John G Smith
John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - editorial, and the editorial director of its trucking publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.
Teamsters, OOIDA look to autonomous truck rules
GRAIN VALLEY, MO -- As U.S. legislation to govern autonomous passenger vehicles pushes forward, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and Teamsters Union are both weighing in with thoughts about the path toward rules for autonomous trucks.
NACV Show heralded as ‘big hit’
ATLANTA, GA -- The inaugural North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACV Show) is being heralded as a success after drawing thousands of unique visitors during the four-day event in Atlanta, Georgia. Co-organized by Hannover Fairs USA and Newcom, the September 25-28 event hosted 439 exhibitors and featured 370,000 square feet of sold-out exhibition space at the Georgia World Congress Center. "The NACV Show's B2B concept was a real hit with our attendees who gave us high marks for launching such a global showcase," said Larry Turner, president and Chief Executive Officer of Hannover Fairs USA. "We are happy with the results," added Joe Glionna, president of Newcom, which also publishes Today's Trucking among other titles. "A lot of things worked ...
Shell petitions pickup to be official U.S. vehicle
WASHINGTON, DC -- The maker of Shell Rotella engine oil is leading the effort to have the U.S. White House formally recognize the pickup truck as the "Official Vehicle of the United States." To pay homage to the substantial role pickup trucks play in shaping our nation and working their way into all parts of our society, Shell is honoring the vehicle by leading a national Shell Rotella campaign, entitled "Pickup Pride" which may forever change the way Americans view the pickup truck.
Canada truck market ‘particularly robust’: FTR
BLOOMINGTON, IN - Class 8 truck sales continued to recover in September, reaching 22,100 units overall. That's up 7% compared to the previous month, and 62% above a year ago. Those order volumes meet expectations, and Canadian orders were "particularly robust" as fleets benefit from a strong economy, say the analysts at FTR. North American Class 8 orders reached 239,000 units in the past 12 months. "The recovery in the Class 8 market is building, and we saw that with the orders through the summer. Order totals never got that low and followed cyclical trends," said Don Ake, vice president - commercial vehicles at FTR.
Keep your cool. Spec’ the right reefer.
Nothing spoils a day quicker than rotting cargo, but that's exactly what happens if reefer temperatures stray beyond an acceptable range. Arguments at a receiver's dock, insurance claims, and soured business relationships are bound to follow. The challenges can also take root long before temperatures are set or wheels begin to roll.
