News
Little engines that can: Big power from small displacements
TORONTO, ON -- Canada has always been big-bore territory: big trucks, big loads, big hills, big engines. Right? If you're one of those with feet firmly planted in the big bore camp, it might be time to re-think that position. Some of today's smaller engines are surprisingly capable. They are lighter and more fuel-efficient, and deliver performance that's nearly equal to their larger brothers.
Alternative Financing: Will your lender buy in to alternative fuel?
MONTREAL, QC -- Trucks that run on alternative fuels promise to be easier on the environment, but the equipment itself can be tougher on a capital budget. Consider natural gas. It’s historically cheaper than diesel, but the trucks that use it can cost an extra $50,000 to $100,000 over the price of their conventionally fueled counterparts, depending on the spec’s.
Descartes acquires Aljex for US $32.4 million
WATERLOO, ON – Descartes Systems Group has acquired Aljex Software, which provides back-office systems for freight brokers and transportation providers, for US $32.4 million in cash. Aljex boasts about 400 North American customers who make 3 million freight moves a year, automating their business processes and creating electronic documents needed for the moves. Waterloo, Ontario-based Descartes supplies Software-as-a-Service solutions to route, schedule, track and measure delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete other logistics processes.
Gibson Energy selling truck fleet
TORONTO, ON – Gibson Energy is selling all its Canadian trucking operation, and most of the fleet it operates in the U.S., as it focuses business assets on crude oil infrastructure. Between $275 and $375 million in assets are being sold overall, with the Canadian trucking operation expected to be sold by mid 2019, and non-core U.S. trucking businesses to be sold as early as the end of this year. “Gibson Energy will no longer be thought of as a trucking business,” president and Chief Executive Officer Steve Spaulding said in a Toronto presentation for investors, suggesting that some of the company’s assets simply don’t fit with the company’s vision for the future.
Nash named AMTA president
CALGARY, AB – Chris Nash will be the incoming President of the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) when current President Lorraine Card retires March 5. Card says she’s confident she’s leaving the association in good hands with Nash who brings more than 30 years’ experience in the transportation industry to the role.
The Social Sergeant: Kerry Schmidt
TORONTO, ON -- Sgt. Kerry Schmidt has become one of the most visible faces of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The media relations officer for the Highway Safety Division logs near-daily reports on rush-hour pileups in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) through his social media feeds, receiving attention from as far away as the United Kingdom. There are also appearances on Discovery’s Heavy Rescue: 401.
