The Productive Shop

Downtime costs money. Nobody wants to keep a truck in the shop any longer than necessary. So here's a question to consider: is your shop as productive and efficient as it could be? Some things you just can't change; for example, you can't suck oil out of an engine any faster than it wants to flow, but could you be doing something else to the truck while it's in the oil change bay, like topping up its tire inflation pressure or checking its alignment? So much of what used to require manual hands-on labour can now be automated, and many tasks that once had designated areas in a shop or even needed dedicated personnel can now be done simultaneously, thus reducing the time the truck is unavailable. Here's a look at a few technologies that can help refine the service process and save some real time on basic maintenance procedures.

BCTA’s answer to the transportation funding riddle

The George Massey Replacement Project online consultation form asks, among other questions: how do you feel about tolling as a funding source? A relevant question, given the new bridge can’t…

ATA: U.S. Truck Tonnage Mixed, Previews 2016

ARLINGTON, VA - A measure of trucking freight activity fell last month in the U.S., but remains not far from a record high level hit early this year, accordign to one fleet group, who also offered a preview into conditions for the New Year. The American Trucking Associations' (ATA) advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index declined 0.9 percent in November to 134.3 from the month before, following an increase of 1.8 percent during October, which was revised downward from a first reported 1.9 percent gain. This latest index reading is just 1.1 percent below the all-time high of 135.8 reached in January 2015.

Diesel Prices Continue Heading to Lower Levels

LONDON, ON and WASHINGTON, D.C. - It looks like diesel prices will end the year on a very much lower note in both Canada and the U.S. with continuing declines, making for the least expensive prices in several years. According to the petroleum information services provider The Kent Group, the national average cost of trucking's main fuel in Canada is down $0.017 from a week ago to $0.995 per liter. This is the sixth weekly drop and its lowest level since 2010. Compared to this time last year diesel is $0.199 cheaper. Prices fell Canada's four different regions and currently range from a low of $0.97 per liter in the Western Provinces to a high of $1.093 in Quebec. In the U.S., the story is also a continued drop for six straight weeks, with the average national cost falling US$0.054 from last week to US$2.284 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Department's Energy Information Administration.

Peterbilt Truck Plant Celebrating 35 Years

DENTON, TX - Thirty five years after the first truck rolled off the assembly line at Peterbilt's Denton, TX manufacturing plant, the facility has produced nearly half a million trucks, and that's a cause for a celebration by the company.

Peterbilt’s Denton plant celebrates 35th anniversary

DENTON, Texas – In 1980, ‘Old No. 1’ rolled off Peterbilt’s assembly line in Denton, Texas, and the company, which has produced nearly 500,000 trucks since, is now celebrating 35…

Truck Tonnage Index drops 0.9% in November

ARLINGTON, Va. – The American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index dropped 0.9% in November, after an increase of 1.8% in October. According to the ATA, in…

Big Rig Orders Drop as Trailers Continue Soaring

COLUMBUS, IN - Final numbers for November show orders for new big rigs in North America are down dramatically from earlier in the year while the medium duty market continues to see improvements along with the trailer market.

OTA’s Next Generation Certificate Program Returning

TORONTO, ON - A program designed as an intensive leadership development initiative for the trucking industry's future leaders has been a big hit, according to organizers and is returning next year.

November trailer sales strong, says ACT

COLUMBUS, Ind. – ACT Research says the robust order season for U.S. trailers continued in November with an 18% gain over the previous month and 10% from a year ago.

Trademark agreement made between Stemco and Goodyear Tire and Rubber

LONGVIEW, Texas – Stemco and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company officially reached a trademark license agreement Dec. 18. The agreement follows Stemco’s acquisition of the manufacturer of Goodyear® Air…

Thieves active during Holiday season

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Information collected by CargoNet found that there were 112 incidents of stolen freight reported in Canada and the U.S. between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 from…

U.S. Carrier Safety Fitness Regulations Expected Soon

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Notice of a proposed rule that would increase the use of inspection data in making Safety Fitness Determinations for motor carriers operating south of the border is expected to be published by Dec. 29, according to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Transcourt Adds to Team, Holds Series of Customer Events

OAKVILLE, ON -- Transcourt Tank Leasing has announced the appointment of its vice president for business development in Western Canada while it has been embarking various customer appreciation events throughout Canada.

‘Tis the Season for Cargo Thefts, How You Can Prevent Them

AUSTIN, TX and JERSEY CITY, NJ -- Don't let stolen freight ruin your holiday. This year, both Christmas Day and New Year's Day occur on a Friday, creating two separate three-day weekends, leaving more opportunity for shipments to be left unattended or parked in unsecured locations for extended periods of time.