Based on a new Statistics Canada study, new trucking companies that opened between 2000 and 2007 experienced a higher rate of growth than new companies in other industries. One of the contributing factors to that growth was the rate of firms entering and exiting the industry, which is ultimately caused by the sucess or failure of existing firms and shifts in market share among them. In 2007, according to the Continue Reading

Trucking industry groups have come out in support of a U.S.-Canada oil pipeline, but environmental groups aren’t supportive of the idea. The Keystone XL pipeline project would transport crude oil from Alberta, Canada to Texas by way of the Midwest. The U.S. State Department has announced its findings on the environmental impact, saying that it was unlikely to be significant. The American Trucking Associations backs the project for its potential to reduce fuel costs, create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign oil sources. The Sierra Club Continue Reading

The Ontario Tire Stewardship reached a major milestone in its Used Tires Program recently. Since 2009, the province has made recycling tires a priority and in just two years’ time, has recycled its 25 millionth scrap tire in the province. In that time, more than 125,000 tones of tires have been recycled in Ontario. OTS officials are pleased to have reached this mark well before scheduled. They also say the program has significantly Continue Reading

The new federal fuel efficiency standards announced by US President Barack Obama may have some far-reaching effects. After the proposed 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emission goals detailed on Tuesday, the Canadian Trucking Alliance is pushing for Ottawa to adopt a similar set of eco-friendly rules for the trucking industry. Specifically, the CTA wants to accelerate the penetration of new EPA2010-compliant tractors into the marketplace and incentives to retrofit older vehicles with fuel-saving technologies, as well as see lawmakers embrace the Continue Reading

Crossing the U.S. border into Canada should get easier for less-than-truckload carriers with the introduction of an electronic manifest system, similar to what is already in place in the States. Currently, products from each shipper on an LTL haul must have their own bar code. But the new system will allow for the entire trailer to be assigned one bar code, speeding up the customs process. Once launched, carriers will have Continue Reading

Just as Canada’s three westernmost provinces have announced developing standard truck weights and dimensions regulations, the new Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) Executive Director Don Wilson is already calling for the same cooperative spirit towards super-single tires. Wilson says the benefits of using super-single tires have been “clearly demonstrated” with regard to the environment, productivity and road safety. Admittedly, there is a long way to go before harmonizing weight and dimension regulations, but he is already advocating taking it Continue Reading

Transportation leaders in Canada’s three westernmost provinces have announced the details of a new partnership that helps harmonize truck weights and dimensions regulations, which will ultimately help boost productivity and efficiency while reducing costs. Some of the changes include a 500-kg increase in steer axle weights (to 6,000 kgs) to accommodate fuel-saving technologies such as APUs, and increased length limits for Continue Reading

Ontario’s more agressive attempts at curbing greenhouse gas emissions are getting mixed reaction from the province’s trucking association. The latest report from Gord Miller, the provincial environmental commissioner, proposes a controversial “road pricing strategy” that could include a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax. The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is opposed to such measures, saying trucking would be unfairly targeted to provide a revenue source to support high-speed rail. The OTA does support Miller’s suggestions of incentives for the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles, and greater Continue Reading

One Canadian truck driver is giving prospective truckers or even just those who are curious a peek at life on the road in his new book titled “Playing in Traffic.” For Michael McClure, the project began as a way to deal with the time away from his family and to document a period of his life. Now he hopes it will serve as a handbook of sorts for those interested in pursuing careers as truck drivers. McClure documents everything from the weather conditions, loading hassles and equipment breakdowns, as well as the beautiful scenery he often saw outside his window. A one-time photographer and Continue Reading

The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is at odds with the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) over findings released by the federal government about the cost and paybacks of the country’s proposed biodiesel mandate to go into effect July 1. Specifically, the government’s Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (RIAS) found the costs of requiring 2 percent biodiesel in Canada would exceed benefits by $2.5 billion over the next 25 years and have only a minor impact on reducing greenhouse gases. Among the CTA’s concerns are the higher fuel costs for truckers, potential supply issues and Continue Reading