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.
CHILLICOTHE, OHIO -- Most of Kenworth's trucks roll off the assembly line at Chillicothe, Ohio, so it was only fitting that the manufacturer showed off its 2017 lineup by rolling vehicles past the facility's front gates. Maybe "gliding" would be a better word. Enhanced fuel economy is clearly driving some of the most recent updates.
GREENSBORO, NC - Mack is testing Class 8 drayage trucks capable of producing zero emissions as part of a California-based project looking to reduce air pollution at "freight-intensive" locations. And the work will receive funding through a $23.6-million grant from the state, it was announced during the recent Advanced Clean Technology (ACT) Expo.
CHILLICOTHE, OH - Kenworth cabs are heading to new heights thanks to a second storey being added to a production facility in Chillicothe, Ohio. The $17-million building-on-building will soon hold painted parts like cabs and hoods, which to this point have been stored outside. Think of it as an automated vending machine for cabs, which are lifted into the space until being lowered back onto the line when they're needed. "That is to be commissioned in November to avoid another winter of having cabs in the snow," plant manager Judy McTigue said during a briefing to industry media today. "We'll have employees doing more value-added activity as opposed to tugging product around."
TORONTO, ON - Trucking HR Canada -- an organization that promotes best practices in human resources -- has unveiled a new slate of directors following a year-long strategic review and board "enrichment" process. Two new positions have also been added to the board that now includes representatives from across Canada. "Our strategic review confirmed our key priorities align with industry needs," said CEO Angela Splinter.
GREENVILLE, SC -- Western Star unveiled updates to the 5700 as well as a new Extreme Duty (XD) Offroad package and MBT-40 Transformer chassis last week. Here's a sneak peek of a few images from the Larens Proving Grounds. For complete coverage, see the July edition of Today's Trucking.
GREENVILLE, SC - Western Star enjoyed time on the silver screen when a pre-production model of the 5700 was customized to star as Optimus Prime in an installment of Transformers. But the manufacturer's true "transformer" was unveiled to media at the Laurens Proving Grounds on Thursday. A new Extreme Duty (XD) Offroad package was unveiled along with the MBT-40 Transformer chassis, which with a 68,000-pound Palfinger G68 hooklift is able to switch from watering truck to dump body in less than 10 minutes - quicker than it would take to refuel. And the open platform means there are other applications to come, ranging from cranes to fuel and lube trucks. That means much higher productivity for construction companies and mines that might traditionally leave specialized trucks parked for extended periods.
A Class 1/A licence falls well short of proving that someone is ready to work as a truck driver. Ask any industry recruiter. Hang around a busy loading dock long enough, and you'll likely have the chance to pick up a few extra dollars from frustrated newbies, all eager to hand the keys to someone who can actually reverse into tight spaces. This is especially true for people who, with a minimal amount of training, managed to learn just enough to earn the licence itself.
OTTAWA, ON - Trucking HR Canada, an organization that promotes the industry's best practices in human resources, has unveiled a report that makes the business case for diverse workplaces. Changing Workforce combines labor market data and practices already established by fleets including Bison Transport, Canada Cartage, Kriska Transportation, Northern Resource Trucking, Trimac Transportation, and Westcan Bulk Transport.
WHITBY, ON - The cars and pickup trucks have been coming and going all morning at Cam-Scott International, and they're bringing cargo with them. The Toronto-area fleet used social media to share an offer to deliver relief supplies to Fort McMurray, Alberta residents displaced by fire. And the response began within hours. It's come in the form of brand new baby clothes, still on the hangers, blankets and more. Cam-Scott's relief effortsBy tonight, the first load will be heading to a warehouse in Edmonton, adding to the fleet's regular weekly Alberta-bound shipments. "Alberta has been good to us over many, many years," says fleet president Glenn Weddel. "It's a great opportunity to help and give something back to them in their time of need." It is the latest example of industry support offered in the last couple of days. The trucking industry has already responded with donations from associations including the Canadian Trucking Alliance, Ontario Trucking Association, and Alberta Motor Transport Association. The Mullen Group reports that Alberta employees and families have opened their homes to those in need. By tonight, the first load will be heading to a warehouse in Edmonton, adding to the fleet's regular weekly Alberta-bound shipments.
FORT McMURRAY, AB - Lorraine Card, executive director of the Alberta Motor Transport Association, says she is beginning to reach out to her membership in Fort McMurray Wednesday to see how the association can help in the face of the worst wildfires Alberta has ever seen. Diversified Transportation Ltd., Trimac Transportation, and Manitoulin Transport are a few of the fleets Card is checking in on. "It's a terrible situation, and we do intend to reach out to our members there this morning," says Card. "We've been following closely on the radio, and our main concern is that people get out safely. We have to work closely with the authorities to see what we can do."
BANFF, AB -- There is plenty of bad news to report. Alberta fleets can cite low oil prices and a lagging economy as just two examples. But Chris Cummins - a speaker who specializes in sales, leadership and personal development -- told members of the Alberta Motor Transport Association that they have the power to change things. It involves a positive attitude.
BANFF, AB - I'm nervous about live tweeting this event. Sure, there are plenty of followers waiting on news from the Alberta Motor Transport Association. But Kimberly Allison, a certified social media specialist with Marketing RX, is asking whether social media is a real valuable tool or a real waste of time. It depends how you use it.
BANFF, AB - A cash-strapped Alberta government is rethinking the way priorities are set for the province's highway network and related maintenance - both for the short term and decades into the future. Every proposed infrastructure project must now contribute to a "triple bottom line" that considers social, economic and environmental impacts, Alberta Transportation Assistant Deputy Minister Shaun Hammond said in a briefing during the Alberta Motor Transport Association's annual convention. Decisions to twin a highway will be based on more than traffic counts alone. And "you will see more and more (environmental issues) in the next few months." The department is already reaching out to the association in the search for ways to reduce emissions around Red Deer, where particulates from diesel engines have played a role in creating the worst air quality in Canada. And Alberta Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Brian Mason pledged earlier in the day to begin research into fuel-saving wide-base single tires "as soon as possible".
We have changed the way we showcase trucks and trailers available for sale – and now send the details right to your email inbox.
Simply click here to subscribe to our bi-weekly HD Hotlist for the listings.
