Shippers envision rate increases in 2010

OTTAWA -- Turning the corner on a dismal 2009, a recent survey indicates shippers expect modest growth in their volumes and in rate increases of their carriers in 2010.

Mullen says it’s primed for growth

CALGARY -- The Mullen Group has approved a $40 million capital expenditure budget for 2010, which will go to business units that are primed for growth or need to sustain capital to meet customer needs.

Truck prebuy winding down

COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Commercial vehicle orders saw a strong end to 2009, but net orders are expected to slow dramatically in the first quarter before recovering in the second half of 2010, according to ACT Research.

Battery technology needs breakthrough for electric vehicle sales to amp up

TORONTO -- Widespread use of electric vehicles and plugging in, instead of fuelling up, could just be a dream until a breakthrough is made in battery technology.

Meritor reaffirms commitment to aftermarket

TROY, Mich. -- Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems marked its 20th anniversary by emphasizing its strategies to grow its aftermarket business.

Major market hurdles persist for truck sellers

LAS VEGAS -- For OEMs, maybe the worst isn't over after all. Could new truck sales in 2010 actually be less inspiring than the massive sales crater left in 2009?

Eastern carriers merge to form Atlantica fleet

REXTON, N.B. -- Two of Atlantic Canada's most popular and respected trucking carriers have joined forces in a deal that is said to make both companies stronger going forward.

Virtual Realities: Truckmakers driving down global highway

LAS VEGAS -- The Asians are coming. The North American trucking market may be in the dumps, but that doesn't mean new truckmakers from overseas emerging markets don't want a piece of it, says one global truck analyst speaking at the Heavy Duty Dialogue in Las Vegas.

J.D. Irving truck fleets consolidate ops

FREDERICTON -- Sunbury Transport's head office in Fredericton will be closed and merged with sister company RST Industries in Saint John.

Horton provide sales support in the clutch

ROSEVILLE, Minn. -- Horton, Inc. has entered into an agreement with ZF Services and ZF Sachs to provide sales support for the SACHS line of driveline clutches to the heavy-duty aftermarket in the U.S. and Canada.

Manufacturing stays flattish

OTTAWA -- Manufacturing remained relatively leveled in November, edged up a meager 0.1 percent to $42.6 billion in November, as gains in several industries were offset by decreases in the transportation equipment industry.

Day & Ross buys Prairies food hauler

HARTLAND, N.B. -- McCain Foods' freight division, Day & Ross Transportation, has acquired truckload carrier, G. Edwards Enterprises of Saskatoon.

Rate game changes for Olympic trucking

VANCOUVER -- The folks who recommend what Canadian truckers should charge for their services are warning shippers who need deliveries in and out of Vancouver's core to prepare to open their wallets during the 2010 Olympics.

Target aiming for Canada?

TORONTO -- Target, the giant U.S.-based electronics and furniture retailer, says it will explore expanding into Canada or Mexico in the coming years, in what would be its first venture outside the U.S.

Survey Says: Shippers not too impressed with rail service

OTTAWA -- Canada's two largest railways are a bit off track when it comes to keeping shippers happy, reveals a survey commissioned by the federal government.