The state of Maine has proposed a one-year pilot program, increasing its Interstate highway system’s weight limit from 80,000 pounds to 100,000 pounds. Finally, its truck weight restrictions are in line with Eastern Canada. The Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce (APCC) applauded the move, citing improved efficiency and Continue Reading

President Obama has passed the bill ensuring the highway trust fund remains solvent through Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year. The $7 billion infusion ensures that states will continue receiving money to maintain their highways, but it is in no way a long-term solution. Trucking and other highway-user interest groups are advocating everything from Continue Reading

The latest gauge of truck demand indicates that it will remain weak before rebounding in the second half of 2010. ACT Research Co. in its North American Commercial Vehicle Outlook projects modest improvement before aging fleets need to replace equipment, pushing up Class 8 production in the latter part of next year. Class Continue Reading

Demand for commercial truck tires this year has plunged, down by more than 2 million units, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, and replacement truck tire demand doesn’t look much better. Those numbers come as no surprise to those in the industry, as it is an accurate indicator of the activity in the trucking market. An Continue Reading

A new option available on certain Air-Weigh onboard truck and tractor scales will virtually eliminate weight disputes, according to the company. The LoadMaxx series of scales features a new Date & Time printer option, which produces a weight receipt showing the date and time, along with other pertinent weights. The driver and Continue Reading

Those who make parts purchasing decisions for large and small carriers alike agree that while price is a factor, it’s not the most important. Quality and service life are key considerations, as is availability and customer support. Contrary to perception, larger carriers are willing to experiment with other suppliers, but typically for Continue Reading

Navistar could see an infusion of up to 700 new jobs, including employees and suppliers, with the help of federal grants to boost development and production of hybrid and electric vehicles. President Obama spoke at the engine and truck manufacturer, announcing a $39 million plan to help jump-start production of Continue Reading

A letter from a California Air Resources Board researcher is causing a stir in the debate over which technology is better all around for meeting 2010 federal diesel emission standards. According to CARB research, the selective catalytic reduction process most engines will employ could emit toxic byproducts with the introduction of Continue Reading

With the uncertain stability of fuel prices hanging above the trucking industry like a Damocletian sword, the American Trucking Association (ATA) is taking on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), calling for regulation to help combat volatility in 2008 costs that put some carriers out of business and left many others Continue Reading

The good news about North American Class 8 truck orders posting an increase for the second consecutive month was tempered by its more than 37 percent decrease compared to July 2008. Truck orders for the U.S., Canada, Mexico and export eclipsed 9,000 units last month, a 9.6 percent increase over June, according to Continue Reading