September 1, 2012
Editorial
Failing US transport infrastructure hindering food shipments
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM, By Charles E Wilson
AMERICA'S agricultural sector continues to set the pace for much of the rest of the world. Even during times of severe drought and other weather extremes,...
Industry News
Driver, vehicle out-of-service rates near historic lows during 2012 Roadcheck
Aug 20, 2012 11:12 AM
Driver and vehicle out-of-service rates fell to near record lows during the 25th Annual Roadcheck conducted in June...
Tank fleets continue to lead in Roadcheck safety stats
Aug 22, 2012 10:27 AM
Once again, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Roadcheck campaign (held June 5-7) showed that tank truck and hazardous materials fleets rank at the top of the list in terms of highway safety. Liquid and dry bulk carriers and their drivers certainly deserve special accolades for leading the way in safety...
Another oilfield fleet acquisition for Quality Distribution
Aug 7, 2012 12:23 PM
Quality Distribution Inc today announced that certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries have purchased the operating assets of Dunn's Tank Service Inc and the operating assets and rights of Nassau Disposal Inc for an aggregate cash purchase price of $34.3 million...
ATRI releases roll stability system analysis based on fleet crash data
Aug 14, 2012 10:04 AM
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released the industry's first major comparative analysis of roll stability systems (RSS) based on carrier operational data...
Navistar throws in towel, officially embraces SCR-based engine emission controls
Aug 6, 2012 11:47 AM
Navistar International Corporation announced August 2 that it would add selective catalytic reduction-based controls to its previously announced next-generation ICT+ (In-Cylinder Technology Plus) heavy-duty diesel engines...
FMCSA’s Fit, Willing and Able regulatory policy raising safety bar for truck fleets seeking operating authority
Aug 14, 2012 10:13 AM
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Fit, Willing, and Able policy guidance raises the safety bar for commercial trucks and buses by providing the specific criteria the agency considers when it grants, withholds, revokes, or suspends a company’s operating authority registration...
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index continues downward in June
Aug 14, 2012 10:15 AM
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for June, as reported in the August 2012 Trucking Update, continued its downward trend, declining a half point from May to a reading of 4.5. This was weaker than initial expectations...
Peterbilt begins producing Model 579
Jul 18, 2012 9:36 AM
Peterbilt is now producing the new Model 579 truck, launched during the recent Mid-America Trucking Show...
ABC launches Natural Gas Fleet Vehicles North American Congress
Aug 2, 2012 2:26 PM
Fluctuating oil prices have clearly highlighted the traditional dependency of North American fleet operators on imported crude oil...
FMCSA to address TRALA Concerns over registrant-only USDOT numbers
Aug 20, 2012 11:47 AM
Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) representatives met with top officials in the Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to continue ongoing discussions with the agency regarding concerns with the announced elimination of the registrant-only USDOT number...
Plains All American building new crude oil rail facilities in CO, VA
Aug 14, 2012 10:06 AM
Plains All American Pipeline LP (PAA) announced it is constructing new crude oil rail facilities in Tampa CO and Yorktown VA and making additional modifications to its Yorktown facility. The new rail facilities and modifications are expected to be completed by the third-quarter of 2013 at an aggregate cost of approximately $125 million...
New Detroit DT12 transmission can enhance fuel efficiency, performance
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Detroit Diesel Corporation took the wraps off the Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission. Part of the Detroit complete powertrain offering, the DT12...
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index remains at near neutral reading
Aug 20, 2012 11:24 AM
FTR Associates’ Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) for June was basically unchanged from the previous month and remains in near neutral territory at a reading of -1.8. The SCI sums up all market influences that affect shippers...
PeopleNet will introduce management app for iPad, iPhone, Android devices
Aug 14, 2012 10:26 AM
PeopleNet, a provider of innovative and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems for effective fleet management, announced the introduction of a management app that provides critical event alerts to smart devices within seconds based on data from multiple sources...
FMCSA extends oilfield HOS guidelines comment period
Aug 6, 2012 11:34 AM
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the comment period for the Agency's June 5, notice concerning regulatory guidance on the applicability of the oilfield operations exceptions in the hours-of-service regulations, and announced it will hold three public listening sessions to receive comments on the issue...
WABCO wins 2011 quality achievement award in Europe from PACCAR
Aug 14, 2012 10:23 AM
WABCO Holdings Inc, a global technology leader and tier-one supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, today said that WABCO in the Netherlands has been recognized with a top award for quality achievement throughout 2011 by PACCAR Inc...
Affiliate of ArcLight Capital Partners LLC to acquire Blackwater Midstream
Jul 17, 2012 4:49 PM
>Blackwater Midstream Corp, a company that specializes in the development and management of third party petroleum, chemical and agricultural bulk liquid storage terminals, with operations in Louisiana, Maryland and Georgia, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of ArcLight Capital Partners LLC, an energy-focused private equity investment firm, for approximately $44.1 million...
Dana bolsters field sales, service operation
Jul 16, 2012 9:36 AM
Dana Holding Corporation announced numerous actions to strengthen its North American field sales and service organization...
Murex NA Ltd, Cetane Energy LLC announce unit train, storage tank, throughput agreement
Jun 26, 2012 3:41 PM
Murex NA Ltd and Cetane Energy LLC announced a new crude oil railcar loading agreement in New Mexico. The companies will expand the existing Cetane facility in Carlsbad NM to add a crude oil storage tank and a 110-railcar unit train transloading facility for crude oil...
Hino sets autumn launch for new Class 5 cabover trucks
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Hino Trucks new Class 5 195 and 195h COE (cab-over-engine) trucks will be arriving at qualified Hino dealerships across the nation in autumn 2012. Available...
NationaLease schedules annual meeting
Aug 1, 2012 9:39 AM
NationaLease, one of the largest full-service truck leasing organizations in North America, will hold its 68th annual meeting September 16-17, 2012, in Baltimore MD at the newly opened Four Seasons Hotel...
Compli expands training course offerings
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Compli has partnered with ethics and compliance training provider WeComply to provide Compli clients with unlimited access to a suite of WeComply training...
People in the News
Fleets
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Groendyke Transport Inc has announced the September 1, 2012, retirement of Gene Brown, executive vice-president. With a career at Groendyke spanning more...
Suppliers
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Hutchens Industries announced that Ben Clark, who has been promoted to director of customer service, will now oversee the operations of Hutchens' customer...
Associations
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) elected Angela Kane to its board of directors during its 80th annual conference recently. She serves as the chief...
Equipment News
Fontaine app simplifies locating parts
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Fontaine Parts Connection has added an easy-to-use parts finder application to its website, www.fifthwheel.com. The app makes it easy for customers to...
Kenworth offers dual LNG tanks on T800s
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Kenworth Truck Company is expanding its line of green products by offering factory-installed, dual liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel tanks on T800s powered...
Girard Equipment unveils new website and support features
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
In keeping with Girard Equipment's focus on customers, the company has unveiled a new website (at www.girardequip.com) that promises to be user-friendly...
Westport certifies Eaton UltraShift PLUS
Aug 29, 2012 11:27 AM
Eaton Corporation’s UltraShift PLUS automated heavy-duty transmissions have been certified for use with the Westport HD 15-liter high-pressure direct-injection liquefied natural gas engine ...
KCP provides 100% aluminum radiator, A/C condenser line
Jan 18, 2012 11:12 AM
Kustom Cooling Products LLC (KCP) has released a 100% aluminum radiator and air-conditioner condenser line for Freightliner trucks. ...
Vortex Unlimited brake drum
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Webb Wheel has introduced the Vortex Unlimited, a cast brake drum now available for popular steer, drive, and trailer axle applications...
Phillips adds Weather-Tite to Permaplug
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Phillips has added a sealing component to its Permaplug to create the Weather-Tite Permaplug. It's the same Permaplug, only now with a thick, rubberized...
Bridgestone Everywhere Network debuts
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (BCS), a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, recently launched a multi-platform mobile app for its Bridgestone...
Encompass adds oilfield logging exception
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
J J Keller's Encompass, a US Department of Transportation compliance management tool, will now support the US oilfield logging exception through the use...
Hella work lamp consumes less electricity
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Hella Inc, the North American aftermarket subsidiary of automotive lighting and electronics supplier Hella, has released its new Hella Power Beam 3000...
Cummins announces engine line for 2013
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Cummins Inc has announced its engine products that will be available to North American trucking customers in 2013. Product improvements continue to offer...
Allison transmissions offered in Freightliner's natural gas vehicles
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Allison Transmission Inc has announced that its transmissions are the exclusive offering in Freightliner's natural gas vehicles, including the new Cascadia...
Peterbilt provides split-shaft PTO options
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Peterbilt Motors Company's vocational product line now is now available with a range of split-shaft power take-off (PTO) options, which are used by those...
TomTom PRO 7150 TRUCK automates truck routing
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
TomTom Business Solutions has unveiled the TomTom PRO 7150 TRUCK, designed to provide truck drivers and fleet managers with automated routing that takes...
Rand McNally upgrades compliance system
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Rand McNally announced a new pricing plan, several new features, and a warranty program for its single-box compliance system for fleets. The TND 760 Fleet...
Doran, SafetyTrax integration project helps fleets to reduce tire repair costs
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Doran has successfully completed a collaborative integration project with SafetyTrax AVL to provide fleets with a dynamic web-based software application...
Kenworth has new glider kits
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
For fleets and owner-operators wanting to make old trucks new again, Kenworth is offering glider kits for the T660, T800 (split fender configuration),...
Vigillo provides CSA Intervention Manager
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Vigillo LLC has released its new Intervention Manager. The web-based application represents the eighth product in the Vigillo Daylight suite designed...
Peterbilt adds suspensions to Model 382
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Peterbilt Motors Company announces the expanding availability of the proprietary Air Leaf, Low Air Leaf, and Air Trac drive axle suspensions to the Model...
VDO RoadLog EOBR an all-in-one system
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket has announced its new VDO RoadLog electronic on-board recorder (EOBR) for the commercial vehicle market....
M853 all-position radial tire resists wear
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (BCS), a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, announced the launch of the M853, a new on/off highway all-position...
Cole Hersee debuts sealed plastic switches
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Cole Hersee, the Commercial Vehicle Products division of Littelfuse Inc, has launched a new line of switches with a sealed engineered-plastic body that...
Articles
Letter to the editor
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
DOT, PHMSA don't endorse cargo tank equipment Dear Editor, In reference to your Bulk Transporter, June 2012 Safety Issue, on page 3, Global Passive Safety...
Wisconsin food carrier offers customers a wide range of services
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM, By Charles E Wilson
When asked about the keys to success for the foodgrade tank truck fleet that bears his name, Lowell C Hagen wastes no time in listing two critical factors....
Hagen Transfer
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Originally founded as a reload point for milk collected off farms in south central Wisconsin, Hagen Transfer found new growth opportunities as a commercial...
Atchison Topeka finds a more efficient way to transfer foods from bulk bags to dry bulk trailers
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
Efficient logistics and transportation play critical roles in the food distribution proces...
OSHA stepping up confined-space enforcement; decision on alternatives still to be handed down in 2004 case
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
WITH the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stepping up its enforcement of confined-space entry of tanks, companies need to guard against...
GHS method of standardizing and harmonizing the classification of chemicals on its way, perhaps by 2015
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
CONSISTENCY is the goal of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), a method of standardizing and harmonizing...
Tank wash racks play a role in CSA program
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
WHAT is the tank wash's role in helping motor carriers under Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)? National Tank Truck Carriers convened a panel to...
Dealing with chemicals, effluents
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
BECAUSE of changes on the regulatory front, especially in California, it has become difficult to clean products due to the issue of discharge water. It...
Printed documents can be nearly eliminated for tank washes with software that tracks maintenance operations
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
ALAN Tomlinson, solutions engineer for TMW Systems, said it was a bit of an oxymoron to title his presentation, Paperless Tank Wash Process, since he...
A $27.99 camera does the job
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
CIRCLE City Tank Wash owner Troy Smith says there has been great concern about not breaking the plane at the manhole even on foodgrade trailers but in...
Meritor WABCO demonstrates latest updates in safety, efficiency technology
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
ONE couldn't have asked for better days than August 15 and 16 to visit the Ford test track in southeastern Michigan. Those were the days and place chosen...
Convention Calendar
Sep 1, 2012 12:00 PM
September 10-13, 2012 Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) fall meeting and national technical skills competition, David L Lawrence Convention Center,...
