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.
Federal Signal acquiring TBEI
OAK BROOKS, IL - Federal Signal Corporation is acquiring Truck Bodies and Equipment International (TBEI) - a maker of dump truck bodies and trailers -- for US $270 million. TBEI runs five manufacturing facilities through the U.S., and in the year ending March 31 it generated US $206 million in revenue. The purchase price represents 7.2 times TBEI's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the same year. The deal strengthens Federal Signal's position as a specialty vehicle manufacturer in maintenance and infrastructure markets, according to an announcement about the deal. It adds to the company's existing expertise in chassis-based vehicles.
IN PRINT — 3 Rust-Fighting Tips
Corrosion can seem almost impossible to eliminate without first spending your -company into insolvency. There are, however, ways to mitigate the effects of corrosion -- or in some cases forestall its onset until you have disposed of the asset. The solution starts with the equipment spec', but most of the effort will go into maintenance.
Fight the Good Fight: It turns out you can fight city hall, and should
If the signs are any indication, municipalities would rather find a way to live without trucks. No parking. No idling. No Jake brakes. No trucks on this street or that. It's like we're living in the midst of a song by the Five Man Electrical Band. Remember the lyrics? "Do this. Don't do that. Can't you read the sign?"
Three fleets hit with California emissions fines
LOS ANGELES, CA - CR England, Knight Transportation and Werner Enterprises will pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a combined US $201,000 in penalties for failing to install Diesel Particulate Filters or verifying that their trucks complied with California rules.
Association releases “DCP in a box”
TORONTO, ON -- The Ontario Trucking Association has released its Essential Driving Skills: Tractor-Trailer Driver curriculum for fleets that want to upgrade their Driver Certification Program (DCP) ahead of the province's Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) regime that takes effect July 1.
Polaris buys JG Drapeau and Commercial Warehousing
TORONTO, ON - Polaris Transportation Group has purchased Toronto-based JG Drapeau and Commercial Warehousing, marking its third corporate acquisition. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Drapeau and Commercial Warehousing will continue to be led by the existing management team including Margaret Hogg, who remains general manager. JG Drapeau offers truckload and Less than Truckload services, including hazardous materials, food products, temperature-controlled freight and container drayage throughout North America.
