A recent report about the Port of Tacoma’s Clean Truck program is showing some improvements, even from last year when it was implemented. Of the 3,100 short-haul drayage trucks that regularly serve terminals on the Tacoma Tideflats, 90 percent are model year 1994 or newer, up 4 percent from last year, which complies with the Continue Reading

According to a new report, railroads are positioned to rebound faster than any other mode of shipping, both because of the wide variety of industries it supports and market confidence signaled by recent investments. The less-than-truckload (LTL) market is struggling due to low pricing, but analysts speculate that is a move to weed out the carriers who are Continue Reading

Though the year-over-year freight index is down, the Freight Transportation Services Index increased 2.9 percent since June 2009. Those gains have come since the Freight TSI’s lowest level since June 1997, which was May 2009. The index hit its peak in May 2006 with a Freight TSI of 112.9. 2009 ended with a December Freight TSI of Continue Reading

Industry analysts continue to point to mid-2010 as the point at which dramatic improvements needed to boost truck sales will take place. According to ACT Research Co. (ACT), the trucking industry will strengthen in the second half of the year, in turn boosting demand for commercial vehicles later in 2010 and into 2011. With used truck values increasing and finance firms less likely to extend credit to keep struggling carriers Continue Reading

According to speakers on a recent webcast presented by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and Fleet Owner, distractions that disrupt driving are often so random and responding to them almost voluntary that managing their number and training drivers to be more aware of them is the best method to boosting safety on the road. Even in testing, drivers showed no Continue Reading

As workforces become more mobile, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company is dedicated to giving them the necessary tools needed to succeed. Such was the driving force in the development of the Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field, a rugged handheld tablet computer. Designed for highly mobile professionals, the computer bridges the gap Continue Reading

Fifth-wheel coupler manufacturer Jost believes it is closing the gap on scaling the next frontier in vehicle aerodynamics – the gap between a tractor and trailer. Its Smart Gap System (SGS), on display at the recent Technology and Maintenance Council exhibition in Tampa, automatically alters the size of the gap while the equipment is on Continue Reading

On the first day funds were available through the joint funding program between the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the CA-based Clean Transportation Technologies and Solutions (CalStart) organization, $5 million went out. To organizers, that indicates a “pent-up” demand for hybrid technologies. The $20-million Hybrid Truck and Continue Reading

Total net orders for Class 8 trucks have reached their lowest levels since July of 2002, giving some analysts hope that perhaps that number has hit bottom. While it may have reach the point at which it will post gains, market researchers tend to think it may have a lot more to do with the hefty price tags 2010-emission compliant equipment carries, not to mention the uncertainty Continue Reading

New state and local idling regulations in Illinois, New Jersey and Ohio have been posted to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI)’s website. These updated regulations are made available as a cab card form that can be download or viewed online. Recent updates include enactment of Continue Reading