FMCSA May Require Truck Passengers be Belted

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on Wednesday announced it is proposing a regulation requiring passengers riding in property-carrying commercial motor vehicles to use safety belts.

Groupe Morneau Expands, Acquires Total Cold Storage

ANJOU, QC - The trucking company Groupe Morneau announced this week it has finalized its purchase of Total Cold Storage, located in its hometown on Anjou, QC.

Diesel Prices Continue Decline in Canada, U.S. as Oil Sinks

LONDON, ON and WASHINGTON, D.C. - Average retail prices for diesel in both Canada and the U.S. have moved down for another consecutive week as the price for benchmark crude oil is the lowest in seven years.

HOT Lane Project Expected to Heat Up This Summer

TORONTO, ON -- An effort to speed up traffic along one section of congested roadway is set to begin next year that could lead to a bigger effort to reduce congestion if it proves successful.

You Will Be Tested on This

Here's what Canada's new truck-inspection standards will mean to you. (P.S. If you've removed your DPF or bought a glider, you might want to read this over very closely indeed.)

British Columbia Opens New Heavy-Haul Routes

VICTORIA, B.C. -- The British Columbia government has announced two new pre-approved routes for shipments of up to 85-tons gross vehicle weight (GVW) along the Highway 17/South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) and on Highway 16 from Terrace to Kitwanga.

Know a Distinguished Woman in Logistics?

CLEVELAND, OH -- The deadline is close at hand to nominate someone you know for an award that recognizes the achievements and leadership of outstanding individuals involved in the practice of logistics in North America.

Christmas Pancake Breakfast Raises 20 Grand

WINNIPEG, MB - The 15th year of a charity event to raise money for families needing personal assistance pulled in a big haul last week.

Port of Raymond to Remain Open Around the Clock

RAYMOND, MT -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) has reversed and earlier decision and will keep the Raymond, MT port of entry (POE) open 24 hours a day, rather than closing it in the overnight hours.

7 Key Trucking Items in New U.S. Highway Funding Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. - There are several items of importance to Canadian fleets and drivers who haul in United States in highway legislation passed by Congress and signed into law Friday by President Obama. Know as the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), it authorizes spending US$305 billion on highways and transit. But in trucking its likely better known for the special provisions that made into the new law - and those that didn't. Overall, the reaction from the various trucking groups, ranging from those representing fleets to drivers, has generally been positive. While many did not get everything they wanted in the new law, it marks the first time a federal highway funding bill longer than two years has been passed since 2005.

Mitsubishi Fuso Names Bryan Allen Marketing Manager

LOGAN TOWNSHIP, NJ -- Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. (MFTA) has announced the appointment of Bryan C. Allen as its new marketing manager. Allen will be responsible for all aspects of the company's dealer and end-user marketing programs for its Class 3-5 FUSO Canter FE and FG Series medium-duty work trucks, according to the company.

A Young Man and His Canadian Classic

Brad Seabrook and a few friends around Peterborough, ON., refurbished this 1970 White Western Star last winter. The truck was built in the Kelowna, B.C., assembly plant and ran new for Purity Packaging, based in Peterborough.

The Trucking 20 Under 40

TORONTO, ON -- It is an exciting time in the trucking industry. Our generation is learning so much about this business from the previous -generation, but they too are learning from us. You will read about young people who have the energy, technology-smarts and fresh ideas to change the way we do business. After reading this year's 20 under 40, you will be assured that the future of our industry is in good hands. Something tells me that trucking may already be in my one-year-old son's blood. When I ask him to back up so I can put his shoes on - he moves backwards while saying "Beep ... beep ... beep." Should he choose to join this business and be a part of Today's Trucking's 20 Under 40 in year 2039, I could not be more proud.

Cargo Theft Reporting Program to Launch in Western Canada

EDMONTON, AB - Western truckers along with law enforcement and insurance interests are stepping up their battle against cargo theft. On Tuesday, the Alberta Motor Truck Association (AMTA), the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), which represents insurance companies, and provincial police are set to offer details on the expansion of the successful cargo theft reporting program to Western Canada. This program will help raise awareness of and combat the growing problem of cargo theft, which includes stealing trucks and trailers containing merchandise. Cargo theft in Western Canada and across the country has become a serious issue, according to the groups. Not only does it put the safety of Canadians in jeopardy, it can cost the Canadian economy billions of dollars a year. Also, it's often linked to organized crime, which uses the proceeds to fund gun and drug smuggling.

Are Wheel-Offs Back?

Oh, no... are we slipping? It seems that truck and trailer wheel separations have hit the press again, at least in Ontario. This really isn't good.