News
Bendix reports production increases in June and July
ELYRIA, OH - Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems reports increased demand at three of its commercial facilities. Last week the company, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, which develops and supplies active safety technologies, energy management solutions, and air brake charging and control systems and components for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America, reported production milestones across all three of its facilities due to increasing orders.
U.S. regulators drop mandatory sleep apnea testing
WASHINGTON D.C. - Federal regulators in the United States will no longer be looking to make tests for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea mandatory for truck drivers or railway engineers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) revealed last week that they are withdrawing their March 2016 notice seeking the changes for those in safety sensitive positions in highway and rail transportation.
TMW Systems names senior director
CLEAVLAND, OH - TMW Systems has appointed a new senior director of product management. The software company welcomed Jay Delaney to their team this week in the role. Delaney, who has nearly 30 years of experience in the North American transportation and logistics industry, will be responsible for the TMWSuite transportation management software platform, where he will direct product strategy and lead the company's product advisory council.
Class D renewal requirements to tighten
TORONTO, ON -- Ontario is preparing to tighten the requirements to renew Class D licences, bringing medicals and knowledge and vision tests in line with other commercial classes, the Ontario Trucking Association reports. The changes would be effective July 1, 2018.
Navistar ending medium-duty engine production
LISLE, IL - Navistar will stop producing medium-duty engines at its plant in Melrose Park, Illinois, beginning in the second quarter of its 2018 fiscal year. Most of the proprietary engines made in Melrose Park are nine- and 10-liter models for Class 6 and 7 trucks. Navistar reintroduced the option of a 6.7-liter Cummins engine in 2013, followed last year with the option of a nine-liter Cummins. Cummins engines for Class 6 and 7 trucks are produced in Indiana and North Carolina, while Navistar makes big-bore engines for Class 8 trucks in Alabama.
Daimler “prints” first metal truck part
STUTTGART, GERMANY - Engineers working for Daimler's European truck brand, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, have successfully used a 3D printer to create a metal thermostat cover - proving a process that could reshape the way spare metal parts are produced and distributed. With the potential of decentralizing production, 3D printing could improve parts availability, shorten delivery times, and reduce warehousing and distribution costs, the company notes. Daimler's brands in North America include Freightliner and Western Star. "With the introduction of 3D metal printing technology, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is reasserting its pioneering role among global commercial vehicle manufacturers," said Andreas Deuschle, head of marketing and operations - customer services and parts with Mercedes-Benz Trucks. "We ensure the same functionality, reliability, durability and cost-effectiveness with 3D metal parts as we do with conventionally produced parts."
OTA supports zero-tolerance for drivers on weed
TORONTO, ON - As it engages in consultations with the provincial government, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is supporting the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) position that the trucking industry should be held to a zero-tolerance policy on for being under the influence of marijuana.
