the drafting of the laws... Gay says a number of issues need to be addressed, including the lack of rest stops, confusion around the regulations and the demerit points associated with new work diaries...

Labels: HOS debate

29.10.08

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS * WORLDWIDE

Strategic Buyers - International Deals

* UK - 20 Oct : ABC Taxis has acquired Supreme Taxis. Supreme provides taxi service in the UK. Terms were not disclosed.

* Germany - 20 Oct: Kuehne & Nagel International AG announced the pending acquisition of Transports Alloin S.A.S. Based in Villefranche-Sur-Saône, France, Transports Alloin provides 3PL services in France and internationally. Terms were not disclosed.

* Canada - 21 Oct: TransForce Inc. has acquired Roland Thibault Inc. Based in Granby, Canada, Roland provides collection and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste. Terms were not disclosed.

* Singapore - 21 Oct: Singapore Airport Terminal Services Ltd. announced the pending acquisition of Menzies Aviation (Hong Kong) Limited for $2.1 million. Menzies provides ground handling services at the Hong Kong International Airport.

* China - 21 Oct: China State Construction Engineering Corporation announced the pending acquisition of China Overseas Ports Investment Company Limited ("COPIC") for $171.3 million. Based in Shenzhen, COPIC operates ports and provides logistics services.

* Holland- 21 Oct: Schiphol Group announced the pending acquisition of an 8% stake in Aeroports de Paris for $697.9 million. Based in Paris, Aeroports provides airport management services. Aeroports had TTM revenue of $3.8 billion and TTM EBITDA of $1.2 billion.

* UK - 22 Oct: Bring Logistics Solutions AS announced the pending acquisition of Nor-Cargo Ltd. Nor-Cargo provides freight forwarding and logistics management services in the UK and had TTM revenue of $42.0 million. Terms were not disclosed.

* UK - 22 Oct: CWT Commodities Pte Ltd. announced the pending acquisition of Sitos Group B.V. for $10.6 million. Sitos provides commodity logistics services from its base in Amsterdam.

* France - 23 Oct: Synergie SA has acquired A.D.R. Worldwide Logistics. ADR provides courier and postal services from its base in the Netherlands. Terms were not disclosed.

* UK - 23 Oct: Wincanton plc has acquired ELI-Logistik GmbH for $19.3 million. ELI-Logistik provides packaging, contract and transport logistics from its base in Koblenz, Germany.

US Domestic Deals

* USA - 17 Oct: Rock-It Cargo USA, LLC has acquired Dietl International Services, Inc. Based in New York, Dietl provides fine art logistics solutions. Terms were not disclosed.

Labels: T and L Mergers and Acquisitions worldwide

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA

* YRC to Cut 6% of Workforce

Overland Park,Kan,USA -AP/Transport Topics -29 Oct 2008: -- YRC Worldwide will cut 6% of its workforce in a cost-reduction move that is part of a stepped-up plan to integrate its Roadway and Yellow Transportation units... A spokeswoman said the less-than-truckload carrier will lay off about 3,750 drivers and dockworkers as it integrates the units, AP reported... YRC has not determined whether any of the layoffs will occur in the Kansas City area... The company, which has about 58,000 employees, last week reported its third-quarter earnings fell 10% from a year ago...

Labels: trucking industry news USA

REPORT * USA - Trucking failures continue at record pace

The economic downward spiral has taken a deeper toll on the trucking industry than ever before with a record number of companies failing in the first three quarters of 2008

Nashville,TN,USA -Land Line Magazine -Oct. 28, 2008: -- ... Donald Broughton, a longtime trucking analyst and managing director of Avondale Partners LLC, reported that 785 companies with approximately 39,000 trucks, or 2.0 percent of the nation’s over-the-road heavy-duty trucks, closed their doors in the third quarter... That brings the total number of trucks pulled off the road in 2008 to more than 127,000 trucks or 6.5 percent of the trucks in the industry... If the pace continues through the fourth quarter, Broughton says 2008 will be “the worst year to be a marginal trucker”... But, he acknowledges, it could be the “best year to have survived”... A total of 2,690 companies with five or more trucks went out of business between January and September. Broughton notes that more companies failed in the 2000-2001 trucking downturn, but they were smaller companies than are failing in 2008... In 2000-2001, the average size of companies that failed was companies with between 20 and 35 trucks. This year, it’s companies with more than 45 trucks...

Labels: reports

New Technology * USA - Improves Effiency of Trash Trucks

Dothan,ALA,USA -wtvy, by Lisa Blackwell -Oct 27, 2008: -- Dothan’s automated trash trucks have been enroute for several years now. Studies show these trucks are 30 % faster than older trucks and handle between 800 to 900 bins per route per day... The new trucks are safer; the old method was responsible for six to seven injuries a year... A new GPS system is making trash collection even more efficient... A total of fifty trucks are tracked which allows the department to locate and dispatch workers more effectively. New routing assistance software is currently being evaluated that would determine shorter routes, leading to greater efficiency and fuel savings...

Labels: technonews

Clean Trucks Program * USA - November launch for LA-Long Beach truck fee system

Long Beaqch,CAL,USA -The JOURNAL of COMMERCE ONLINE, by Bill Mongelluzzo -October 28, 2008: -- Terminal operators in Los Angeles-Long Beach will launch the clean-trucks program known as PortCheck “sometime in November,” according to the West Coast Marine Terminal Operator Agreement... PortCheck is the electronic system that will be used to process trucks as they enter marine terminals, and to charge cargo interests a clean-truck fee of $35 per TEU. The revenue from the clean-truck fee will be used to help truckers purchase new vehicles that comply with the ports’ strict new emission standards...

* ATA Asks Court to Deny Filing Delay

Los Angeles,CAL,USA -Traffic World, by Bill Mongelluzzo -29 Oct 2008: -- The American Trucking Associations today asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to deny a request from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach for a 21-day delay in the court-imposed deadline for filing their responses in the case involving the ports' clean-truck concession plans... The 9th Circuit had set a filing date of Nov. 5 for the ports to file their arguments on the legality of the concession requirements... The ATA noted in its filing that the ports on Oct. 1 implemented the clean-trucks concession requirements. ATA considers the concession requirements to be unlawful and burdensome on harbor trucking companies...

Labels: Clean Trucks Program

HIGHWAY SAFETY * USA - ATA Gives Details of Bold Agenda

Arlington,VA,USA -MarketWatch -Oct 28, 2008: -- The American Trucking Associations today unveiled the details of a bold highway safety agenda designed to reduce the number of highway-related fatalities and injuries for all drivers on the nation's highways... Augmenting an established platform of successful safety initiatives, ATA today outlined 18 critical steps for further reducing highway crashes among all motorists...

Ten recommendations to improve truck and passenger vehicle driver performance are:

1. Policy on the use of non-integrated technologies while the vehicle is in motion
2. Policy supporting uniform commercial drivers license (CDL) testing standards
3. Support for a CDL graduated licensing study
4. Advocate for additional parking facilities for trucks
5. Advocate for a national maximum 65mph speed limit
6. Pursue strategies to increase the use of seat belts
7. Support for a national car-truck driver behavior improvement program
8. Support for increased use of red light cameras and automated speed enforcement
9. Support for graduated licensing in all states for non-commercial teen drivers
10. Support for more stringent laws to reduce drinking and driving.

Three recommendations that focus on making vehicles safer are:

11. Support targeted electronic speed governing of certain non-commercial vehicles
12. Require electronic speed governing of all large trucks made since 1992
13. Advocate for new large truck crashworthiness standards.

Five recommendations that will improve federal oversight are:

14. Advocate for a national employer notification system
15. Create a federal clearinghouse for positive drug and alcohol test results of CDL holders
16. Support a federal registry of certified medical examiners
17. Create a policy supporting access to the national Driver Information Resource
18. Support for required safety training by new entrant motor carriers.

Labels: roads safety

ANALYSIS * USA - Goldman cautious on truckers

Minneapolis, MN,USA -Associated Press/Forbes -28 Oct 2008: -- Trucking analysts at Goldman Sachs on Tuesday said they remain cautious on less-than-truckload companies even though many of them beat third-quarter expectations... They also wrote that the group's distribution hubs are a fixed cost that will be difficult to offset, and that the market is fragmented and larger competitors such as FedEx and UPS "will price aggressively to gain share"... Declining fuel prices have helped trucking companies, but the group has warned that demand could weaken in a recession. On Monday the American Trucking Associations said its survey-based tonnage index fell 0.9 percent in September...

Labels: trucking industry analysis USA

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - US Army orders keep Mack Trucks busy

Lehigh Valley,PEN,USA -Truck News (CAN) -28 Oct 2008: -- An economic slowdown may have choked North American truck sales this year, but the US Army continues to place orders with Mack Trucks... Mack has received its third military contract this month, a US$8.6 million order for 66 Mack Granite Elite model tractors, known domestically as the Mack Granite Axle-Back... The trucks will be delivered over the next three months, Mack announced. Earlier this month, Mack received orders for 152 Vision Elite tractors and lowboy trailers. It has also reached a deal to supply MP8 engines which will be adapted to operate on JP-8 jet fuel...

* Australia - Trucks give Australian Army a lift

Melbourne,Australia -The Herald Sun, by Ian McPhedran -October 29, 2008: -- The Australian Army will get a transport boost today when the Government unveils a plan for almost $1 billion worth of trucks and upgraded armoured vehicles... Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon will use his opening speech at the Land Warfare Conference in Brisbane to announce a $220 million upgrade for 81 armoured personnel carriers... The minister will also reveal an order for 293 Australian-built Bushmaster armoured cars...

Labels: truckmakers' news USA

Security and Logistics * USA - Rethinking. Can Help Reduce Risk of Cargo Theft

Technology noted as one way to protect against theft

Warren,NJ,USA -Supply & Demand Chain Executive (Gilbert,AZ) -October 28, 2008: -- Consumer electronics, food and clothing are the three most stolen cargoes, and thefts of these and other items occur most often during the weekend, according to statistics compiled by the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies... Chubb's statistical study also indicates that truck stops and rest areas are the most targeted locations for cargo thefts, accounting for more than one-third of all incidents, followed by modal yards and unsecured locations, such as drop lots and motel and restaurant parking lots... Tarnef said businesses can take steps to help prevent cargo thefts, such as:

* Thoroughly screen prospective employees. Some cargo security experts maintain that a high percentage of cargo thefts involve inside information or complicity.

* Carefully select transportation partners and intermediaries. Remember that these companies have care, custody and control of goods once they leave your premises until they reach their destination.

* Establish a security culture within your company. Provide security training for employees, and educate truck drivers in hijack awareness and prevention.

* Factor in security when determining shipment routing. Cargo thieves often "case" known shipping points (plants, warehouses and distribution centers) and follow trucks as they depart, waiting for the drivers to stop so that they can pounce on the loads. Drivers should not be allowed to stop in the "red zone" (the first 200 miles/4 hours from their starting point) as well as known hot spots.

* Incorporate counter surveillance into the duties of security guards, and have guards patrol away from perimeters.

* Take advantage of technology. Vehicle and shipment tracking, vehicle immobilization and advanced, high-technology security seals are now available at lower cost.

* Conduct periodic security audits. Operations and personnel change, and criminals are always harvesting fresh ideas and modifying previous techniques.

* Indiana police join TACT program

IND,USA -Land Line Magazine -October 28, 2008: -- The Indiana State Police are the latest addition to a growing list of highway patrols around the country enlisting the help of the trucking industry... Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks is a program that pairs law enforcement with truckers to give the cops a bird’s-eye view of the antics pulled by four-wheelers and trucks alike... The officer riding in the truck radios ahead to report violations, and the offender is pulled over by a marked vehicle...

Labels: trucks security

28.10.08

TRANSPORTS & LOGISTIC * WORLDWIDE

Brief & Weekly News

from Freight Forwarding

* Germany - K+N provides ambiguous numbers on state of the global logistics sector
Global forwarder Kuehne + Nagel yesterday (October 20) released its latest results – and announced the acquisition of a prominent French road freight groupage operator. Read Full Brief Here

* USA - Specialty logistics companies Dietl and Rock-It merge
US fine arts logistics specialist Dietl International Services has merged with Rock-It Cargo, a US provider of services in the music touring/live events sector. Read Full News Here

* USA - Pilot Freight reports record quarterly revenue
US-based worldwide freight forwarder Pilot Freight Services this week announced its financial results for the 2008 third quarter ending September 30. Read Full News Here

* UK - Customs software provider Impatex unveils two-product strategy
UK-based customs and freight software provider Impatex has unveiled its product development strategy for next year. Read Full News Here

from Contract Logistics

* UK - New report: developing markets offer greatest cold chain logistics opportunities
Ti’s latest report, Global Cold Chain Logistics 2008/9, concludes that the greatest opportunities for that sector lie in developing markets such as China, India and Vietnam. Read Full Brief Here

* UK - Wincanton adds two new e-commerce customers in France
European logistics service provider Wincanton recently announced the addition of two customers from the e-commerce sector − Pixmania and DHC – involving operations in France. Read Full News Here

* USA - CEVA wins contract from UK utilities service provider
CEVA Logistics has been awarded a contract to manage procurement, inventory, warehousing and materials distribution for UK electricity and water services supplier United Utilities. Read Full News Here

* USA - TransLogic Auto Carriers acquired by CNC Holdings
Further corporate activity in the US vehicle transportation sector has seen CNC Holdings acquire 53% of the shares in TransLogic Auto Carriers. Read Full News Here

* USA - OL&T predicts “double-digit” business growth this year
Odyssey Logistics & Technology, a US-based logistics service provider for chemical and process industries, stated this week that it expected to achieve double-digit business growth in 2008. Read Full News Here

* USA - CEVA announces contract developments in Iberia and Australia
CEVA Logistics this week announced the signing of a new contract with Ricoh in Spain. It also separately reported a contract extension with a customer in Australia. Read Full News Here

* USA - Greatwide Logistics set to be acquired by investor group
Greatwide Logistics Services – a US provider of national third party logistics services – this week announced that it intended to enter into an agreement to be acquired by an investor group. Read Full News Here

from Express & Mail

* USA - Tough times for UPS raise questions about DHL deal
UPS is continuing to suffer the effects of economic recession in the US and worldwide, confirmed the company’s 2008 Q3 results published yesterday (October 23). Read Full Brief Here

* USA - UPS announces 2009 rate increases
UPS has released new list rates for 2009 which include an average net increase of 4.9% for all air express and US-origin international shipments. Read Full News Here

* Dubai/UAE - Dubai World subsidiary forms mailroom services JV
Dubai World has announced a new venture involving the mail activities of EZ Post FZE, a recently-formed subsidiary of its Economic Zones World business. Read Full News Here

* Hongkong/China - Hongkong Post launches fast courier service to Asia and Europe Hongkong Post has introduced a new Speedpost service which it claims will offer speedy delivery to major Asian and European cities. Read Full News Here

* USA - FedEx Express breaks ground for new CEE hub
US-based global express giant FedEx Express yesterday (October 20) broke ground for a new hub at Cologne/Bonn airport in Germany, the site of its new Central and Eastern Europe gateway. Read Full News Here

* USA - Two new developments in FedEx Ground ‘sub-contractors’ saga
A continuing dispute over the status of FedEx Ground drivers in the US – whether they should be classified as employees or owner-operators/sub-contractors – took two further turns this week. Read Full News Here

* Holland - TNT claims new Osaka gateway will boost China-Japan trade
Global express operator TNT yesterday (October 23) announced the opening of the company’s new international gateway at Japan’s Osaka Kansai International Airport. Read Full News Here

* The Neatherlands - DHL launches transpacific partnership with Polar Air Cargo
DHL Express yesterday (October 23) confirmed plans to launch its transpacific partnership with worldwide B747 freighter operator Polar Air Cargo this coming Monday, October 27. Read Full News Here

from Road Freight

* USA - Ryder delivers moderate growth in tough markets
This year’s third quarter results from Ryder System Inc, announced yesterday (October 22), show some growth in both profits and sales. Read Full Brief Here

* USA - UPS announces 2009 rate increases
UPS has released new list rates for 2009 which include an average net increase of 4.9% for all air express and US-origin international shipments. Read Full News Here

* USA - Greatwide Logistics set to be acquired by investor group
Greatwide Logistics Services – a US provider of national third party logistics services – this week announced that it intended to enter into an agreement to be acquired by an investor group. Read Full News Here

from Air Cargo

* France - Aeroports de Paris and Schiphol Group to create European 'dual hub'
Two of Europe’s leading airport operators yesterday (October 21) announced their intention to enter into a long-term industrial cooperation and 8% cross-shareholding agreement. Read Full Brief Here

* UK - Airline cargo fuel surcharges set to continue falling
British Airways World Cargo has announced a further reduction in its cargo fuel surcharges from November 3. Read Full News Here

* China - Cargo 2000 extends presence into northern China
Cargo 2000 yesterday (October 21) announced an increased presence in China following the decision of Tianjin AirCargo Terminal to join its air cargo quality improvement programme. Read Full News Here

from Warehousing

* Japan - Mitsubishi Logistics leases Shanghai space from ProLogis
ProLogis has leased approximately 16,200 sq m in Shanghai, China, to Mitsubishi Logistics – its first lease agreement with that leading Asian third party logistics provider. Read Full News Here

* USA - ProLogis expands South Korean distribution centre portfolio
ProLogis this week announced that ProLogis Korea Property Fund had acquired a $44m distribution centre in Icheon City, South Korea. Read Full News Here

* Belgium - IIG details adidas distribution centre project in Ukraine
European logistics real estate developer Immo Industry Group and Ukrainian partner Aladdin Group have started building a new distribution centre in Ukraine for sporting goods manufacturer adidas. Read Full News Here

from Shipping/Ports

* Europe - Container lines face further regulatory challenges in
Hot on the heels of the abolition of liner shipping conferences in Europe on October 18, container lines face further changes to the regulatory environment governing their operations. Read Full Brief Here

* Holland - Rotterdam port reports 2% TEU growth over first nine months
Europe’s leading container port, Rotterdam, yesterday (October 21) reported just a 2% increase – to 8.2m – in the number of TEUs handled in the first nine months of this year. Read Full News Here

* Singapore - APL slashes capacity and reorganises worldwide service network
Leading global container shipping line APL yesterday (October 21) announced a major reduction in capacity and significant changes to its global service network. Read Full News Here

from IT Solutions

* UK - Real time supply chain visibility - increasing for shippers and 3PLs
The last few years have seen rapid developments in real time supply chain visibility, with the main beneficiaries being high volume shippers, 3PLs and freight forwarders. Ti interviewed two US-based technology company executives, John Urban, President of GT Nexus, and Larry Trebesch, General Manager, China, at Savi Networks. They will both be speaking at Ti’s conference 'Global Distribution Strategies - Asia Pacific 2008'. Read Full Brief Here

* USA - JDA Software publishes latest results and i2 acquisition update
JDA Software Group Inc, a US-based company which specialises in supplying supply chain and revenue management solutions, this week unveiled its financial results for the 2008 third quarter. Read Full News Here

* USA - Manhattan Associates reports Q3 2008 revenue and earnings
US-based supply chain optimisation provider Manhattan Associates this week reported its key 2008 third quarter financial figures. Read Full News Here

Labels: transport and logistics news

Truck Owner/Operators * Canada - Prepare for Negotiations with Vancouver Port Authority

Surrey,BC,CAN -CNW/News Wire -Oct. 27, 2008: -- Over 350 members of CAW Local 2006 VCTA/CAW met on October 26 in Surrey, B.C. to discuss a bargaining strategy to replace the collective agreement which expires on December 31, 2008... Paul Johal, president of CAW Local 2006 said that the group is having considerable problems getting workplace issues resolved, especially with manyemployers moving to utilize hourly drivers at the expense of owner/operators... "This, combined with the high fuel prices and a dispatch system that creates long delays, is adding many challenges which have to be resolved," he said... From the outset the union has raised the issue of too many trucks haulingout of the port - it makes it impossible for anyone to make a decent living -we need a limitation on hourly trucks replacing owner/operators. The VancouverPort Authority (VPA) needs to resolve this issue, which is a major problem for the union...

Labels: negotiations

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA

* UPS to Buy New Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks

Atlanta,GA,USA -Transport Topics -27 Oct 2008: -- UPS Inc. said Monday it will buy seven new hydraulic hybrid vehicles produced by Eaton Corp. and Navistar International Corp.... The company said it will be the first in the package delivery industry to purchase vehicles with the technology, which promises dramatic cuts in fuel costs and emissions, UPS said in a statement... Hydraulic hybrids have diesel engines and store energy by compressing hydraulic fluid under pressure, the company said...

* Covenant Reports 3Q Loss

USA -Transport Topics -27 Oct 2008: -- Covenant Transportation Group said late Monday it lost $3.4 million, or 24 cents a share, in the third quarter, compared with a loss of $3.6 million, or 25 cents, a year ago... Revenue rose 20.9% to $212.5 million, the truckload carrier said in a statement... Freight revenue, which excludes fuel surcharges, rose 9.7% to $162.9 million, Covenant said...

* JHT Holdings Emerges From Chapter 11 - Company and Lenders Have Great Confidence in Future Success - JHT Completes Financial Reorganization

Kenosha,WIS,USA -MarketWatch -Oct 27, 2008: -- JHT Holdings, Inc. (JHT), a holding company whose subsidiaries provide heavy- and medium- duty truck transportation services, announced today that it had successfully emerged from Chapter 11 and named Michael Testman as its new CEO to fully implement its Plan of Reorganization. The announcement follows the approval earlier this month of the company's Plan of Reorganization by Judge Brendan L. Shannon of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware...

* California attorney general sues 3 trucking companies as part of working conditions investigation

Sacramento,CAL,USA -89.3KPCC, by Molly Peterson -27 Oct 2008: -- California attorney general Jerry Brown says he’s suing three trucking companies working the San Pedro ports... Complaints filed in Los Angeles Superior Court allege that Moreno Trucking, Guasimal Trucking, and Edmund Jose Lira all hired drivers they treated illegally as contractors. The state claims the trucking companies control all aspects of the drivers’ work, own the trucks they drive, and pay the drivers’ hourly wages – often for 60 or more hours a week... An estimated 16,000 drivers serve the ports of Long Beach and L.A. Labor activists say more than 90 percent of those drivers work as independent contractors, not as employees...

* J.B. Hunt adapts hauling techniques

Lowell,MASS,USA -AP/The Batesville Daily Guard -October 27, 2008 — J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. has shifted to intermodal transport, using rail lines as part of an effort to diversify its business from its customary emphasis on using tractor-trailers... The company has been reducing its truck-load segment as it develops its use of rail lines. Also, the Lowell-based company has begun a brokerage business as further insulation against the cycles that cause the fortunes of trucking companies to zigzag...

Labels: trucking industry news USA

TRUCKMAKERS NEWS WORLDWIDE * Germany -

* Germany - Daimler Sets Month-Long German Production Halt

Stuttgart,Gedrmany -Bloomberg/Transport Topics -27 Oct 2008: -- Daimler AG will close its 14 plants in its home country of Germany for a month starting in December as it slows production because of falling demand for cars and trucks... The closure will run from Dec. 12 to Jan. 12 and will affect about 150,000 workers, who will be kept on full pay, a company spokesman told Bloomberg... Daimler cut its full-year earnings forecast last week even as it posted a higher third-quarter profit than a year ago. The Stuttgart, Germany-based company is under pressure as the global financial crisis and economic slowdown hurt demand for its upscale cars...

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

FUEL PRICES * USA - Oil Hits 17-Month Low Near $60 a Barrel

New York,NY,USA -Bloomberg/Transport Topics -27 Oct 2008: -- With world financial markets in turmoil, the price of crude oil continued to tumble, reaching a 17-month low below $62 a barrel... Crude futures reached as low as $61.30 in pre-market trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the lowest price since May 9, 2007... Oil peaked at a record closing-price of $145.18 a barrel on the Nymex July 14 and has fallen more than 50% since then... OPEC ministers said Friday they may trim production in light of falling prices, but the price declines are largely because of falling demand because of the economic uncertainty worldwide, Bloomberg said...

* Gasoline Plunges 53¢ in Two Weeks, to $2.78 a Gallon

New York,NY,USA -Transport Topics -27 Oct 2008: -- The national average price of regular gasoline plunged 53 in the two weeks ended Friday to $2.78 a gallon, according to the latest Lundberg Survey of filling stations released Sunday... Mid-grade averaged $2.93, and premium averaged $3.05, analyst Trilby Lundberg in her filling-station survey, which is released twice a month... The downturn coincided with plunging oil prices, which have fallen more than 50% to near $60 a barrel since topping out at $145.18 in mid-July... Gasoline was cheapest in Wichita, Kan., at $2.26 a gallon, and most expensive in Anchorage, Alaska, at $3.50, Lundberg said...

* Sunoco cuts back on refining as oil prices drop

New York,NY,USA -The Wall Street Journal/Transport Topics -October 27, 2008: -- ... Sunoco is shutting down a unit used in gasoline production at one of its refineries... Gasoline prices have dropped even faster than oil prices, and refiners are currently losing money with each barrel of crude oil they process into gasoline...

Labels: oil prices

TRUCKING PROGNOSIS * USA & Canada - Trucking analyst expects economic turnaround in late 2009

Halifax,NS,Canada -Truck News, by James Menzies -24 Oct 2008: -- Ray Mawhinney, chair of RBC Asset Management, delivered a refreshingly optimistic overview of the US economy and its trucking industry during the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association's first ever International Transportation Summit here this week... The overall verdict? Mawhinney said he expects the US to emerge from a recession in late 2009, paving the way for a better 2010... "Lots of people think it's going to be a longer term recession," acknowledged Mawhinney. "Our feeling is that the federal banks have acted forcefully and quickly, and they will get to the point where they can actually get credit moving again and get confidence restored for an improving trend in the last half of 2009."...

Labels: trucking markets prognosis

STATISTICS * USA - ATA Truck Tonnage Index Fell 0.9 Percent in September

Arlington,VA,USA -MarketWatch -Oct 27, 2008: -- The American Trucking Associations' advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 0.9 percent in September, marking the third consecutive month-to-month drop... The index fell 1.6 percent in August and 0.9 percent in July. In September, the seasonally adjusted tonnage index equaled 112.6 (2000 = 100), its lowest level since October 2007. The not seasonally adjusted index increased 1.1 percent to 116.3 in September... For the third quarter, the seasonally adjusted index contracted 1.2 percent compared with the second quarter, equating to a 4.8 percent annualized rate decrease... The seasonally adjusted index was just 0.8 percent higher compared with September 2007. While the index rose year-over-year because of weak 2007 volumes, it is quickly falling toward negative territory...

Labels: transport statistics

27.10.08

Diesel crunch worsens * Canada - Supply weeks from normal

Smack dab in the middle of the prairies the price of diesel fuel for once isn't cheaper than anywhere else in Canada. Most likely western truckers would gladly pay no matter the cost - if they could actually find it

Edmonton,ALB,Canadá -Today's Trucking -27 Oct 2008: -- ... A critical shortage of diesel fuel in western Canada has left many truckers running on fumes. And a full recovery is still weeks away, we're told... A combination of planned and unplanned maintenance shutdowns at a trio of refineries in Alberta drastically cut the supply of diesel at the beginning of October... Several service stations and cardlocks across the prairies went dry and the outlets that did have diesel at the pumps began rationing the fuel... Carriers in Alberta and the rest of the prairies still report fuel rationing and cardlock closures... Orlick runs a fleet of a less than 50 trucks that don't venture much beyond Alberta's borders, but it still takes a lot of fuel to trek up and down the province... (Picture: Carriers in Alberta and the rest of the prairies still report fuel rationing and cardlock closures)

Labels: fuel shortage

TRUCKING'S AWARDS * Canada - Manitoba Man Named Canada's Truck Driver of the Year

Driver has driven 6.6 million collision free kilometers in 40 years on the road

Winnipeg,Manitoba,Canada -Marketwire -Oct. 27, 2008: -- Burton "Bud" Rush (Oakbank, MB) a transport driver with Armstrong Moving and Storage Ltd. (a division of United Van Lines Canada Ltd.), has been named the 2008 Canadian Trucking Alliance/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year... Mr. Rush has driven 6.6 million collision free kilometers in 40 years of commercial truck driving... Rush was awarded on Friday (Oct 24) the honourary title 'CTA/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year', and presented with a keepsake plaque and a cash prize at an awards dinner held by the Manitoba Trucking Association (The Gates on Roblin, Headingly, MB) and attended by industry leaders...

* Manitoba Woman Named National Dispatcher of the Year

Winnipeg,Manitoba,Canada -Marketwire -Oct. 27, 2008: -- Janet Murray of Warren, MB, a dispatcher with Payne Transportation L.P. (Rosser, MB) has been named Canada's 2008 dispatcher of the year by Shaw Tracking and the Canadian Trucking Alliance for her commitment to dispatch excellence. Murray's nomination was supported by Payne's drivers, customers and managers and selected by a panel of industry judges... Murray was presented Friday (Oct. 24) with the prestigious title 'CTA/Shaw Tracking National Dispatcher of the Year', a keepsake plaque and a cash prize, at an awards banquet held by the Manitoba Trucking Association (The Gates on Roblin, Headingly, MB) and attended by industry leaders...

Labels: awards

POLLUTION * VietNam - Trucks full of dust pollute Ha Noi

Lorries full of construction dust are harming public health

HA NOI,VietNam -VietNnam Nnews/VNAgency -27 Oct 2008: -- Capital city residents are being forced to suffer impacts from huge volumes of dust released by construction- site lorries that fall through regulatory cracks... An environmental officer in Ha Noi indicates there are two causes of air pollution at construction sites that are difficult to tackle. First, lorries and tipper trucks do not cover their loads before moving in or out of the construction sites. Second, construction sites themselves are not covered to prevent dust from flying into the air... Hoang Duc Dung, a health department official says that air pollution from city construction sites is a serious problem because hundreds of people are suffering from damaging consequences... (Photo by Thanh Phan - VNA/VNS - Dust from uncovered lorries carrying construction material cause heavy pollution in cities)

Labels: air pollution debates

TRUCKS SALES * UK - Scottish Coal purchases 32 Terex trucks

Ayrshire,Scotland,UK -Mining Enviromental -27 Oct 2008: -- Scottish Coal, part of the Scottish Resources Group, has recently added 16 Terex TR100 rigid trucks to its mining fleet at the Pennyvenie opencast coal mine in Ayrshire, Scotland. The company has also ordered a further 16 units which will be delivered to their Lanarkshire site later this year... The new trucks will be used to move overburden such as peat, sub soil and rock, and will be loaded by Terex RH120Cs and RH120Es shovels. The project is expected to last three to five years during which time the coal extracted will be processed and delivered throughout the UK...

Labels: trucks sales

STRIKE * Uganda / Kenya - Truck drivers call off strike

A two-day strike by long distance truck drivers at Malaba on the Uganda-Kenya border has been called off

Malaba, Kenya/Uganda border -New Vision -26 October, 2008: -- ... This followed a meeting between the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the Kenyan government transport ministry officials and the drivers’ representaives on Tuesday... The strike, which started on Monday, was in protest of the poor conditions at Malaba customs parking yard, extortion and harrassment... It was called off after URA promised to solve the drivers’ grievances by next month...

Labels: truckers' strikes

26.10.08

TRUCKER AWARD * Jamaica - "Truck Fest" keeps on trucking

Kingston,Jamaica -The Jamaica Gleaner, by Brian Carless -October 26, 2008: -- Trucks from all over the island lined up at Truck Fest Part II in Priory, St Ann, last Sunday, competing for bragging rights. Who would drive away with the biggest title in the local trucking industry, 'Best Truck of the Year', was anyone's guess... However, before the day ended, Garfield Bonner with his rig 'The Gargamel' emerged the winner of Truck Fest 2008... (Photo by Brian Carless - Patrons at Truck Fest Part II in Priory, St Ann, last Sunday are enthralled by fireworks from this truck)

Labels: truckers' awards

TRUCKERS' STORIES * USA - Hard work, cozy 'home' for truckers

Rocky Mount,NC,USA -The Rocky Mount Telegram, by Laura McFarland -Oct 24, 2008: -- Larry James’ commute to work is short...He climbs out of bed, dresses and walks the three steps to his office, the front seat of his 18-wheeler. End of commute... "Beyond the seat of the truck is my living room. My shoes come off at the driver’s seat. From there back is carpet. That is my home with my TV and DVD player. There are two bunks. ... I use the upper bunk for storage, and the lower bunk is where I sleep," said James, an independent driver out of Nashville...Being able to cut back on how much he eats out would also help James. He has a coffee pot and a cooler that plugs into his cigarette lighter allows him to keep milk, water and some foods, but having a refrigerator would be better. ... "I try to stay healthy and try not to look like that truck driver image that everybody thinks is out here — big, fat roly-poly, filthy, dirty truck driver. That is not me,” James said... (Telegram photos by Alan Campbell - Nr. 1 (above): On the business end, Larry James' truck includes a laptop computer. Some drivers also have wireless Internet connections to help them find loads to move or to allow them to communicate with their families... Nr 2 (below): The sleeper compartment in Larry James' 2000 Freightliner Classic truck includes two bunks, a television and a DVD player. The creature comforts are powered by a fuel-conserving auxiliary power unit)

Labels: truckers' stories

TRUCKERS' COMPLAIN * Bermuda - ' I was forced out of truck business'

Hamilton,Bermuda -The Royal Gazette, by Amanda Dale -25 Oct 2008: -- After 13 years as an independent trucker, Scott Lopes said this year he finally "had enough"... Mr. Lopes, 40, of Smith's, sold his business this summer out of frustration at the growing number of tractor trailer dumpsters on the roads... "I was forced out of business," said Mr. Lopes. "I sold my truck due to the influx of illegal dumpsters, as the loss in business resulted in me being unable to make a profit"... Richard Foggo, president of the New Bermuda General Truckers Association, yesterday estimated its members were losing up to $50,000 a day in business – approximately $500 each, due to the larger dumpster trucks being operated by construction and excavation companies... These vehicles can take up to five times the load of the smaller hire trucks, undercutting them in both time and costs... (Picture: Independent trucker Scott Lopes,'Forced out')

Labels: truckers' complain

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

* Europe - Volvo, Scania Miss Profit Estimates, Cut Truck Output

London,UK -Bloomberg, by Chad Thomas & Marco Bertacche -Oct. 24, 2008: -- Volvo AB, the second-largest maker of heavy trucks, and Scania AB reported lower-than-anticipated earnings and said they'll cut production after industrywide European sales fell for a fifth straight month... Volvo plunged the most in at least 19 years in Stockholm trading. The Gothenburg, Sweden-based company won just 115 European orders in the third quarter, down from 41,970 a year earlier... Soedertaelje, Sweden-based Scania slipped 8.9 percent to a four-year low... Scania said today third-quarter profit rose 3.6 percent, also less than analysts had anticipated, as European customers become more cautious in ordering new equipment. The company plans to adjust production "in light of lower overall order bookings and higher inventories". Third-quarter orders fell 30 percent... MAN AG, Europe's third-largest truckmaker after Daimler AG and Volvo, said Oct. 10 it plans to reduce its workforce and cut production. Paccar Inc., the maker of Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, is cutting production at its DAF Trucks unit in the Netherlands and is forecasting declining European sales in 2009... The Iveco truck unit of Fiat SpA, was the manufacturer's only division yesterday to report a decline in third-quarter sales. Revenue fell 6.2 percent to 2.4 billion euros, hurt by a 26 percent drop in deliveries in Europe. Iveco cut production of its best-selling Daily truck model at its Suzzara, Italy, plant by about 10 percent in July. Fiat forecast the European truck market will contract 3 percent this year...

* USA - Mack delivery figures down - But September stats are among the best in recent months

Allentown,PA,USA -The Allentown Morning Call, by Tyrone Richardson -October 25, 2008: -- September truck delivery numbers for Mack Trucks were at one of its highest points in recent months, but down 22 percent compared with the same month a year ago. Mack spokesman John F. Walsh said the continued souring economic conditions have forced readjustments to this year's projections... He said that the heavy-duty truck market in North America now is expected to decline by approximately 10 percent compared with a year ago... In September, Mack delivered 1,417 trucks, its fourth-highest monthly tally for the year so far. Through September, Mack has delivered 12,468, a 6.7 percent drop compared with the first nine months of 2007...

Labels: truckmakers news USA

TRUCKS' MARKET * India - Truck sales hit rough patch in October

Mumbai/New Delhi,India -The Business Standard -October 26, 2008: -- A Delhi-based think-tank has said that October truck sales are down sharply, while rentals have softened ten per cent and manufacturers are contemplating production cuts... According to a study carried out by the Delhi-based Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training, truck sales in October have fallen as much as 30-40 per cent as compared to October 2007. The study also says manufacturers are saddled with more than a month’s inventory of over 19,000 trucks... The IFTRT study says that around 6,000 trucks have been re-possessed and these are now being sold in the market to recover arrears. This has further impacted sale of new trucks...

Labels: trucks markets worldwide

25.10.08

OUR SUNDAY TRAVEL * USA - Majestic Rigs and Custom Truck Interiors

The Legend of the American West lives on in the subculture of Big Rigs and trucks stops...

The majesty and the immensity of the land gets its perfect expression in these location shots of the most outstanding rigs... Here is your chance to peak inside some of the most spectacular custom rigs... Roger Snider is a Los Angeles based photographer who's currently putting together a project (with an accompanying book) called Ultra Rigs of the World... We asked him some questions, and he told us about his fascination with these big and beautiful machines...... "I went to the Las Vegas Truck Show in June of 2006, where I saw real show trucks for the first time in my life. It was at that moment that I knew this would be a subject I would be working on for years to come"...... Roger: "I have covered rigs in Canada, the US and Japan thus far. I plan to travel the world photographing custom rigs from as many countries as possible. "Ultra Rigs of the World" is the working title of the first definitive photo book about this lesser known artistic subculture. So the website is a teaser to the book project, designed to attract attention (and hopefully) funding - so that I could complete and publish the book"...... DRB: Do you own a rig yourself? - Roger: "No" ...... "We went to trucks stops and tried to pick up riders with the drives... I came away with a great documentary-style portfolio of images, but what I really want is to shoot more trucks" ......Decotora - Japanese Art Trucks: We wrote about Decotora - uniquely Japanese electric light truck decoration...... Roger: "I love the trucks in Japan and intend to return there and photo more of them. It's fascinating that after all the decor is applied - they don't even look like trucks! Way back in the 1970s they started to resemble boats, and now they have evolved into the "spaceships" you see today. "Over the top" is fine, in my opinion. The lights and sounds are really something you need to see in person"...... The Japanese Peterbilt you see in this is owned by a guy in Japan who doesn't understand English, but grew up loving the movie (which inspired him to buy the Peterbilt)... ... These are not trucks, these are spaceships! ...... Roger Snider's photographys are simply unbelievable, just as the trucks are certainly other-worldly.... (USA -From: Dark Roasted Blend/All images are copyright, courtesy Roger Snider -24 Oct 2008)

Labels: traveling on trucks

COUNTRY LANE BAN * UK - For Lorries after SAT NAV blunders

Lorries are to be banned from Gloucestershire's country lanes in a bid to end the chaos caused by wayward satellite navigation units

Peterborough,England,UK -Motoring News/Motors Today -24 Oct 2008: -- ... Gloucestershire County Council is beginning a pilot scheme banning heavy goods vehicles from minor roads inside an area of 150 square miles... The move comes after a number of cases where lorries were diverted down routes which are too tight for trucks and then got stuck... Last year a foreign driver spent four days being fed and watered in neighbouring Somerset after his 44-tonne lorry became wedged... The no-go area bounded by the M5 takes in Stroud, Gloucester and Cirencester... Lorries which are just passing through the zone and not making deliveries will have to take designated routes and cannot blindly follow their sat nav devices...

* SURVEY: EUROPA - Roads Signs confusing

Peterborough,England,UK -Motoring News/Motors Today -24 Oct 2008: -- Most motorists find European road signs complicated, confusing and cluttered, a survey has revealed... Many foreign road signs resemble the strands of stringy Italian food that gave Britain's Spaghetti Junction in Birmingham its name, the poll of 8,000 UK and continental European motorists found... As many as 61% of those surveyed reckoned there were too many road signs with many of them having far too much information on them... One sign gave directions to no fewer than 18 destinations, while some signs were so weathered than even a no-entry sign could not be read... Yet, despite all this, 82% of those polled preferred to use signs rather than sat navs when lost... The poll was conducted by European motoring organisations including the AA, whose president Edmund King said today: "This survey shows there is a need for direction signs"...

Labels: SAT NAV blunders

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

* USA - Mitsubishi Electric starters standard on International trucks

USA -Fleet Owner -Oct 23, 2008: -- Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America’s heavy-duty starters are now standard equipment on all Navistar Class 8, International-branded trucks, the two companies have announced... According to the company, Mitsubishi Electric’s starters feature a planetary gear reduction and sealed design, an integrated magnetic relay, a solid-shaft solenoid and electrical soft-start technology for increased reliability and durability... The lightweight starters weigh only 29 lbs.--allowing for improved fuel economy and increased payload potential--and have a failure rate of less than 1%, according to Mitsubishi Electric...

* Sweden - Volvo profits slump as truck demand falls

Gothenborg,Sweden -The Times (London,UK), by Peter Stiff -October 24, 2008: -- Volvo, the world’s second largest truck maker, this morning reported a 37 per cent fall in third-quarter net profit and cut its growth outlook on both sides of the Atlantic in the latest sign that the global economy is heading for recession... The company, which makes trucks under the Renault, Mack and Volvo brands, said that the economic downturn had been “significantly exacerbated” by the world financial crisis... It said demand in Europe had declined significantly, that North America and Japan continue to be weak and the economic climate was having an effect in other parts of the world. Total truck orders for the quarter fell 55 per cent to 32,072... The group, which also makes buses and construction equipment, has lowered its forecast for the truck market this year and now expects Europe to see growth of no more than 5 per cent, compared with 10 per cent, while it believes its North American market will contract by about 10 per cent from its already low level, rather than remain flat...

Labels: truckmakers news worldwide

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - UPS, DHL Scale Down Pact

New York,NY,USA -Traffic World -24 Oct 2008: -- UPS and DHL are scaling down the size and scope of a potential linehaul agreement that was to have been worth an estimated $10 million... UPS chief executive officer Scott Davis told Wall Street analysts he still hopes to have a deal "before the end of the year" but the agreement won't be the one the companies described in a May announcement... Getting the deal done before the end of the year seems desirable. "Both parties are negotiating in good faith at this point in time but I think sooner is better than later," Davis said...

Labels: trucking industry news USA

POINTS of VIEW * USA & Canada - Trucking analyst expects economic turnaround in late 2009

Halifax,Ont,CAN -Truck News, by James Menzies -24 Oct 2008<: -- Ray Mawhinney, chair of RBC Asset Management, delivered a refreshingly optimistic overview of the US economy and its trucking industry during the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association's first ever International Transportation Summit here this week... The overall verdict? Mawhinney said he expects the US to emerge from a recession in late 2009, paving the way for a better 2010... "Lots of people think it's going to be a longer term recession," acknowledged Mawhinney. "Our feeling is that the federal banks have acted forcefully and quickly, and they will get to the point where they can actually get credit moving again and get confidence restored for an improving trend in the last half of 2009"...

* USA - Trucking Forecast Revised Downward

Washington,DC,USA -Traffic World, by Thomas L. Gallagher -24 Oct 2008: -- The outlook for trucking is weak and getting weaker, said a prominent transportation analyst, predicting a recession through 2009... The October 24th issue of FTR Associates' North American Commercial Truck and Trailer Outlook report reflects a significant reduction in 2009 vehicle equipment forecasts. FTR now expects approximately 150,000 factory shipments of Class 8 trucks and less than 100,000 trailers... FTR expects the poor economic environment for trucking to depress freight demand significantly throughout next year. A recession is unavoidable, the firm said, with total GDP to fall 0.2 percent in 2009... With limited freight to haul, demand for transportation equipment is already soft and is expected to remain weak over the next several quarters. FTR sees no noticeable increase in freight demand until the middle of 2010...

PN: OK ...GOOD BOYS, please agree... !!!

* Canada - OTA survey identifies industry trends

Toronto,Ont,CAN -Truck News -24 Oct 2008: -- Only 24% of OTA member companies that responded to the association's first Business Pulse e-Survey are optimistic about the industry's overall outlook, confirming that Ontario carriers are increasingly concerned about the current tumultuous business environment... Forty-one per cent of 90 respondents said they were "unsure" about the industry's overall outlook while 34% said they were "pessimistic"... The fourth quarter survey provides a snapshot of what's on the minds of Ontario fleets. It has been made available to OTA members, with future surveys to be conducted quarterly... Other notable highlights include: 72% of respondents say their access to credit is tightening; only 29% of fleets plan to add more company drivers over the next three months; and just 20% of carriers plan to add more tractors over the next three months... For the full results, contact the OTA...

Labels: prognosis

"GREEN NEWS" * USA - New California rules target big-rig pollution

The draft measures from the state Air Resources Board would affect more than 1 million heavy-duty diesel trucks. They are scheduled to take effect in 2010

Los Angeles,CAL,USA -Los Angeles Times, by Margot Roosevelt -October 24, 2008: -- California's Air Resources Board on Friday released long-awaited draft rules to clean up big-rig pollution that can aggravate asthma, cancer and heart disease... The statewide rules, which are scheduled to take effect in 2010, would apply to more than 1 million heavy-duty diesel trucks, many of which transport merchandise from the ports of L.A. and Long Beach... Truckers and agribusiness interests have tried to soften the regulations, saying it is too expensive for truckers to invest in clean vehicles at a time of economic woes... The air board is scheduled to vote Dec. 11 on whether to adopt two broader rules that would affect all big rigs crossing the state. One would force truckers to install filters or upgrade their engines, and another would require using existing technology to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gases...

Labels: green trucks

DANGEROUS MOTORISTS * USA - Troopers riding with truckers to watch drivers

Anderson,Ind,USA -Associated Press/The Chicago Tribune -October 24, 2008: -- State troopers are riding along with truck drivers in an effort to catch motorists who speed or drive too close to the big rigs. In less than two hours after the enforcement began this week, troopers issued 31 tickets and nine warnings, most for speeding or following too close, state police Sgt. Wayne Flick said. Tickets were issued to drivers of both cars and trucks, he said. "It doesn't matter if you're in a passenger car or commercial vehicle: We're going to be looking at you," Flick said... State troopers will ride along with truck drivers looking for aggressive driving around the trucks. If the trooper sees a violation, he will radio other troopers to pull over the motorist... (Video from YouTube, by freddotu - 11 March 2008: "Dangerous passing by a commercial driver" - A clear example of some safe drivers performing proper passing on a two lane road and on a four lane road, followed by two examples of a very dangerous pass, performed by the same driver on both roadways)

Labels: dangerous motorists

An Open Letter * USA - To the Obama and McCain Campaigns

From Stephen C. and Susan P. Owings, Co-founders, Road Safe America: New President Urged to Support Truck Speed Limiters; Cost-Free Method to Reduce Fatalities and Save Fuel

Atlanta,GA,USA -MarketWatch -Oct 24, 2008: -- Dear Senators Obama and McCain: Please consider the facts: (here some ones) ...

-- Reducing truck speeds through the activation of speed governing technology is already accepted by many trucking firms as a way to cut fuel use as well as improve safety. With a reduction of only 5 mph, millions of gallons of fuel can be saved annually in the nation's trucking fleet -- in addition to saving untold numbers of lives.

-- Most truck drivers are paid by the mile, pushed to drive faster and farther, for more hours at a time than the law allows.

-- More truck drivers die on the job than nearly any other vocation. With more than 800 truckers killed in highway crashes annually, it's one of the deadliest professions in America.

Labels: request

FUTURE * Holland - Tram lines to reduce the number of diesel delivery trucks

Amsterdam’s tram lines will soon work double-duty, moving goods and people

Houston,TXS,USAHouston Tomorrow Growth News -24 Oct 2008: -- In Amsterdam, a company called City Cargo has come up with a plan to use the city’s tram lines to reduce the number of diesel delivery trucks driving into and polluting the city, says an article on treehugger.com... This new concept in urban goods transport is intended to reduce air and noise pollution, prevent road blockages due to idling trucks, and provide an overall cleaner, safer, and more energy efficient delivery system within the city... The cargo trams will run directly behind Amsterdam’s passenger trams so as not to interfere with travel schedules. Trams will drop off goods at distribution points along tram routes, and a fleet of electric delivery vans (E-cars) will complete the deliveries. City Cargo’s goal is to reduce the number of diesel delivery trucks on the city’s roads by half with this system. In Amsterdam, more than 35% of particulate matter from emissions derive from goods transport, says the company’s website... City Cargo has already done pilot runs and, according to their website, will begin operating its cargo tram system in early 2009... In Dresden, Germany, Volkswagen uses a light rail train called CarGO to move parts across the city to its central assembly plan...

Labels: tram cargos

PRODUCTS * USA - Two way Command and Control on Refrigerated Trailers

PAR Logistics Management Systems Announces

New Hartford,N.Y.,USA -MarketWatch -Oct 24, 2008: -- PAR Technology Corporation, today announced that their business unit PAR Logistics Management Systems (PAR LMS) has become the first and only sanctioned two way communication telematics provider using the approved protocols for temperature control in the refrigerated trailer industry... PAR's approved status with Carrier Transicold and Thermo King for the use of cellular technologies to manipulate operations and functionality of refrigerated trailers that are traveling over the road and rail, is a first for intermodal transportation...

* Tonneau Covers an important Truck Accessory

USA -9trucks -25 Oct 2008: -- Tonneau covers are very useful truck accessories since they protect cargoes from the danger of being stolen as well as protect the truck from the weather... Tonneau covers also add to the aerodynamic properties of the truck which in turn improve gas mileage... You see closed air truck beds tend to lower air resistance which means less drag. Lesser air resistance will allow drivers to drive faster and to save on gas. How? The air that flows over the front end of the truck, swerve into the hollow bowl of the truck’s bed and produces an opposite force. This force then help the truck to cover several miles and in the process saves about 10% of gas...

Labels: trucks' products USA

BORDER STRIKE * Uganda / Kenya - Malaba truck drivers call off strike

Kampala,Uganda -New Vision, by Samuel Balagadde &Musa Balikowa -23 October, 2008: -- A two-day strike by long distance truck drivers at Malaba on the Uganda-Kenya border has been called off... This followed a meeting between the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the Kenyan government transport ministry officials and the drivers’ representaives on Tuesday... The strike which started on Monday, was in protest of the poor conditions at Malaba customs parking yard, extortion and harrassment... The strike had paralysed business at the border post on Monday with cargo in transit to Uganda and other parts of the Great Lakes region stuck on the Kenyan side of the border... The drivers said the Malaba customs parking yard was damaging their trucks, resulting into delays in delivery of cargo as well as damages, especially perishable goods...

Labels: truckers' strikes

Legislation * USA - Forces US military cargo from the air

The legislation is unlikely to trigger a wholesale shift of military shipments from air to road

Washington,DC,USA -Air Cargo News.net (Ashford,England,UK) -24 Oct 2008: -- The US president has signed a law that drags the nation’s air force into the 21st Century. The 2009 Defense Authorisation Act, calls on the US Department of Defense to use a mode-neutral approach instead of insisting on airfreight for transportation within the contiguous 48 states... The legislation is the result of a bitter dispute over conflicting regulations governing the transportation of military cargo. On one side, the ‘Defense Transportation Regulations’ requires best practices based on a mode-neutral approach. This is at odds with the stance adopted by the USAF Air Mobility Command, which issued its own set of rules a few years ago called ‘AMC FreightRules Publication Number 5’ (AFTRP 5). The latter state that shipments tendered to air carriers for service must move all or in part via air – unless extreme conditions like a storm, warrant the use of surface transportation instead... Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association, called the legislation “common sense at last” and “a victory for taxpayers as well as the forwarding industry”. In many cases transportation by truck is not only more economical but sometimes also faster, he added. “Many military bases are in remote locations and it’s faster to truck from there than to get the cargo to the nearest airport and fly it,” he said...

Labels: laws and rules

24.10.08

TRAFFIC LIGHTS * UK - Every Traffic Light in London to Be Re-programmed in Drive to Cut Jams

London,Uk -The London Daily Mail, by David Williams -16 Oct 2008: -- London Mayor Boris Johnson has made the re-programming of traffic lights in London a top priority in his administration in a bid to alleviate traffic congestion while maintaining pedestrian safety. Former mayor Ken Livingstone has been accused of programming lights during his term to purposefully slow down traffic as part of his effort to increase use of mass transit. Commissioner of Transport for London Peter Hendy says that the re-timings could be achieved without impacting pedestrian safety and that re-timings at about 150 of the city's "most important signals" had already taken place, providing "significant extra capacity"... The re-programming will create "green waves" that will allow drivers to move more smoothly through city streets if they obey the speed limit... (Congestion: Rephasing traffic lights is designed to improve traffic flow)

Labels: streets' congestions

Highway Closures * USA - Washington DOT documents cost of

The state DOT in Washington has just reported that two weather-related highway closures last winter cost the trucking industry and shippers more than $75 million

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine -October 23, 2008: -- ... The two closures, each for four days, were because of avalanches on Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass and because of flooding on I-5 near Chehalis... The state Department of Transportation surveyed more than 2,500 licensed carriers and took into account not only the extra overtime and fuel costs that the closures caused, but also sales that shippers couldn’t make because they couldn’t get their products to the stores... Barb Ivanov, director of the freight systems division at the Washington DOT, said the study gives a much clearer picture of the cost of highway closures than they’ve had in the past...

Labels: road closures

OPINIONS * USA - View of Safety Technology Must Change Before Use Grows

Fleet Executives Say

New Orleans,LA,USA -Transport Topics, by Sean McNally -Oct. 24, 2008: -- Fleet executives said that despite the benefits of using safety technology, attitudes within the industry need to change in order to have wider acceptance... “Clearly, there is a big expense up front, but done right, it can become an investment,” Chris Lofgren, president of Schneider National Inc., said during a panel discussion here at American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition... Craig Harper, chief operating officer of J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., said the truckload carrier spends “in excess of $50 million” annually on safety technology and training. He said the investment in safety has saved the lives of company drivers and the motoring public... Steve Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Maverick USA Inc., said his fleet’s use of safety technology “exempted us from an $18.5 million final judgment” after a crash... Rose McMurray, chief safety officer of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, said that trucking fleets can push for wider adoption of technology... “One answer,” she said, “is for companies to try to promote the economic argument about why investing in these technologies pays off”... McMurray added that she thought as larger fleets buy the technology, smaller fleets will eventually follow suit...

Labels: road safety debate

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - FedEx Says IRS Withdrew Penalty on Worker Classification

Memphis,Tenn,USA -AP/Transport Topics -23 Oct 2008: -- FedEx Corp. said the IRS has withdrawn tentative taxes and penalties of more than $319 million stemming from whether the company incorrectly classified employees as independent contractors... In a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing, FedEx said the IRS withdrew an assessment of levies against its FedEx Ground unit for the 2002 calendar year that totaled $319 million plus interest, AP reported... The IRS is still examining the company’s classification of workers for federal employment-tax purposes... (Photo: A FedEx Express delivery truck, showing the dual branding—both "FedEx" and "Federal Express"—the company used from 1994 to 2000)

Labels: trucking industry news USA

HOS RULES * USA - Hours rule goes to White House

The Department of Transportation has completed work on a final driver hours-of-service regulation and sent it to the White House for a final review

Washington,DC,USA -eTrucker, by Avery Vise -24 Oct 2008: -- Along with related regulations concerning electronic onboard recorders, the hours rules are the most significant regulations on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s plate as the Bush administration tries to wrap up key rulemakings before it ends in January... Details regarding the new rules will not be disclosed until the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) completes its review and the rules are published in the Federal Register...

Labels: truckers' HOS

Fuel Savings * USA - Scientists quantify one

USA -eTrucker, by Max Kvidera -24 Oct 2008: -- By using off the shelf technology, owners of long range tractor trailers could reduce fuel consumption per unit up to 12 percent annually, or 2,000 gallons, reduce emissions and realize a profit of as much as $30,000 per truck over the first eight years of ownership, says a study released today by the Union of Concerned Scientists... Retrofitting used tractors and trailers as old as 12 years with a full package of fuel-saving technologies could still produce unidentified net savings for individual owners, the report said... For fleet owners with an average of 2.5 trailers per tractor, a full technology package could yield savings for equipment up to 6 years old... The report used an average fuel price of $3.24 over the past two years and estimated that tractor-trailers ran about 130,000 miles annually and achieved fuel economy of 6 to 6.5 mpg... A full fuel-efficient technology package could include aerodynamic trucks with a sloped hood and full roof fairing, wide-single tires, trailer side skirts or side panels that cover gaps between wheels and rear-trailer fairings, the report said...

Labels: fuel savings

PETROLEUM NEWS * OPEC - Pushes to cut oil supply

But some experts say trimming production may not prop up prices because demand is down

Vienna,Austria -Associated Press/The Detroit News (USA), by George Jahn -October 24, 2008: -- Iran and Venezuela on Thursday urged OPEC to quickly slash output and stem a steep slide in prices that has left crude at its cheapest in 15 months -- and some member countries scrambling to balance their books.
But OPEC's power to raise prices by cutting supply may be fading amid a global economic crisis that has evaporated demand for oil... The emergency meeting was scheduled for Nov. 18, but that was abruptly rescheduled for Friday as oil prices continued to fall away... Benchmark crude futures rose $1.49 Thursday to $68.24 on the New York Mercantile Exchange, but that is still nearly $40 below what oil fetched just 30 days ago... (Picture: oil production field)

* USA - Diesel prices fall further - Falling diesel prices are providing some relief for owner-operators

New York,NY,USA -eTrucker -24 Oct 2008: -- The national average price of a gallon of diesel continued tumbling down in the week ended Oct. 20 to $3.482, off 17.7 cents from the previous weekly average. After several weeks of declines, the current price is 38.8 cents more than in the same week of 2007... Since its record high of $4.764 announced July 14, the weekly national average has declined $1.282, down 27 percent from the peak price... (Photo: Falling diesel prices are providing some relief for owner-operators)

Labels: oil news worldwide

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * WORLDWIDE

* Germany - Daimler puts Chrysler holding value at zero

Stuttgart,Germany -The Detroit News (USA) -24 Oct 2008: -- Daimler AG has marked down the value of its 19.9 percent holding in Chrysler Holding LLC to zero, a stark sign of the U.S. automaker's deteriorating fortunes... Daimler had previously written down the value of its Chrysler stake to 171 million euros, or $219 million at current exchange rates, at the end of the second quarter, down from 916 million euros, or $1.17 billion, at the end of 2007... Daimler executives declined to elaborate on the reasons for the drop in the value. The German company also booked a $450 million loss for its Chrysler stake in its third-quarter results...

* USA - Kenworth, Peterbilt, Navistar roll out hybrids

USA - Land Line Magazine -October 22, 2008: -- In diesel hybrid news, Kenworth officials announced they are supplying a new T370 diesel-electric hybrid truck for the Quebec Winter Olympic Games next year. The Class 7 truck will be used to shuttle equipment and supplies to athletic venues in the three host cities... Meanwhile, Peterbilt officials have said that – beginning next year – the company will offer three more models with liquefied natural gas configurations, including on its Class 8 387. Pete has already developed a model 386 LNG demonstration truck for Wal-Mart... And Navistar has a new Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid out called the DuraStar. Company officials said it produces fuel savings on the order of 20 percent to 25 percent in typical delivery use in town...

* Sweden - Boom is over for European truckmakers

Stockholm,Sweden -The Financial Times, by Robert Anderson -October 24 2008: -- Two of Europe’s largest truckmakers on Friday warned that the market was facing its worst downturn as customers delayed or cancelled orders because of the global financial crisis... Orders at Volvo, the world’s second-largest truckmaker, crashed 55 per cent in the third quarter year-on-year, and in Europe it had almost as many cancellations as new orders. Volvo received just 115 net order bookings for new trucks in Europe, down from 41,970 a year earlier... Volvo’s shares plunged 14.25 per cent to SKr37.30 on the news, while Scania, which is majority-owned by Volkswagen, closed down 8.88 per cent at SKr54.00... European truckmakers had until last year enjoyed a long boom, driven by demand from construction and hauliers in western Europe and fast-growing eastern European markets led by Russia...

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

Who gets paid? * USA - If a truck broker goes bankrupt?

"Obtaining payment from brokers for shipments transportes in insterstate commerce" Applicable statutes under Title 49, U.S. Code

Wichita, KS,USA -International Shipping News, by Lynda Applegate -October 23, 2008: -- I made some statements in an earlier blog that truckers will probably get stiffed if Greatwide Logistics goes out of business. Later, I thought it best to research the regs.Things haven't changed much in 30 years. Here's the important stuff from the CFR 49, the bible of the trucking industry. The broker is required to maintain a surety bond or trust fund, but it doesn't say in what amount. Whatever the amount, it won't be enough to cover everyone if they go bankrupt. OBTAINING PAYMENT FROM BROKERS FOR SHIPMENTS TRANSPORTED IN INTERSTATE COMMERCE - Applicable statutes under Title 49, U.S. Code: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration does not have the authority to order payment of monies owed on brokered loads. The law does require that brokers be licensed and maintain surety bonds or trust fund agreements for the protection of shippers and carriers when disputes arise. A broker may be requested by a carrier or shipper to state in writing whether it is acting as an agent of the carrier or shipper. However, there are no federal regulations containing specific guidelines relative to the legality of an agency relationship between carriers and brokers or shippers and brokers. Therefore, courts generally look to State laws of agency relationships to establish when payments to a third party should be considered. A motor carrier may pursue payment from a shipper when a broker fails to remit compensation to the carrier or the carrier may take the matter to court to determine liability...

Labels: freight brokerages

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * UK - Stobart says trucking volumes holding up

Stobart, the trucking company that has spawned a fan club, said it was seeing no signs of any fall in volumes in the current downturn as it delivered a maiden first-half profit of £11m pre-tax

London,UK -The Telegraph, by by Alistair Osborne -23 Oct 2008: -- Andrew Tinkler, chief executive, said the current market was made for Stobart's "pay-as-you-go" model, where customers do not retain a fleet of trucks in their own livery but buy in the capacity required... "If you want 100 loads tomorrow, you get 100. If you want 50, you get 50," Mr Tinkler said, adding that Stobart was winning business from customers unhappy at having drivers standing around without work when volumes dry up... Stobart diverts trucks to the next nearest job, so minimising empty miles, with fleet utilisation up from 82.1pc to 83.9pc over the period... Rival haulier

yesterday said it was acquiring two Koblenz-based warehousing and transport businesses, ELI-Transport and ELI-Lagerhaus for up to €15m (£11.9m) to extend its network in Germany...

Labels: trucking industry news UK

TRUCKING TO SHUT DOWN * USA - Closing Adelanto yard: Ninety drivers could be out of work

Adelanto, California USA -Trading Markets -October 23, 2008: -- Driver Fred Beavers said he turned in his keys on Wednesday to the Adelanto branch of Gemini Traffic Sales Inc., which transports foods and pharmaceutical products coast to coast... "I was notified today that if I want to continue to work with Gemini, I'd have to work on the East Coast for five weeks and then I'd have a week off," Beavers said. "The drivers are quitting because of this. We all live out here in California and we're not going to do that"... The Adelanto-based drivers do need to commit to working five weeks a time if they want to continue working for the company, Gemini Traffic Sales Vice President of Operations Ron Williams said... Gemini Traffic Sales is also shutting down its Georgia and Texas branches , but only California- and Texasbased drivers face the choice between working for five weeks at a time in or quitting, Williams said...

Labels: trucking industry crisis

TRUCKMAKERS' PROSPECTS * USA - Pentagon Ready to Deal on Tricked-Out New Trucks

Defense contractors can still salivate over the prospect of producing tens of thousands of these tricked-out trucks

Washington,DC,USA -Wired News, by Nathan Hodge -October 23, 2008: -- Word has it that contracts for the Pentagon's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) contest will be announced any day now, perhaps after the close of business tomorrow. A source in the program office tells DANGER ROOM an announcement is "imminent"; competitors are saying the same thing... Three companies are expected to make the cut. They'll receive contracts to develop prototypes for a new vehicle that will combine the light weight and versatility of the Humvee and the survivability of the bomb-resistant Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle... This is shaping up to be last big Defense Department contract for this administration. The Air Force tanker deal may be dead, and the gajillion-dollar Transformational Satellite program may be in trouble, but defense contractors can still salivate over the prospect of producing tens of thousands of these tricked-out trucks...

Labels: truckmakers' prospects

SAFETY ROADS * USA - Road Safe America Applauds American Trucking Associations Policy Supporting Electronic Speed Governors on All Big Trucks

Atlanta,GA,USA -MarketWatch -Oct 23, 2008: -- Road Safe America, a non-profit seeking to have a national regulation adopted requiring the use of speed governors to slow down tractor-trailer rigs to save lives, applauds the action by the board of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) supporting required activation of electronic speed governors on big trucks built since 1992 at 65 mph or slower... The ATA board took the action as part of an 18-point initiative to reduce the number of highway fatalities by improving driver performance and vehicle safety. The ATA formerly had endorsed activation of speed governors on big trucks built in the future, so the retroactive nature of its new directive is welcomed as a pro-safety measure. This addresses the millions of existing trucks as well as those manufactured in the future...

Labels: roads safety

INFRASTRUCTURES * Canada - Alberta road quality ranked seventh in nation

Calgary,Alberta,CAN -The Calgary Herald, by Richard Cuthbertson -October 23, 2008: -- Poor roads may be contributing to higher numbers of fatal heavy truck collisions on Alberta highways, says a new report... Only 63 per cent of Alberta's roads are considered in good condition, according to a Fraser Institute study on transportation in Canada. That ranks us seventh out of 10 provinces in the study, which excludes the territories... The lead author, University of North Carolina at Charlotte professor David Hartgen, said Alberta's overall performance is "quite solid"... (Photograph by : Dean Bicknell, Calgary Herald - A Fraser Institute study says only 63 per cent of Alberta's roads are considered to be in good condition)

* N.S. government calls for study into creating truck corridor through Halifax

Halifax,N.S.,CAN -The Canadian Press -23 Oct 2008: -- Nova Scotia's provincial government is going to do a detailed study on the idea of adding a truck lane to the CN train corridor that runs through Halifax, Economic Development Minister, Angus MacIsaac, announced Thursday... The goal is to reduce traffic congestion in the centre of the city, make the port more efficient and possibly add a bikeway and footpath to the 6.8-kilometre rail cut between the Halterm terminals and the Bedford Basin... MacIsaac said the study will indicate the exact price tag on the project, though in earlier estimates the changes to the rail corridor have been estimated at about $80 million... The port has struggled this year, as shipping lines have departed amidst complaints over train service... In July the port announced cargo shipments had fallen 16 per cent compared to the previous year...

* Provinces' infrastructure ranked - Ontario best in trucking

Vancouver,BC,USA -Today's Trucking -23 Oct 2008: -- Study compares the transportation infrastructure of the 10 Canadian provinces... The well-respected libertarian, free-market think tank concludes that Ontario has the best all-round transportation system in Canada while Newfoundland and B.C. have the worst... Ontario is followed closely by Nova Scotia in second spot and Quebec in third, while Saskatchewan also faired poorly, ranking slightly ahead of British Columbia and Newfoundland... Nova Scotia, the Fraser Institute determined, was the best province for freight movement, mainly due to its robust rail and marine transport systems... (Picture: Ontario ranked only fourth for overall freight infrastructure, but scored best in all the trucking measurables)

Labels: infrastructures

TRUCKERS STORY * RWANDA & UGANDA - Cross-continent truckers risk more than HIV

"When truckers get out of their trucks, the first thing they want is a shower, then to have something to eat and a beer, and seek sexual satisfaction with unprotected sex workers"

Katuna,Rwanda -IRIN/PlusNews (South Africa) -23 October 2008: -- Edward Oboth Ofumbi is glad his days as a long-distance truck driver are over; glad to have left a life filled with long, solitary journeys on some of Africa's worst roads, carrying valuable cargo on highways with minimal security... "Truckers are a frustrated bunch; the roads are horrible, they are worried about thugs who want their cargo, police who want bribes, and they have deadlines to meet which are threatened by long delays at customs points," he told IRIN/PlusNews, "They are constantly fatigued. Many truckers become hardened; they are a difficult group to talk to, to communicate with"... "When truckers get out of their trucks, the first thing they want is a shower, then to have something to eat and a beer," Ofumbi said. "They are not in the mood to be lectured about HIV"... Fatigue and frustration often led truckers to abuse alcohol and drugs in an effort to "shake the road off", and substance abuse often went hand in hand with risky sexual choices, such as having unprotected sex with sex workers. Ofumbi said because truckers were often killed or injured in motor accidents, their risk perception was skewed to believe they were more likely to die on the road than from HIV-related illnesses. Local insecurity could also make reaching truckers with HIV interventions difficult: they carried expensive cargo, so safety and security in the towns where they slept over was of the utmost importance, and if there was a hint of danger they would stay in another town... Poor employment terms often contributed to frustration and substance abuse. "I carry goods from Mombasa [a port on Kenya's east coast] all over this region; sometimes the goods I carry are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Joash Runga, a trucker preparing to spend the night in Katuna en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo. "And what do I get paid? One hundred and fifty dollars per month. I have no security, the roads are bad, we have to pay bribes, and the allowances for spending the night in towns like this are poor. Why do you think we drink so much?"... ATGWU has tried to lobby the transport companies for better terms for drivers, but because there is a greater demand for trucking jobs than for truckers, the union's members are reluctant to take industrial action to demand better working conditions... (Photo IRIN: Trucks carrying logs from the tropical rainforest of the Central Africa Republic)

* Uganda - Truck owners miss oil contracts

Kampala,Uganda -New Vision, by Ibrahim Kasita -22 Oct 2008: -- Truck operators are crying foul over foreign vehicles working in the oil-rich Albertine Graben, a situation that is denying them a chance to reap from the oil cash... Heritage, Neptune and Tullow are exploring for oil and gas in the area, an activity, which involves transporting logistics and machinery for drilling... The energy ministry promised Ugandans that they would benefit from the discovery of oil by providing services like transport, catering and security jobs for the contractors... However, local transporters claim that oil exploring firms are awarding illegal tenders to foreign transporters... The Uganda Commercial Truck Owners Association (UCTOA) has written to the works and transport ministry to “immediately intervene” and “curb this illegal tendency that is denying our members revenue hence unjust and unfair.” ... “The association is aware of the distinction between foreign vehicles making deliveries from neighbouring countries, which is in order.”

Labels: truckers stories

23.10.08

PRODUCTS * USA - Astrata Awarded Iraqi Government Contract

Iraq, first customer to use Astrata's new GLP100i tracking system

COSTA MESA, Cal,USA -PRNewswire-FirstCall/Lexis Nexis News -October 22, 2008: -- Astrata Group today announced it has been awarded a contract by the Iraqi Government for the supply of Astrata's next generation GPS Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management System, (Geo-Location Platform - GLP100i)... The contract, is for an initial 600 long-haul trucks of a total fleet of 20,000 vehicles. The end customer is the Ministry of Transport (MoT) of Iraq, who will own and operate the system... The GLP100i is a compact, technologically advanced GPS tracking device specifically developed to meet the rigorous demands of Fleet Management and Homeland Security applications...

Labels: trucks' products

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA & Canada

* USA - Dublin plant hopes it will get Army's order for 152 Mack trucks

But Volvo said last summer it would phase out Mack production in the New River Valley

Dublin,Ohio,USA -The Roanoke Times/Trading Markets -Oct 22, 2008: -- Volvo Trucks North America said Tuesday it may or may not manufacture 152 trucks ordered by the military at its Dublin factory... The U.S. Army has ordered 152 Mack trucks for $28.5 million, a dose of good news at a time of stagnant truck sales... But whether the order will benefit the New River Valley -- or a Middle Atlantic factory -- is unclear... Last summer, Volvo announced it would phase out production of Mack trucks at its Dublin plant and make Mack vehicles in Macungie, Pa. At the time, the Mack line accounted for almost one in three vehicles assembled in Dublin. Daily output was 24 Macks and 56 Volvos, the company said... The company did not announce any job cuts. Instead, it said job impacts would be determined by business conditions in the fourth quarter of 2008...

* Canada - CAW fights on for St. Thomas plant

ONT,CAN -The Globe and Mail , by GREG KEENAN -October 22, 2008: -- The Canadian Auto Workers union struck out yesterday in a bid to have Daimler AG reconsider closing a truck assembly plant in St. Thomas, Ont., and the elimination of about 1,400 jobs... So they will take their case to Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche, said CAW president Ken Lewenza... Mr. Lewenza said he will be joined by officials from the city of St. Thomas and the Ontario and federal governments in hopes of presenting a solution similar to a loan and grant package that persuaded Navistar Corp. to keep open a heavy-truck plant in Chatham, Ont., earlier this decade...

Labels: truckmakers' news USA and Canada

22.10.08

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS, Mergers & Acquisitions * WORLDWIDE

Strategic Buyers - International Deals

* Germany - 10 Oct: Wilson A.S.A. announced the pending acquisition of the remaining 50.0% of Euro Container Line AS ("ECL") for $3.1 million. Based in Hamburg, Germany, ECL provides marine container shipping services.

* Germany - 12 Oct: The Hamburg Group, led by the city's government and logistics billionaire Klaus-Michael Kuehne, announced the pending acquisition of Hapag-Lloyd AG for $6.0 billion. Based in Hamburg, Germany, Hapag-Lloyd provides global marine container shipping services.

* Italy - 13 Oct: Alis Aerolinee Italiane Spa has acquired Cargoitalia SpA. Cargoitalia provides air logistics services in Italy and had TTM revenue of $97.0 million. Terms were not disclosed.

* Singapore - 14 Oct: Wilmar International Limited has acquired 60.0% of Raffles Shipping & Investment Pte Ltd for $9.6 million. Based in Singapore, Raffles operates a fleet of oil tankers and had TTM revenue of $209.9 million.

* Singapore - 15 Oct: OCWS Logistics Pte Ltd has acquired SM Integrated Transware Pte Ltd ("SMIT") for $8.2 million. Based in Singapore, SMIT provides transportation, container haulage, bulk cargo handling, chemical warehousing and drumming services.

* France - 16 Oct: Bunge Ltd. has acquired SSI Logistics. Based in France, SSI owns 50.0% of Baria Serece, the owner/operator of Phu My Port, Vietnam.

US Domestic Deals

* USA - 2 Oct: U.S. Xpress Enterprises has acquired 47.0% of Smith Transport. Based in Roaring Spring, PA, Smith provides medium length of haul truckload dedicated service primarily in the Eastern US. Terms were not disclosed.

Financial Buyers

* USA - 11 Oct: Cole Capital Advisors, Inc. has acquired Baton Rouge FedEx Shipping Terminal for $9.0 million.

Labels: Mergers and Acquisitions worldwide

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA & Canada

* Ryder’s 3Q Earnings Improve

Miami,FL,USA -Transport Topics -22 Oct 2008: -- Ryder System Wednesday reported third-quarter earnings of $70.2 million, or $1.25 per share, up from $65.5 million, or $1.11, a year ago... Revenue slipped 1% to $1.63 billion, the truck leasing and logistics firm said in a statement... Ryder’s fleet management solutions’ revenue increased 11% due to higher fuel services revenue, as well as contractual revenue growth of 4%, which more than offset a 4% decline in commercial rental revenue...

* Arkansas Best’s 3Q Income Slips

Fort Smith,ARK,USA -Transport Topics -22 Oct 2008: -- Arkansas Best Corp.’s third-quarter net income fell to $15.4 million, or 61 cents a share, from $18.9 million, or 75 cents, a year ago... Revenue rose to $495.8 million, from $486 million a year ago, ABF said in a statement... Arkansas Best’s largest subsidiary, ABF Freight System, had revenue of $476.3 million, “essentially the same, on a per-day basis” as the previous third quarter, ABF said...

* Canada - Vitran’s Third-Quarter Profit Drops

Toronto,Ont,CAN -Transport Topics -22 Oct 2008: -- Vitran Corp. said Wednesday its third-quarter profit fell to $2.1 million, or 15 cents a share, from $3.1 million, or 23 cents, a year earlier... The Toronto-based trucking and transportation firm said revenue rose 15% to a record $198.6 million... Vitran has truckload, less-than-truckload and logistics operations in the United States and Canada...

Labels: trucking industry news USA

CLEAN TRUCKS * USA - DOJ Backs Appeal of Port Trucks Plan

The Department of Justice is backing trucking industry groups in claims that certain provisions of the Los Angeles-Long Beach clean-air trucking concession requirements are preempted by federal law

Washington,DC,USA -Traffic World/Journal of Commerce, by Bill Mongelluzzo -21 Oct 2008: -- ... In a brief filed in support of the American Trucking Associations, Justice said the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles erred in its ruling in September the ports are exempt from federal preemption laws in this case... The ATA sought a preliminary injunction from the federal court to prevent the ports' clean-air concession requirements from taking effect on Oct. 1. The court denied ATA's request and the trucking association appealed the decision to the 9th Circuit in San Francisco... Justice, in its brief filed late Monday, said the 9th Circuit should hold that the LA-Long Beach concession requirements fall within the preemptive provisions of federal law and the case should be remanded back to the district court for reconsideration... The action by the ports constitutes a licensing scheme for motor carriers, and state or local licensing of motor carriers is clearly prohibited by federal preemption statutes, Justice stated... The ports also claim exemption from federal preemption on the grounds that they are market participants in the procurement of trucking services. Justice said this claim is "meritless" and stated that the ports "do not participate in any relevant market"... The ports have until Nov. 5 to file their arguments with the 9th Circuit Court...

* NITL Joins ATA Suit Against Ports

Washington,DC,USA -Traffic World -22 Oct 2008: -- The country's largest shipper group joined truckers this week in arguing that parts of the clean trucks program at Southern California's ports violate federal preemption standards in interstate commerce... In a "friend of the court" brief filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, the National Industrial Transportation League said the lower district court was wrong in permitting the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to go forward with a truck concession licensing program...

Labels: "Clean Trucks" Programs

TRANSSEXUAL TRUCK DRIVER * UK - Wins £20,000 after losing job

A transsexual truck driver who was forced out of her job when she started dressing as a woman has been awarded more than £20,000 in compensation

London,UK -The Telegraph -21 Oct 2008: -- Vikki-Marie Gaynor, a former soldier who used to be known as Mike, had been working as a trucker for Excel Europe, an arm of delivery giant DHL... She got the job via recruitment firm Blue Arrow in October, 2006... In a written judgment, employment judge Dawn Shotter ordered Blue Arrow to pay more than £9,000 compensation for breach of contract, compensation for unlawful discrimination and failing to comply with the Employment Act... Exel was ordered to pay £11,000 for injury to feelings... Miss Gaynor, from Wirral, declined to comment on the awards, but confirmed she was submitting an appeal by the end of the week, although it was unclear with which part of the ruling she remained unhappy... Several industrial tribunal hearings in Liverpool have heard she suffered cruel jibes from colleagues and had seen her shifts cancelled after turning up to work wearing women's clothing and jewellery... The tribunal panel heard that a colleague made offensive gestures at her at traffic lights... Miss Gaynor's belongings and make-up were removed from her lorry and dumped in a bin liner in a disabled toilet at the DHL base in Kirkby... Miss Gaynor, who has dressed as a woman in secret for 20 years, has launched her own business aimed at tackling transgender discrimination and prejudice... (Photo: Mercury Press Agency - Miss Gaynor dressed as a woman in secret for 20 years)

Labels: truckers stories

FUEL PRICES * USA - Truckers love lower fuel prices, but will it last?

Henderson,KY,USA -Henderson Gleaner/Courier & Press, by LINDSEY ZILIAK -October 21, 2008: -- Carl Daniels of Arkansas has been working in the trucking business for more than 20 years and remembers when diesel fuel was 86 cents a gallon... Diesel may never cost 86 cents again, but in recent weeks the price has dropped across the country... Soumen De, associate professor of finance at the University of Evansville, said the price decrease for both diesel and gasoline may not last... He said driving in America is down by billions of miles this year, and demand has fallen in China and India as well... De also said no one will know until winter whether the prices will continue to drop. OPEC may cut production, he said, and if it does, prices could go up.
He said it takes one to two months for the consumer to see the effects of any changes that are made... Diesel prices, he said, follow similar trends as gasoline prices, so he is unsure whether the decreases will last there, either... (Photo by ERIN McCRACKEN / Courier & Press - Jeff Wilson of New Johnsonville, Tenn., fills the truck he drives for Peek Trucking with more than $300 of diesel fuel at the Pilot Truckstop at U.S. 41 and Interstate 64 on Monday. Wilson hauls aluminum coils for soda cans for Peek and says the higher gas prices are affecting the trucking industry. Wilson, who has driven a truck for more than 20 years, remembers when diesel fuel was less than $1 a gallon)

Labels: fuel prices

POLLUTION * USA - Local trucking firm joins effort to reduce it

Hutchinson,MN,USA -The Hutchinson Leader, by Terry Davis -October 21, 2008: -- McKimm Milk Transit Inc. of Hutchinson has joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership, a voluntary collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing emissions that may result in air pollution... McKimm Milk Transit’s participation in the Carrier category will contribute to the partnership's goal of reducing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions by improving the environmental performance of freight operations... Carrier members of the SmartWay Partnership agree to measure fleet environmental performance using EPA's FLEET — Freight Logistics Environmental and Energy Tracking — performance model, develop a three-year action plan to improve environmental metrics, and provide an annual report on the plan’s progress. More than 1,000 businesses and organizations have joined the partnership...

Labels: trucks' pollution

PRODUCTS * USA - TrailerTail gets DOT exemption

San Francisco,CAL,USA -Fleet Owner -Oct 21, 2008: -- ATDynamics has announced its TrailerTail rear-drag reduction device for tractor-trailers has received an exemption from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s length restrictions on commercial motor vehicles, meeting federal standards on crash safety, lighting and conspicuity and size... According to ATDynamics, 2007 third party testing showed the TrailerTail improves fuel efficiency by more than 5% at 62 mph, and the product’s performance has been recognized by both the U.S. EPA SmartWay program and the California Air Resources Board... The TrailerTail is constructed of lightweight, durable panels, collapsing from four feet to three inches in length in six seconds, and folds flat against rear swing-doors of dry van, refrigerated and drop-deck trailers to maintain normal access to cargo, the company said...

Labels: trucks products

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - Clean Power available for T800, W900 models

USA -Fleet Owner -Oct 21, 2008: -- Kenworth has announced its Clean Power no-idle system is now available for order as a factory-installed option on Kenworth T800 and W900 models that are equipped with a 72-in. AeroCab sleeper... According to the company, Clean Power enhances fuel economy by as much as 8% for customers with high-idling times through its deep-cycle batteries that power a thermal storage cooler with 21,000 BTUs of cooling capacity, providing engine-off cooling and heating plus 120-volt power for hotel loads...

* Class 8 Sales Rise in September, But Orders Drop Dramatically

Arlington,VA,USA -Transport Topics (only to subscribers) -21 Oct 2008: -- Heavy-duty truck sales in the United States grew for the fourth straight month in September, but year-to-date results remained weak and the recent national economic chaos led to a sharp drop in new orders during September...

Labels: truckmakers' news USA

SLOWDOWN & SHUT DOORS * USA - Downturn flattens transportation companies

High cost of diesel fuel opens floodgates for trucking firms to reduce size of fleets

Kansas,MO,USA -The Kansas City Business Journal, by Suzanna Stagemeyer -October 21, 2008: -- Inside a chain-link fence, the former headquarters of Copp Transportation Inc. is dark... Weeks ago, Copp, beaten down by surging fuel costs on top of a lengthening slowdown, shut its doors and surrendered equipment to creditors, lawyer Donald Bucher said. In September, a trio of creditors filed involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy against Copp in search of whatever value might be left... Copp is not alone. Near record-high numbers of trucking companies have been crushed in a downturn that’s stretched to nearly two years, and many expect more failures. The situation became more desperate, despite a respite in fuel prices, when the financial markets crashed in recent weeks and credit grew scarcer... According to an August report by Avondale Partners LLC, more than 1,900 trucking companies failed in the first half of the year — the highest failure level per quarter since the record highs in late 2000 and early 2001. But the current downturn has taken more trucks off the road; companies that fail average 45 trucks instead of the 20 to 35 from earlier in the decade. More than 88,000 trucks, or 4.5 percent of the nation’s capacity, were idled during the first half of this year. That compares with 117,000 trucks leaving the market in all of 2000, and 110,000 trucks leaving the market in all of 2001. The numbers don’t count the many shed from surviving companies’ fleets or companies with fewer than five trucks... Because of the weak value of the U.S. dollar, many idled trucks have been exported instead of just parked, eliminating capacity. And new carriers aren’t entering the market to offset the capacity losses. So any lift in demand would promptly place trucking companies in the pricing driver’s seat... But no one yet knows when that day might be...

Labels: transports shut doors

RULES * Kenya - Transporters Now Want Control of Weighbridges

Nairobi,Kenya -The East African/All Africa.com , by Gitonga Marete & Githua Kihara -20 October 2008: -- The implementation of the three-axle rule in Kenya has taken an unexpected turn, with the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) now demanding to be given authority to supervise weighbridges to curb overloading by errant transporters... This comes as non compliant transporters, left with no alternative after being forced to weigh their trucks at the Mariakani weighbridge, have reluctantly complied with the directive that required them to remove the fourth axle... The KTA say that most of their trucks have complied with the directive but damage to the road will not abate due to the corruption at the weighbridges... Now, the association wants to be involved in running the bridges because transporters believe they are being blamed unfairly... According to KTA vice chairman Kiprop Bundotich, the association, if given the authority, will rein in errant transporters who "tarnish" the reputation of "clean" transporters...

Labels: regulations

BORDER NEWS * India / Pakistan - Trucks start rolling, duty-free commerce across LoC opens

Initially, the cross-LoC trade will be allowed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until a review, which will take place after three months

New Delhi,India -Livemint, by Krishnamurthy Ramasubbu -21 Oct 2008: -- Line of Control, Uri sector: On Tuesday, several trucks carrying goods such as rice, turmeric and chillies crossed the Kaman Aman Setu (bridge), marking the historic resumption of trade between the two sides of divided Kashmir in more than 61 years... The opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and the Poonch-Rawalakot routes for trade, dubbed the LoC (Line of Control) trade, which is duty-free and in either currency, raised high hopes of peace between India and Pakistan, which have fought each other in three major wars for regional supremacy... On the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route, 13 trucks carrying apples, walnuts and handicraft were flagged off from Salamabad, about 18km from Kaman Post in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Similar facilities were set up in Chakoti in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as well... (Picture by Ramesh Pathania / Mint - Building bridges: The first truck from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, carrying rice, turmeric and red chillies, crosses the Jhelum river at the Line of Control in Kashmir’s Uri sector on Tuesday)

Labels: border news

21.10.08

TRANSPORT & LOGISTIC NEWS * WORLDWIDE

from Freight Forwarding

* Swiss - Panalpina completes exit from Nigeria
Global forwarder and logistics provider Panalpina has reported a “smooth withdrawal” from Nigeria after incurring major and costly problems in that West African market. Read Full News Here

* Japan - Forwarder establishes local company in Czech Republic
A new locally-registered company established in the Czech Republic by Japanese global forwarder Kintetsu World Express (KWE) began operations this month. Read Full News Here

* UK - Forwarders and shippers warned about a change in US security rules
Freight forwarders and shippers must not get caught out by a significant security rule that comes into effect in the US today (October 15), warns the British International Freight Association. Read Full News Here

from Contract Logistics

* USA - Top LSP executives reveal their thoughts on industry prospects
Northeastern University in Boston, US, has published the findings of its annual survey of major LSPs (logistics service providers) in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. Read Full Brief Here

* Germany - K+N to provide Monarch Aircraft Engineering with air freight services
The technical arm of UK-based leisure carrier Monarch Airlines has selected Kuehne + Nagel as its new partner for the movement of spare parts and aircraft equipment worldwide. Read Full News Here

* USA - Navistar chooses Menlo as global lead logistics provider
Navistar International Corporation has announced the selection of Menlo Worldwide Logistics as its global lead logistics provider. Read Full News Here

*USA - CEVA selected to operate Polish RDC for BMW
CEVA Logistics reported this week that it had been chosen to operate a regional distribution centre for BMW in the Polish special economic zone town of Slubice. Read Full News Here

* USA - CEVA Logistics expands activities for Ford in Brazil
CEVA Logistics announced this week that it had been chosen to operate the movement of parts in the production processes for a Ford engine and transmission factory in Brazil. Read Full News Here

from Express & Mail

* Holland - TNT strikes an uncertain note of pessimism
Netherlands-based global express and mail group TNT yesterday (October 16) issued a pessimistic ‘trading statement’ prompted by deteriorating economic conditions in Europe. Read Full Brief Here

* USA - World Courier opens clinical trial supply service centre in China
US-based World Courier today (October 13) announced the opening of its newest purpose-built, ISO-certified, GMP-compliant investigational drug storage depot in Beijing, China. Read Full News Here

* Germany - Logistics company time:matters opens offices in Milan and Oslo
German international logistics company time:matters, part of the Lufthansa Group, this week announced the addition of two more foreign branches. Read Full News Here

* Germany - DHL boosts Asia Air Network with increased dedicated flights
DHL has announced an increase in the frequency of its dedicated Air Hong Kong flights from Hong Kong to Nagoya, Taipei, Seoul and Singapore. Read Full News Here

from Road Freight

* India - Logistics council to be established
The Indian Government has announced it is forming a council to help develop that country’s logistics sector. Read Full Brief Here

* Holland - TAPA claims progress with campaign to fight rising cargo crime in the Netherlands
Parties attending a recent meeting organised by the Transported Asset Protection Association agreed on several moves to try and improve supply chain security in the Netherlands, reports that that body. Read Full News Here

* USA - FedEx Freight introduces Canada next-business-day cross-border service
FedEx Freight yesterday (October 13) announced that it had introduced next-business-day coverage between key Canadian gateway cities and several regions across the US. Read Full News Here

from Air Cargo

* Swiss - Air cargo volumes fall in both Frankfurt and Hong Kong
Major airports around the world are beginning to register sustained falls in cargo throughput - the latest examples include Frankfurt in Germany and Hong Kong. Read Full Brief Here

* Swiss - Middle East carrier Saudia joins Cargo 2000
Saudi Arabian Airlines has become the 26th major international carrier to join IATA-backed air cargo industry quality management initiative Cargo 2000. Read Full News Here

* USA - Atlas Air cuts 2008 earnings guidance figure
US-based Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings now expects pre-tax earnings from operations in 2008 to exceed $65m compared with a previous guidance figure of approximately $85m. Read Full News Here

* India - Airlines Jet and Kingfisher form alliance
Indian carriers Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines this week announced they had established a wide-ranging alliance to reduce costs but said there would not be any mutual equity investment. Read Full News Here

from Warehousing

* Japan - ProLogis Japan fund acquires three buildings near Tokyo
ProLogis, a US-based owner, manager and developer of distribution facilities worldwide, reported last week that ProLogis Japan Properties Fund II had acquired a $65m portfolio near Tokyo. Read Full News Here

* USA- ProLogis announces third quarter leasing activity in Japan
US-based ProLogis yesterday (October 15) announced it had signed new lease agreements for approximately 23,500 sq m of distribution space in Japan during the third quarter of 2008. Read Full News Here

* USA - The Allen Group secures $20m bridge loan for Dallas Logistics Hub
The developer of the Dallas Logistics Hub yesterday (October 16) announced it had secured a $20m bridge loan for the recapitalisation of 1,031 acres within that US logistics park. Read Full News Here

from Shipping/Ports

* Germany - Hamburg investors buy Hapag-Lloyd for €4.45bn
TUI has agreed to sell its Hapag-Lloyd container shipping business for €4.45bn to a Hamburg-based consortium led by Klaus-Michael Kuehne of Kuehne + Nagel. Read Full Brief Here

* USA - This year's US port retail container traffic projected to be lowest since 2005
Cargo volume at major retail container ports in the US is now expected to decline 6.5% in 2008 compared with 2007, according to the latest monthly Port Tracker report. Read Full Brief Here

* UK - Port operator targets Indian shipping market
UK port owner PD Ports has signed up Faredeal Shipping Agencies to act as its agent in the Indian shipping market. Read Full News Here

* France - CMA CGM officially launches operations in Tangier
French global container shipping operator CMA CGM has reported the official start of its activities at the new Tanger Med I terminal in Morocco. Read Full News Here

* Iran -Key Iranian port posts 15% growth in container throughput
In the first nine months of 2008, container throughput at the major Iranian port of Bandar Abbas increased by 15%, compared to Q1-Q3 2007, to just on 1.44m TEUs. Read Full News Here

* Denmark - FPS named local freight partner for Sri Lankan port project
Famous Pacific Shipping Lanka had been named as the preferred local freight partner for a Sri Lankan port construction project by Danish contractor MT Højgaard. Read Full News Here

from Intermodal

* USA - CSX reports 40% increase in Q3 earnings
US rail and intermodal freight transportation service provider CSX Corporation this week reported third quarter 2008 earnings from continuing operations of $382m. Read Full News Here

from IT Solutions

* USA - Manhattan unveils latest release of SCI solution
US-based global supply chain optimisation provider Manhattan Associates has announced the release of its Manhattan Supply Chain Intelligence (SCI) solution. Read Full News Here

* USA - INTTRA partners with P&B Associates in Latin America
INTTRA is linking up with a provider of software solutions for forwarding agents “to provide greater control and efficiency to supply chain data throughout Latin America”. Read Full News Here

Labels: transport and logistics news

Homeland Security * USA - Issues update on TWIC enrollment

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine -October 20, 2008: -- The latest report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security states that more than 500,000 people have enrolled in the TWIC program so far. More than 80,000 of those are truckers... According to a news release, more than 22,000 applicants were denied a card –and nearly half of those applicants have appealed.
TWIC cards, which bear the owners’ fingerprints, are required for access to the nation’s ports. They cost between $105 and $132, and the government expects that eventually more than a million of the cards will be issued...

Labels: TWIC

TRUCK BAN * USA - New York forced to review truck ban after feds challenge plan

The New York State Department of Transportation is revising a plan to force heavy trucks off state roads and onto the New York Thruway

New York,NY,USA -Land Line Magazine -October 20, 2008: -- ... after receiving word recently from the Federal Highway Administration that the proposal would be challenged under federal regulations if made into law... In May, Gov. David Paterson directed the state DOT to come up with a plan to keep large trucks – 45 feet or longer – off state routes. In June, the state agency rolled out the plan, which is estimated to cost truckers at least $10 million more a year in fuel, tolls and operating costs to route around the state roads... In a letter to the state DOT Commissioner Astrid Glynn, the federal officials said that the state’s plan “adversely affects” two federal regulations pertaining to commercial vehicle size and reasonable access...

Labels: truck ban

DEVELOPING MARKETS * UK - Offer greatest cold chain logistics opportunities

Report, Global Cold Chain Logistics 2008/9, concludes that the greatest opportunities for the sector lie in developing markets such as China , India and Vietnam

Brinkworth,Wiltshire,UK -Transport Intelligence -21 Oct 2008: -- Ti’s latest report published today by Transport Intelligence (Ti) in association with the Global Cold Chain Association (GCCA), developing markets such as China, India and Vietnam represent the greatest opportunities for cold chain logistics... The report, Global Cold Chain Logistics 2008/9, has found that supply chains in these countries are extremely under developed, particularly those for refrigerated foodstuffs. Research identified that as much as 40% of the dairy produce, fruit and vegetables produced in India is lost or spoilt because of poor storage, handling or transportation. Similarly the lack of cold storage in the Vietnamese seafood industry is hampering the development of the sector... In spite of annual double digit increases in its public refrigerated warehouse (PRW) space, China , with the world’s fastest growing economy and the largest number of consumers, suffers from a poor cold chain infrastructure. According to one of the report’s authors, Ti analyst Raphael Chalogany , most of its cold storage facilities are vastly out of date... “Cold storage capacity in China only covers between 20% and 25% of total output, compared to 70% to 80% in more developed countries”, says Chalogany...

Labels: freight markets

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA

* Leading Economic Indicators Improve in September

New York,NY,USA -Transport Topics -20 Oct 2008: -- An index of leading economic indicators improved in September, the New York-based Conference Board said Monday... The 0.3% increase followed a 0.9% decline in August, the group said... The improvement was in contrast to economists’ forecasts of a 0.1% decline, Bloomberg reported... The LEI is closely watched by trucking companies because it forecasts business activity for the next three to six months...

* UPS Sets 5.9% LTL Rate Hike for 2009

Atlanta,GA,USA -Transport Topics -17 Oct 2008: -- UPS Inc. said Friday it has set a 5.9% rate increase for its less-than-truckload unit, UPS Freight, for 2009... The company also set an average increase of 5.9% for UPS Ground packages and an average net increase of 4.9% on all air express and U.S.-origin international shipments... The new rates will take effect Jan. 5, the company said in a statement...

* Heartland Express Reports 3Q Income Improves

Liberty,IA,USA -Transport Topics -20 Oct 2008: -- Heartland Express’ third-quarter profit rose to $18.7 million, or 19 cents a share, from $17.1 million, or 18 cents, a year ago... Revenue rose 15.9% to $169.9 million, the company said in a statement Monday... As previously announced, Heartland began a tractor fleet upgrade in the quarter, expected to include the about 1,600 new International ProStar tractors, in which it will take delivery from the third quarter just ended through 2009...

* YRC Swaps Stock for Debt

Overland Park, Kan,USA -Transport Topics -17 Oct 2008: -- Less-than-truckload carrier YRC Worldwide issued new shares of common stock and used the issue to buy back debt in an effort to save about $600,000 a year in interest payments, Bloomberg reported Friday... YRC issued 1.72 million shares Oct. 9 to Oct. 16 in exchange for $13.2 million of its 5% convertible bonds, which were due in 2023, Bloomberg said, citing a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission... The transaction saved YRC about $5.3 million, since the debt was purchased at below face value... The notes YRC purchased have been canceled and retired, Bloomberg reported...

* USA - Forward Air’s 3Q Income Improves

Greeneville,TN,USA - Transport Topics -20 Oct 2008: -- Forward Air Corp.’s third-quarter profit rose to $12.1 million, or 42 cents a share, from $10.8 million, or 36 cents, a year ago... Revenue jumped 30.5% to $121.6 million, the company said late Monday...

* Marten’s Third-Quarter Profit Doubles

Mondovi,WI,USA -Transport Topics -20 Oct 2008: -- Refrigerated truckload carrier Marten Transport said late Monday its third-quarter net income rose to $6.1 million, or 28 cents a share, from $3.1 million, or 14 cents, a year ago... Operating revenue from trucking and logistics operations rose 12.7% to $163.4 million, the company said in a statement... Truckload revenue rose 9.2% to $137 million, while logistics revenue net of intermodal fuel surcharges grew to $23.5 million in the third quarter, up 26.3% from the previous third quarter...

* USA - Greatwide Logistics to be Acquired by Investor Group - Lenders to Provide $73.6 Million in Initial Financing

Dallas,TX,USA -Transport Topics -21 Oct 2008: -- Greatwide Logistics Services, a provider of non-asset-based transportation and third-party logistics services, said it will be acquired by a private investor group... The group includes affiliates of Centerbridge Capital Partners and the D.E. Shaw group, Greatwide said in a statement late Monday... To implement the deal , Greatwide will sell the company under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code... Some lenders will provide $73.6 million in new “debtor in possession” financing to support the business through the 363 sale process...

* Celadon’s Quarterly Income Rises>

USA -Transport Topics -21 Oct 2008: -- Truckload carrier Celadon Group’s fiscal first-quarter net income rose 12% to $2.8 million, or 13 cents per share, from $2.5 million, or 11 cents, in the same period last year... Revenue for the quarter ended Sept. 30 rose 9.8% to $146.9 million, while freight revenue, which excludes fuel surcharges, fell 4% to $109.3 million...

* Iteris Income Falls for Quarter

USA -Transport Topics -21 Oct 2008: -- Iteris Inc., which makes lane-departure warning systems for the trucking industry, reported its fiscal second-quarter profit decreased from a year ago... Its net income was $1.1 million, or 3 cents per share, down from $2.2 million, or 6 cents, a year earlier... Net sales and contract revenue rose to $19.1 million, from $17 million, for the fiscal quarter ended Sept. 30, Iteris said in a statement...

* C.H. Robinson’s 3Q Profit Improves

Eden Prairie,MN,USA -Transport Topics -21 Oct 2008: -- Transportation and third-party logistics firm C.H. Robinson Worldwide said its third-quarter profit rose to $93.6 million, or 54 cents a share, from $83.7 million, or 48 cents, a year ago... Transportation gross profit rose 12.2% to $310.4 million, from $276.6 million in the previous second quarter, the company said late Tuesday... Truckload volume rose 9%, less-than-truckload shipments rose 18%, intermodal profit rose 20.8% and ocean transport profit rose 48.5%, the company said...

Labels: trucking industry news USA

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLWIDE

* USA - Chrysler CEO Confirms Partner Talks w/ GM, Renault-Nissan, Fiat, Tata

New York,NY,USA -Automotive Digest -14 Oct 2008: -- Cerberus Capital Management LP acquired Chrysler as smallest and most vulnerable of Detroit-3. Cerberus began entertaining offers for Chrysler less than a year after acquiring it. Industry outlook has worsened in recent months... Cerberus officials have discussed deals involving Chrysler LLC w/ GM and Renault-Nissan... Also have had contacts w/ Fiat SpA of Italy and India's Tata Motors... US auto sales tumbling this year to their lowest level in more than 15 years...

* USA - Paccar’s 3Q Income Steady

Bellevue,WA,USA -Transport Topics -21 Oct 2008: -- Heavy-duty truck maker Paccar Inc. said its third-quarter profit about matched that of the same quarter a year ago, as it earned $299 million, or 82 cents a share, compared with $302.3 million, or 81 cents, a year ago... Net sales and financial services revenue totaled $4 billion, which included $3.68 billion in truck-related revenue, the company said Tuesday... Truck sales are expected to be about 150,000 vehicles this year and to improve slightly in the second half of 2009, in the range of 170,000 to 210,000, as fleets replace vehicles after several years of lower purchases, he said in a statement...

* USA - Eaton Reports Higher 3Q Income; Cuts ’08 Forecast

Cleveland,OH,USA -Transport Topics -20 Oct 2008: -- Vehicle parts manufacturer Eaton Corp. said Monday its third-quarter net earnings rose, but lowered its full-year forecast due to economic conditions... Third-quarter net income rose to $315 million, or $1.87 per share, from $258 million, or $1.71, a year ago. Revenue rose 25% to $4.1 billion, Eaton said in a statement... The company lowered its 2008 earnings-per-share guidance due to “severe issues in world financial markets,” to a range of $7.10 to $7.20, from a previous forecast of $7.20 to $7.50... Eaton’s truck segment’s sales rose 15% to $620 million...

* USA - Caterpillar’s Third-Quarter Income Slips 6%

Peoria,ILL,USA -Transport Topics -21 Oct 2008: -- Heavy equipment and diesel engine maker Caterpillar Inc. said Tuesday its third-quarter profit fell 6% on weaker worldwide economies and higher commodities costs... The company’s third-quarter profit was $868 million, or $1.39 a share, down from $927 million, or $1.40, a year ago. Sales rose 13% to a third-quarter record $12.98 billion...

* UK - Mercedes Trucks Prove a Healthy Option

Blandford Forum, Dorset,UK -TNN - 20 Oct 2008: -- One of Britain’s leading suppliers of hospital furniture keeps its distribution operation fighting fit – by relying exclusively on Mercedes-Benz trucks... Hospital Metalcraft, of Blandford Forum, Dorset, started in 1953, specialising in the manufacture of filing cabinets and refurbishment of hospital beds and trolleys... Today, the family-owned and managed business, which is now in its third generation, designs, manufactures and distributes the extensive range of ‘Bristol Maid’ medical furniture, as well as storage solutions from Metro Health Care... Latest additions to the fleet were a pair of 18-tonne Mercedes Axor...

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

CLEAN TRUCKS * USA - Long Beach opens clean-trucks sales and lease center

Long Beach,CAL,USA -The JOURNAL of COMMERCE -October 20, 2008: -- The Port of Long Beach on Friday opened a new Clean Trucks sales and leasing office... The center will enable truck owners to replace their old, polluting vehicles with port financial assistance in the form of a loan, grant or lease. The new office in west Long Beach, at Anaheim Street and Santa Fe Avenue, coordinates the sale or lease of the vehicle...

Labels: "Clean Trucks" Programs

CORRUPTION * Slovenia - Hauliers Complain about Corruption in Hungary

Ljubljana,Slovenia -STA -20 October 2008: -- Slovenian hauliers have complained about obstacles they face in travelling through Hungary, including growing corruption among officials. They threatened to close off roads to Hungarian lorry drivers if the matter is not resolved... (STA: The rest of this news item is available to subscribers)

Labels: corruptions

Truck Owners Appeal * TANZANIA - Against restrictions in their operations

Dar es Salaam,United Republic of Tanzania -IPPmedia, by Perege Gumbo -20 Oct 2008: -- The Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TATOA) has appealed to the government to strike off a regulation restricting its members from selling outside Tanzania, more than 20 per cent of the total oil they sold internally... The appeal was made by TATOA Secretary General Zacharia Hans Poppe before the Parliamentary Committees of Finance and Economic Affairs, Energy and minerals and that of Infrastructure Development in Dar es Salaam over the weekend. The association said the regulation frustrated efforts being made to market the Dar es Salaam Port. Appealing to the committees to listen to their grievances, TATOA said Dar es Salaam Port was shunned by importers and exporters from neighbouring countries, thereby losing businesses and revenue...

Labels: trucking restrictions

19.10.08

OPPOSITION * Australia - Victorian councils want no truck with B-triple monsters

Melbourne,Victoria,Australia -The Age, by Clay Lucas -October 20, 2008: -- Councils across Victoria do not want giant B-triple trucks rumbling through streets or small country towns... Documents leaked to Opposition transport spokesman Terry Mulder in August showed the Government had been secretly investigating the use of B-triples since January... The trucks would be allowed to run on CityLink and many other main commuter routes... A Department of Transport map showed the routes B-triples would take through Melbourne, and around Victoria, including EastLink, CityLink and the West Gate Freeway... Mr Mulder said the B-triple issue had worried councils because there had been "a total lack of consultation" by the State Government...

Labels: opposition

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - Mack gets U.S. Army contract

* Hauling trucks deal a financial boost for local truck company

Allentown,PA,USA -The Allentown Morning Call, by Tyrone Richardson -October 18, 2008: -- Mack Trucks has received a multimillion-dollar contract with the U.S. Army to supply heavy-duty trucks, the latest large contract for the Allentown-based company that has seen dwindling truck manufacturing numbers as a result of a souring U.S. economy... The $28.5 million contract will supply 152 Mack Pinnacle trucks that are used for local and long-distance hauling to the U.S. Army's TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, a Michigan-based weapons research division...

Labels: truckmakers news USA

SAFETY BLITZ * USA - CVSA schedules nationwide one for Oct. 19-25

Truckers who drive unsafely and four-wheelers who drive unsafely around trucks will be the targets of an enforcement blitz beginning this weekend

Washington,DC,USA -Truck Drivers and The Industry, by Radioman -17 Oct 2008: -- ... The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and law enforcement are teaming up Oct. 19-25 for what they’re calling “Operation Safe Driver”... “Inattention, insufficient awareness of traffic conditions, and unsafe maneuvers by drivers are far and away the leading causes of fatal crashes between passenger cars and commercial vehicles,” said John H. Hill, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, according to the CVSA Web site...

Labels: safety blitz

Highway Robbery * USA - Alleged Hackers Charged With Highway Robbery, Literally

Who knew America's highways were a hotbed of cybercrime?

Los Angeles,CAL,USA -wired.com, by Kevin Poulsen -October 17, 2008: -- In this week's Fed Blotter, Nicholas Lakes and Viachelav Berkovich are charged with computer fraud for a man-in-the-middle attack that allegedly let them run a profitable trucking company without the hassle of driving a truck... For over three years the Russian immigrants repeatedly hacked a Department of Transportation website called Safersys.org, which maintains a list of licensed interstate trucking companies and brokers, according to an affidavit (.pdf) filed by a department investigator. There, the pair would temporarily change the contact information for a legitimate trucking company to an address and phone number under their control... The men then took to the web-based "load boards" where brokers advertise cargo in need of transportation. They'd negotiate a deal, for example, to transport cargo from American Canyon, California, to Jessup, Maryland, for $3,500... But instead of transporting the load, Lakes and Berkovich would outsource the job to another trucking company, the feds say, posing as the legitimate company whose identity they'd hijacked... Once the cargo was delivered, the men allegedly invoiced their customer and pocketed the funds. But when the company that actually drove the truck tried to get paid, they'd eventually discover that the firm who'd supposedly hired them didn't know anything about it... The men allegedly pulled in nearly $500,000 in the scheme before Smokey caught up with them. They're charged (.pdf) with computer, mail and wire fraud in a federal indictment in Los Angeles...

* USA - Magstripe programmer and stolen credit card numbers to steal over $500,000 worth of gasoline

West Palm Beach,Fl,USA -wired.com, by Kevin Poulsen -October 17, 2008: -- The growing cost of driving is also at the center of a federal indictment (.pdf) filed Tuesday in West Palm Beach, Florida, charging Javier Garcia-Olivera, Osmany Garcia-Olivera and Javier Alejando Alonzo-Gomez with using a magstripe programmer and stolen credit card numbers to steal over $500,000 worth of gasoline... The three Cuban nationals allegedly rigged a pair of open-bed trucks with 200-gallon, agricultural-style fuel tanks partially hidden under utility boxes in the trucks. Then they filled up the tanks at Florida gas stations, using gift cards reprogrammed with stolen credit card data... Secret Service agents working with a Murphy Oil security officer tailed some of the trucks to "remote areas," according to an affidavit (.pdf) by ICE agent Douglas Johnson, and watched the gas being resold, presumably at cut-rate prices...

Labels: robberies

CLEAN AIR * USA - California enforcing smoke inspections for fleets of two or more trucks

The California Air Resources Board recently fined a Fresno, CA-based farm service company $114,000 for failing to inspect its truck fleet during 2006-2007...

Sacramento,CAL,USA -Land Line Magazine, by Charlie Morasch -October 17, 2008: -- ... CARB fined Western Farm after the agency concluded the company did not comply with the state’s Periodic Smoke Inspection Program. The periodic smoke inspection program requires owners and operators of all California-based trucks and fleets of two or more heavy-duty diesel vehicles to annually inspect the smoke opacity of their vehicles that are four years older than the model year of that vehicle’s engine...

Labels: clean air

RECALLS * USA - Roush Recalls 2007-'08 Ford F-150 Liquid Propane Injection Trucks

Washington,DC,USA -edmunds.com/insideline -17 Oct 2008: -- Ford tuner Roush Performance Products is recalling one of its high-profile alternative fuel vehicles, the 2007-'08 Ford F-150 Liquid Propane Injection truck... The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that hydrocarbon paper affixed to the inside of the truck's airbox lid with adhesive may become dislodged during operation, resulting in stalling in "extreme cases"... Some 213 trucks are involved in the recall, which is expected to begin on November 17...

Labels: autos' recalls

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - Publicly traded truck lines cutting employees

Memphis,TEN,USA -The Memphis Business Journal, by Trey Heath -October 17, 2008: -- In the midst of what has been one of the most trying times for public companies throughout the U.S., transportation companies continue to suffer through the roller-coaster ride of Wall Street following a summer filled with record-breaking fuel prices... The result has taken its toll, leading some of the largest companies operating in the Memphis market to scale back operations... To fight the credit freeze and declining stock values, companies like Con-Way, Inc., are cutting earning expectations and ultimately jobs to deal with the trying times... In August, the company laid off 56 employees in Memphis at Con-Way’s subsidiary, Menlo Worldwide Logistics, Inc....

Labels: trucking industry news USA

17.10.08

TRUCKING INDUSTRY OPINION * USA - Driver turnover down, bankruptcies up

The drop in driver turnover and the increase in carrier bankruptcies reflect economic change that began in the second quarter of 2007, according to the American Trucking Associations

USA -eTrucker, by Jill Dunn -17 Oct 2008: -- ... Large truckload driver turnover dropped to 85 percent during the second quarter of this year, the lowest since the first quarter of 1998. Large TL driver turnover, which peaked at 136 percent in the fourth quarters of 2004 and 2005 when freight was strong, was 103 percent in this year’s first quarter. The lowest driver turnover for large TL carriers was 77 percent in the fourth quarter of 1997... The turnover rate refers to employee-only line-haul drivers who leave for whatever reason and rates are annualized for the year. Large truckload carriers are classified as making more than $30 million in annual revenue. Less-than-truckload turnover rates are believed to be lower because of availability of more home time. The LTL turnover rate decreased from a 14 percent annualized rate in the first quarter of this year to 6 percent in the second quarter...

Labels: trucking industry news

STATISTICS * USA - Trucking fatalities dip in 2007

Washington,DC,USA -eTrucker, By Ashley Vice -17 Oct 2008: -- Transportation fatalities in the United States decreased by 4 percent in 2007 from 2006, according to preliminary figures released Friday by the National Transportation Safety Board... The 802 fatalities from heavy- or medium-duty truck accidents accounted for 1.9 percent of highway fatalities in 2007 and were down slightly from 805 fatalit

trucks world news

About Me

Links

Previous Posts

Archives

30.10.08

HYBRID TECHNOLOGY * USA - Coupling Delivery Trucks With

Fatigue Regulations * Australia - NSW 'back to the table' on

29.10.08

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS * WORLDWIDE

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA

REPORT * USA - Trucking failures continue at record pace

New Technology * USA - Improves Effiency of Trash Trucks

Clean Trucks Program * USA - November launch for LA-Long Beach truck fee system

HIGHWAY SAFETY * USA - ATA Gives Details of Bold Agenda

ANALYSIS * USA - Goldman cautious on truckers

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - US Army orders keep Mack Trucks busy

Security and Logistics * USA - Rethinking. Can Help Reduce Risk of Cargo Theft

28.10.08

TRANSPORTS & LOGISTIC * WORLDWIDE

Truck Owner/Operators * Canada - Prepare for Negotiations with Vancouver Port Authority

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA

TRUCKMAKERS NEWS WORLDWIDE * Germany -

FUEL PRICES * USA - Oil Hits 17-Month Low Near $60 a Barrel

TRUCKING PROGNOSIS * USA & Canada - Trucking analyst expects economic turnaround in late 2009

STATISTICS * USA - ATA Truck Tonnage Index Fell 0.9 Percent in September

27.10.08

Diesel crunch worsens * Canada - Supply weeks from normal

TRUCKING'S AWARDS * Canada - Manitoba Man Named Canada's Truck Driver of the Year

POLLUTION * VietNam - Trucks full of dust pollute Ha Noi

TRUCKS SALES * UK - Scottish Coal purchases 32 Terex trucks

STRIKE * Uganda / Kenya - Truck drivers call off strike

26.10.08

TRUCKER AWARD * Jamaica - "Truck Fest" keeps on trucking

TRUCKERS' STORIES * USA - Hard work, cozy 'home' for truckers

TRUCKERS' COMPLAIN * Bermuda - ' I was forced out of truck business'

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

TRUCKS' MARKET * India - Truck sales hit rough patch in October

25.10.08

OUR SUNDAY TRAVEL * USA - Majestic Rigs and Custom Truck Interiors

COUNTRY LANE BAN * UK - For Lorries after SAT NAV blunders

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS WORLDWIDE

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - UPS, DHL Scale Down Pact

POINTS of VIEW * USA & Canada - Trucking analyst expects economic turnaround in late 2009

"GREEN NEWS" * USA - New California rules target big-rig pollution

DANGEROUS MOTORISTS * USA - Troopers riding with truckers to watch drivers

An Open Letter * USA - To the Obama and McCain Campaigns

FUTURE * Holland - Tram lines to reduce the number of diesel delivery trucks

PRODUCTS * USA - Two way Command and Control on Refrigerated Trailers

BORDER STRIKE * Uganda / Kenya - Malaba truck drivers call off strike

Legislation * USA - Forces US military cargo from the air

24.10.08

TRAFFIC LIGHTS * UK - Every Traffic Light in London to Be Re-programmed in Drive to Cut Jams

Highway Closures * USA - Washington DOT documents cost of

OPINIONS * USA - View of Safety Technology Must Change Before Use Grows

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - FedEx Says IRS Withdrew Penalty on Worker Classification

HOS RULES * USA - Hours rule goes to White House

Fuel Savings * USA - Scientists quantify one

PETROLEUM NEWS * OPEC - Pushes to cut oil supply

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * WORLDWIDE

Who gets paid? * USA - If a truck broker goes bankrupt?

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * UK - Stobart says trucking volumes holding up

TRUCKING TO SHUT DOWN * USA - Closing Adelanto yard: Ninety drivers could be out of work

TRUCKMAKERS' PROSPECTS * USA - Pentagon Ready to Deal on Tricked-Out New Trucks

SAFETY ROADS * USA - Road Safe America Applauds American Trucking Associations Policy Supporting Electronic Speed Governors on All Big Trucks

INFRASTRUCTURES * Canada - Alberta road quality ranked seventh in nation

TRUCKERS STORY * RWANDA & UGANDA - Cross-continent truckers risk more than HIV

23.10.08

PRODUCTS * USA - Astrata Awarded Iraqi Government Contract

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA & Canada

22.10.08

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS, Mergers & Acquisitions * WORLDWIDE

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA & Canada

CLEAN TRUCKS * USA - DOJ Backs Appeal of Port Trucks Plan

TRANSSEXUAL TRUCK DRIVER * UK - Wins £20,000 after losing job

FUEL PRICES * USA - Truckers love lower fuel prices, but will it last?

POLLUTION * USA - Local trucking firm joins effort to reduce it

PRODUCTS * USA - TrailerTail gets DOT exemption

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - Clean Power available for T800, W900 models

SLOWDOWN & SHUT DOORS * USA - Downturn flattens transportation companies