John G Smith

John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - content and design, and previously served as the editorial director of Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist began covering the trucking industry in 1995.

Avatar photo

How far should Ontario’s emissions crackdown go?

Cleaner air comes with a price tag. It’s paid every time equipment evolves in the name of controlling emissions. A tighter focus on particulate matter gave us diesel particulate filters. When regulators squeezed the allowable levels of NOx, we saw the widespread introduction of exhaust gas recirculation and diesel exhaust fluid. The current push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has led to the rollout of everything from new oil categories to aerodynamic refinements and lighter components. Even battery-electric and hydrogen-electric trucks are now on the horizon.

Zonar app to deliver Cummins over-the-air updates preview image Zonar Cummins updates

Zonar app to deliver Cummins over-the-air updates

Zonar is now offering Cummins Connected Software Updates, supporting over-the-air engine updates with the Zonar OTAir app. Details about the required updates for specific engines are offered through a Cummins portal. But the Zonar device is more than a simple conduit for the data. OTAir also helps to ensure data security during the transfers by validating the VIN to ensure the correct vehicle receives the right update.

McLeod adds broker app to TMS software

McLeod Software has updated its transportation management software to include a new carrier app for brokers, and introduced improvements for customer service teams. PowerBroker Version 20.1 has the new Carrier App to connect brokers to carriers and drivers, using a secure connection to the PowerBroker system. That means logistics companies using PowerBroker will be able to deploy some of the same capabilities promoted by “digital brokers” that engage carriers with mobile apps, the company says.