Economy

Canadian, U.S. Diesel Prices Lowest in Several Years preview image Canadian, U.S. Diesel Prices Lowest in Several Years article image

Canadian, U.S. Diesel Prices Lowest in Several Years

LONDON, ON and WASHINGTON, D.C -- The national average price of diesel is showing no signs of stopping its recent string of declines while hitting its lowest point in years. Trucking's main fuel fell $0.011 from a week ago to $1.05 per liter, the eighth consecutive weekly drop and the lowest price since November 2010, according to the petroleum information services provider The Kent Group. Compared to this week in 2014 the price $0.247 less per liter.

Trailer Manufacturer Manac Going Private preview image Trailer Manufacturer Manac Going Private article image

Trailer Manufacturer Manac Going Private

SAINT-GEORGES, QC-- Canada's largest trailer builder, Manac, has been transferred from public to private ownership. The announcement was made Thursday. The original founding Dutil family will be among the consortium of new owners. Media reports say the Dutils will be investing $36 million in the private company while Quebec's pension fund manager, its Quebec manufacturing fund, a labor fund and Investissement Quebec are providing $104 million in equity investments and loans. Manac was spun off from the Canam Manac Group in 2004 and taken public in 2013. Charles Dutil, Manac president and CEO, will remain in his current position.

Trucking Conditions Rebound, Best This Year preview image Trucking Conditions Rebound, Best This Year article image

Trucking Conditions Rebound, Best This Year

BLOOMINGTON, IN -- While business conditions in Canada are shaky, the situation in the U.S. for the trucking industry is the best so far this year, according to the freight transportation forecasting firm FTR. Its just released Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) measure for June rose from May, jumping 56% to 7.66, hitting the highest level of 2015. While freight growth slowed during the second quarter of the year, FTR said rates continue to show growth and margins are still good. Also, freight growth is on track for the sixth straight year of annual gains. It expects regulatory conditions and a continued economic recovery to fuel an accelerating index during 2016.