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.
IN PRINT — Natural Investments: Will carbon taxes boost natural gas trucking?
Times were different when C.A.T. signed the deal for 100 trucks that run on Compressed Natural Gas. The Canadian and U.S. dollar were essentially valued at par, increasing the fleet's buying power on U.S.-made equipment. Quebec's provincial government also pledged $15,000 per truck, helping to offset any sticker shock around the emission-friendly designs, and natural gas was clearly cheaper than diesel when oil was close to $100 per barrel.
IN PRINT — Creature Comforts: Sleeper options not limited to size alone
The choice of one sleeper over the next inevitably comes down to a tape measure, and for good reason. This is clearly a spec'ing choice where size matters. Regional bulk haulers, looking for every possible way to shed weight, might opt for a 40- or 52-inch area behind the seats if drivers spend only a night or two on the road. But that would be downright claustrophobic for team drivers who live long-hauling lives.
QTA balks at Autoroute 30 toll increase
MONTREAL, QC - The Quebec Trucking Association is calling on Transport Minister Laurent Lessard to help block the latest toll increase on Autoroute 30, and has met with elected representatives from throughout the region in a bid to find a long-term solution to skyrocketing prices.
Ontario expands LCV program
TORONTO, ON - Ontario is clearing the way for more Long Combination Vehicles (LCVs), through changes included in the latest phase of the program. The province has eliminated the cap of 16 permits per carrier, as well as a maximum of 100 carriers in the program. New vehicle configurations and an expanded highway network on which the vehicles can travel, have also been introduced, the Ontario Trucking Association reports.
Utility Trailer looks ahead to 2017
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA -- Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. is "fairly optimistic about 2017," according to Craig Bennett, senior vice president of sales and marketing. After closing out the year with a 15.9% total market share, which includes a 54.2% share in the reefer segment, Bennett and his team are moving into 2017 with some new products and an eye on incoming federal regulations.
