News
Surprise! Cummins goes electric
COLUMBUS, IN - In a dramatic demonstration of technological agility, Cummins finished off a press conference here yesterday by unveiling its all-electric, zero-emissions class-7 tractor. Obviously, it's a first for the 98-year-old diesel manufacturer that wants to become known as a powertrain provider, not an engine builder. It was a surprise to many, even to those of us who knew electric power was in the cards at Cummins, as well as being a small slap in the face to Tesla, which has been threatening to introduce an electric tractor next month. Called the 'AEOS' electric commercial vehicle demonstrator, and built by Roush on what seems to be an International ProStar base, it's a working 4x2 regional hauler, not just a concept shell. Cummins sees its role in vocational applications like urban delivery, port drayage, and terminal container handling. It's claimed to achieve over 30 miles per gallon in diesel-equivalent terms while accelerating 25-35% faster than the same tractor powered by an 11- or 12-liter diesel (depending on rear-axle ratios, of course).
RFP deadline extended for Gordie Howe bridge
WINDSOR, ON - After a review of their public-private partnership procurement process, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) announced today they are extending their request for proposals (RFP) period for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
Out of service not enforceable until April on ELD’s
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is pushing back enforcement on the out-of-service criteria for the new Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) new congressionally mandated ELD regulations will still take effect on Dec. 18, 2017 as planned, and will still be enforceable from that date, however the CVSA announced this morning that inspectors will not be putting vehicles out of service until April 1, 2018. Until the April 1 deadline inspectors will be noting violations and roadside inspection reports, and issuing citations to drivers at the inspector's discretion. The announcement will not affect the enforcement of out-of-service criteria for Hours of Service.
ACI turnaround option extended until Dec. 31
OTTAWA, ON - The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is extending the turnaround option for drivers that arrive at the border without their advance commercial information (ACI) form until the end of the year. Recurring delays and outages at the border caused CBSA to make the exception on a 90-day basis back in May. Outages have continued, resulting in the policy being extended until Dec. 31, 2017.
Slow growth for year’s end: FTR
BLOOMINGTON, IN - FTR Intelligence expects the economy to slow down before the end of the year, matching slower freight growth. The company reported improvements to shipping conditions in June over the previous month, but warns that slow contract pricing increases, and a modest weakening of the expected regulatory environment, will mean slower growth and fairly moderate conditions in the short-term.
WABCO, Nexteer announce long-term cooperation
AUBURN HILLS, MI - WABCO Holdings and Nexteer Automotive are steering into the future together, announcing a long-term cooperation agreement today. The two companies will collaborate to develop and supply active steering systems for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and also look to work together on developing autonomous trucking technology.
