Canada’s exports continued to drop, while imports rose, according to the latest numbers from Statistics Canada. For July, exports declined 0.7 percent, or from $33 billion in June to $32.8 billion in July, marking the fourth decrease in six months. Leading the decrease was industrial machinery such as aircraft, engines and parts. Other export drops included consumer products and forestry products, which fell after 10 straight months of growth. Exports to Continue Reading

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made some changes to its electronic on-board recorder rule, which was issued on April 5, due to multiple petitions from EOBR manufacturers and industry stakeholders. Specifically, the FMCSA deleted the requirement that EOBRs operate within its earlier stated temperature ranges. The second change addressed the type of connector used. Initially, the FMCSA mandated use of a USB (or Type B) connection, but reconsidered since many devices are already designed to use a Type A connection. One company, Xata, further requested that Continue Reading

An international group of transportation engineers recently presented the possibility of a new “sixth mode” of transportation to the Canadian Transportation Research Forum. Primarily directed at logging companies trying to reach valuable natural resources to costly for pipelines, trucks, airplanes and boats, airships–unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like balloons and zeppelins–could do the work for less. Engineers on the project said Continue Reading

According to the FTR Trucking Conditions Index, the trucking industry has experienced stabilization over the last several months and should expect to remain in positive territory for the rest of the year. The Trucking Conditions Index is a compilation of factors affecting trucking companies. According to FTR, the current index is showing a solid improvement from 2009 and is expected to continue on an upward trend through 2011. In spite of Continue Reading

Though they only account for one-fourth of total business stockpiles, wholesale inventories saw a promising increase, the biggest in two years, according to the Commerce Department. The most recent jump of 1.3 percent was more than three times what economists predicted. Wholesale sales rose more than one-half percent, as well, the most since April. Of total business stockpiles, wholesale inventories comprise a small slice, with retailers and Continue Reading

Despite an increase in vehicular traffic, fatalities declined to record lows in 2009 and injuries from highway crashes continue to drop, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The number of highway deaths in 2009 fell to the lowest number since 1950. But for safety officials, the news kept getting better. Deaths across multiple categories, including truck-involved, motorcycles and alcohol-impaired driving, decreased. Though reduced travel due to the recession may have had some impact, traffic safety professionals felt these numbers reflected the efforts of Continue Reading

Hendrickson Bumper and Trim’s new Aero Guard bumper is being released for heavy-duty vehicles after four years in the making. The new bumper employs heavy-duty structural ribbing and an extra-thick fascia in a unified structure that provides cold-impact durability down to -40 degrees while improving strength, engine cooling and ground clearance. Made from fully recyclable materials, the bumper for International ProStar tractors is aerodynamic and lightweight. The Aero Guard technology makes it possible to incorporate large structural ribs into thermoplastic injection molded parts without Continue Reading

As the implementation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA 2010) model approaches, the agency is releasing documents to help those affected understand the program. The FMCSA recently released “CSA 2010: Just the Facts,” a two-page document that addresses myths, misconceptions and 15 facts about CSA 2010 that are commonly misunderstood. To access the documents, visit Continue Reading

Qualcomm’s new Mobile Computing Platform 110 (MCP110) offers upgrades from the MCP100 model that add value and ease to transportation company operations. The new capabilities include a PDF viewer that allows drivers to view and, with an optional in-cab printer, print PDF documents right from their cab, making it easy for fleet managers to send special instructions to drivers who are arriving at customer sites. On-board driver tutorials help navigate drivers through using various MCP110 applications. And the MCP110’s Driver Interface Unit (DIU110) boasts a higher resolution display with more vibrant colors, improving driver satisfaction with an enhanced user experience. MCP110 offers an option to upgrade to Wi-Fi-enabled communication, with Continue Reading

Truckers can expect to see more roadside inspections after the implementation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA 2010) model later this year. The model is ultimately aimed at reducing crash risks, and according to the safety specialist at Penske Truck Leasing and former South Carolina state transportation police officer, fleets will be challenged to completely rethink their safety management practices. Under this new model, carriers will bear the most responsibility for all safety components because their drivers will be Continue Reading