Economy
New truck show all about business
TORONTO, ON -- The North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACV Show) won't look like other trucking events across the U.S. when the doors open from September 25-28. There will be no recruiting pavilion; no show and shine competition. Not even drivers walking the halls. But when the inaugural event opens in Atlanta, Georgia, it will feature an undeniable focus on the business of trucking.
Alliance submits wish list for NAFTA talks
TORONTO, ON - The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has officially submitted comments on cross-border trade to Global Affairs Canada, as governments prepare to renegotiate aspects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The association's submission covers 11 related areas of interest including: in-transit truck moves, cargo pre-clearance, government investment at ports of entry, harmonization of security programs, the trend in rising cross-border fees, the movement of food products and related inspections, and e-commerce, among other topics. "Many of the comments by the carrier community contained in our submission are longstanding issues that have been impeding cross-border trade," said president Stephen Laskowski. "CTA is eager to work with Ottawa, Washington, and the business communities on both sides of the border to try and resolve these issues for the betterment of the economies in the U.S. and Canada."
Guilbault acquires Ideal, secures warehousing
QUEBEC, QC - Groupe Guilbault has purchased Ideal Logistical Solutions - including Ideal Logistics, Ideal Transportation, and Ideal Warehouse divisions. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the acquisition clearly offers Groupe Guilbault a key presence in the warehousing sector. Ideal has a 250,000-square-foot warehouse in the Armand-Viau Industrial Park, once a distribution center for Provigo. A similar-sized facility is in Lachine, Quebec. Ideal and its 150 employees will become a Guilbault operating division and continue to run independently. The combined companies will have about 975 employees.
Jardine Transport acquires R.E.M.
DARTMOUTH, NS -- Jardine Transport has purchased Saint Stephen, New Brunswick-based R.E.M Transport. R.E.M. was established in 1973 and currently operates a fleet of more than 50 power units and 60 trailers throughout most of Canada and the United States. The company has approximately 70 employees. "This is a strategically important transaction for Jardine. The acquisition adds scale to our existing operations and increases network density, which will result in improved overall efficiency" said Dean Cull, chairman of Jardine Transport.
Record-high spot rates cap robust first half
PORTLAND, OR--Spot truckload freight activity in June rallied to record highs for the number of available loads while rates rose to their highest points in nearly two years, according to the DAT North American Freight Index. The June Freight Index increased 24% compared to May and was up 57% year over year, capping a robust first half of the year.
Truck market has bottomed out: Volvo chief
DUBLIN, VA - Volvo Trucks has set an ambitious target for itself - to be nothing less than "Number 1" in the world. "It doesn't necessarily mean we want to be the biggest," said Volvo Trucks president Claes Nilsson, during the launch of the company's new VNL long-haul tractor. "We want our customers to make more money and be more successful." That said, Volvo is clearly on a growth curve. Globally it now has 2,000 dealers and shops - 420 of which are in North America - and sells models in more than 190 countries. "Our dealers truly believe in the future," adds Goran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. About US$600 million has been invested in the manufacturer's North American dealer network since 2010, adding 65 new locations and increasing service bay activities by 51%.
