Canadian places first in SuperRigs Classic Division

JOPLIN, MO - Two Canadians have placed in Shell Rotella's famed SuperRigs show and shine competition, which attracted 89 trucks. Billy Baker of St. Catharines, Ontario placed first in the 34th annual event's Classic Division, with his 2000 Kenworth W900L. Andre Bellemare of Berthierville, Quebec placed second in the Tractor-Trailer Division with a 1995 Freightliner. Best of Show honors went to Jake Lindamood of Irving, Texas, for his 1988 Peterbilt 379, earning him $10,000 from Shell Rotella and $5,000 from MAC trailer. "We won Best of Show and got picked for the SuperRigs calendar which was super exciting," said Lindamood. "Winning Best of Show was huge and we are just beyond thrilled about it." About $25,000 in cash and prizes were handed out overall.

TransCore volumes surged in May

TORONTO, ON - TransCore Link Logistics reports that its Canadian and cross-border loads surged to the highest load levels of the year this May, while a 22% hike over April represented the biggest month-over-month increase in more than two years.

Manitoulin Global Forwarding buys MAP International Freight

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Manitoulin Global Forwarding has purchased MAP International Freight, an international logistics company that specializes in temperature-controlled cargo. Former MAP International president Mark Albert will remain in a consulting capacity, and employees have been transferred to Manitoulin offices in Toronto.

International’s DriverFirst initiative to guide products

LISLE, IL - International has launched a new DriverFirst initiative that focuses on designing vehicles from the driver's perspective - something the company says will offer customers an edge in attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

Atlantic Truck Show returning to Moncton

MONCTON, NB - The Atlantic Truck Show will return to the Moncton Coliseum next spring, running from June 9 to 10, 2017, the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association and Master Promotions have announced. The latest instalment of the show attracted a record 12,660 people.

Ontario to invest in green trucks, natural gas network

TORONTO, ON - Ontario has unveiled a five-year Climate Change Action Plan that includes funds to adopt greener commercial vehicles and build a province-wide natural gas fueling network. A new Green Commercial Vehicle Program to launch in 2017 will include up to $170 million in incentives for adopting electric and natural gas commercial vehicles, aerodynamic devices, anti-idling devices, and electric trailer refrigeration. The funding available for specific technologies is not referenced. Another $75-$100 million will be used to build a province-wide natural gas fueling network, which will be developed with input from the Ontario Trucking Association, Union Gas, Enbridge Gas, and others. Natural gas has a lower carbon content than diesel.

Michelin Offers On/Off-Road Tire with Guarantee

The name sounds like an algebra problem, but Michelin's new X Works Z tire has been designed to offer a solution -- in the form of an all-position radial for punishing applications like construction, oil patch, and tanker operations in on/off-road environments.

Peace Bridge rehab to begin this month

FORT ERIE, ON - American Bridge Company has been awarded an $80.5-million contract to rehabilitate the Peace Bridge - an international crossing connecting Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York.

Petrocapita acquires MJ Vallee Trucking

CALGARY, AB - Petrocapita Income Trust has acquired MJ Vallee Trucking, which operates seven heavy oil well fluid trucks, six trailers, a maintenance facility in Lloydminster, Alberta, and a storage yard.

Navistar back in black during second quarter

LISLE, IL - Navistar International reported a $4-million net income in the second quarter of 2016, in sharp contrast to a $64-million net loss in the second quarter of 2015. Cost controls, higher parts-related profits, and demand for HX vocational trucks have all been credited for making a difference despite a soft sales market.

U.S. truck passengers must be belted by August

WASHINGTON, DC - Passengers in truck cabs will be required to wear seatbelts when traveling U.S. highways, effective Aug. 8.

Albrechtsen named to Order of Manitoba

WINNIPEG, MB - Paul Albrechtsen, the founder of Paul's Hauling, will receive the Order of Manitoba -- considered to be the province's highest honor.

A reluctant (but rising) star

Metro Truck Group seems surprisingly reluctant to tell its story. When a meeting is finally scheduled, senior managers spend much of their time explaining that they don't normally do this sort of thing. The Freightliner dealership group based in Ontario's Niagara Region rarely participates in interviews. When its Brantford dealership moved into a new building this winter, it even did so without the fanfare of a grand opening. No ribbons were cut. No speeches made. But there is no escaping the spotlight of a reality show.

PMTC supports draft training standards

MILTON, ON -- The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) has added its voice to supporters of draft Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) standards proposed for Class A drivers in Ontario.

Tread Safely: Maximum speeds, inflation play roles in tire performance

When it comes to vehicle safety, a lot of attention is being focused on the one truck component that actually touches the road. The Rubber Manufacturers Association proclaims the first week of June as Tire Safety Week. Days after this concludes, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance begins a special focus on tires as part of the annual Roadcheck inspection blitz.