trucks world news: June 2009

Heavy Truck * New Zealand - Trial a success

Otago,New Zealand -Otago Daily Times -29 Jun 2009: -- Heavier trucks could be on the road by 2010 if an amendment is passed following a successful trial, Transport Minister, Steven Joyce says... The amendment would create a permit system allowing some trucks to carry up to 50 tonnes on specified routes. The statutory limit is currently 44... A trial that ran from last year showed productivity increased between 10 and 20 percent, trip numbers reduced by 16 percent and fuel use dropped 20 percent, Mr Joyce said... Reduced freight costs would help exporters and New Zealand "grow faster out of the current global recession".. (Picture from roadtransport: anihino1)

* Truck move seen benefiting milk, logs and aggregate

Auckland,New Zealand -NZPA/The National Business Review -June 30 2009: -- Fonterra and movers of aggregate, fuel and logs are among the companies expected to chase productivity gains -- estimated to be up to 20 percent -- from using heavier trucks... Transport Minister Steven Joyce is seeking feedback on a plan to introduce a permit system allowing trucks to carry up to 50 tonnes on specific routes. The statutory limit is currently 44 tonnes... A trial that ran from last year showed productivity increased between 10 and 20 percent, trip numbers reduced by 16 percent and fuel use dropped 20 percent, Mr Joyce said... The change does not require legislation. According to officials, the permit system will ensure that the heavier trucks do not travel over roads and bridges that can't take them and councils are involved in permit approval. Trucks carrying up to 53 tonnes will be allowed... Permits could be issued from early next year. The system is expected to evolve over time... (Picture from longveld: Fonterra tanker)

Labels: heavier trucks

TRANSPORT INTELLIGENCE * USA - New York/New Jersey port launches second shipper incentive program

New York,USA -Progressive Railroading -29 June 2009: -- Last week, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) board of commissioners approved an incentive program aimed at encouraging shippers to transport cargo via new rail routes — the authority’s second intermodal incentive program of the year... PANYNJ will provide $25 per container to any company booking cargo on a railroad to or from a new ExpressRail origin or destination that was launched after Jan. 1. For example, Norfolk Southern Railway recently began offering service from the Port of New York and New Jersey to Harrisburg, Pa., a move traditionally handled by trucks, the authority said... In January, PANYNJ began offering shippers a $25-per-container incentive for each container transported by rail above the total volume they registered the previous year... (Photo by farm4.static.flickr: GWB Administrative Building, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey)

Labels: transport intelligence

‘Speed limiter’ * Canada - Fines begin July 1 in Ontario, Quebec

Two Canadian provinces will begin handing out fines Wednesday, July 1, to truckers who do not have a speed limiter activated on their rigs

ONT & QUE,CAN -Land Line Masgazine - June 29, 2009: -- Laws in Ontario and Quebec require that all trucks 1995 and newer grossing at least 26,000 pounds have a computerized speed limiter activated at or below the maximum of 105 kilometers per hour, or 65 mph. Yes, the law affects trucks from the rest of Canada and from the U.S. that travel in Ontario or Quebec... The minimum fine according to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation is $250 for a truck found not to have a working speed limiter or if the “anti-tampering” provision has been violated. Maximum fines can reach $20,000... An Ontario commercial enforcement official told Land Line on Friday, June 26, that officers will be writing roadside tickets for $310 but a surcharge and court costs will increase the total to $390... Although implementation actually took effect Jan. 1 of this year, the provinces started with a six-month grace period to educate truckers and the public...

Labels: speed limiters

Truck Stop Electrification * USA - Truckers, air to benefit from $2 million ARRA state grant

Memphis,TEN,USA -The Memphis Business Journal -June 29, 2009: -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave a $2 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Act discretionary grant to the Tennessee Department of Transportation to begin equipping truck stops across the state with truck stop electrification technology... Truck stop electrification systems provide heating and cooling for sleeper cab compartments and power to run electrical appliances, such as computers and microwaves... TEE systems also allow trucks outfitted with on-board equipment to plug in to operate necessary systems without idling the engine... (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/post/2006/10images/truck_line.jpg)

Labels: electric trucks stops

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - Trucks Take Security Upgrade in Stride

Customs sees no fallout from Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

Washington,DC,USA -The Journal of Commerce Online, by John Gallagher -Jun 12, 2009: -- Trade moving by truck across the U.S.-Canadian border is so far unaffected by the start of the latest security upgrade two weeks ago... The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which took effect June 1, requires drivers entering the United States from Canada to have a valid passport or other special form of identification, such as a NEXUS or FAST card... Initial concerns of delays and diverted freight resulting from the new requirement have so far not materialized, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection...

* NJ trucking firm pays $141K in overtime lawsuit

Newark,N.J.,USA -Philly/The Associated Press -Jun. 29, 2009: -- A New Jersey trucking company has agreed to pay nearly $141,000 to more than 100 employees to settle an overtime lawsuit brought by the U.S. Labor Department... S. Cooper Brothers Trucking Inc., of Newark, provides street sweeping and garbage removal services for several cities. It was accused of failing to pay overtime and keep proper wage records for employees working more than 40 hours a week from February 2005-07... Cooper Brothers did not acknowledge guilt in the deal announced Monday... In December, the company won a $600,000 street sweeping contract from Newark...

* New Jersey’s snow-free vehicle mandate moves to governor

NJ,USA -Land Line Magazine -June 29, 2009: -- In the span of only a few hours the New Jersey Legislature overwhelmingly backed a push to get tough with drivers who fail to clear snow and ice off their vehicles. The rule would apply to commercial and noncommercial vehicles... The action at the statehouse angered the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and countless truck drivers who have long opposed what they say is legislation that sets truckers up to fail... State law now prohibits car and truck drivers from being fined for driving a snowcapped vehicle. However, if a piece of ice falls from a vehicle and causes injury or property damage, car drivers face fines between $200 and $1,000, while truck drivers could be fined $500 to $1,500... (Images from inmagine)

Labels: trucking industry news USA

EVENT * USA - Great West Truck Show 2009

Las Vegas,NV,USA -Truck Drivers News -28 June 2009: -- Well, I guess this year’s Great West Truck Show in Las Vegas, NV is winding down... Trucker Desiree, was at this year’s show in Las Vegas, from the pictures she sent it looks like she had a great time... The Great West Truck Show (formerly known as the “Truck Show Las Vegas”) ran from June 25 through June 27 of 2009... The GWTS is sponsored by the California Trucking Association and hosts both association and educational seminars... One of the attractions at GWTS this year was the Overdrive’s Pride and Polish truck beauty competition... Look at these beauties !!!

Depressed Truckies * Australia - 'As lethal as drunks'

Study: Depressed truckies are as dangerous on the road as drivers with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit

Sydney,NSW,Australia -The Sydney Morning Herald, by Leesha McKenny & Jennie Curtin -June 28, 2009: -- University of Queensland researchers found that unlike stress or anxiety, severe depression in heavy vehicle drivers increased the risk of an accident more than fatigue. "Depressed drivers are equally hazardous as alcohol-impaired drivers," the study said... Based on a survey of 1324 truck drivers, it found many were unaware they were heading off on long-haul trips with the equivalent impairment of a person with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08... The co-author, Michael Hilton, said mental health problems in long-haul truck drivers could be made worse by the lack of access to medical support... Using National Road Transport Commission figures, the study found "there could be 10,950 impaired, at-risk drivers operating heavy machinery at high speeds". One in five deaths on Australian roads involves a truck, Australian Transport Safety Bureau figures show... The Transport Workers Union plans to use the findings to lobby for more government funding for services such as a phone-based mental health line for truck drivers... (Photo: Glenn Campbell - Stressful lifestyle . . . long-haul truckie Steve "Steady" Halse)

Labels: Truckers' Health

Heavier Trucks * New Zealand - To hit roads

Heavier trucks are set to be allowed on the roads. The Government says will lessen trip time, reduce fuel costs and improve productivity

Auckland,NZ -The New Zealand Herald, by Patrick Gower -Jun 29, 2009: -- A rule change taking the maximum load to 50 tonnes from 44 tonnes will be put out for public consultation this week... Transport Minister, Steven Joyce, said the rule change allowed for trucks to be slightly longer, but not for them to be any wider... Mr Joyce said the heavier loads would be allowed via a "permit system", where a company applied to carry them along a particular route. It was estimated to cost $85 million to $100 million to strengthen bridges and roads to get the full benefits of the permit system... Mr Joyce hoped the rule change would be in place by the end of this year... (Picture from roadtransport: Big Kiwi Kenworths hauling combine harvesters)

Labels: heavier trucks

TRUCKERS WORLDWIDE ... THOSE BAD DAYS !!!

1. A female truck driver, made worse by having a cop right behind you filming it

Knoxville,TN,USA -Biglorryblog (UK), by Rikki Chequer, on June 27, 2009: -- Video from YouTube, by hockeyham on 12 April 2007: "Tractor trailer runs off Schaad road" - The tractor trailer in this video was making a right turn onto Schaad Rd from Western Ave (Oak Ridge Highway), and having seen 3-4 tractor trailers fall off in to the ditch in the last year, I figured this "guy" wouldn't make it, so I got my cell phone at the ready... I had to come back to pick up my work ID and found out it was a female truck driver after the fact...

2. A whole new meaning to the phrase: "Boss- I just missed the Ferry"

Patra,Greece -Biglorryblog (UK), by Rikki Chequer, on June 27, 2009: -- Video from YouTube, by morbiula, on 4 May 2008: "Greek driver throws truck at the Port of Patra" - talentia

Labels: truckers' bad days

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - FedEx Loses $876 Million

... But Sees Better Economy !!

Memphis,TENN,USA -Transport Topics, by Rip Watson -22 June 2009: -- FedEx Corp. last week reported a quarterly loss of $876 million linked to one-time charges, but company leaders forecast better economic conditions that could improve results in the months ahead... The corporation’s loss for its fiscal fourth quarter, which ended May 31, included $1.08 billion in one-time charges, and profit excluding costs was 64 cents a share, down 56%. Revenue fell 20% to $7.85 billion... Weaker regional pricing was attributed to lower fuel surcharge revenue, included in LTL freight rates, while FedEx national freight pricing was hurt both by lower base rates and by reduced fuel surcharge collections, Chief Financial Officer Alan Graf Jr. said... (Photo from wikipedia.org: FedEx DC10)

Labels: trucking industry news USA

FEES & TAXES * USA - DeFazio has a better idea

... Instead of more taxes at the pump, we should be taxing oil speculators!

Detroit,MICH,USA -The Detroit Trucking Examiner, by Linda Sunkle-Pierucki -June 26, 2009: ... The Highway Trust Fund need its usual six-year authorization for funding in the near future. Everybody agrees there has to be a better way to fund transportation improvements and repairs but nobody knows how it should be done... Part of the problem is that economic conditions have limited the money coming into the fund that keep it solvent. Part of the trust fund shortfall is due to decreased miles traveled and less fuel consumption... Truckers and the American Trucking Association fully expect to have to pay more fuel tax just to get critical repairs completed... Rep Pete DeFazio, D-OR proposed a method of funding the shortfall that we can only hope gets some play in Congress: His idea is that, instead of more taxes at the pump, we should be taxing oil speculators! ... DeFazio suggests imposing a 0.02% tax on all oil futures contracts. Two cents per hundred dollars sounds like a pittance but many of these contracts total into the billions of dollars... (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Labels: fees and taxes

TRUCK PURCHASES * USA - Pentagon nears award on new trucks for Afghanistan

To buy 5,244 vehicles for $12 billion in fiscal 2009 and 2010

Washington,DC,USA -Reuters, by Andrea Shalal-Esa -June 25, 2009: -- The Pentagon is nearing a contract award to one of four teams bidding to build thousands of armored off-road vehicles for use in Afghanistan, a program potentially worth billions of dollars to the winner... BAE Systems, Oshkosh Corp., Navistar International Corp. and Force Dynamics LLC, a joint venture between Force Protection Inc. and General Dynamics, are competing for the lucrative contract... The Pentagon appears likely to meet its goal of awarding a contract by the end of June, said defense consultant Jim McAleese. He said the Pentagon expected to buy 5,244 vehicles for $12 billion in fiscal 2009 and 2010... (Image from 1.bp.blogspot: Vehicle Concept-Experimental Large)

Labels: trucks purchases

TRUCKING STATISTICS * USA - May Truck Tonnage Plunges 13.2%

Truck tonnage decreased 11% in May compared with a year ago, but increased when compared to the previous month

Washington,DC,USA -Transport Topics -26 June 2009: -- American Trucking Associations said Friday: The decline in the for-hire seasonally adjusted truck tonnage index left tonnage at a reading of 102.3. Even though the decrease was smaller than April's 13.2% plunge, May's decrease is still “historically large” ... The index increased 3.2% from May, the first increase since February, ATA said late Friday... Without accounting for seasonal adjustment, the index gained 0.4% from April, while April’s tonnage level had dropped 13.2% from a year earlier. May's improvement wasn't enough to offset the 6.7% cumulative reduction from March and April, ATA said... ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said that though the month-to-month increase is encouraging, tonnage will not likely see a surge anytime soon... (Photo from delivery.superstock: SuperStock)

Labels: trucking statistics

INCREIBLE TRUCK DRIVER * USA - The impossible U-turn

TXS,USA -BiglorryBlog, by Colin Barnett -June 25, 2009: -- Biglorryblog's man in Texas, Oliver Dixon, poses the following question...

- Question: How do you do a U-turn with a 40ft trailer on a 35ft road?

- Answer: You don't, but you do get a $12,200 fine!

Labels: dangerous drivers

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - Paccar plant delays opening a year

Bellevue,WASH,USA -The Dispatch, by Neal Wagner -June 26, 2009: -- Adverse economic conditions and a decrease in demand have delayed the expected opening date of the more than 400,000-square-foot Paccar engine plant near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, according to company officials... Although the Lowndes County Paccar plant originally was scheduled to begin operations late this year, the facility likely will not open until “late in 2010,” said Alan Treasure, director of marketing... Once completed, the $400 million Lowndes County plant will construct 12.9-liter diesel engines for Peterbilt, Kenworth and DAF trucks. Paccar officials in 2007 signed a contract with the state to provide 500 jobs at the plant by 2013...

* Cummins Says No to SCR. Until 2014. In Australia

Columbus,IND,USA -Road Transport (UK), by Oliver Dixon -24 June 2009: -- Cummins will not introduce its SCR variants of ISM, ISX and Signature to Australia and New Zealand until 2014, according to reports in the Australian media. In order to comply with ADR80/03, the company will retain its EPA 07-type EGR DPF approach... Before you kick off, Shine, a couple of points to bear in mind. 1) Australia is NOT North America. 2) ADR80/03 is the equivalent of Euro V or EPA 07. Not EPA 10... For reference, a table may be found here... (Photo thanks to Cummins: The 2007 ISM)

Labels: truckmakers' news USA

"GREEN" NEWS * UK - M&S goes green AND saves 23% on fuel

Believe it or not, there's money to be made at this environment game

London,UK -The Road Transport, by Dominic Perry -June 10, 2009: -- Just look at latest corporate sustainability report: How we do business 2009. This highlights the progress it's made towards the targets set as part of its ambitious Plan A programme, launched in January 2007... That means that despite the serious levels of investment the company has made - those Teardrop trailers don't come cheap after all - it is still seeing its initiatives save it money... Of course in the real world not everyone has the capital available to replace their trailer fleet with swish new aero models, nor would everybody find them appropriate... Revised schedules have lead to a 23% reduction in fuel per drop on its food operation and a fall of 20% in non-food. By any measure, those are impressive figures... Now imagine what cutting your fuel bill by 20% could mean for your bottom line... Remember - being environmentally friendly isn't just about investing millions to cut CO2 emissions. There's also something to be said for going green in order to stay in the black...

Labels: green news

TAX POLICYS * UK - FTA: Focus on carbon, not fuel duty

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called for the freight industry to focus its lobbying on carbon emissions, rather than just fuel duty

London,UK -RoadTransport/Motor Transport, by Lindsay Clark -24 June 2009: -- ... Speaking at the FTA's Cutting Carbon, Cutting Costs conference last week, James Hookham, policy and communications director for the FTA, said the industry needs to put together a coherent alternative to fuel duty, which ties in with the climate change agenda, instead of tackling the tax head-on... The Road Haulage Association (RHA) welcomed the FTA's stance. "Anything that highlights what a clean and efficient industry this is has got to be good news," says Kate Gibbs, RHA head of communications... The government introduced the Climate Change Act in 2008, which commits the UK to an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 compared with 1990 levels...

* OPINION - Should we use climate change to lobby on fuel duty?

(Picture from wikipedia: Freiston Shore low tide)

London,UK -RoadTransport, by Lindsay Clark -June 25, 2009: -- As Isotrak's, Craig Sears-Black talked about moving cauliflowers from the Fens to Westminster, I wondered how long vegetable supplier Marshalls would be working from the area... Sears-Black was speaking at the Freight Transport Association (FTA) conference about carbon emissions on the same day the Met Office produced worrying forecasts on the effects of global warming in the UK - among them rising sea levels. Marshalls ships cauliflowers out of a Boston, Lincolnshire distribution centre, which sits in the middle of a mass of reclaimed land, close to current sea level. Beyond sea defences, a few miles away, the ocean is rising at an alarming rate, according to the Met Office...

(Picture from Wikipedia: Tollesbury Managed Realignment site in Essex, the first large scale attempt at saltmarsh restoration in the UK)
Some nearby farmland has already been given back to the sea, in a process dubbed 'managed retreat'... The point of Sears-Black's talk was to show that, by sharing data online, hauliers can cut the miles they run without cargo. This is something UK firms have become good at largely because of the extortionate fuel duty levied by the government... And this is where the industry is missing a trick, says the FTA's managing director of policy and communication, James Hookham. While fuel duty has forced efficiency, the industry hasn't told many people. Instead, protesters threaten blockades and don't endear hauliers to the public. Fuel duty may be unfair, but the government has calculated the electorate doesn't care how much hauliers pay... So, instead of confronting the government head-on about fuel duty, Hookham says, it's better to highlight how transport can help combat global warming... In an industry where cash equals fuel equals carbon, cutting emissions can help the planet... and your bank balance. Hookham says it's time to engage in this 'green' debate. And it's time that the industry backed him...

Labels: taxes policys

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * Europe

* Germany - Daimler Fights for its Future... Will Daimler be the next Opel? (Read this interesting article)

Stuttgart,Germany -Spiegel International, By Dietmar Hawranek -24 June 2009: -- For years, Daimler allowed itself to be guided by illusions and neglected its core business. As a result, the current economic crisis struck one of Germany's model companies with full force. To survive, it will have to save billions, while simultaneously investing in its own future...

* CV production collapses as recession bites

London,UK -RoadTransport, by Lindsay Clark -22 June 2009: -- Production of commercial vehicles in May fell by 73% compared to the same month last year, the largest drop ever recorded, according to the Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders (SMMT)... Compared to April, the number of commercial vehicles - trucks and vans - leaving the factory gates in the UK during May fell by 39%, the industry body also found ... "Commercial vehicle production is severely affected by low business confidence and economic uncertainty," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive...

* Italy - 'Small' gets bigger

Rome,Italy -Waste Management World (UK) -25 June 2009: -- Italian manufacturer Ecofar is one of the first waste collection equipment suppliers to take advantage of the latest generation of Isuzu chassis, built in Portugal... Traditionally, aside from a few selected markets, Isuzu has tended to concentrate its marketing efforts on trucks up to 10 tonnes gross weight. But with what now amounts to a 'World Truck' programme (with chassis designs up to - and shortly perhaps above? - 18 tonnes gross weight), Isuzu is making a bid to win orders away from the more established producers of 'heavies'...

This marketing approach is in tune with a operator's demands in a growing number of countries for suitable truck chassis to meet the requirements for dedicated foodwaste collection services for example, where a chassis of between 11 and 15 tonnes gross weight offers an ideal balance of a useful payload working with a waste stream that, by virtue of a high water content can be heavy, while at the same time, retaining the low cab entry height and the manoeuvrability of a seven to ten tonne truck... (Images from pennnet)

Labels: truckmakers' news Europe

MEXICANS' TRUCKS * U.S./Mexico - Border should be open to all truckers

Mexico,DF,MEX -Fleet Owner (USA), by Brian Straight -Jun 25, 2009: -- Despite the escalation in rhetoric over the cross-border trucking debate, a lawyer for the National Chamber of Autotransporte de Carga (CANACAR), the Mexico’s trucking lobby, told Fleet Owner that a compromise is still possible to avoid further damage to the U.S.-Mexican trade relationship... Pedro M. Ojeda Cárdenas who filed a $6 billion suit under NAFTA Chapter 11 rules against the U.S. on behalf of CANACAR, said if the U.S. restarts the controversial cross-border trucking program in some form it “could open the door to compromise” of the suit... While Ojeda said a new program would not necessarily mean the suit would be dropped, it could open the door to negotiations. After all, he pointed out, the Mexican trucking industry just wants what the U.S. trucking industry has – free access...

Labels: mexicans' trucks debate

TECHNO-NEWS * Sweden - Super-light trucks are coming

Goterborg,Sweeden -Fleet Owner, by Brian Straight -Jun 25, 2009: -- Engineers for years have searched for ways to reduce weight in vehicles of all types. The most success has been had in the airline and space industry, where lightweight materials are common. For example, Volvo Aero has taken advantage of these technologies in its aircraft engine components... Now, those same technologies may be opening doors for super-light trucks of the future. Volvo Technology, the research arm of Sweden’s AB Volvo, parent firm of both Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks, sees the truck of the future as being as much as 20% lighter in as few as 10 years... “We are creating the super-light vehicles in a computer program that simulates how hundreds of thousands of small construction alterations can reduce the vehicle’s total weight without affecting other key characteristics in the vehicle, such as crashworthiness or the ability to bear loads,” said Carl Fredrik Hartung, project manager at Volvo Technology... The advantages of lighter trucks are obvious – smaller engines, reduced fuel costs and higher payload capacities resulting in more productive commercial vehicles. A challenge facing engineers, Volvo said, is that super-light materials that are as durable as current materials are more expensive, meaning large volumes must be produced to attain economies of scale. Hartung said the company is looking at ways to reduce sheet-metal thickness first, but when that attempt is exhausted, other materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber, will be investigated... (Photo from Volvo)

Labels: technonews

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * Russia - Truck maker KamAZ suspends assembly line

Kazan,Russia -RIA Novosti -June 23, 2009: -- Russian truck maker KamAZ suspended its main assembly line on Tuesday after completing its orders for June, the company's press office said... The ongoing global financial and economic crisis has caused a slump in world demand for vehicles. Since the start of the year, the Volga-based truck producer has been working only to concrete orders... KamAZ last suspended its operations in late May, the most recent of several stoppages over the past 18 months... (Photo from RIA Novosti, by S. Solovjev - KamAz trucks at Kama Automobile Plant)

* Germnay - Berlin bans sale of trucks to Syria, Iran

Berlin,Germany -The Jerusalem Post, by BENJAMIN WEINTHAL -Jun 24, 2009: -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel's administration imposed a ban on the sale of heavy trucks to Iran and Syria in April 2008 because of Israeli intelligence concerns, according to a report in last week's Der Spiegel magazine... Vehicles "with three or more axles" and a total "weight of more than 20,000 kilograms" can be used to fire Iranian missiles... Israeli government officials asked representatives of the federal republic last year what their reaction would be if it was ever learned that Teheran had fired missiles at Israel from German trucks...

* India - Tata Motors Has Loss as Jaguar, Land Rover Sales Fall

Mumbai,India -Bloomberg, by Vipin V. Nair -June 26, 2009: -- Tata Motors Ltd., the Indian truckmaker that owns Jaguar and Land Rover, posted its first annual loss in at least seven years after sales at the luxury units plunged amid the global recession... The consolidated net loss was 25 billion rupees ($520 million) in the year ended March 31, compared with a net income of 22 billion rupees a year ago, the company said in a statement in Mumbai today...

* Giant truck maker in Newport News lays off 49 workers

Newport News,VA,USA -The Virginian-Pilot, by Carolyn Shapiro -June 26, 2009: -- Liebherr Mining Equipment Co., the Newport News manufacturer of large-capacity dump trucks, has laid off 49 employees, citing a nationwide downturn in the mining industry... Liebherr cut 44 full-time workers and five contract employees in its truck-manufacturing operation. Their last day was Friday. That unit still employs 345, and Liebherr has another 101 workers in other divisions in Newport News, said Sabrina Soares, a Liebherr spokeswoman...

* Germany - ZF and ISE ink parallel-hybrid drive partnership

Friedrichshafen,Germany -Fleet Owner -Jun 25, 2009: -- A new provider of parallel-electric hybrid drive systems and components for North American commercial vehicles has been launched via a strategic relationship jointly established by ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF), based in Germany, and Poway, CA-based ISE Corp... ZF is a major international supplier of driveline and chassis technology to both automotive and truck OEMs with a strong North American presence and ISE is a designer and manufacturer of hybrid propulsion systems and components for the global heavy-duty vehicle market... (Photo from blogcdn: zf-8speed)

Labels: truckmakers' news worldwide

Megatrucks * Europe - Heading for Irish roads

So-called "megatrucks" could be on the way to Ireland following the publication of a research paper for the European Commission, which claims that they will reduce traffic congestion and be less polluting

Dublin,Ireland -HGV -24 June 2009: -- ... The research paper looked into the feasibility of running longer and heavier vehicles on Europe's roads. The "megatrucks" would be more than 25.2 metres long and weigh 60 tonnes... On foot of the research it is understood that the Commission is considering framing a new transport directive, which would eventually lead to their introduction across Europe... The campaign for "megatrucks" is being spearheaded by the Dutch road haulage industry, which claims they are 15-30 per cent cheaper to run than normal HGV trucks per unit of freight... The lobby is eager to claw back cargo that has been diverted to railways and argues that "megatrucks" are more environmentally friendly than rail... (Photo from allianz-pro-schiene.de: Mega Truck Mecklenburg Vorpommern)

Labels: megatrucks

SURVEY * Ireland - Businesses waiting longer to get paid

Dublin,Ireland -HGV -24 June 2009: -- ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise lobby group, has claimed that businesses are waiting an average of 73 days to get paid for the goods and services they provide... The results of an ISME survey shows that less than one in four companies (23 per cent) are being paid within 30 days while 45 per cent are experiencing delays of 90 days or more... A further 15 per cent are waiting over 120 days, an increase of 10 per cent from ISME's Spring survey...
ISME says the situation is deteriorating as the delays have increased from 60 days in Autumn 2007 to the current 'excessive' 73 days...

Labels: surveys

ROAD SAFETY * Ireland - EU Report Ranks Ireland 6th in EU for road safety

Brussels,Belgium -HGV -24 June 2009: -- The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has thanked road users in Ireland for improving the culture of safety on Irish roads as a new EU report, ranks Ireland the 6th safest country out of the 27 EU Member States, in terms of road safety... The report published by the Brussels based European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) based its findings on Ireland's road safety performance in 2008 when 279 people died on Irish roads. The announcement sees Ireland improve its standing in the table of best performing EU countries from 9th position in 2007... Some 39,000 people were killed in road collisions in 2008 in the EU 27 countries, while this is 15,400 fewer fatalities than in 2001 it is still far from the 27,000 deaths limit which the EU set for itself in its Road Safety Target for 2010... (Picture from independent.ie: crash)

* Gardai scale back multi-agency checks on grounds

Dublin,Ireland -HGV -19 June 2009: -- Multi-agency checkpoints targeting the road haulage industry have been reduced, after Gardai concluded the checkpoints were a road safety hazard... Earlier this week Superintendent, Declan O'Brien, of the Garda Traffic Bureau said the checkpoints were mounted on main roads at peak times and that a number of rogue operators were identified and placed on what he termed a "risk register"... The checkpoints were mounted in the wake of information received from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), which claimed that Irish hauliers were among the most frequent offenders in terms of road safety... O'Brien also admitted that the number of multi-agency personnel required and the length of time it took to thoroughly check a HGV resulted in road safety issues for the general motoring public... (Picture from tispol.org: Police carry out Truck checks)

Labels: roads safety

Electric Cars (& Vans) * France - Renault/Nissan Eyes Fleet Market for

It appears 2009 is shaping up to be the year of the fleet

Paris,France -earth2teech, by Josie Garthwaite (San Francisco,CAL,USA) -25 June 2009: ... The Renault-Nissan Alliance, which has set a goal of leading the global electric vehicle market, said today that it has struck two new deals to accelerate deployment of upcoming plug-in vehicles in corporate fleets. BNP subsidiary Arval has agreed to develop leasing plans specifically for electric cars in an effort to speed their adoption, and fleet giant ALD Automotive has signed on to support introduction of Renault’s electric cars into European corporate fleets from 2011 onward... Renault-Nissan’s move is just the latest in a slew of deals for the alliance as it works to build a market and infrastructure for its upcoming electric vehicles. But it also represents the latest fleet play — one of the biggest for plug-in vehicles, given the reach of the companies involved (Arval and ALD’s fleets include a total of more than 1.4 million vehicles internationally) at a time when the business of fleet supply and management is attracting innovators from across the green transportation sector. As consumer vehicle sales slump and automakers look to test out their inaugural electric models in controlled settings, fleets offer a good match... (Photo: “Kangoo be bop Z.E.” prototype photo credit Renault)

Labels: electric minitrucks

"GREEN" NEWS * USA - Study Finds '07 Diesels Cleaner

Reductions in diesel engine emissions far exceed expectations

Phoenix,AZ,USA -The Journal of Commerce -Jun 24, 2009: -- Clean diesel technologies in engines manufactured beginning in 2007 not only reduced certain emissions by 90 percent compared to 2004 models, but far exceeded expectations in their performance in cleaning up the nation’s air quality, a new study shows... Emission reductions by 2007 model engines “exceeded substantially even those levels required by law,” said the study, conducted by the Coordinating Research Council and the Health Effects Institute... Current engine models produced 98 percent less carbon monoxide, 10 percent less nitrogen oxide, 95 percent less non-methane hydrocarbons and 89 percent less particulate matter than required by EPA’s 2007 diesel engine emission standards...

Labels: green news

INSFRASTRUCTURES FUNDS * USA - DOT Awards $140 Million in Transport Grants

Funding goes to 36 states under regular program for road, rail and transit projects

Washington,DC,USA -The Journal of Commerce, by John D. Boyd -Jun 24, 2009: -- The Department of Transportation said it released another $140 million this week for construction projects, but it was regular grants rather than Recovery Act funds... Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, said the grant money would aid 249 construction projects in 36 states, under the Transportation, Community, and System Preservation program for project aid to states, local government and tribal authorities... They range from a hurricane evacuation corridor study in Alabama, to a highway-rail grade separation project in California, work on several interstate highways in Arkansas and high-speed maglev rail development program in Pennsylvania. A number of road resurfacing projects and bridge replacements are included around the country...

Labels: infrastructures funds

MEXICANS TRUCKS * USA - Lawmaker urges action on ‘inappropriate’ tariffs

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine, by Jami Jones -June 24, 2009 – One U.S. lawmaker wants to know what is going to be done to Mexico for “slapping” tariffs on more than 90 U.S. products because the long-haul cross-border program with Mexico was ended... Rep. Brad Sherman, D-CA, wrote a letter to Ron Kirk, the U.S. Trade Representative, asking what actions his office are taking to rectify these lopsided, “inappropriate” tariffs imposed by Mexico... Sherman points out in his letter that there are several problems with the tariffs Mexico imposed nearly three months ago... He starts by pointing out that the North American Free Trade Agreement limits maximum “sanctions” to pre-NAFTA levels... Rod Nofziger, OOIDA’s director of government affairs said, “The tariffs are meant to focus attention away from the fact that Mexico’s regulatory standards for trucking are to say the least paltry in comparison to the requirements currently in place for U.S. trucking companies and truck drivers.”... (Photo from i.usatoday.net: mexican trucks)

Labels: mexicans' trucks debate

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - YRC to talk to Teamsters on modified labor agreement

Talks to modify cost structure, preserve operating capital

Overland Park, KN,USA -Reuters, by Nick Carey & Phil Berlowitz -Jun 25, 2009: -- Struggling No. 1 U.S. trucking company YRC Worldwide Inc. is to open talks with the Teamsters union on a modified labor agreement, the company announced late Wednesday... The company said talks would focus on finding ways to reduce the less-than-truckload operator's cost structure and "preserve operating capital going forward."... Less-than-truckload (LTL) companies consolidate small loads into a single truck... (Photo from cargonewsasia: A YRC Worldwide Inc.’s LTL truck)

Labels: trucking industry news USA

* USA - Let’s Sell Some Trucks!

USA -The Big Money, by matthew.debord/Reuters -Jun 25, 2009: -- Here at Shifting Gears, we genuinely believe that a key to recovery in the U.S. auto market—and the renewed fortunes of General Motors and Chrysler, post Chapter 11—isn’t a new fleet of small cars but revived sales of trucks... Joseph White of the Wall Street Journal bases his analysis on how the recently passed “cash for clunkers” legislation will actually reward truck purchases more than those who want to buy cars (he crunched his numbers before the legisaltion passed). He acknowledges that “[e]nvironmentalists aren't happy with the way that the debate is tilting toward selling more trucks. ‘Clunkers for clunkers’ is how Dan Becker of the Safe Climate Campaign describes the latest plans.” But the way in which he otherwise lays out the incentives makes it pretty clear that the current program is explicitly intended to move pickups and SUVs off dealer lots... And hooray for that! The big players in the U.S. truck market—formerly referred to as the “Big Three”—need to sell trucks in order to make the kind of profits that will be required to pay off taxpayer loans and get their businesses moving again. The truck market is insanely depressed at the moment, so “cash for truckers,” combined with a possible auto industry recovery next year, could mean that trucks will be the first segment to really take off... (Photos from s39.radikal.ru)

Labels: trucking industry opinions

Transport Intelligence * USA - Dredging the Sacramento Deep Water Ship Channel

Sacramento,CAL,USA -News Review, By Jeff vonKaenel -25 June 2009: ... It takes roughly 1,000 diesel trucks to unload and transport cargo from a ship docked in Stockton or San Francisco to Sacramento. After the dredging is completed, the Port of West Sacramento will be able to handle an additional 157 ships per year, potentially avoiding 157,000 truck trips. In addition to not clogging up our highways, a single large ship emits significantly less air pollution than 1,000 trucks. If the Obama administration follows through with plans to restrict the use of low-sulfur fuel oil while ships are traveling inland, ships will burn even cleaner... Port of West Sacramento manager, Mike Luken, says they’ve already contracted for another 118 ships to use the port. The dredging project appears to be going full steam ahead ... (Aerial Photo www.aerialarchives.com/stock/img/AHLB2300.jpg: Sacramento river deep water ship channel, levees. Prospect slough, Sacramento San Joaquin river delta)

Labels: transport intelligence

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA

* Feds Open Grant Funding for SuperTruck Development

Washington,DC,USA -Truck Trend, by Benson Kong -June 25, 2009: -- The federal government wants to see more efficient Class 8 trucks on America's highways and to help trucks OEMs, engine manufacturers, and other suppliers along their way, the feds are making $240 million in grant funding available to develop future SuperTrucks... The funding will be available through the Recovery Act -- Systems Level Technology Development, Integration, and Demonstration for Efficient Class 8 Trucks (SuperTruck) and Advanced Technology Powertrains for Light-Duty Vehicles (ATP-LD) and administered by the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory. The department intends to provide matching funds in the range of $45,000 to $95,000 for 11 projects, each of which is expected to last three to five years. According to the Grants.gov Web page, the deadline for applications is September 9, 2009... The main feature differentiating the SuperTruck from today's long-haul trucks will be in overall freight efficiency. SuperTrucks are expected to have a 50-percent improvement in their freight efficiency, which is measured in tons-miles per gallon. At least 20 percent of the improvement will be attributed to the development of an engine capable of achieving 50 percent Brake Thermal Efficiency. Future SuperTrucks are likely to incorporate hybrid drivetrains and engine idle reductions, while also cutting down on aerodynamic drag, vehicle mass, and rolling resistance... (Class 8 Truck - International Lonestar Front View)

* Mack has special financing package for vocational trucks

Lehigh Valley,PA,USA -Bulk Transporter -Jun 25, 2009: -- Mack Trucks Inc. and Mack Financial Services are offering special financing arrangements for a limited time on qualifying MACK Granite and Titan by Mack vocational trucks and tractors through the Granite & Titan Sell-a-Thon program... For new model year 2008 and 2009 MACK Granite and model year 2010 Titan by Mack trucks purchased from dealer inventory, eligible customers can choose up to a $5,000 cash rebate or no interest for the first six months of their finance contract through Mack Financial Services. The program is for US customers only and trucks must be financed by July 31, 2009, to be eligible for the no-interest offer. The financing includes attached truck bodies, and there is no limit to the number of trucks qualifying customers may finance... Customers may also couple this program with the Bonus Depreciation benefits contained in the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to further reduce their cash expenditures. They should contact their tax advisor with questions about the benefits and eligibility criteria of Bonus Depreciation... (Image from portalautomotriz: Mack's Granite))

* Hendrickson trailer systems plant lays off more than 70 employees

Canton,MASS,USA -CantonRep, by G. Patrick Kelley -Jun 24, 2009: -- The Hendrickson International Trailer Suspension Systems plant here laid off more than 70 employees as the trucking industry continues to reflect the economy... It’s the second set of layoffs for Hendrickson since late last year... Human Services Director, David Decker, said the indefinite layoffs are “due to continued economic decline in the transportation industry.”... The plant makes suspension systems for the trailers of semi rigs. Decker said the number of trailers being built this year is down 70 percent, and the plant had to reduce its workforce by 26 percent...

Labels: truckmakers' news USA

TIRES MAKERS * USA - Hankook unveils e3 Technology for truck tires

Wayne,NJ,USA -Modern Tire Dealer -June 25, 2009: -- Hankook Tire America Corp. has unveiled its e3 (or e-Cubed) Technology for medium truck tires... "The e3 designation is designed to help dealers and customers understand the advanced technology behind its commercial tires, delivered across three areas: energy, economy and environment," say Hankook officials... The technology is designed to "increase fuel economy (energy), allow for improved fuel savings and wear performance (economy)... (and) minimize harmful carbon dioxide discharge (environment)."... Hankook officials say the technology is being integrated into Hankook's new line haul tires, which are scheduled to be rolled out in early 2010...

* NitrogenMan Nitrogen Tire Inflation Now Available to Fleet Vehicles and Trucking Companies

Phoenix.AZ,USA -The Auto Channel -24 June 2009: -- Last week, NitrogenMan completed an installation for Safeway grocery stores to fill the tires in their Tempe-based truck fleet with Nitrogen in an effort to reduce road calls due to tire failures. Safeway plans on having its fleet of 320 trailers and 80 tractors converted by August... Nitrogen tire inflation tests have proven up to a 40% longer tread life of tires because they run cooler and maintain a more consistent tire pressure in spite of fluctuations in outside temperature, thereby reducing maintenance and blowouts... For trucks and fleet vehicles, the key value of Nitrogen tire inflation is in the fuel economy, consistent tire pressure and more even tire wear resulting in the extended life of the tire... Because Nitrogen is an inert dry gas tire pressure change due to temperature is minimal, and because Nitrogen molecules are larger than compressed air molecules, there is virtually minimal loss from Nitrogen passing through tire rubber leading to under inflation. Industry studies have also found that Nitrogen-inflated tires can increase fuel economy by between 4 and 10%.. (Photo from i.treehugger: Safeway truck)

Labels: tiremakers news

TRUCK SALES * Europe - Fall 39 percent in May

Brussels,Belgium -Business Week -24 June 2009: -- European sales of trucks, vans and busses fell 39 percent in May from a year ago, car makers' association ACEA said Wednesday, the thirteenth month that sales have dropped during the economic downturn... Some 138,830 commercial vehicles were sold in May compared to 227,419 during the same month last year, it said. It counts sales across the 27-nation European Union as well as in Iceland, Norway and Switzerland... The biggest chunk of the market, vans, saw sales slump by more than half in Spain and Britain, where the end of a construction boom has slowed economic growth and hiked unemployment. Sales also fell by around a quarter in Germany, Italy and France... (Picture from roadtransport: Anniversary Daf)

Labels: trucks sales

Road Safety * Canada - Heavy load truck drivers doing their part for

Kelowna,BC,CAN -Kelowna Capital News/BC Local News -June 23, 2009: -- Trucking safety is once again making the news—and it’s good news, even though the topic is heavy truck collisions in B.C.... The newly released study, Best Practices for Truck Safety by the internationally respected Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), has found that the trucking industry’s safety record is, contrary to occasional high-profile, negative news reports, making a valuable contribution to road safety in B.C.... Significantly, the report also suggests that one of the greatest opportunities for safety improvements on B.C.’s roads lies not with trucking companies but with drivers of other vehicles... Since heavy trucks share their workplace with the travelling public, trucking companies and their drivers must ensure that they operate safely and responsibly... But the trucking industry cannot do this without public understanding, support and cooperation... Reducing traffic injuries and fatalities requires all road users to learn to share the road safely... (Picture: harvest.canadaeast: Canada's Traffic Injury)

* B.C. has Canada's worst truck drivers

BC,CAN -Canwest News Service, by Lori Culbert -June 14, 2009: -- B.C. truckers are more often at fault in fatal collisions than their counterparts in the rest of Canada, a report analysing truck safety in the province has found... Truck drivers in B.C. were to blame in 18.9 per cent of fatal accidents, compared to 14.8 per cent in the western region, 10 per cent in central Canada, and 12.2 per cent in the Atlantic... The drivers of other vehicles involved in fatal collisions with trucks, however, were more often at fault than the truckers were in all Canadian regions, including 57 per cent of the time in B.C.... Speeding, fatigue, impairment by alcohol or drugs, and undivided roads are among the key contributing factors to collisions in B.C. involving large trucks, the report says... There were 470 fatal accidents in B.C. in the study period, but the truck driver died in only 20 per cent of them... The B.C. drivers involved tended to be older than those in other regions. Fifty-nine per cent were over 40. They also were more likely to have some involvement in the cause of the crash, such as being inattentive, driving too fast for the conditions and even driving in the wrong direction... Most fatal collisions happened on undivided highways, under poor road conditions (rain, snow, ice or slush), and on curved or hilly roads, said the report... (Photograph by: Bruce Stotesbury, Canwest News Service files, Vancouver Sun - SPEEDING, FATIGUE, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL FUEL HIGHER AND MORE DEADLY CRASH RATES ON OUR ROADS: Truck drivers were to blame for 18.9 per cent of fatal accidents in B.C. -- the highest percentage in the country -- according to a report analysing truck safety in the province)

Labels: roads safety

TRUCKER'S HELP * USA - Securing yourself in the truck from hoodlems

I'm looking for some tips on fortifying myself inside my truck from crackheads/thieves/lot lizards

Milchigan,USA -The Truckers' Report, by hunts2much -25 June 2009 (originally published 9 Aug 2008): -- I deliver to Family Dollar stores and stay over night at the stores 3 nights a week. I'm always staying some where in Chicago on Sunday nights and its never a "safe" area. So far I've only dealt with the late night knocks on the door (which I ignore) but other drivers have had much more serious encounters. Usually starting with hoodlums breaking out a window and trying to get in... I run my seat belts through the arm rest of the doors so they would be pretty hard to get open. I also have the cell phone ready and know the addy to the store in case I have to make a call. But my obvious concern is the windows. I'm specifically looking for ideas that would make it harder for some one to get in the truck threw the windows after breaking one out... (Images from knxv - SEE VIDEO)

Labels: drivers' safety

JOB LOSSES * Canada - Trucking hit hard by April ones

Ottawa,ONT,CAN -Today's Trucking -25 June 2009: -- If job losses were an Olympic sport, trucking would be a bronze medal winner for April’s competition... According to preliminary figures released by Statistics Canada, April was the first month where service sector job losses outpaced those in the goods sector, and 3300 of them came from truck transportation... The provinces with the largest declines in non-farm payroll employment in April were Ontario, Alberta, B.C. and Manitoba. Employment in the other provinces was little changed in the month...

Labels: truckers' jobs

Trucking Market Prognosis * USA - Survey points to heightened future expectations for

A recent quarterly survey from Transport Capital Partners indicates that expectations for trucking carriers are lifting across several key metrics

Nashville,TENN,USA -Logistics Management, by Jeff Berman -23 June 2009: -- ... These metrics, according to TCP, include freight volumes, freight rates and credit, among others... In terms of freight volumes, TCP found that expectations for increases over the next year rose up to 37 percent in the second quarter, a sharp increase from 17 percent last November, as well as a 6 percent bump from the first quarter’s 21 percent... Freight rates also appear to be stabilizing, according to the survey, with 54 percent of respondents stating they expect rates to remain the same over the next 12 months, compared to 30 percent in the first quarter. Meanwhile those respondents that expected rates to decrease fell to 29 percent in the second quarter from 58 percent in the first quarter...(Photo from twitpic, by landlinecanuck -June 22, 2009: Eilen & Sons Trucking entries at SuperRigs 2009 in Oak Grove, MO. Great looking trucks)

Labels: trucking markets prognosis

Roadcheck 2009 * USA - Results Show Improvement, CVSA Says

Washington,DC,USA -Transport Topics -25 June 2009: -- Roadcheck 2009 inspections showed significant declines in vehicle and driver out-of-service rates as well as safety belt violations, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said Thursday... Overall compliance rate for the annual 72-hour Roadcheck period, held June 2-4, was 80.4%, the highest since 1996. The overall driver compliance rate was 95.7% — the highest ever, CVSA said... Certified inspectors at 2,148 locations performed a record 72,782 truck and bus inspections, said CVSA, which is up of law enforcement officials in the U.S., Canada and Mexico... (Photo from feetowner: truck inspection)

Labels: roadchecks

FUEL COST * USA - Trucking association cries foul on diesel price jumps

Fort Smith,AR,USA -The City Wire -23 June 2009: -- The American Trucking Association announced today that it has asked Congress to investigate the recent rise in diesel prices and to “increase the transparency of futures markets.”... The Fort Smith region is home to several trucking companies, including Fort Smith-based ABF Freight System and Van Buren-based USA Truck... The ATA said the market forces don’t justify the average 56 cent rise in the price of diesel fuel since February. It reports that U.S. oil inventories are near a 19-year high and oil demand is down 6% from this time last year... Speculation is a necessary and valuable tool and is often used by trucking companies to hedge their fuel purchases, but excessive speculation is harmful to the economy, according to the ATA... (Picture from media.canada.com: sun0805n-gas)

Labels: fuel cost

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS WORLDWIDE

* USA - YRC pledges real estate to pension fund

Overland Park,KN,USA -AP / The Motley Fool -June 18, 2009: -- Trucking company YRC Worldwide Inc. on Thursday said it will pledge as collateral some real estate to a multi-employer pension plan in lieu of a planned $83 million second-quarter payment, as part of an ongoing effort to preserve cash... The company finalized the deal with Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund amid growing chatter on Wall Street that the company might file for bankruptcy... YRC has laid off thousands of workers, asked existing workers to take pay cuts and made deals with creditors to stave off debt payments it couldn't make. YRC has struggled to remain competitive as the trucking industry suffers from the worst demand in decades... The agreement calls for the company to make the deferred payments to the pensions over three years beginning in January 2010...

* Philippines - Manila truckers sell units as cargo volume declines

Manila,Philippines -Business Mirror, by VG Cabuag -24 June 2009: -- Truckers at the Manila North Harbor have started selling their older trucks as volume of cargo declines at its steepest level in years... The Integrated North Harbor Truckers Association said the measure was made to cut their overhead cost, since expectations of a further cargo volume decline lingers with the shipping industry... The group’s president, Salvador Tan, said most of their members sold their older trucks—with a hope of buying new units—since just parking these in their garage will reduce its market value... At the moment, cargo volume in the first five months of the year carried by the group’s members, which also include members of the Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Operators, declined by more than 40 percent from last year’s... PPA said ports that contributed to the decrease include Manila International Container Terminal, the country’s largest, which posted cargo decline of 430,000 metric tons or more than 11 percent for the period; while Manila South Harbor shrank by 779,000 metric tons or close to 30 percent... (Photo from .javno.com: Trucks on Manila Streets)

Labels: trucking industry news USA

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - Daimler Truck Financial Celebrates 35 years in the Trucking Industry

* USA - May Class 8 Truck Sales Drop 39%

New York,NY,USA -Transport Topics, by Jonathan S. Reiskin -June 22, 2009: -- Heavy-duty U.S. truck sales continued their severe slide into a fifth month, as retail volume fell 39% in May, while the year-to-date total now lags the pace of last year by 33.9%, according to WardsAuto.com... And manufacturer order boards for new trucks remain lightly populated, essentially killing off a once-commonly held theory that there might be a small-scale pre-buy ahead of the Jan. 1 change in federal emission rules... (Photo from twitpic.com, by shewhoknowstruk -A Peterbilt truck)

From a small captive finance start-up, company now manages $5.4 billion portfolio across major industry segments

Farmington Hills,MICH,USA -PRNewswire -23 June 2009: -- Daimler Truck Financial celebrates 35 years in the trucking industry this week, having put over a million trucks on the road since the mid-1970s while building up its portfolio serviced to $5.4 billion and managing more than 43,000 contracts... Starting as Freightliner Financial in 1974 with few employees and several contracts, the company has grown to 230 employees, primarily located in a new operations center in Fort Worth, Texas, while others are in Fort Mill, S.C. and Farmington Hills, Mich....

* USA - Daimler Trucks: Western Star Trucks Recall

Washington,DC,USA -US Recall News -June 20, 2009: -- Daimler Trucks is recalling 43, year 2009/2010 Western Star 4900 Trucks, built with DD15 engines... A new forward cab crossmember design reduced clearance for cab mounter battery disconnect switch power cables on standard cab height vehicles. During cab articulation the new crossmember may pinch power cables against the cab... Consequence: Cables that become pinched between the cab and forward cab crossmember could short to ground and potentially overheat resultin in injury to vehicle occupants... (Photo from hankstruckpictures.com: Western Star 4900sa-logger)

* Mack truck assembly to move Volvo in Dublin to Pennsylvania

Lehigh Valley,PA,USA -WSLS -June 25, 2009: -- Mack Trucks, Inc. today announced that the company will move forward its assembly facility in Macungie, PA... The plan involves transferring assembly of Mack highway vehicles from the plant in Virginia’s New River Valley to Macungie, where Mack’s construction and refuse trucks are assembled, to take advantage of efficiencies arising from consolidated assembly, and to create a brand-unique environment for Mack customers... The company expects to begin the transfer in September 2009 and complete it by the end of November 2009, during which period there will be a gradual production ramp-down in NRV and a corresponding ramp-up in Macungie... (Photo from haletrailer.com: Mack trucks CH613)

Labels: truckmakers news USA

Intermodal Chassis Regs * USA - Now in effect: Compliance deadlines to follow

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine, by Jami Jones -June 23, 2009: -- Picking through a pile of unusable intermodal chassis may very well become a thing of the past because of a new regulation implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration... The “Requirements for Intermodal Equipment Providers and for Motor Carriers and Drivers Operating Intermodal Equipment” final rule was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 17, 2008... The regulation officially went into effect June 17. However, compliance deadlines for various aspects of the rule are staggered so the full impact of the new regulation won’t be felt by the drivers pulling the equipment for a few more years... The new regulation requires a pre-trip inspection by drivers using intermodal equipment. And, at the end of the day, the driver will have to fill out an inspection report on all of the equipment operated during the day, noting anything wrong with the equipment to the intermodal equipment provider... The regulation is set up for a rollout of compliance dates. For example, intermodal chassis providers have until Dec. 17 of this year to file needed paperwork with FMCSA. Then, intermodal equipment providers will have until June 17, 2010, to get all of the mandated systems and inspections into place and until June 17, 2011, to have all of the equipment marked... (Photo from trizengineering.com: Commercial vehicle's uncomplete chassis )

Labels: chassis rules

Demand For Truck Drivers * USA - Expected To Increase

Experts are saying that professional truck drivers are currently in demand and that the need will very likely grow

Chattanooga,TENN,USA -Channel 9 News/CityTownInfo -June 23, 2009: ... According to Glen Andrelski, co-owner of the Volunteer Training Center, there is currently a shortage of 20,000 truck drivers in the United States... Similarly the Clark State Community College offers training to drivers of long-haul trucks, school bus and other commercial vehicles, and has seen steady enrollment since the program was first offered in 1987... U.S. News & World Report, recently listed the profession as one of the best blue-collar jobs for people switching careers... Nevertheless, the recession has clearly taken its toll on the industry. The American Trucking Association said, trucking demand has dropped by about 13% from this time last year. Additionally, fuel costs have risen, and earlier reports about the truck driving industry indicated that competition for jobs was fierce... But most agree that truck drivers are expected to be in demand in the long run. "The industry will regain some of its old momentum," predicted Today's Financial News, "one gear at a time."...(Photo from 1.bp.blogspot.com)

Labels: trucking jobs

Truckers Protest * India - Refuse to enter Nagaland by extortions

Nagaland,Assam,India -The Indian Express, by Samudra Gupta Kashyap -Jun 23, 2009: -- The authorities in Nagaland fear a shortage of essential commodities and a consequent rise in prices with truckers from Assam going on strike to protest against extortion by various rebel groups and illegal taxes. With the transporters refusing to enter the state, hundreds of trucks have been stranded at the inter-state border... The strike that began on Saturday was called by the All Assam Truck Owners Association along with other associations representing drivers, handymen and labourers... The Association has alleged that transporters have long been harassed by different organisations collecting taxes, both legal and illegal, while underground outfits including both factions of the NSCN and other Assam-based groups have been extorting huge amount of money from them... (Picture: Guwahati and a trip across lower Assam... What was the driver thinking...)

Labels: strikes and protests

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * WORLDWIDE

* Australia - Volvo dealer develops PBS compliant blueprint

Sydney,VIC,Australia -Logistics -22 June 2009: -- A new truck and trailer design has the potential to lift the productivity of the popular truck and dog combinations used by many operators in parts of Australia... Developed by Gorski Engineering, CMV Volvo from Laverton and CartageAustralia of Sunshine, the new design has delivered a payload advantage for quarry truck operators through a PBS approved blueprint... The 19.6 metre SMART tipper and quad dog trailer combination gets a 1.8 tonne payload advantage on Victorian general access limits and a 5.5 tonne advantage at 54 tonne on Level 2 roads... (Picture - Fetching: a trucking industry collaboration has set a new benchmark for the truck and dog trailer combination and design safety)

* USA - Volvo taking orders for trucks equipped to meet EPA2010 emissions standards

Greensboro,NC,USA -The Trucker News Services -22 June 2009: -- Volvo Trucks North America is now taking orders for trucks across Volvo’s product line equipped to meet the EPA2010 emissions standards using Volvo’s selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology... SCR also helps Volvo increase the fuel efficiency of its EPA’10 trucks and reduce their carbon footprint, according to Scott Kress, senior vice president of sales and marketing... Initial production is scheduled for Fall 2009 with deliveries beginning a few weeks later... These will be initial production trucks, not prototypes or test models, Kress said... (Courtesy Volvo Trucks North America - Volvo says the SCR technology will deliver near-zero emissions)

* USA - First US Built Electric Truck Enters Production - ZeroTruck Ordered by City of Santa Monica for Water Services Dept

Los Angeles,CAL,USA -PRNewswire -June 22, 2009: -- The City of Santa Monica has purchased the first ZeroTruck all-electric zero emission medium duty truck... The ZeroTruck is an all-electric zero emission medium duty truck based on the Isuzu N series chassis and is the only US built electric truck offered for sale in the United States in 2009... The ZeroTruck offers a low cab forward design, a fully automated transmission, up to 100-mile range with full highway capability, advanced lithium batteries, an onboard battery charger, regenerative braking, and powered by a UQM PowerPhase 100 advanced electric motor...

* USA - New system helps day cab drivers comply with anti-idling restrictions while staying cool

Rockford,ILL,USA -PRWEB -June 22, 2009: -- Bergstrom Inc., a global leader in the design and supply of climate systems to the commercial vehicle industry, has developed a new battery-powered air conditioning system, designed specifically for day cabs... The NITE® Day Cab No-Idle System was developed in response to growing demand for solutions to reduce idling in the day cab industry, as well as increasing Federal, State and local regulations against truck idling... How it works: The NITE Day Cab No-Idle System utilizes one or two deep-cycle absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries to power the air conditioning system. This keeps the driver cool when the truck's engine is turned off. To assure there is sufficient battery power to start the truck, the starting batteries are protected from discharge by a separator... Fuel consumption: The reduced fuel consumption savings offered by the NITE Day Cab No-Idle System are impressive. When the system is in the air-conditioning mode, no fuel is used as the Bergstrom NITE Plus system uses deep-cycle AGM battery power. With the optional heating unit, only 0.05 gallons per hour are consumed. The battery is charged by the truck's alternator during normal operation...

Labels: truckmakers' news USA

BIGGER TRUCKS * USA - Truckers spar over increasing weight limit

State transportation officials concerned that local roadways can’t handle extra large loads

New Orleans,LOU,USA -The New Orleans City Business, by Christian Moises -22 June 2009: -- The Louisiana Forestry Association is one of more than 100 groups and companies urging Congress to raise the federal vehicle weight limit on U.S. interstates... But for all the proposal’s upside — fewer trucks burning less fuel to move more cargo — it doesn’t necessarily mean good news for the trucking industry, said Cathy Gautreaux, executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association... The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009, proposed by Reps. Michael Michaud, D-Maine, and Jean Schmidt, R-Ohio, would allow states to increase their interstate vehicle weight limit to 97,000 pounds and require trucks carrying those loads to have six axles... States adopted the current 80,000-pound limit in 1982... Buck Vandersteen, Louisiana Forestry Association executive director, said the proposal will lead to fewer trucks on the road, which will mean lower prices at the store for consumers. The LFA is one of more than 100 U.S. organizations and companies that formed the Coalition for Transportation Productivity, the chief group lobbying for the SET Act... The coalition claims U.S. truck freight will double by 2025 and that truck traffic is growing 11 times faster than road capacity... Mike Coatney, president of Harvey-based Acme Truck Line, works with 2,000 owner-operators and business partners and 240 to 250 flatbed trailers. He says the decision to raise weight limits should be based on engineering, not on maximizing profits... (Photo by Frank Aymami - A tractor-trailer goes through the weigh station on Interstate 10 in LaPlace)

* Trucking Limits

Augusta,Maine,USA -WABI/TV5 News Desk -Jun 22, 2009: -- Senator Susan Collins is asking fellow senators to approve a one-year pilot project exempting Maine's highways from the federal truck limit of 80,000 pounds... She says it's safer to keep heavy trucks on the highway, and it prevents wear and tear on smaller roads... Collins wants to allow trucks weighing up to 100,000 pounds to travel on Interstate 95 north of Augusta...

Labels: bigger trucks

Bigger Trucks * USA - Blue Green Alliance Leads Array of Labor, Environmental Organizations in Opposition to

Labor Unions, National Environmental Groups Endorse Bills

Washington,DC,USA -The Blue Green Alliance (press release) -June 19, 2009: -- The Blue Green Alliance, along with an array of labor unions and environmental organizations, said today that they oppose allowing heavier and longer trucks, including huge triple-trailer trucks, on the nation's highways. The coalition said they will work to pass a bill that would extend the "freeze" on truck size and weight to the entire National Highway System (NHS)... Joining the Blue Green Alliance in opposition to bigger trucks and in support of the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act are the Sierra Club, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Laborers' International Union of North America, Environment America, Communications Workers of America and the Service Employees International Union... These national labor and environmental organizations are working to debunk the arguments of major corporate interests claiming bigger trucks would mean fewer trucks on the road and reduced fuel use... In addition to wrecking roads and bridges, allowing heavier and longer trucks would mean more fuel consumption and a move away from energy efficiency at a time when reducing fuel use and global warming emissions is a national imperative...

Labels: bigger trucks

HISTORY * USA - The day Five Points became a riot zone

The gas riots of June 1979

Bucks County,PENN,USA -The Bucks County Courier Times, by GEORGE MATTAR -21 June 2009: -- Tuesday will mark the 30th anniversary of the nation's first gasoline riots in Levittown... On a hot Saturday afternoon about 5 p.m. June, 23, 1979, Bristol Township police officer Bob Hairhoger, was responding to an accident on New Falls Road near Red Cedar Drive... What would transpire a few moments later would grab international headlines, result in hundreds of arrests and nearly 200 police officers battling with protesters because of the second Arab oil embargo, which dried up tanks throughout the country... The Truckers: Jim Halikman, now 67, a former Bristol Township officer, and Hairhoger's partner at the time, said what originally was planned as a peaceful demonstration turned ugly... The truckers' intentions were not malicious, said Bob Evans, 60, owner of Evans' Trucking along Route 13 in Tullytown... Evans said none of his truckers were involved in the melee, nor got involved in any protests... He did say most of the truckers involved were independents hauling products out of the former U.S. Steel mill in Falls... Sam Farruggio, also 60, owner of Farruggio's Expressway, Bristol Borough, said he cannot remember if any of the independent drivers working for him were involved... Steven Lankin, 68, has owned Five Points Getty since 1964, and remembers those three chaotic days vividly... Given the price of gas and that it continues to rise, Lankin fears another gas riot could take place... "Only this time, they won't be throwing rocks and beer bottles. They will be bringing guns and this time people are gonna get shot. I fear guns this time because it's the easy way out. Nobody fights with their hands anymore," he said... (Chronicle photo by John Storey, from 2.bp.blogspot.com: Riot protesters burned police cars)

Labels: riots

INFRASTRUCTURES * USA - West Virginia DOT chief says state needs to do better planning

"His state is reactive instead of being proactive", West Virgina's top transportation official says

Martinsburg,W.VA,USA -The Trucker -19 June 2009: -- West Virginia's transportation secretary says better planning is needed to address traffic problems in the state's high growth areas... Paul Mattox said Thursday that too often the state reacts to problems instead of trying to anticipate needs based on growth.. .Berkeley County's growth over the past 20 years has created a series of traffic problems. Mattox said traffic congestion in the Eastern Panhandle county is similar to that experienced in Morgantown... Berkeley County is the state's second largest, behind Kanawha... Mattox said the Legislature will have to enact land-use laws that let officials at the local level plan for growth accordingly...

Labels: infrastructures

EVENT * USA - 27th annual Shell Rotella truck beauty contest

Brings together show truck ‘family’

Oak Grove,MO,USA -The Trucker, by DOROTHY COX -21 June 2009: -- When show truckers talk about a family atmosphere, helping one another and pulling together, they’re not just blowing smoke. Brad Caton, who came to the 27th annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs truck beauty show here this week to help clean another man’s truck ended up winning $10,000 cash and the show’s coveted Best of Show award with his truck...

Despite the heat, high humidity and on-and-off rain, 77 trucks rolled through the judges’ line June 18-20, more than predicted given the tough economy. There would have been more but one truck showed up after the judging closed at noon June 20 and two others dropped out, presumably because they got last-minute loads... As part of the awards ceremony, “American truckers” were given a standing ovation as several hundred truckers and their families applauded their own. It was a fitting end to a contest that’s a tribute to working American trucks and the people who lovingly run them, beautify them, customize them and take care of them...

(Picture: "I don’t know what to say; I can’t explain it,” said a flabbergasted Caton (above) after his win June 20. “I just came to clean up Jake’s [truck] and I guess it paid off.” - Brad Caton’s 2007 Peterbilt and 2007 Mac trailer takes top honors in the 2009 Shell Rotella SuperRigs competition, held June 18-20 in Oak Grove, MO. - Photos 2 and 3 by Nikohle Ellis/Land Line Magazine)

Labels: events

Opinion * Canada - Diesel's wild ride

After 38% slide, prices are cheaper than gas again as weak economy shrinks demand for fuel

Toronto,ONT,CAN -The Toronto Star, by Tyler Hamilton -Jun 22, 2009: -- Looking for signs of economic recovery? Just ask a trucking firm... The trucking sector is a barometer of economic health. When the economy is thriving, manufacturers and retailers are shipping more goods overland. When it suffers, 18-wheelers are parked and their engines idled... Money has poured into oil markets recently as the U.S. dollar fell against the euro. Investors for months have used crude as a hedge against inflation, betting that oil prices will likely increase as the economy improves and global supplies start to shrink... But reality is beginning to set in, at least when it comes to the U.S. economy. The U.S. Department of Energy reported yesterday that gasoline inventories rose 3.39 million barrels to 205 million last week, the largest jump since January. Daily demand for fuels is 6 per cent lower than a year ago... This means pump prices will likely stay at current levels through the Canada Day and Fourth of July weekends. "Gas prices should back off a bit after that,'' said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Alaron Trading Corp... Diesel prices may follow... As long as economic activity remains down, diesel is expected to sell at a big discount compared with gasoline, at least until trucking firms like J.D. Smith start pumping more... (Photo by ANDREAS GRADIN / SHUTTERSTOCK)

Labels: diesel fuel

Live the Future * Sweden - Futuristic truck-cab concept probably won't thrill Optimus Prime

Stockholm,Sweden -Dvice -19 June 2009: -- This Scania truck-cab concept from the mind of Adam Palethorpe certainly looks sleek and modern, looking more like an Apple-inspired PC mod than a big rig. It puts glossy finishes and curved surfaces in place of crude, boxy industrialism... While I get the point, it looks a little too sexy for my taste, essentially robbing the truck of its character — as grimy as that could be sometimes...

One aspect of Palethorpe's design I do like, however, are the high-tech fenders that show how long the truck's been on the road. A series of lights, clearly visible to other drivers, would indicate the number of hours the truck's been driven in the last 24 hours, and the last time the driver had a break. While truckers might accuse them of being draconian, I see it as essentially putting your money where your mouth is with those "How's my driving" signs. Who's with me?

Labels: future trucks

Trucker Warns * USA - 'Maersk Chassis' Costs

Bi-State Motor Carriers leader asks NY-NJ to question ocean carrier

Ver mapa más grande

New York,NY,USA -The Journal of Commerce Online, by Bill Mongelluzzo -Jun 20, 2009: -- A trucking association leader in the New York area warned members Friday they could face higher charges because of Maersk Line’s decision to start a nationwide chassis pool... The ocean carrier “should have discussed this program with non-controlled motor truckers before they announced it,” Jeff Bader, president of the Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers, wrote in a letter urging members in New York and New Jersey to contact Maersk with their concerns... The world’s largest container line, Maersk has a fleet of 90,000 chassisa and said Thursday it will make 5,000 available to drayage companies, ocean carriers, marine terminal operators and railroads in New York and New Jersey. Eventually, all of the assets will be available for lease in a nationwide chassis pool... Bader said harbor truckers not designated for store-door moves will therefore have to pay a rental charge “and some maintenance”... Bader said, “It is common practice in the Port of New York and New Jersey for the lines to supply chassis with the containers at no charge.”...

Labels: truckers' complain

Border Crossing * Vietnam - Breakthrough for cargo

Trucks and buses can now operate without stopping at borders along the East-West Corridor following an agreement that was signed this month between Viet Nam, Laos and Thailand

Ha Noi,Viet Nam -VNA/VNS -19 June 2009: -- The agreement was considered a great success in implementing the Cross Border Transport Agreement (CBTA) among member countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), said Nguyen Van Thanh, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Transports’ Road Department... According to the agreement, each participating country may issue licences to 500 trucks and buses for cross-border transport of goods and tourists to vitalise transportation and tourism activities... As a result, licensed cargo trucks and buses from Thailand and Laos can drive into Viet Nam along the corridor without stopping, and vice versa... (Photo by Thanh Phan, from VNA/VNS - Workers prepare part of East-West Corridor in District)

Labels: border crossings

ELECTRIC TRUCK * USA - America's first all-electric utility truck

Kansas City,MO,USA -Utility Products -Jun 22 2009: -- Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corporation (SEV U.S.), announced that it has teamed up with Altec Industries Inc., based in Birmingham, Ala., to introduce America's first all-electric utility truck with an aerial device. The truck will be unveiled June 22 at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Va. The truck is a battery, all-electric Smith Newton produced by SEV U.S. and SEV U.K. with an aerial bucket integrated by Altec Industries Inc., a leading provider of products and services to the electric utility, telecommunications and contractor markets.

* Motor - 120 kw Induction Motor
* Battery - Lithium-Ion Batteries
* Payload - 7,392 lbs to 16,280 lbs
* Gross Vehicle Weight – 16,535 lbs, 23,148 lbs or 26,455 lbs
* Range – In excess of 100 miles (one battery charge)
* Top Speed - 50 mph
* On-board Battery Charger
* Full Battery Recharge – 6 to 8 hours...

(Photo from blogcdn: Smith electric vehicles newton)

Labels: electric trucks

Driver Distraction * USA - Big impact on truck crashes

Washington,DC,USA -Today's Trucking (CAN) -18 June 2009: -- Driver distraction – from cell phone use to dispatching devices – was involved in 100 percent of commercial vehicles crashes, according to a recent study... In addition, driver distraction was involved in 81 percent of safety-critical events, which includes not only crashes but also other events such as lane deviations, according to a study on driver distraction in commercial vehicle operations conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute... Richard Hanowski, director of the center for truck and bus safety at VTTI, offered these recommendations to carriers when addressing the distraction issue:

- Implement education to emphasize the importance of having eyes forward and scanning the surroundings.
- Non high-tech activities, such as reading, writing and mapping, can also be risky distractions.
- Consider enforcing policies such as no texting or other use of in-vehicle devices.
- Encourage drivers to avoid manual dialing and the use of dispatching devices on the road.
- Inform drivers that talking is permitted. It can help keep them alert.
- Look into dispatch devices that include Bluetooth capabilities, voice activation or lockout features.
- Conduct research on some of the other protective effects of certain tasks.
- Support regulation related to driver distraction, such as the text messaging ban or hands-free requirements.

Labels: driver distraction

Truck Recorders * USA - House plan requires EOBR

Washington,DC,USA -eTrucker, by Jill Dunn -19 June 2009: -- Although the U.S. Department of Transportation wants immediate approval of a short-term surface transportation reauthorization bill, which would allow more congressional deliberation on long-term transportation policy, House leaders released their funding plan requiring electronic on-board recorders on trucks... In 2007, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s proposed rule only required EOBRs by companies with HOS violation patterns. More than 99 percent of carriers would continue to use paper logbooks under the rule, which has not been finalized... The American Trucking Associations conditionally supports an EOBR mandate, including requiring evidence that it improves compliance and safety. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, however, opposes it. Public Citizen endorses EOBR mandates as well as asking that the legislation protect highways against heavier and bigger trucks...

Labels: electronic recorder on board

TRUCKS CONTROLS * Canada - OPP target unsafe trucks

Mississauga,ONT,CAN -The Mississauga Bews, by Louie Rosella -June 18, 2009: -- OPP took dozens of trucks off the road yesterday as they patrolled Hwy. 401 in Mississauga as part of a day-long, province-wide initiative targeting aggressive truck drivers and unsafe commercial vehicles... Operation Corridor is an annual highway safety effort that focuses on high police visibility, enforcement and education, said OPP Chief Supt. Bill Grodzinski, commander of the Highway Safety Division... (File photo - Officer Stephen Chapman of the Peel Regional Traffic Unit inspects a truck for possible safety infractions at the International Centre last year. The OPP were out on the road yesterday looking for unsafe trucks)

Labels: trucks' controls

"GREEN" NEWS * USA - New diesel trucks and buses cut soot and smog more than 90%

Data show new diesel technologies are working even better than expected

Washington,DC,USA -Environmental Health News, by Marla Cone -June 18, 2009: -- For decades, diesel trucks and buses have spewed large amounts of soot, smog-causing gases and carcinogens into the air. But new diesel engines are more than 90 percent cleaner than a few years ago, far exceeding the emission reductions required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a new independent study released Thursday...

Tests--conducted by independent researchers funded by a coalition of government and industry--now show the diesel technologies are working even better than expected. Truck and bus engines are much cleaner than they are required to be under new federal standards, and for many pollutants, the latest models are emitting the same levels as gasoline-powered automobiles, the researchers said...

However, one company, Navistar, has said it cannot meet the nitrogen oxides standard next year so it will use credits to offset the difference. In March, Navistar filed suit against the EPA, although the other three companies have filed a brief in court supporting the EPA rule... Other diesels, such as construction and farm equipment, must meet the same emission standards, but have until 2013, or in some cases, 2015, to do so. The new tests only checked truck and bus engines... To meet health standards at many U.S. cities with heavy particulate pollution, manufacturers of both gasoline and diesel engines may have to face even tougher emission standards in the future, Daniel Greenbaum, president of the Health Effects Institute, said...

* Maxwell, ISE To Cooperate on Hybrid Systems for Buses and Trucks

San Diego,CAL,USA -Sustainable Business/Reuters -Jun 18, 2009: -- Maxwell Technologies, a manufacturer of energy storage products, and ISE Corporation (ISE), a designer and manufacturer of hybrid propulsion systems and components for heavy-duty vehicles, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the formation of a strategic alliance to develop and market high-voltage energy storage systems for fuel-efficient, low-emission, hybrid-electric buses and trucks... Under the agreement, ISE will source ultracapacitor cells exclusively from Maxwell; and Maxwell will source and market through certain high-voltage and high performance ultracapacitor modules designed and produced by ISE... The agreement builds on a relationship that began in 2002, when Maxwell began supplying its BOOSTCAP ultracapacitors to ISE for braking energy recapture and torque assist in ISE's hybrid drive systems for heavy-duty vehicles..

Labels: green news

AUTOMAKERS' WORLDWIDE * Germany: Rumor Of The Day ...

... Or Not: Daimler To Buy Porsche To Buy VW

Sttugart,Germany -Manager Magazin, by Bertel Schmitt -June 20, 2009: -- On Friday evening, a wild rumor whirred via the wires. It started at Germany’s usually well informed Manager Magazin, then spread to Reuters and Bloomberg: Daimler may be taking a stake in its Stuttgart neighbor Porsche. Through Porsche, Daimler would own a part of Volkswagen... According to Manager Magazin, Daimler’s Zetsche and Porsche’s Wiedeking had negotiations since May. Not surprisingly so. In the same May, it had become very apparent that Porsche was unable to finalize the Volkswagen takeover... The matter turned into a billion Euro soap opera. Wiedeking talked to anybody who may have money, the Sheikh of Qatar, and why not Daimler, they live next door... Anyway, “an industry source told Reuters that the report should be taken seriously”... Didn’t someone say that the industry has to consolidate? Sell Opel to Russia (or if all fails, to China,) create a Volksporschedaimler (owned by Austrians and Saudis,) and if BMW doesn’t come on board, NSFW them. Sounds boring and benign compared to what else is happening in the car world. Anyway, Porsche and Daimler go a long ways back. About 100 years... (Picture courtesy flickr.com: Austro Daimler revisited? )

Labels: automakers news

MARKET'S REPORT * Argentine - Freight Transport Report Q3 2009

New market research report: Argentina Freight Transport Q3 2009

City of Buenos Aires,Argentine -PR Inside, by Mike King (UK) -17 June 2009: -- The obstruction of Argentina´s main trucking routes worsened in late March 2009, stalling freight cargo movement between the South American country and its neighbours... The protests escalated to affect trade volumes between Argentina and neighbouring Brazil, the largest single destination for Argentine exports with more than US$10bn worth of exports to the country in 2007...

For the 2009-2013 period we are now expecting average annual freight growth across all transport modes -measured in million tonnes-km (mntkm)- of only 0.7%. Various factors support this core prediction... Across our 2009-2013 forecast period, we have reduced the average annual GDP growth forecast to only 0.6%, a pretty dismal performance when compared to the 8.5% annual average registered in the preceding five-year period... The freight industry is now experiencing much more manageable fuel prices, but this contribution to the bottom line will not be enough to dispel the gloom caused by slumping demand... Road haulage will continue to be the dominant freight transport mode. Investment is still needed in both the highways network and truck fleets, but recession will ease bottlenecks. Over the forecast period annual average growth in road freight carried will be 0.7%, down sharply from the preceding five years...

We give Argentina a freight transport rating of 54.7 (out of a theoretical maximum of 100.0), which puts it in the medium range of key Latin American markets that the report monitors. Positive factors contributing to the country's score include the country's long-term economic and political risk assessments and potential for growth in infrastructure. The total value of transport and communications GDP will rise to US$44bn in nominal terms by 2013, representing 9.9% of Argentina's GDP. The transport and communications sector employed around 666,000 people, or 7.1% of the labour force, in 2008. We see the figure rising to 701,000 by 2013, although as a proportion of the labour force it will remain unchanged at 7.1%...

Labels: transport and logistics reports

Truck Cabs * USA - The World's smallest and biggest ones?

'It's Showtime' from Road Rat

London,UK -BigLorryBlog -June 17, 2009: ... Road Rat says "Dear BLB, after all your posts about the biggest truck cabs I've also found the smallest truck cab too. Damm I'm good!" And if you don't believe old RR try looking at it from the side...... Tight fit or what...?... I can't see the average 'hefty' US trucker fitting in there...

* "Seeing as there has been a little rant over who has the biggest truck cabs !!!"

"This Kenworth, found in not so sunny St. Helens, that's north of Watford you know, comes complete

with 3 seat sofa,

and full shower. It carries it's own water supply."...

Labels: trucks' webshots

Rethinking Truck Freight * Worldwide

* Sweden - Volvo's Future Solution' to road transport... Truck Lanes

Goteborg,Sweden -BigLorryBlog (London,UK) -June 20, 2009: -- Imagine a world where trucks have their own priority 'green lanes' ... And why not says Biglorryblog?: It comes from Volvo Trucks and is part of their crystal ball gazing that's also delivered their 2020 Vision Truck and you can see it on this clip...enjoy the future!

(Video from YouTube, by roadtransport -6 Feb 2009 - Volvo publicity video for their 'Vision 2020' concept truck, designed to drive automatically in convoy -also known as 'platooning')

* USA - ... With Electric Train

A group of Texas researchers would like to resurrect the train as chief freight mover in the U.S.

Texas,USA -Planetary Gear, by Candace Lombardi -June 18, 2009: -- ... The Universal Freight Shuttle is the brainchild of Stephen Roop, assistant director Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), a branch of Texas A&M University's system chain... The automated train, which is designed to accommodate standard shipping containers and trailers, would move forward along a track by linear induction motors powered with electricity... Roop and others at TTI have been working on the concept and design for eight years, keeping in mind not just the technology, but how such an infrastructure would impact federal and state transportation departments, freight companies, shippers, and border security... In addition to providing a cleaner option for shipping freight, the UFS includes a conveyor-like system to screen standard shipping containers at ports and borders while they're in motion, and automatically divert suspect containers to an area for further human inspection... (Credit: Texas Transportation Institute - Artist's rendering of the Universal Freight System loading a standard shipping container on to a train)

* USA - Highly Sophisticated Transport: A Concept Truck

HST Concept Truck 1USA -Tachoblog -19 June 2009: -- This is the HST (Highly Sophisticated Transport) designed by Kioko Muthui, a 24-year old Kenyan with a passion for Heavy Commercial Vehicles and Transportation Design who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Transport Economics....

According to Kioko, ‘the HST is a vision for future European long-distance road haulage. Designed to transport a high volume of widely accepted palletized and containerized cargo units, the concept features a proposed overall length of 29 metres with a proposed maximum gross combination weight (GCW) of 65 tonnes. Although the HST is considerably larger than contemporary articulated trucks, the concept would be no more difficult to manoeuvre.’...

Kioko’s design also states that ‘by means of a comprehensive yet straightforward computer, the HST would be as simple to operate as a modern passenger car. With a 2.90 metres long cab, the concept would provide a working and living environment that would be far more comfortable than contemporary ‘cab over engine’ trucks.’...

Labels: transport and logistics prognosis

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - NM revokes towing and trucking permits

Santa Fe,NM,USA -KDBC4 News -18 June 2009: -- The operating permits of 89 trucking, towing and other transportation companies have been revoked by the state Public Regulation Commission... The commission says state law makes it unlawful for any motor carrier to operate within the state without having filed and maintained proof of its financial responsibility... The commission took action against the companies this week. If the companies continue to operate in violation of state law, they face a penalty of up to $10,000 per day for each violation... In all, the commission said it has taken action against 296 companies since the beginning of May... (Photo: comps.fotosearch: New Mexico trucks)

Labels: trucking industry news USA

TRUCKER'S STORY * USA - Firestone trucker looks forward after heroic past

Firestone,CO,USA -The Longmont Times-Call, by George Plaven -18 June 2009: -- At home, Jorge Orozco Sanchez has dedicated a chunk of the living room wall to a collection of plaques honoring him for saving two lives last fall... The Adult Lifesaver Award from the American Red Cross. Firestone Citizen of the Year. The Goodyear North American Highway Hero Award. Accolades from the Weld County Sheriff’s Office... Orozco Sanchez, an independent trucker from Firestone, was driving on Colo. Highway 392 near U.S. Highway 85 last October when an SUV drifted across lanes and into his path. The crash left both vehicles in flames... The SUV’s driver, Melissa Nicklas, died in the collision... Orozco Sanchez was able to pull both himself and Nicklas’ two young daughters from the wreckage... His bravery saved lives, but the accident left Orozco Sanchez without the truck he needed to do his job. He is still waiting on an insurance settlement as pressure from bill collectors intensifies... Orozco Sanchez wondered how he would keep his house, how he would support his wife, Susie, and their two young children, Robert and Lorena. He said he wasn’t thinking positively... The turning point came in March, when Orozco Sanchez received the Goodyear award, along with a huge piece of generosity... Representatives from the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association helped Orozco Sanchez get a no-money-down loan for the 2005 rig he now drives on his route from Greeley to Sterling... Goodyear also donated 18 new tires for the truck... Orozco Sanchez is still trying to catch up on bills, but he said everything will be OK so long as he takes it one day at a time... (Photo by Joshua Buck/Times-Call - Getting back in the driver’s seat hasn’t been easy for Jorge Orozco Sanchez after an accident totaled his rig last October. The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association helped Orozco Sanchez get a no-money-down loan for a newer rig. They weren’t the only people to help, he said. Even the fueling station on the eastern plains, where he was filling up Tuesday, has given him flexibility on his credit)

Labels: truckers' stories

BORDER TROUBLES * Belarus - Removes customs posts on Russia’s border

Ties between the ex-Soviet republics have worsened in recent weeks, with Russian and Belarusian officials exchanging angry rhetoric

Redki,Belarus -Associated Press/The Gaea News, by Yuras Karmanau and Sergei Grits -June 17, 2009: -- Russia and Belarus stepped back from their growing trade dispute Wednesday, as Minsk said it would dismantle new customs posts following Moscow’s agreement to resume dairy imports from its western neighbor... But a potentially more troubling conflict loomed as Russia’s state-controlled gas monopoly said Belarus owed more than $200 million in debts for gas supplies this year, and demanded payment by next week... Belarusian customs officials announced Tuesday that all cargo coming from Russia would be subject to new rules, including more stringent inspections. The move came in response to the Russian ban on Belarusian dairy products — one of its main exports... About 30 customs officers were stationed on the border Wednesday morning, including at Redki crossing on the main Russia-Belarus highway... Russia agreed to lend Belarus $2 billion, but the transfer of the final $500 million installment has been held up indefinitely. Lukashenko has accused Russia of linking the money to Belarus’ refusal to recognize the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent nations, which Russia did following its war last summer... (Photo from geosite.jankrogh: Border between Belarus and Russia east of Homel. The border is not demarcated but the borderline appears to be going approximately at the blue sign -below the "ROSSIJA" monument-)

Labels: border troubles

Report * USA - Logistics costs drop for first time in six years

Total spending on U.S. logistics dropped to $1.3 trillion last year, a decrease of $49 billion from 2007

Washington,DC,USA -Logistics Management,by John D. Schulz -17 June 2009: -- For the first time in six years, total spending on U.S. logistics dropped to $1.3 trillion last year, a decrease of $49 billion from 2007. That’s the gist of the 20th Annual “State of Logistics Report” released by the Council of Supply Chain Professionals (CSCMP) on Wednesday... The annual respected benchmark report revealed the financial damage done to the sector by the ongoing recession. After rising by more than 50 percent the previous five years, business logistics costs fell to 9.4 percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product last year. That is down from 10.1 percent in 2007... Transportation costs rose 2 percent, but that was not enough to offset the 13.2 percent decline in inventory carrying costs, primarily due to record-low interest rates last year. Transportation ($872 billion) now accounts for 6.1 percent of nominal GDP while inventory carrying costs ($420 billion) account for 2.9 percent of GDP... Trucking, which accounts for 78 percent of transport by revenue and half of all business logistics cost, was particularly hard hit, rising just 1.3 percent compared with 4.4 percent for the other modes (rail, barge, air cargo, oil pipelines and forwarders)... For shippers, this has resulted in bargain transport rates, especially in trucking and ocean transport, according to Rosalyn Wilson, the long-time author of the SoL report... Noting that the rails and trucking companies used to be “mortal enemies,” John Lanigan, a long-time veteran of Schneider Nation said, those days are over. “We’re not anymore,” he said. “Three of our 10 largest rail customers are trucking companies.”... (Photo from oocl.com: US unit train)

Labels: transport and logistics reports

TRUCKERS' SAFETY * USA - OOIDA supports bill that would allow truckers to protect themselves

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine, by Clarissa Kell-Holland -17 June 2009: -- On Friday, June 12, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association sent a letter of support to a lawmaker who has introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate that would allow drivers to protect themselves while out on the road... The bill was introduced by Sen. John Thune, R-SD, and has 22 co-sponsors, and seeks to allow “citizens who have concealed carry permits from the state in which they reside to carry concealed firearms in another state that grants concealed carry permits, if the individual complies with the laws of the state.”... On average, OOIDA members are away from home more than 240 nights per year. A Land Line poll found that more than 40 percent of respondents had either had “close calls” or had found themselves victims of violence while parked... OOIDA President, Jim Johnston, said that even though truckers are susceptible to harm and theft, “they are effectively prohibited from carrying a weapon to defend themselves because of the lack of consistent reciprocity between jurisdictions"... (Photo from parking-net.com: Truck parking)

Labels: safety, truckers' adventures

National Sleep Conference * USA - OOIDA member participates in

Truckers have heard many doctors attempt to link sleep apnea, truck drivers and safety for years, though the experts almost never ask drivers themselves about the issue

Seattle,WASH,USA -Land Line Magazine, by Charlie Morasch -17 June 2009: -- ... OOIDA member Bob Stanton of Batavia, IL, recently attended and participated in Sleep 2009 – a conference of medical doctors and sleep specialists hosted by the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC... Ironically, Stanton had to park his truck in Portland after he ran out of available hours of service. He rented a car and drove the rest of the way to Seattle, speaking on only about five hours of sleep... “They’d never had a patient speak as a presenter,” Stanton said... Stanton said both Dr. Barbara Phillips, past chair of the National Sleep Foundation, and Dr. Allan Pack, admitted that a “major hole” exists in the amount of available research linking sleep apnea and any increased risk of crashes from commercial motor vehicle operators... OOIDA has asked the FMCSA Medical Review Board to include a physician with knowledge of the trucking industry on the board... (Video from YouTube by kocotv - 10 April 2008: It's an effort to keep sleepy truck drivers off Okla. roads)

Labels: sleep apnea

Speed Violations * USA Arizona bill would raise stakes

Phoenix,AZ,USA -AP/Product Design & Development -June 17, 2009 — A bill advancing in the Legislature would mean that speeding violations captured by state photo enforcement cameras would be reported for possible action against the violator's drivers license... The 2008 law that authorized the Department of Public Safety's photo enforcement program specifically barred courts from reporting violations to the Motor Vehicle Division and prohibited MVD from using the violations to add points to violators' licenses... A lobbyist representing a trucking industry group and an insurance company said both want to know whether applicants for jobs or insurance coverage have speeding violations... (Video from YouTube, by EditWeapon -23 Jan 2009: I was going 67 mph in what had been temporarily changed to a 55 mph zone on Arizona 101 Highway. For anyone who wants to know what it looks like to see the camera, here you go... Btw, the camera tickets in AZ are now considered to be like a parking ticket, and therefore the ticket goes with the car. This means that you don't have to actually be served by a processor server for the ticket to "count". Which is why it says on the ticket, "No court appearance is required and poin ts will not be assessed to your driving record. This Notice of Violation is not subject to dismissal due to defensive driving school attendance." ... Instead, the ticket now travels along with the car, which means that if you have too many "parking tickets", the car can be impounded... This info came from a friend of mine in January of 2008. He's a civil prosecutor for the city of Scottsdale, Arizona)

Labels: speed limits

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - FedEx: Still Waiting for an Economic Recovery

"If the economy does well, FedEx will do well," - The delivery giant's disappointing fourth-quarter results and cautious outlook suggest that a U.S. economic upturn may be delayed

New York,NY,USA -Business Week, by Ben Steverman -June 17, 2009: -- Many investors and economists are betting that an end to the recession is on its way. But the latest results from FedEx pose a grim question: What if economic recovery gets lost in transit?... Shipping firms—especially giants such as FedEx and archrival United Parcel Service (UPS)—are closely watched because the strength of their businesses serves as a useful gauge of activity in the broader economy... In its fourth quarter ending May 31, FedEx's revenues fell 20%. The shipping giant posted a loss of $876 million, or $2.82 per share. Without one-time accounting adjustments, the company posted earnings of 64¢ per share, down from $1.45 a year ago... FedEx chairman and Chief Executive, Fred Smith, said the company he founded has faced "the most difficult conditions in our company's history and in fact the most difficult economic conditions that the modern world has seen since the end of World War II."... FedEx's results are the latest evidence that while economists and investors hope for the best, the economy remains on a rough and rocky road... "If the economy does well, FedEx will do well," says Bernie McGinn, president of investment manager McGinn, McKean & O'Neill, which owns FedEx shares... (Photo from farm3.static.flickr)

Labels: trucking industry news USA

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS, Mergers & Acquisitions * WORLDWIDE

Strategic Buyers - International Deals

* The Netherlands - 5 June: Royal TNT Post B.V. announced the acquisition of Mikropakket Nederland BV. Based in the Netherlands, Mikropakket provides secure distribution of products such as jewelry and telecommunication items in the Dutch market. Terms were not disclosed.

* Switzerland - 3 June: Holcim Ltd. announced the acquisition of 69.0% of DTD Kamenko Gagrcin AD for $2.1 million. Based in Sombor, Serbia, DTD provides bulk marine transport of gravel and sand.

* Malaysia - 2 June: TL Geotechnics Sdn. Bhd announced the pending acquisition of 60.0% of Scomi Oilserve Sdn Bhd for $3.6 million. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Scomi provides marine vessel chartering services and owns two anchor handling tugs.

* UK - 1 June: Asco Marine Ltd. announced the acquisition of a majority interest in Seletar Shipping (Scotland) Limited. Based in Aberdeenshire, UK, Seletar provides comprehensive agency and offshore support service to clients in the offshore, general cargo, freight management and logistics sectors. Terms were not disclosed.

* Belgium - 9 June: Euro-Sprinters NV announced the pending acquisition of MG Road Express Bvba and Corpco SA-NV. MG and Corpo provide distribution and package express services from their base in Belgium. Terms were not disclosed.

* Switzerland - 10 June: Swiss Post International AG announced the acquisition of Swiss Post International Denmark ApS. Based in Copenhagen, SPI Denmark provides post dispatch and courier services. Terms were not disclosed.

* Osterreich - 10 June: Helvetia Versicherungen AG announced the pending acquisition of CEAT L'Européenne d'Assurance Transport. Based in Paris,

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30.6.09

Heavy Truck * New Zealand - Trial a success

TRANSPORT INTELLIGENCE * USA - New York/New Jersey port launches second shipper incentive program

‘Speed limiter’ * Canada - Fines begin July 1 in Ontario, Quebec

Truck Stop Electrification * USA - Truckers, air to benefit from $2 million ARRA state grant

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - Trucks Take Security Upgrade in Stride

29.6.09

EVENT * USA - Great West Truck Show 2009

Depressed Truckies * Australia - 'As lethal as drunks'

Heavier Trucks * New Zealand - To hit roads

28.6.09

TRUCKERS WORLDWIDE ... THOSE BAD DAYS !!!

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - FedEx Loses $876 Million

FEES & TAXES * USA - DeFazio has a better idea

TRUCK PURCHASES * USA - Pentagon nears award on new trucks for Afghanistan

TRUCKING STATISTICS * USA - May Truck Tonnage Plunges 13.2%

27.6.09

INCREIBLE TRUCK DRIVER * USA - The impossible U-turn

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - Paccar plant delays opening a year

"GREEN" NEWS * UK - M&S goes green AND saves 23% on fuel

TAX POLICYS * UK - FTA: Focus on carbon, not fuel duty

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * Europe

MEXICANS' TRUCKS * U.S./Mexico - Border should be open to all truckers

26.6.09

TECHNO-NEWS * Sweden - Super-light trucks are coming

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * Russia - Truck maker KamAZ suspends assembly line

Megatrucks * Europe - Heading for Irish roads

SURVEY * Ireland - Businesses waiting longer to get paid

ROAD SAFETY * Ireland - EU Report Ranks Ireland 6th in EU for road safety

Electric Cars (& Vans) * France - Renault/Nissan Eyes Fleet Market for

"GREEN" NEWS * USA - Study Finds '07 Diesels Cleaner

INSFRASTRUCTURES FUNDS * USA - DOT Awards $140 Million in Transport Grants

MEXICANS TRUCKS * USA - Lawmaker urges action on ‘inappropriate’ tariffs

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - YRC to talk to Teamsters on modified labor agreement

* USA - Let’s Sell Some Trucks!

Transport Intelligence * USA - Dredging the Sacramento Deep Water Ship Channel

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA

TIRES MAKERS * USA - Hankook unveils e3 Technology for truck tires

25.6.09

TRUCK SALES * Europe - Fall 39 percent in May

Road Safety * Canada - Heavy load truck drivers doing their part for

TRUCKER'S HELP * USA - Securing yourself in the truck from hoodlems

JOB LOSSES * Canada - Trucking hit hard by April ones

Trucking Market Prognosis * USA - Survey points to heightened future expectations for

Roadcheck 2009 * USA - Results Show Improvement, CVSA Says

FUEL COST * USA - Trucking association cries foul on diesel price jumps

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS WORLDWIDE

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - Daimler Truck Financial Celebrates 35 years in the Trucking Industry

Intermodal Chassis Regs * USA - Now in effect: Compliance deadlines to follow

Demand For Truck Drivers * USA - Expected To Increase

23.6.09

Truckers Protest * India - Refuse to enter Nagaland by extortions

TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * WORLDWIDE

BIGGER TRUCKS * USA - Truckers spar over increasing weight limit

22.6.09

Bigger Trucks * USA - Blue Green Alliance Leads Array of Labor, Environmental Organizations in Opposition to

HISTORY * USA - The day Five Points became a riot zone

INFRASTRUCTURES * USA - West Virginia DOT chief says state needs to do better planning

EVENT * USA - 27th annual Shell Rotella truck beauty contest

Opinion * Canada - Diesel's wild ride

21.6.09

Live the Future * Sweden - Futuristic truck-cab concept probably won't thrill Optimus Prime

Trucker Warns * USA - 'Maersk Chassis' Costs

Border Crossing * Vietnam - Breakthrough for cargo

ELECTRIC TRUCK * USA - America's first all-electric utility truck

Driver Distraction * USA - Big impact on truck crashes

Truck Recorders * USA - House plan requires EOBR

TRUCKS CONTROLS * Canada - OPP target unsafe trucks

"GREEN" NEWS * USA - New diesel trucks and buses cut soot and smog more than 90%

20.6.09

AUTOMAKERS' WORLDWIDE * Germany: Rumor Of The Day ...

MARKET'S REPORT * Argentine - Freight Transport Report Q3 2009

Truck Cabs * USA - The World's smallest and biggest ones?

Rethinking Truck Freight * Worldwide

TRUCKING INDUSTRY NEWS * USA - NM revokes towing and trucking permits