Economy
Doepker acquires Edmonton Trailer
Doepker Industries has expanded its product line considerably, acquiring Edmonton Trailer Manufacturing (ETM) based in Acheson, Alberta. Dirk Woestenenk, previously general manager at ETM, has joined the Doepker team as heavy haul division manager. The entire product line, including sliding tilt decks, lowbeds, crane dollies, jeeps, and boosters, will be manufactured and supported by Doepker and its 54 authorized distribution locations. "This is a great fit within the strategic growth plan of Doepker," says president and Chief Executive Officer Evan Doepker. "We have been looking for ways to grow our capabilities and this addition enables us to supply a proven design to both new and existing customers.
IN PRINT — Trump Card: How “America First” policies could change the trucks you buy
Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week can be a decidedly patriotic affair. Sessions during the related Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue event open with color guards and music videos featuring the Star Spangled Banner. But it was a promise of "America first" that was weighing on the minds of many participants.
IN PRINT — Top Trends: Issues that are reshaping Canada’s biggest carriers
Meyers Transport is gone. After 90 years in -business, and decades on Today's Trucking's Top 100 list of Canada's largest for-hire carriers, the -eastern Ontario fleet shut its doors in mid-January. High capacity and aggressive rate cutting in the Less-than-Truckload (LTL) sector were blamed along with a general downturn in the region's industrial activity. "It is sad to think there won't be any trucks and trailers going up and down the road with 'Meyers' on it anymore," observed chairwoman Natalie Meyers, part of the fourth generation in the family business. The family's Mortrans truckload and dedicated -specialty service continues, as does Mosaic Logistics, but 190 people lost their jobs.
Aftermarket parts indicator predicts sales boost
MANHASSET, NY - Commercial Motor Vehicle Consulting's (CMVC) commercial vehicle Parts Aftermarket Leading Indicator (PLI) has improved for the fourth month in a row, suggesting that fleet business conditions are recovering and will result in more aftermarket parts sales. But there are limits in the medium term.
TFI “cautiously optimistic” about economy
MONTREAL, QC - Just months after acquiring a major truckload carrier in the U.S., TFI International is cautiously optimistic about the state of the North American economy. "Unemployment is low and consumer spending remains solid. Moreover, rising oil prices have given way to a modest rebound in the level of investment in that sector," said chairman, president and Chief Executive Officer Alain Bedard, when releasing year-end results. "These factors should produce a gradual recovery in freight volume and rates." Referring to 2016 as a "transformational" year for the business - which now collects half its revenue south of the border
Exports and imports rose in December
OTTAWA, ON - Canada recorded a trade surplus for the second consecutive month in December, with exports up 0.8% on the strength of higher energy products, and imports up 1%, largely on increases in aircraft and industrial machinery, Statistics Canada reports. But in terms of volumes, exports were down 1.4% because of drops in metal ores, non-metallic minerals, motor vehicles and parts. Import volumes were up 0.4%, based largely on industrial machinery, equipment and parts.
