June 1, 2011
Editorial
June always special for safety
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Charles E Wilson
SAFETY remains front and center throughout the year for most tank truck fleets. Still, the spotlight seems even more focused on safety during June especially...
Industry News
Impact of driver shortage on fleet capacity is widespread, survey says
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
More than seven in 10 fleets surveyed for the Q2 2011 Fleet Sentiment Report indicate the shortage of drivers is either impacting their fleet now or may...
Preliminary Class 8 orders jump in April
May 17, 2011 12:03 PM
A preliminary reading of heavy-duty Class 8 commercial vehicle net orders for North American markets climbed to 38,200 units in April 2011, according to ACT Research Co. Net orders jumped 158% from year-ago April and represented the largest monthly order intake since March 2006. Preliminary net order numbers are subject to revision and are typically accurate to within 5% plus or minus...
ATA hails continued increase in usage
of seat belts by commercial truck drivers
May 10, 2011 12:21 PM
Officials from the American Trucking Associations praised industry and law enforcement groups, as well as the federal government, for their efforts to improve seat belt usage among commercial truck drivers....
NTTC backs mandatory electronic logging
May 2, 2011 2:46 PM
The National Tank Truck Carriers Inc (NTTC) announced that its membership supports mandatory electronic logging devices for documentary compliance with hours of service rules. ...
HTI president signs key policy statement
May 10, 2011 12:23 PM
Greg Hewitt, president of Heil Trailer International (HTI) signed an important policy statement for the company’s Health and Safety Management System. HTI has always met or exceeded the requirements of relevant health and safety laws and regulations, and this signing reinforces and formalizes the company’s commitment to set new health and safety standards in the industry....
CEMEX USA receives fleet safety award
May 24, 2011 11:02 AM
CEMEX USA announced that its California-based truck fleet was recently awarded the 2011 Fleet Safety Award from the California Trucking Association (CTA). ...
March Canadian Freight Index sets record
May 2, 2011 3:09 PM
TransCore’s Canadian Freight Index set a new all-time record in March 2011, topping the previous record from May 2008. Volumes for March 2011 were up 35% from the previous year and 36% from the prior month. ...
Chemistry council honors Westway unit
May 24, 2011 11:20 AM
Westway Group Inc announced that Westway Terminals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, received the Responsible Care Partner of the Year Award. ...
Longwei announces financing plan
for purchase of Haujie Petroleum assets
May 10, 2011 12:27 PM
Longwei Petroleum Investment Holding Ltd announced its plan for financing the acquisition of the assets of Haujie Petroleum Co Ltd. ...
Distrigas LNG goes to Connecticut station
May 24, 2011 11:30 AM
Distrigas of Massachusetts LLC, a subsidiary of GDF SUEZ Energy North America, announced that it is providing LNG (liquefied natural gas) to the first LNG refueling station east of the Mississippi River....
Dana will acquire certain AIL axle assets
May 10, 2011 12:36 PM
Dana Holding Corporation has signed a definitive agreement with Axles India Ltd (AIL), to acquire select assets of AIL’s commercial truck axle business....
Alaska West Express receives safety award
May 10, 2011 12:29 PM
Alaska West Express received the Alaska Safe Truck Fleet of the Year Award for local cartage from the Alaska Trucking Association (ATA) at its annual awards banquet April 21, 2011. Alaska West Express was recognized for its safety performance in 2010, including accident rates, driver training and safety programs, and vehicle maintenance....
Intermodal volume climbs in Q1 2011
May 17, 2011 12:34 PM
Intermodal volume increased 9% year-over-year in Q1 2011 as international volume grew for the fifth straight quarter, posting a solid 9.6% uptick, according to a report released May 12 by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). IANA’s Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics report also notes that overall domestic intermodal volume also increased during the quarter by 8.4%...
Freight rates up for most carriers
in first quarter, TCP survey reveals
May 10, 2011 12:34 PM
The recent First Quarter Business Expectations Survey completed by Transport Capital Partners LLC (TCP) found that a majority of the carriers reported that average freight rates in the past quarter continue to rise. Most of the rate increases were less than 5%, however. The larger carrier reported seeing more rate increases in the 1-5% range than did smaller carriers. However, smaller carriers reported more rate increases in the 5-15% range....
Transportation, logistics firms shift M&A focus to infrastructure, consolidation
May 24, 2011 11:31 AM
Buoyed by strengthening capital markets, growing interest from financial investors, and stronger corporate balance sheets, the transportation and logistics industry is poised to reach robust levels of deal flow by number of deals over the course of 2011, according to Intersections, a quarterly analysis of global merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the transportation and logistics industry by PwC US....
Study links future truck crash
involvement to driver history
May 2, 2011 3:07 PM
In a study, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) reveals that truck drivers with certain driving records (ie, prior crashes, violations, and convictions) are more susceptible to being involved in a future truck crash than their peers with clean driving records....
Hybrid Truck Users Forum set for October
Jun 1, 2011 11:46 AM
The nation’s advanced-trucking eyes will focus on Baltimore MD in October 2011, when the city hosts the 11th annual Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) national conference, CALSTART announced...
Increased hiring, rising turnover rate
indicate recovery, ATA economist says
Apr 25, 2011 3:32 PM
Hiring in the trucking industry picked up in the fourth quarter of 2010, which coupled with an increase in the turnover rate for linehaul truckload drivers portends increased demand for drivers as the economy recovers....
ATA urges PHMSA to abandon
tank truck wetlines proposal
May 10, 2011 12:19 PM
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) told the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) it “strongly opposes” a proposal to require tank trucks to install equipment to drain flammable liquid from piping used for loading and unloading. In comments filed April 27, ATA said PHMSA should drop its proposal because costs associated with the so-called wetlines rule “far exceed the purported public safety benefits.” ...
National NGV Fleet Forum is established
May 17, 2011 12:06 PM
Leading national fleet operators announced the formation of the Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Fleet Forum, a new membership organization dedicated to advancing the use of natural gas in the US transportation sector. The effort was announced at the 2011 Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, a showcase of clean, alternative fuel vehicles...
Airgas earns two Compressed Gas Association fleet safety awards
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Charles E Wilson
Airgas Inc received two fleet safety awards from the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), the US industrial and medical gas industry's standard-setting organization...
Truck-involved fatalities
fall to record level in 2009
Apr 18, 2011 3:33 PM
The rate of truck-involved fatalities on US highways fell to 1.17 per 100 million miles in 2009, making that year the trucking industry’s safest since the federal government began keeping track in 1975....
TransCore Freight Index decreases in April
May 24, 2011 11:08 AM
TransCore’s North American Freight Index showed a 14% decline in spot market truckload freight volume for April 2011 compared with March, but a 12% increase versus April 2010. ...
Dometic air-conditioning systems will be factory-installed options on Volvo trucks
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Dometic is supplying battery-powered engine-off air-conditioning systems to Volvo Trucks North America for factory installation on new Volvo VN sleeper...
Betts Spring signs agreement with DTNA
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Betts Spring Company has finalized a three-year renewable long-term agreement with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) to supply Betts and Life-Time Fenders...
Kenworth T700 is named ATD Heavy Duty Commercial Truck of the Year
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
The aerodynamic Kenworth T700 equipped with the low-emission Paccar MX engine was named the 2011 Heavy Duty Commercial Truck of the Year by the American...
Freightliner 114SD SBA includes NG option
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
At the Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach CA recently, Freightliner Trucks announced that its new 114 Severe Duty (SD) set-back...
Peterbilt adds Bendix Wingman Active Cruise Control with Braking as option
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Peterbilt Motors Company announced production availability of Bendix Wingman ACB (Active Cruise with Braking) as an option for its heavy-duty truck models....
People in the News
Fleets
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Miller Transporters Inc announces the promotion of Brent Cobb to vice-president of safety and quality. He previously was manager of quality, overseeing...
Suppliers
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Polar Corporation appointed Michael Evans president of Polar Service Centers, one of three companies under the Polar Corp umbrella. Evans, who replaces...
Associations
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Safety & Security Division has presented its 2011 Safety Professional of the Year Award (also known as known...
Equipment News
BTI introduces Spin Flow Filter/Silencer
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Bulk Tank Inc (BTI) introduces the BTI Spin Flow Filter/Silencer, which the company says is unlike any pneumatic trailer air filter on the market. The...
Toyo M657 drive axle tire designed for the long haul
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Toyo Tires introduces the new M657 on-highway drive axle position tire for commercial vehicles. This US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay-verified...
RollTek is now provided on Peterbilt Class 8 trucks, tractors
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
IMMI announced the availability of RollTek side roll protection on Peterbilt Class 8 vehicles. RollTek combines side airbag protection with the latest...
fleetHQ provides photos of replaced tires
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Goodyear's fleetHQ dealers now offer photos of a replaced tire during a road service call as an added service to its fleetHQ systems portfolio. The service,...
Mitchell 1's Repair-Connect quickly diagnoses problems
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Mitchell 1 continues to provide the industry with repair information by bringing concise diagnostic information for Class 4-8 vehicles. The firm's latest...
Coxreels hose reels designed for DEF use
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Coxreels introduces a complete line of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) hose reels built on the all-steel SH and T Series reels. These reels are equipped with...
Advance offers two wet/dry combo units
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
The Advance Engineered Products Group has completed the manufacture of two second-generation wet/dry combination units (wet/dry combos) for delivery to...
Vigillo provides PSP Converter
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Vigillo LLC announced the availability of its Vigillo PSP Converter. The downloadable application enables motor carriers to convert Federal Motor Carrier...
RCI fuel purifiers recertified by institute
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
California-based manufacturer RCI Technologies' fuel purifiers have been recertified by the Green Clean Institute, an independent third-party organization...
TRP introduces line of exhaust products
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
TRP Aftermarket Parts announces the availability of a new line of exhaust mufflers, pipes, and clamps for different configurations and budgets. With its...
EverSure spring brake weighs less without sacrificing performance, safety
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC announces a new double-diaphragm spring brake for drum brakes. The Bendix EverSure spring brake with No Touch technology...
Webb adds training toolbox to website
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Webb Wheel Products Inc has added a new training toolbox to its website. The material at www.webbwheel.com clearly shows the proper procedures for maintaining...
inthinc adds touchscreen driver interface
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
inthinc Technology Solutions Inc announced the introduction of a touchscreen driver interface that works in conjunction with the company's waySmart commercial...
Video on Blackmer's sustainability efforts
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Blackmer has announced the release of a new video that highlights the company's leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability, not only in...
DBI-SALA Delta harness line updated
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Capital Safety announced the launch of the latest product in the Delta harness line from DBI-SALA, which provides comfort and ease of use. The newest...
Rand McNally, Aljex integrate applications
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Rand McNally's mileage and routing applications, MileMaker and IntelliRoute, have been integrated with Aljex Software's hosted transportation management...
HawkEye 5300 tracking device switches between GSM, Iridium satellite networks
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
Blue Sky Network introduces the HawkEye 5300, a dual-mode tracking device leveraging both GSM and Iridium satellite capabilities. The HawkEye 5300 offers...
ChemLogix leverages QuestaWeb systems
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
ChemLogix Global will leverage software systems from QuestaWeb Inc to provide enhanced international supply chain and logistics systems to its global...
Articles
Second NTTC Outstanding Performance Trophy for safety in six years for A&R Transport
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Charles E Wilson
WINNING a single Outstanding Performance Trophy, the top award in the National Tank Truck Carriers annual safety competition, is an impressive accomplishment....
NTTC throws its support behind electronic driver logs
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
A FTER making electronic logging devices (ELDs) the focus of two different sessions, the National Tank Truck Carriers members voted to support mandates...
Federal program manager for FMCSA's Texas Division answers questions in the wake of biggest change agency has made
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
JEFF Langloss is in a position to fully understand the importance and also the ramifications of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA's)...
One panel member advocates electronic logging technology as way to reduce truck driver turnover; another calls for professional mentors to help develop the next generation
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
NATIONAL Tank Truck Carriers President John Conley said that at a recent meeting in Dallas, he heard representatives from Dow Chemical Company and DuPont...
Perils of petroleum hauling include tight delivery sites, traffic, tank identification, spills, and contamination
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
THE way Bob Heinisch sees it, a driver's primary job really isn't driving a truck. That's a skill the driver has. The real skill a driver needs is the...
What do you do when an accident occurs? Attorney examines the steps that should be taken
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
ON April 14, 1970, two days into its mission to become the third in the Apollo space program to land on the moon, Apollo 13 experienced an oxygen-tank...
Dupré Logistics achieves a reduction in crashes and an increase in fuel savings with GreenRoad driver management technology
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
Dupré Logistics LLC first heard of GreenRoad driver safety technology in the summer of 2009 through a fellow carrier. Within a few months, Dupré had decided...
OSHA targeting wash rack confined space entry programs for tougher enforcement
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Charles E Wilson
TANK TRUCK wash racks are coming under greater scrutiny from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and confined-space tank entry seems...
Wash racks encouraged to treat drivers like VIPs
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Charles E Wilson
TANK TRUCK wash racks play a critical role in the driver sustainability campaign that is being championed by National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC). Through...
Choose right hardware for the job and take good care of it
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Charles E Wilson
TANK truck cleaning has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. It is important to choose the right equipment for the operation and make sure...
Engineer says pump driveshafts should be located as close as possible to underside of trailer
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
PUMP driveshafts should be located as close as possible to the underside of a tank trailer to minimize exposure to drivers and other operating personnel,...
Convention Calendar
Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM
July 10-12, 2011 Pennsylvania Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association summer conference, Grand Hotel, Ocean City MD.Ph: (717)902-0210 July...
