Gala celebrates industry women, but more to do

MONCTON, NB - The Transportation Club of Moncton celebrated Atlantic Canada's women in transportation on March 16, naming Midland Transport as Employer of the Year, and Kelly Henderson of THRSC Atlantic as Woman of the Year. But while gains for the region's women were celebrated, Angela Splinter of Trucking HR Canada stressed in a keynote address that there is more to do. Women account for 48% of Canada's workforce but just 27% of people who work in transportation. Of those women, 18% are senior managers and 15% are supervisors. And she asked the crowd how they would react if a young girl in their family came forward and said they wanted to be a truck driver when they grew up.

Balance safety, fuel economy in emissions rules: CTA

TORONTO, ON - The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is asking the federal government to balance safety and the environment in proposed emissions rules which credit the fuel economy gains that can be realized with tires. "Regulating tire selection is a tricky business," says Geoff Wood, the group's vice president - operations. "Tires need to be spec'd for both safety and the environment. No one policy objective should trump the other." Environment and Climate Change Canada recently released its plans for Greenhouse Gas limits that will apply to 2018-29 Model Year equipment, effectively mirroring those unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A tire market survey planned by Transport Canada should help find a balance between tire traction and fuel efficiency when finalizing the emissions regulations, the alliance adds.

Canada’s emission goals take center stage

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Canada's is embracing an "ambitious" climate change objective that by 2030 would eliminate more Greenhouse Gases than come from every vehicle on the road today, according to Jody Proctor, Transport Canada's director - clean air policy analysis. Almost ¼ of the nation's Greenhouse Gas emissions come from transportation, and 80% of that comes from on-road vehicles, she said during a panel discussion at the annual Green Truck Summit. Trucks account for about 30% of that. "Transportation clearly needs to be part of our climate change solution," she told the crowd, stressing that climate change will cost Canadians $21-43 billion per year by 2050.

Think “well to wheel” around emission options

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The trucking industry has to "put on the brakes" when it comes to its thirst for diesel if it hopes to meet targets to slash Greenhouse Gas emissions, according to Wilfried Achenbach, Daimler Trucks North America's senior vice president - engineering and technology. But electric vehicles don't yet offer the answer when the steps to produce electricity are considered. Speaking at the NTEA's annual Green Truck Summit, Achenbach stressed that diesel engines continue to be the industry's "workhorse" because of their high torque and long-life, delivering 10 kwh of energy per kilogram in a format that is easy to refuel and readily available.

Detroit DD8 engine builds on medium-duty lineup

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Daimler Trucks North America has unveiled the new Detroit DD8 medium-duty engine aimed at the vocational truck market, building on the medium-duty platform introduced last year with the DD5.

Fuso prepares to launch gasoline powertrain

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America has unveiled the prototype of a gasoline powertrain for its FE Series medium-duty cabovers, and a full launch is scheduled early next year.

Ram unveils upfitter program, augmented reality

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Ram Trucks is unveiling two new tools for its commercial dealers - certifying up-fitters, and presenting customers with an "augmented reality" experience.

Telogis telematics to connect Fusos

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America is turning to Telogis to offer standard telematics systems on all its medium-duty diesel cabover trucks.

Fuso bringing electric Class 4 to market

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America is rolling out a battery-powered Class 4, known as the eCanter, but Canadian buyers will have to wait for a taste of things to come.

U.S. agencies remain focused on emissions

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - U.S. regulators attending the annual Green Truck Summit continue to focus on long-term emissions targets, stressing the need to improve vehicles to fight climate change.

Up-fitters have role in emissions upgrades

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The latest round of emissions rules could present a new business opportunity for vehicle up-fitters -- but they will likely need to be high-volume players if they want to trade in the market for related credits, according to a panel at the Green Truck Summit.

Allison boosts fuel savings with software

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Allison Transmission has unveiled a new software package that will boost fuel economy by 6% over its existing FuelSense offering.

Cummins beats MD fuel-economy estimates

INDIANAPOLIS, IND – Cummins has announced that its medium-duty ISB 6.5 engine has bettered original fuel-economy estimates. “Innovation is not limited to the brand new,” said Jeff Caldwell, executive director…

Ford expands modifier program for electrics, hybrids

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Ford is expanding its Qualified Vehicle Modifier program to include companies that develop and install electrified and hydraulic hybrid powertrains. XL Hybrids, Lightning Hybrids, and Motiv Power Systems have already been named as the first three developers.

Fighting Friction: Educate yourself on oils and greases

How often have you seen a mechanic going from stem to stern on a truck with a grease gun and filling every fitting he can find with the same grease? It's quick, cheap and easy, but that approach may not be the best option for the truck.