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Federal budget vows more funding for transportation
OTTAWA, ON - The federal 2017 budget includes new transportation initiatives including a National Trade Corridors Fund that is meant to address capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, in addition to improving connections between rail and highway infrastructure. The National Trade Corridors Fund is set to receive $2 billion over 11 years from the federal government to support its activities. In addition, the budget mentions an additional $5 billion will be supplied through the Canada Infrastructure Bank to focus on trade and transportation priorities. Also revealed in the budget was an allocation of $50 million over 11 years to launch a trade and Transportation Information System to support a new Canadian Centre on Transportation Data. According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), there isn't a lot of national data regarding the movement of goods, and an investment in something like a Trade and Transportation Information System should improve the current situation.
STA satisfied by highway, infrastructure investment
REGINA, SK - Saskatchewan announced its 2017 provincial budget yesterday and the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) says its pleased to see the government dedicate $1.1 billion to highways and infrastructure while the province is facing an economic downturn and financial hardship.
DTNA appoints Roger Nielsen as president, CEO
PORTLAND, OR - Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has named Roger Nielsen as president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DTNA and its affiliate companies Freightliner Trucks, Western Star Trucks, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Cooperation, and Detroit Diesel Corporation effective April 1. Nielsen will be succeeding Martin Daum, who as of March 1, became Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses. "Roger Nielsen brings a rock solid product, manufacturing and sales background to this position paired with a razor-sharp focus on technology, quality and customer service. He has an excellent track record as an influential leader in the industry," said Daum. "Having worked closely with Roger for so many years, I am certain that DTNA, its people and all its brands are in the best hands."
Trucking conditions to improve going forward: FTR
BLOOMINGTON, IN - FTR has released its Trucking Conditions Index for January, showing a nearly unchanged reading of 2.7 compared to December's 2.9. FTR expected January to be the low point of the year for trucking conditions as it projects an uptick in 2017 as the year progresses. Productivity and capacity are projected to take a hit as a result of the upcoming ELD mandate but FTR said that early adopters will be ahead of the curve. A big issue for the upcoming year is the longstanding driver shortage, which could cause companies to struggle to meet overall demand for new drivers. If capacity fails to meet demand, truckers would be able to raise prices, but the full impact will likely not be felt until late 2017 or into early next year.
