Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn gave the final approval for three pieces of legislation affecting trucking in the state. One bill raises the maximum truck weight to 80,400 lbs to accommodate auxiliary power units, and the other will boost the speed limit for trucks to 65 mph on four-lane highways outside the Chicagoland area. Both of these changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2012. The last bill, which allows for a form of dual 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

Low Maintenance MXP-120 All-Aluminum Platform Looks Great for the Long Haul

LOUISVILLE, KY – After years of development and extensive field and lab testing, Great Dane Trailers launches its new MXP-120 all-aluminum flatbed at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Booth #34075 March 31-April 2 in Louisville, Ky. By offering weight savings to maximize payload versatility and eliminating the potential for corrosion, the MXP-120 combines the latest technologies and proven components from Great Dane’s other platform models.

All-aluminum construction eliminates the potential for corrosion found in steel and combination steel and aluminum models, meaning the MXP-120 can maintain a shiny, like-new image longer. Aluminum components have the added bonus of lowering costs due to Continue Reading

Great Dane Makes Maximum Payloads Possible

LOUISVILLE, KY – The result of Great Dane’s commitment to research and development, The Composite dry freight van’s available specs have been expanded to address the needs of specialty hauls, such as those in the beverage industry and others with frequent heavy floor loads. This new Heavy-Duty Bottom Rail (HBR) lightweight model is on display March 31-April 2 in Booth #34075 at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky.

These new options provide added protection and weight savings without sacrificing strength and durability. The new HBR option features a 21-inch high, one-piece aluminum extrusion that replaces the standard 11-inch bottom rail and eliminates the need for a 6-inch integral steel scuffband. This taller bottom rail adds rigidity to the trailer, reducing sidewall bulging and damage to composite walls. An added bonus is the Continue Reading

Great Dane's Classic Truckload Reefer the Industry's Lightest

LOUISVILLE, KY – Furthering Great Dane’s reputation as the industry leader in reefer innovation, its newly redesigned Classic Truckload refrigerated trailer is on display March 31-April 2 in Booth #34075 at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. Combining traditional strength and timeless excellence for long-lasting dependability, the 53 ft. reefer is further enhanced by featuring company-exclusive products ThermoGuard and CorroGuard, which respectively, help extend the useful life of refrigerated trailers and combat equipment deterioration and corrosion.

Designed to meet the unique needs of today’s truckload carrier, the Classic Truckload offers unmatched protection against everyday abuses of demanding operations, and low maintenance features for extended peace of mind. Backed by the renowned reputation of Great Dane’s original Continue Reading

A pilot program that has allowed heavier trucks to operate on interstates in Maine and Vermont is up for extension, pending final approval of the House of Representatives. A Senate vote this week already approved the provision, which gives trucks weighing up to 100,000 pounds to operate on federal roads, that is set to expire on Friday. President Obama supports the measure, as do a number of trucking industry executives. Growth projections in the Continue Reading

Don’t be surprised if larger trucks able to carry more freight become a reality sooner rather than later, according to speakers at the “Moving the World: The Future of Freight Transportation” conference held last week in Washington, D.C., especially with political attitudes and environmental concerns shifting in favor of such changes. Not only would the move reduce emissions as trucks make fewer trips, but also another positive is that by hauling more freight at a time, congestion on the roads would be alleviated. And that benefit would address the long-term prediction that freight is expected to double in the next Continue Reading

Two pilot programs in Maine and Vermont allowing heavier weight trucks access to Interstate Highways there got the green light from the Obama administration to become permanent. The move was applauded by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) as further improving safety and boosting productivity in the industry. Using more productive trucks means fewer trips, ultimately reducing the environmental footprint. On Continue Reading

For nearly three years since the state of Rhode Island has imposed weight restrictions on the Pawtucket Bridge, drivers continue to cross the overpass, which garners an $85 ticket for ignoring the sign and a $3,000 fine for the company that owns the trucks. With the bridge expected to be complete by 2013, these problems won’t go away any time soon, even despite carriers’ best efforts to make their drivers aware Continue Reading

A new bill introduced in the Senate would allow states to up the maximum weight for trucks traveling on their interstates beyond the current federal limit of 80,000 pounds. The Safe Efficient Transportation Act is identical to a bill introduced in the House of Representatives last year which would require a sixth axle to help support the additional weight. The American Trucking Associations (ATA), one of the Continue Reading