User-agent: Mediapartners-Google* Disallow: Trucks World News: June 2011
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Jun 9, 2011

TRANSPORT & LOGISTIC NEWS * WORLDWIDE

Briefing Weekly News
Week: 8 June 2011

(Video from YouTube, by Paulo13302 -5 June 2011: Big Planes TAKE-OFFs. Flight Simulator 2011)

* News from DHL
- All DHL Express' major facilities in the US are now TAPA-certified; and DHL has launched new direct flights between the US and the Middle East & Asia. Read full news here

* TNT launches India – Europe dedicated freighter service
- TNT Express has launched a dedicated B767 freighter service between New Delhi and TNT's European air hub in Belgium. Read full news here

* UPS expands Latin American air network capacity
- In response to the solid growth in Latin American economies, UPS has significantly expanded the capacity of its express air network throughout the region. Read full news here

* Strategic Airlines awards contract to Virgin Atlantic Cargo
- Virgin Atlantic Cargo has been awarded a freight outsourcing contract by Brisbane-based Strategic Airlines. Read full news here

* Agility signs MOU with Schmidt Heilbronn
- Agility has signed a memorandum of understanding with Schmidt Heilbronn, formalising a long-term collaboration with the European dry bulk chemicals logistics provider. Read full news here

* Safmarine launches new iPhone app
- Safmarine has added another e-product to its range of e-Business accessories with the launch of its application for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices. Read full news here

* Geodis Wilson acquires One Source Logistics
- Geodis Wilson has strengthened its position in the US market with the acquisition of domestic transportation specialist, One Source Logistics. Read full news here

* DHL launches disaster prevention at Bangladesh airports
- Deutsche Post DHL will conduct its "Get Airports Ready for Disaster" (GARD) training at the Dhaka and Chittagong airports in Bangladesh in June, preparing both airports and personnel for post-disaster logistics situations. Read full news here

* Maersk Line CEO calls for industry change
- Maersk Line CEO Eivind Kolding believes that if container shipping is to secure its licence to operate in the future, the industry needs to change now. Read full news here

* Cargotec discusses its Port 2060 project
- More than fifty years after the start of containerisation, Cargotec has envisaged the way the port of the future might look against a possible backdrop of game-change technology and innovation. Read full news here

* EVA Airways to pay $13m in US DOJ Antitrust case
- Taiwan-based EVA Airways has agreed to plead guilty and to pay a $13.2 million criminal fine for its role in a conspiracy to fix prices in the air cargo industry. Read full news here

* China Southern orders six B777 Freighters
- China Southern Airlines has entered into an agreement with Boeing to purchase six Boeing B777F aircraft. Read full news here

* GSC Logistics acquires Best Way Trucking
- California-based GSC Logistics has expanded its presence into the Pacific Northwest with the acquisition of Seattle-based Best Way Trucking, effective June 1st. Read full news here

* A320/A321 P2F conversion development program ends
- The strong demand for used Airbus A320 aircraft has inspired a joint decision to stop the A320/A321 Passenger to Freighter (P2F) conversion program. Read full news here

* Korean Air launches Miami – Uzbekistan freighter service
- Korean Air has begun scheduled freighter service with a B747-400F aircraft connecting Miami International and New York JFK to Brussels (Belgium) and Navoi (Uzbekistan). Read full news here

* IATA urges South Africa to revise its air transport policies
- With South Africa having joined the BRICS nations and now playing a key role in linking Africa to these other fast growing economies, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged the South African government to use joined-up policy thinking and take key measures to boost its air transport sector. Read full news here

* JAL and American Airlines strengthen cargo relationship
- Japan Airlines (JAL) and American Airlines (American) have embarked on a closer cooperation aimed at strengthening international cargo operations for both airlines. Read full news here

* ODFL expands Pacific Promise service to Taiwan
- To meet increasing shipping demand from Asia, Old Dominion Freight Line has expanded its Pacific PromiseTM LCL service to Taiwan's three main ports: Taichung, Keelung and Kaohsiung. Read full news here

* IATA supports third runway at HKIA
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reiterated its support for the construction of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), as the Hong Kong Airport Authority (HKAA) opened public consultations on the project. Read full news here

* Deutsche Bahn and RZD consider Russian JV
- DB Schenker Rail and the RZD subsidiary TransContainer have reaffirmed their intention to investigate the feasibility of setting up a joint venture to provide logistics services in Russia, with a focus on the automotive sector. Read full news here

* Recently awarded / expanded contracts
- Damaris appoints Menlo Worldwide Logistics to handle global distribution; the Highways Agency expands its contract with Norbert Dentressangle. Read full news here

* Rickmers-Linie upgrades Indian service
- Rickmers-Linie is upgrading its Indian service with the addition of four new vessels. Read full news here

* New facilities for Cargotec, CEVA and GAC
- Cargotec will establish a global competence centre in Singapore; CEVA has opened a new Freight Management office in Finland; GAC opens new office in Trinidad & Tobago. Read full news here

* VPs of hi-tech supply chains to meet at Singapore Summit
- Vice presidents and senior directors of Supply Chain from leading hi-tech & electronics manufacturers and retailers will gather in Singapore in September to discuss supply chain issues in Asia-Pacific. Read full news here

* eyefortransport reveals 3PL Awards shortlist
- The shortlist for this year's eyefortransport 3PL awards has been announced after months of customer voting. The top three companies in each of nine categories now enter a final round of voting, before the winners are announced. Read full news here

* ICTSI makes cash offer for Portek
- ICTSI Far East has announced a voluntary conditional cash offer for all issued and paid-up ordinary shares in Portek International, other than those already owned, controlled or agreed to be acquired by ICTSI. Read full news here

* NFI acquires Gilbert Company’s west coast operation
- New Jersey-based NFI has acquired the West Coast operation of The Gilbert Company - a subsidiary of Maersk. Read full news here

* FedEx offers international direct service to Colombia
- In response to market demands from the fast-growing economy in Colombia, FedEx Express now international direct service throughout the country. Read full news here


Briefing Weekly News 
Week: 1st June 2011

(Photo from 2.bp.blogspot: CMA CGM TITAN. The CMA CGM Group, the world's third largest container)

* Toll to acquire Tianjin Anda Logistics
- Toll Group has agreed to acquire 40% of Tianjin Anda Logistics, one of the largest 3PLs in China's rapidly expanding automotive market. Read full news here

* DB Schenker forms alliance with NICTA
- NICTA, Australia's ICT Research Centre of Excellence, has teamed up with DB Schenker to tackle the task of improving productivity in the transport and logistics sector. Read full news here

* DHL invests in global connections
- DHL Express is expanding its global capabilities and improving customer service through a significant investment in its infrastructure and its people. Read full news here

* Recently awarded / extended contracts
- Colomer appoints Kuehne + Nagel as logistics partner for warehousing & distribution; Kuehne + Nagel manages a new temperature-controlled warehouse in Singapore for Danisco; Philips extends its logistics agreement with DHL; Groupe CAT signs a three-year contract with Aixam Mega; CeBIT Australia appoints DB Schenker as official logistics provider; Weber Logistics signs multi-year contract with Topco. Read full news here

* DSV acquires Wasa Logistics
- DSV has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Wasa Logistics. Read full news here

* STI releases iPhone app
- Specialized Transportation Inc. (STI) has released a free iPhone application to enable customers to access shipment status. Read full news here

* Refining fuel distribution
- Outsourcing to capable local logistics managers is reducing risk and increasing returns for oil companies. Read full news here

* APL cold-irons ships in Oakland
- Singapore-based APL has become the first container shipping line to shut down a vessel's engines to eliminate exhaust emissions at the Port of Oakland. Read full news here

* DB Schenker operates first freight train over High Speed 1
- The introduction of regular European-sized freight trains on High Speed 1 has taken a significant step forward with the successful operation by DB Schenker Rail of the first freight train on the route on Friday May 27th. Read full news here

* MUA cancels proposed strikes
- Australian stevedoring company Patrick has announced the last minute decision by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) to lift its industrial action at Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle container terminals. Read full news here

* Maersk announces new and upgraded services
- Maersk Line has announced a new service to Papua New Guinea, and upgrades to its Far East - East Coast South America service. Read full news here

* UPS leverages new hub to enhance service in Asia
- One year after opening an ultra-modern air hub in Shenzhen, UPS has announced the completion of a series of air lane enhancements that have dramatically improved service for customers throughout Asia. Read full news here

* BAE Systems sells aircraft fleet and asset management business
- BAE Systems has agreed to sell its commercial aircraft lease portfolio and Asset Management business to investment affiliates of Fortress Investment Group for $187 million in cash, subject to certain post-completion adjustments. Read full news here

* PSP, Pindar and GAC form T&L alliance
- PSP, Pindar and GAC have joined forces to provide a transportation and logistics service for sail racing teams and individuals around the world.Read full news here

* Swiss WorldCargo adds four new destinations this summer
- A capacity agreement with Edelweiss Air has enabled Swiss WorldCargo to expand its network in the summer flight schedule. Read full news here

* Lufthansa Cargo opens pharma hub in Hyderabad
- Lufthansa Cargo's pharma hub for temperature-sensitive airfreight has officially gone into operation at Hyderabad Airport in India. Read full news here

* SAGE slams “archaic” control of international trade
- According to a group of industry representatives, current customs and trade compliance requirements are holding back international commerce and putting huge strains on the national authorities controlling them. Read full news here

* CMA CGM christens eighth giant ship
- CMA CGM christened the 11,400 TEU CMA CGM Titan at the Dunkirk Terminal on Tuesday. Read full news here

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Jun 8, 2011

TRUCKMAKERS NEWS * USA - Earnings Preview for Navistar International

Warrenville,ILL,USA -Benzinga, by Nelson Hem -June 06, 2011: -- Navistar International is scheduled to report second-quarter fiscal 2011 results before the markets open on Tuesday, June 7...  During the three months that ended in April, the company received an order from the U.S. Army for troop transport vehicles to be used in Afghanistan and another for ambulances from the Marines. The revenue forecast for that period calls for an increase of 20.3% from the same period of last year to $3.3 billion. And sequential and year-over-year growth of revenues is projected for the current quarter as well...  Navistar International operates in four segments. The Truck segment makes and distributes trucks and buses for the common carrier and private carrier, military vehicles, and student and commercial transportation markets. The Engine segment designs and manufactures diesel engines for medium and heavy trucks, military vehicles and buses, as well as sells engines for industrial and agricultural applications. The Parts segment offers truck, trailer and engine service parts. The Financial Services segment provides retail, wholesale and lease financing services for its trucks and parts...  (Picture from i20.tinypic: Navistar's MaxxPro)

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Jun 7, 2011

TRUCK SALES * USA - ACT: Preliminary Class 8 net orders “remain strong”

Columbus,IND,USA -Fleet Owner, by David Cullen -Jun 3, 2011: -- Despite some cooling in the Class 8 market being reported by a key forecasting firm, their analysis suggests that nonetheless motor carriers are driving right through the current wave of bad economic news, keeping their sights firmly set on the road ahead. A preliminary reading of heavy-duty Class 8 commercial vehicles net orders shows they “fell from April’s high water mark but remained strong,” according to ACT Research Co. (ACT)... Net orders in fact were up 85% from a year ago May. The firm noted its preliminary net order numbers are subject to revision and are typically accurate to within 5%, plus or minus... ACT publishes new and used commercial vehicle (CV) industry data, market analysis and provides forecasting services for the North American market as well as the U.S. tractor-trailer market and the China CV market. ACT notes that its services are used by all major North American truck and trailer manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as the banking and investment community...

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TRUCKS MARKET * India - Analysis: Commercial Vehicle Industry Receiving Impetus from New Market Entrants

The entry of big automobile companies into the commercial vehicles segment, will help the industry to increase its growth in future

Noida,India -PRLog & Truck Driver in Trucks India/Linkedin – Jun 01, 2011 – The commercial vehicles segment of the Indian automobile industry is one of the most prosperous markets in the country with a potential to reach to new heights. Various infrastructural and industrial projects that have been emerging consistently for the past few years have boosted the requirements of commercial vehicles in the country, says new research report from RNCOS: “India Commercial Vehicle Market Analysis” (see free sample here)... The in-depth analysis of the prevailing and upcoming market trends suggests that, the industry is witnessing the foray of existing automobile majors into the commercial vehicles segment. For instance, General Motors India recently announced its plans of entering the domestic light commercial vehicle (LCVs) segment. The Company is planning to do so by launching mini vans and mini trucks during the next few years. Additionally, the industry is being supported by the Indian Government, which has announced new tax rebates and excise duty concessions in its latest budget. Backed by these factors, the passenger vehicles segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 15% during 2011-12 to 2014-15... (Picture: An India's truck stop)

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Jun 3, 2011

TRUCKMAKERS NEWS WORLDWIDE * Italy - Renault Trucks eyes Fiat's Iveco Daily

The Italian press has speculated Fiat may sell Fiat Industrial to help it fund its acquisition of U.S. carmaker Chrysler...  

Milan,TOR,Italy -Reuters -Jun 3, 2011:  --  Renault Trucks would be interested in light commercial vehicle brand Iveco Daily if Fiat Industrial were to sell it, the chairman of the French unit of Sweden's Volvo told an Italian paper on Friday...  Iveco is the truck and commercial vehicle unit of Italy's Fiat Industrial -- the truck and tractor maker which Italian carmaker Fiat spun off in January...  Stefano Chmielewski the chairman of Renault Trucks said, his company had made no formal offer because Fiat had officially not put anything up for sale...  Chmielewski said, Iveco would have to be broken up and sold separately and Renault Trucks would be interested in Iveco's medium and light commercial vehicles segment...  (Image from trucktrend: Ieco Daily van front view)


* Germany - Public takeover offer by Daimler and Rolls-Royce for Tognum successful

Stuttgart,Germany -Transport Weekly -6 June 2011: -- Following the expiry of the acceptance period for its public takeover offer for Tognum AG, Daimler AG and Rolls-Royce Holding plc now hold a total of 59,87 per cent of Tognum shares through their Joint Venture Engine Holding GmbH... Daimler and Rolls-Royce are very pleased with this convincing result. It represents a milestone in the takeover process of Tognum AG and lays a strong foundation for the future co-operation of the three companies. Daimler and Rolls-Royce expect further shares to be tendered during the additional acceptance period... By combining their respective technological strengths and market access, Daimler, Rolls-Royce and Tognum will establish a leading industrial engine systems and solutions company, offering a broad portfolio of products, services and integrated solutions on a worldwide basis...


* Japan - Cat's facilities spared disaster in, but impact will be felt. Despite the devastation - to the country and its economy - the Caterpillar CEO believes that Japan will bounce back.

(Photo: COURTESY OF CATERPILLAR INC: Caterpillar Inc. CEO Doug Oberhelman inspects the damage at a Caterpillar dealer located near the Sendai Airport, close to the epicenter of the earthquake that resulted in the devastating tsunami that hit Japan in March. Last week, Oberhelman visited Caterpillar facilities in Japan, where the company maintains two factories, a design center and 5,000 employees)
Peoria,ILL,USA -The Peoria Journal Star, by STEVE TARTER -Jun 01, 2011: -1 June 2011:  --  After a recent review of his company's operations in disaster-stricken Japan, Caterpillar Inc. CEO. Doug Oberhelman. is optimistic that the country will make a comeback from the March earthquake and tsunami that took an estimated 23,000 lives...  The island nation is an important cog in Caterpillar's worldwide production setup with two factories, a design center and 5,000 employees, said Oberhelman... Caterpillar equipment produced in Japan is marketed throughout Asia and to the United States...  Oberhelman visited a Caterpillar dealer that was hit hard by the tsunami...  "  The dealer was located near the Sendai Airport (north of Tokyo). They lost everything. I saw a D-8 tractor and a 40-ton truck tossed around like Tinker Toys," he said. Oberhelman added that two employees from the dealership died trying to help people during the early recovery efforts"   ...


* Japan - Mitsubishi Fuso earns ISO first

(Photo from Wikipedia: FUSO's Supergreat truck model FU07)
Saiwai-ku,Kawasaki-shi,Kanagawa,Japan -Fleet Owner (USA) -Jun 3, 2011: -- Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. (MFTBC) has become the first automotive manufacturer in Japan to earn the ISO/TS 16949 international standard for quality management... Developed specifically for the automotive industry, ISO/TS 16949 certification requires meeting stringent standards covering global parts procurement, prevention of failure, reduction of wastes and limiting variations in quality... The MFTBC certification covers all of the company’s truck and component operations, including the manufacturing facilities for the vehicles, engines, transmissions and axles in its North American truck lineup...


* India - MNAL eyes sale of 50,000 HCVs and 20,000 LCVs in three years

Mumbai,Maharastra,India -Business Standard and Truck Driver/Truck India on Linkedin -7 June 2011: -- Mahindra Navistar Automotive which has recently added heavy commercial vehicles (HCV) of various range in its portfolio, which earlier consisted of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) only, is aiming to sell 50,000 heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) and 20,000 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the next three years... While 160,000 units HCV market in the country is growing at 40 per cent per annum, LCV market of 240,000 units is growing at 15 per cent...   The company, a joint venture between Mahindra & Mahindra and Navistar of the US, manufactures vehicles above 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle-weight to 49 tonnes. Vehicle under 3.5 tonnes are produced by Mahindra & Mahindra... (Picture from dancewithshadows: A Mahindra-Navistar truck)

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Study * Sweden - Prove The Obvious: Commuting Is Bad For You

Money doesn’t buy happiness, but science has proven that commuting buys misery...

(Photo: A Traffic Jam)
Umea,Sweden -The Car Connection -1 June 2011:   --  This just in: the longer your daily commute, the less likely you are to be happy, healthy and even married for any length of time...  A new study by researchers at Umea University in Sweden proved that commuters who drive more than 45 minutes each way are 40 percent likelier to divorce than those with shorter commutes. The study failed to identify reasons for this, but those of us who’ve experienced commutes from hell know the reasons all too well: commuting leaves you drained, stressed and robbed of time to do things that matter, like exercise, interact with loved ones and even focus on life at home...  Long commutes are often the byproduct of real estate prices. Jobs are usually located in urban centers, and urban real estate is expensive; hence, for the price of a studio apartment downtown, you can often buy a three bedroom house in a distant suburb. For some, it’s about the quality of suburban or rural life versus urban life, where things like cars and motorcycles are liabilities and not assets. Surely there has to be a break-even point between commuting distance and income, right? ...  There’s a study on that as well, and its conclusion isn’t good news for those with long commutes. To justify an extra hour of commuting time, your salary would need to rise by 40 percent just to break even. Factor that in the next time you get a job offer that pushes the limit of what you’d consider a reasonable commute...

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Roadcheck 2011 * USA - To focus on HOS violations

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine -June 1, 2011: -- Each year, approximately 10,000 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial and federal inspectors at 1,500 locations across North America perform the truck and bus inspections...   Roadcheck 2011 is the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s 72-hour safety blitz. CVSA sponsors Roadcheck with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (Mexico)... Considering that 70 percent of HOS violations are “form and manner” violations, this would be a good week to take a long hard look at your logbooks. The CVSA annual Roadcheck safety blitz will focus its enforcement on HOS and logbook violations next week, June 7-9... Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial vehicles in the world, with approximately 14 trucks or buses being inspected, on average, every minute from Canada to Mexico during a 72-hour period...

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Jun 2, 2011

RECALL * USA - Toyota’s “Recall” 52,000 Prius units

Washington,DC,USA -Business Area, by Arjuna -Jun 1, 2011: -- Toyota again had to do a recall of three models that are marketed in the United States because of interference with the steering wheel. Third Prius models totaled 52,000 units of production 2011 to 2003, was Venza AWD, 34 units and 16 units Sienna AWD of homemade 2011. And according to the Japanese principals, notices for the Prius is already included 106,000 units direcall of Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC)...  Vehicle owners will be notified at wal July. Dealers will fix it for free...  Problems are also faced Venza and Sienna is the right front driveshaft. For the second model, the owner reported this June. Than in America, as well as in Canada...

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TRUCKING INDUSTRY * India - The healthy 25% export cargo growth. Iminent diesel price hike keeps transport freight firm across the country

* Truck Sales Trend

New Delhi,India -Truck India/Linkedin -31 May 2011: --  Truck sales (5 ton - 49 ton) during May 2011 surprised the market with 9.3% growth, an increase of 2077 units with May'11 sales being 24330 units as against 22253 units in the same period last year. The most significant has been the growth in LCVs (29.9%) and ICVs (17.3%) segment as these categories of goods carriages mostly cater to short and medium haul and have lower variable operating expenses such as diesel and tyres in comparison to heavy duty category of MCVs. The stupendous arrival of seasonal agri fruits and vegetables along with record wheat and pulses crop has kept the truck rentals high on short / medium haul with an increase of 8% - 10% on various routes and at the same time, the truck rentals have remained firm by an increase of 2% on various long trunk routes due to regular availability of cargo, for exports and manufacturing sector though little timid, helped the trucking business to remain actively buoyant during May 2011. This is the reason that despite increase in prices of truck chasis, CV tyres and increase in truck crew salary, the truck sales have displayed overall good numbers contrary to the dismal picture being painted by a section of automotive industry last month in April 2011...  (Photo from BiglorryBlog (UK): A new Tata Truck)


* OPINION

(Photo from helloji: driving in india)
New Delhi,India -Truck India/Linkedin -31 May 2011: -- With migration of about 20% long distance truck fleet to short and medium haul due to buoyant demand for cargo movement due to record agricultural products / commodities transportation, truck rental on short / medium up by 10% during May'11 while timid manufacturing performance does not permit truck rentals to move up more than 2% on long haulage. The healthy 25% export cargo growth and imminent diesel price hike keeps transport freight firm across the country...

* Truck Rentals:  Up by 10% on medium haul and 2% on trunk routes

New Delhi,India -Truck India/Linkedin -31 May 2011: --  Over 6% growth in agriculture sector and consequent boost in cargo offering in the current quarter, the truck rentals on short and medium haul are booming with an increase of 10% as trucks (5 ton - 16 ton capacity) migrates to these routes from long haul travel. This 20% migration to medium distance routes has provided strength to long haulage trunk route truck cargo movement as rentals instead of dropping due to timid performance from manufacturing sector have moved up by 1.5% - 2% on trunk routes. Moreover, the export cargo has been maintaining a robust 25% growth over the same period last year and at the same time the imminent diesel price hike within a range of Rs.2/- - Rs.3/- per litre by public sector oil companies is keeping the truck freight market firm. In nutshell, the bountiful farm output has generated higher farm income and increased rural spending leading to boost in demand for fast moving consumer goods and consumer durables in rural markets / small towns bringing in more cargo to the retail parcel booking transport firms as general freight rates remain robust and stable... (Photo from outlookindia: Hundreds of tomato-laden trucks get stranded outside Attari-Wagah border after Indian exporters refused to export any vegetable to Pakistan in protest against its onion export ban, near Amritsar)



* Haryana - Profit Jumps at Transport Corporation of India. 'Aggressive growth' sparks 20 percent surge for logistics provider

Gurgaon,Haryana,India -The Journal of Commerce Online -Jun 2, 2011: -- Transport Corporation of India, the Asian country’s largest integrated supply chain and logistics service provider, on Thursday posted net profit of $11.4 million for fiscal 2010-11, a 20 percent jump over the year earlier, despite a 23 percent increase in operating expenses... Operating profit climbed 21 percent to $390 million, with the freight division posting an 11 percent increase, to $180 million... For the fourth quarter, TCI had net profit of $2.83 million, up 2 percent year-over-year. Revenue in the quarter increased 19 percent to $106 million... With a fleet of more than 6,000 trucks and five container vessels for coastal shipping, TCI has a pan-Indian distribution network covering some 13,000 locations. It recently entered a joint venture with state-owned rail operator Container Corporation of India to provide end-to-end multimodal logistics services in the country... (Photo from projectsmonitor: Transport Corporation of India Ltd, a leading integrated logistics solutions provider,)

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TRUCKING STATISTICS * USA - NAFTA Surface Trade Posts Record Value

Trade hit $80.8 billion in March, up 15 percent year-over-year

Washington,DC,USA -The Journal of Commerce Online, by Joseph Bonney -May 31, 2011: -- The value of surface transportation trade between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico hit a record $80.8 billion in March, a year-over-year gain of 15.6 percent, the Transportation Department reported... It was the highest monthly total since 1994, when the DOT began collecting data on trade with the United States’ partners in the North American Free Trade Agreement. The statistics are not adjusted for inflation... Freight value in March rose 21.5 percent from February... Trucks carry more than 85 percent of the value of U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico. U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $48.7 billion, up 15.7 percent from March 2010. U.S.-Mexico volumes amounted to $32.1 billion, up 15.3 percent...

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TRUCKING INDUSTRY * USA - What can plastic do for you ?

* Georgia - UPS tests composite delivery truck that cut weight by 1,000 pounds

(Video from You Tube, by UPS 6 May 2011: Test drive of the new UPS Composite Car)
Sandy Springs,GA,USA -Jalopnik, by Mike Spinelli -May 31, 2011: -- UPS is known for its amazing level of efficiency, and that reputation could soon extend to fuel savings thanks to a prototype dubbed CV-23. The delivery company has ordered five of these prototypes to be tested through the end of 2011, but this is no ordinary next-generation package hauler... The CV-23 weighs about a thousand pounds less than the typical UPS truck, thanks to the fact that it is made with composite materials instead of metal. The lightweight materials could help UPS deliver up to 40 percent better fuel economy than the current UPS fleet truck. Those kinds of fuel economy gains can pay huge dividends in rural areas where trucks are required to drive large distances. And since the body panels are plastic, bumpers, panels and other parts can be replaced easily... If the company is sufficiently impressed, the guys and gals in brown could order more trucks, potentially saving 84 million gallons of fuel per year. We're guessing drivers will want to see some crash test data before seeing what brown plastic can do for them, but otherwise, this seems like a pretty good idea...


* Kansas - Roadrunner buys Bruenger Trucking


Cudahy,WI,USA -The Journal of Commerce Online, by William B. Cassidy -Jun 1, 2011: -- Roadrunner Transportation Systems acquired M. Bruenger Trucking, a truckload carrier with headquarters in Wichita, Kans., for approximately $10.6 million...  The transaction also includes an earn-out capped at $3 million, Roadrunner said. Bruenger’s former owner and management team will stay with the operation...  The earn-out will be paid if Bruenger hits certain performance targets...  The carrier’s Midwest coverage and its East-West traffic will the predominantly LTL carrier more effectively cross-sell its truckload services, DiBlasi said...  Acquisitions can help carriers expand capacity by buying existing operations and customer relations without adding new vehicles to their core fleets...


* Missouri - MoDOT converts aging rest areas into truck-only parking sites

Mineola,MO,USA -Land Line, by Clarissa Kell-Holland -31 May 2011: -- The Missouri Department of Transportation was scheduled to tear down two aging rest areas at mile marker 168 at Mineola on Interstate 70 on Tuesday, May 31...  However, instead of closing the sites completely, DeAnne Rickabaugh of MoDOT Motor Carrier Services, told that they recognize the importance of having safe spots for truckers to rest and will reopen them as truck-only lots...  “We are going to allow trucks to go ahead and park in the safe areas and that will be any night as long as it’s safe to do so and truckers respect the construction barriers,” Rickabaugh said... (Photo: Mineola Rest Area - Eastbound I-70, 6 Miles East of Route D/YY and I-70, Mile Marker 168)

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ALTERNATIVE FUELS * USA - UPS Begins Using Renewable Biodiesel at Major U.S. Hub

The United Parcel Service began using biodiesel blends at its hub in Louisville, Ky., this month

Jefferson City.MO.USA -PRNewswire/USNewswire -May 23, 2011:    ...   UPS recently installed a biodiesel fuel tank and fueling station at its Worldport facility. It will allow fueling operators to blend specified percentages of biodiesel on the fly, starting with 5 percent biodiesel, B5, and working up to 20 percent biodiesel, B20. The 30,000-gallon biodiesel tank and station at Worldport fuels nearly 200 vehicles and diesel equipment, most of which help load packages on and off the planes...  Biodiesel blends of up to 20 percent can be used in any diesel engine without modifications, says the National Biodiesel Board, and can reduce greenhouse gas production by up to 80 percent...  Worldport is the single most important point in all of UPS's global operation. The facility processes 416,000 packages per hours and is the size of 80 football fields. Worldport turns around 100 aircraft per day... (Picture, Aerial view from wikimedia.org/wikipedia: UPS' Worldport)

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