Manufacturing shipment up thanks to car, oil industry boost

OTTAWA -- Escalating oil prices coupled with a rebound in the production of motor vehicles and parts contributed to a strong 3.3 percent gain in the value of manufacturers' shipments to $51.9 billion this past August.

National retail sales strong over last 8 years: Stat Can

OTTAWA -- Despite some bumps along the way, Canada's retail trade industry has grown at a robust pace since the turn of the millennium.

U.S.-Canada trade tops pre-9/11 levels

WASHINGTON -- The amount of goods transported across U.S. borders in trade with Canada and Mexico set a new record in 2004, exceeding a previous high set in 2000 -- the last full year before the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

New federal plan recognizes capacity challenges from trade with Asia

OTTAWA -- The federal government has answered the call to boost infrastructure in order to meet increasing trade demand with Asia by pumping $590 million into a new project on the West Coast.

Powertrains will need modification: Analysts

Manufacturers of class 6-8 truck powertrain systems are expected to focus increasingly on redesigning their products to help truck owners meet EPA regulations.

Manufacturing expected to increase in final Q: Stats Can

OTTAWA -- Manufacturers are slightly more bullish about production prospects for the last quarter of 2005 based on increases in new orders, a higher backlog of unfilled orders and a decline in finished product inventories, according to a new Business conditions survey by Statistics Canada.

Hino likely to build truck plant in Ontario: Report

TORONTO -- Toyota Motor Corp. is planning to open a Hino Motors medium-duty truck assembly plant in Ontario next year, according to a report in the Journal of Commerce.

Mullen moves in on Pe Ben

ALDERSYDE, Alta. -- Alberta for-hire, and oilfield services trucking giant Mullen Group intends to issue a takeover bid for Pe Ben Oilfield Services in Edmonton.

Holland taps former Volvo Trucks Canada chief to head up sales & service

HOLLAND, Mich. -- Holland USA, Inc., a subsidiary of The Holland Group, Inc. (Holland), has announced that Michael O'Connell has assumed the position of vice president of sales & service and is now responsible for the leadership of all Holland sales, customer service and order activities.

New bridge crossing rates will take their toll on Atlantic truckers: APTA

DIEPPE, N.B. -- The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association says it's shocked by the Confederation Bridge's recent announcement to raise tolls for truckers as much as 20 percent.

Manufacturing dips slightly in Sept; Mostly due to slumping auto sector

OTTAWA -- Manufacturers curtailed production in September after enjoying a red-hot month of August, Statistics Canada reports.

Bradley bullish on 2006 trucking

TORONTO -- The economy and pricing discipline will be the keys to motor carrier success in 2006, says David Bradley, CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance and President of Ontario Trucking Association, regardless of which direction the economy takes.

Pe Ben board resists Mullen acquisition bid

EDMONTON -- Pe Ben Oilfield Services' board has unanimously recommended shareholders reject a hostile takeover bid by Mullen Group Income Fund.

World Truck: International carriers tell Canadians what it’s like across the pond

TORONTO -- Ontario truckers found out this past month that their brethren around the world face almost the exact same challenges and opportunities that they do here.

Trimac buys propane transportation firm

CALGARY -- Trimac Transportation Services has purchased the Energy Transportation division of Superior Propane.