A recent study of greenhouse gas and emissions reporting methods by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) found “big picture” inconsistencies. For example, the trucking industry uses the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Partnership model, which results in only small calculations differences. However, simply judging the eco-friendliness of a fleet based on those numbers would be misleading, according to the study, as it accounts for only the Continue Reading

A motion that would have given the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions was defeated by the Senate by slimmest of margins late last week. The resolution, defeated by a 53-47 vote would have given the EPA authority to make rules regarding reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The defeat, however, signaled to President Obama the need for Continue Reading

A study to analyze the impact of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) fuel efficiency program seeks the input of federal, state and local agencies, Indian tribes and the public to help identify environmental issues and reasonable alternatives. Comments are directed to take into account the unique demands of heavy-duty applications, as well as the structure of the trucking Continue Reading

Class 8 orders are getting a boost from a stronger economy and improving freight levels, even to the point that some industry analysts are revising their forecasts. ACT Research Co. (ACT) has boosted its 2010 production numbers by 4,500–a 23 percent year-over-year growth. Even 2011′s numbers were already projected to be a Continue Reading

Perhaps a byproduct of a rebounding economy, trucks at California ports are experiencing longer wait times with the increase in cargo traffic combined with staffing cutbacks necessitated by the economic downturn. Container traffic has risen nearly by double digits from one year ago at both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and that has left truckers waiting as much as Continue Reading

Consumer confidence in June exceeded even economists’ expectations. Up a point higher that predicted, consumer confidence is a linchpin in improving the economy, as it accounts for 70 percent of it. Preliminary numbers for the month showed a reading of 75.5, the highest since January 2008 and Continue Reading

Bitimec has developed a new line of truck and trailer motorized power washers that allows one operator to soap, wash and rinse trucks and trailers in less than eight minutes. Speedy Wash machines are totally self-contained mobile wash systems that use minimal water and detergent. Models are Continue Reading

Rising logistics costs, driven fuel in particular, may just have some benefit, according to one industry leader. Kelly Dier, president of Marmon Highway Technologies (MHT), predicts higher fuel costs – as much as $6 to $8 per gallon in the next five years – will bring manufacturing back to North America. The supply chain will rely heavily on Continue Reading

Despite increases in tonnage and truck sales, a new report suggests a bleak future for the trucking industry. The 21st annual State of Logistics Report, sponsored by Penske Logistics and released by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) recently particularly focuses on a potential driver shortage that would be further squeezed by new regulations. Depressed freight levels forced many drivers to Continue Reading

April and May showed increased freight traffic and an improvement in overall economic activity, according to the Federal Reserves latest “beige book.” Despite the growth, some of the executives contacted for the report expressed concerns whether the boost was tied to growing demand or were a byproduct of reduced capacity. Manufacturing and homebuilders cited the Continue Reading