News
TransForce acquires National Fast Freight
BRAMPTON, ON - TransForce International (TFII) is acquiring National Fast Freight from Calyx Transportation Group, the companies have announced. National Fast Freight is a non-asset-based company that provides Less than Truckload (LTL) intermodal service across Canada, and generated $80 million in revenue in the past year. It will continue to operate under current management as a standalone business unit. TransForce International's existing LTL intermodal operations include Clarke Transport and Vitran.
PacLease adds 3 BC locations
BELLEVUE, WA - PacLease has added three British Columbia locations to a network that now includes 454 facilities throughout North America. Inland PacLease in West Kelowna, Peterbilt Pacific Leasing in Lantzville, and Peterbilt Pacific Leasing in Delta were among 10 new locations announced this week. "PacLease had another strong year and we're finding increased demand for those wanting to rent and lease Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks," said Jake Civitts, director of franchise operations for PACCAR Leasing Company (PacLease). "With the opening of our new PacLease locations, including three in the major markets of the Detroit and Philadelphia areas, along with Birmingham, we're well situated for continued growth."
Driver shortage and the demographic cliff
Discussions about a driver shortage tend to fade away when the economy struggles, but there is no escaping the fact that Canada needs to attract a new generation of drivers. A 2016 study - Understanding the Truck Driver Demand and Supply Gap - determined that for-hire fleets will need 34,000 more drivers by 2024, many of whom will be needed to fill seats once held by drivers who retire or quit. Solutions will involve reaching out to underrepresented groups like millennials and women. In the meantime, limits on Temporary Foreign Workers have effectively eliminated another option.
Struggles in oil country
Low oil values have calmed prices at the pump, but they have also hit fleets and owner-operators who serve Canada's famed oil patch. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers hosted a record-breaking sale in Edmonton this April, reselling about 10,600 pieces of equipment. That is clearly the sign of a struggling industry, especially when you consider that just 46% of the purchased equipment stayed in the province.
A price on carbon, but support for natural gas?
TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association wants the provincial government to offer up to $60,000 per natural gas vehicle in a bid to offset purchase prices that are higher than diesel equipment -- but it's also asking funders to consider more than vehicle and fuel station costs alone.
Transport Canada prepares to mandate stability controls
As of August 2017, Transport Canada mandates Electronic Stability Controls on three-axle tractors with Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings above 26,000 pounds, harmonizing with a U.S. rule that was introduced in 2015. There are an estimated 660 truck rollovers in Canada every year, and while that's just 5% of all truck collisions, they are a particular threat to drivers.
