Transport Canada begins consultations on ELDs

TORONTO, ON - Transport Canada has officially launched "informal" consultations around Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) -- a move that the Canadian Trucking Alliance sees as a precursor to mandating the equipment for federally regulated carriers. Such consultations come before the more formal process of publishing a proposed rule in Canada Gazette Part 1, which the alliance expects sometime in early 2017. A 60-day comment period would then be required before a final rule is published, and a compliance date would be one or two years after that. "The momentum is clearly building towards a mandate," said David Bradley, president and CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). He also called on provincial governments to "get on board and start preparing" for mandates that mirror those at the federal level.

U.S. truck orders slump to 2010 levels: ACT Research

COLUMBUS, IN – The U.S. demand for Class 8 vehicles slumped in July, dropping to levels not seen since September 2010, ACT Research reports. Preliminary numbers from the market analysts…

Bison names new CAO and COO

WINNIPEG, MB - Bison Transport has introduced two new members to its executive team, naming Trevor Fridfinnson Chief Operating Officer, and Mike Ludwick Chief Administrative Officer.

E-cigarettes create hazards around trucks: U.S. regulators

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a safety advisory for those who use battery-powered e-cigarettes or vaporizers around commercial vehicles, citing potential hazards including explosions, serious personal injuries and fires. The warning extends to any battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices. "The explosions regularly involved the ejection of a burning battery case or other components from the device, which subsequently ignited nearby flammable or combustible materials," regulators said in a bulletin released this morning. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates there have been 25 related incidents between 2009 and August 2014. Some new sources suggest there could have been more than 1,500 explosions.

Purolator honors Ayr, Seaboard

TORONTO, ON - Purolator has named recipients of its 2015 Carrier of the Year Award, with Ayr Motor Express named Long Haul Carrier of the Year, and Seaboard Transport named Short Haul Carrier of the Year. It's the second consecutive win for Ayr Motor Express.

Fuel for the Fire: Tax change fails to recognize how diesel is used

A house is not a home -- and in the eyes of the taxman it appears your sleeper is no longer a house on wheels. How else can we explain the end of Federal Excise Tax (FET) exemptions that have long been applied to the diesel that pumps through Auxiliary Power Units and bunk heaters? The heating oil used to warm a house is exempt. Add a few working axles underneath that house and it's a different story.

Tri-Truck honored by Hino for second year

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Hino Motor Canada has for the second consecutive year named Tri-Truck Center of Barrie, Ontario as Dealer of the Year.

Tesla to build trucks, defends autonomous vehicles

PALO ALTO, CA - Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk is turning his sights to commercial vehicles, unveiling a "master plan" for the company that includes producing a new Tesla Semi. "In addition to consumer vehicles, there are two other types of electric vehicle needed: heavy-duty trucks and high passenger-density urban transport," he writes in the plan that was posted last night. "Both are in the early stages of development at Tesla and should be ready for unveiling next year. We believe the Tesla Semi will deliver a substantial reduction in the cost of cargo transport, while increasing safety and making it really fun to operate."

Unified Registration System rollout delayed three months

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is delaying the rollout of a simplified online registration system until January 14, 2017, adding three months to an original September 30 deadline.

Lester named Volvo’s senior vice president – sales

GREENSBORO, NC - Jeff Lester has been named Volvo Trucks North America's first senior vice president - sales, effective August 1.

Dana Holding Corporation being renamed Dana Incorporated

MAUMEE, OH - What's in a name? Something that reflects the way a company conducts business. So says Dana Holding Corporation, which plans to change its name to Dana Incorporated on August 1.

European truck makers fined billions for price fixing

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM -- The European Union is fining five truck makers nearly 3 billion euros (Cdn $4.3 billion) for acting as a cartel to fix prices of medium and heavy-duty trucks and time the introduction of technologies to comply with emissions rules. It's the highest fines ever imposed by the EU for a single cartel - twice the previous highest amount, imposed in 2012, according to Margrethe Vestager, the European Union's competition commissioner, in a statement. MAN (now owned by Volkswagen), Daimler, DAF (owned by Paccar), Iveco and Volvo/Renault -- which together account for around nine out of every 10 medium and heavy trucks sold in Europe -- had been working together for 14 years, from 1997 until the European Commission's investigation in 2011 put a stop to it.

Transporters bring the thunder to Honda Indy

TORONTO, ON - On the NASCAR circuit, support trucks are known as "haulers". Maybe because the term just rolls off the tongue with a southern accent. ("We haul, y'all.") But among INDYCAR teams, the tractor-trailers that move cars and equipment from one track to the next are known as transporters, and they're in Toronto for this weekend's Honda Indy.

Hannover Fairs, Newcom join forces for Truck World

TORONTO, ON - Hannover Fairs (Canada), a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, has acquired 50% of the Truck World commercial vehicle show from Newcom Business Media.

Trailcon purchases Stewart Trailers

BRAMPTON, ON - Trailcon Leasing has expanded its footprint in western Canada by acquiring Stewart Trailers - one of the largest welding, mobile service and trailer repair facilities in the Greater Vancouver Area.