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DVX sunglasses for serious drivers The DVX brand by Wiley X includes 25 designs (five of which are Rx-capable) for both men and women. The new product line will be available exclusively through Wal-Mart Optical Centers beginning in mid-March. The DVX sunglasses retail for $48 for non-polarized and $78 for polarized models. Wal-Mart Vision Centers offer free vision screenings in the store and a free 12-month guarantee on all frames and lenses.
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Kenworth's NavPlus System: What? No kitchen sink?
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Xata: Can we be ‘tweet hearts’? For every new @XataNation Twitter follower, Xata will donate $1 (up to $1,000) to the St. Christopher Fund. The SCF is a nonprofit dedicated to helping drivers who struggle with medical bills and unemployment due to illness or injury.
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Recall: Bendix scrambles to remedy defective valve By Sandi Soendker, editor-in-chief
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is recalling certain traction relay valves that will affect shipment of a large number of heavy trucks made by Paccar, Volvo, Mack and Navistar. In late January, the Ohio-based company notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it had identified a potential defect on a traction relay valve fitted on 50,000 to 60,000 trucks manufactured between Dec. 2, 2010 and Jan. 18, 2012. According to Bendix, OEMs were notified to ensure that the potentially affected trucks won’t be delivered for sale until there’s a fix. Bendix Communications Manager Barbara Gould said Thursday that the company was working as diligently as it could to get a remedy in place. “Safety and customer satisfaction are top priority for us,” said Gould, “and when these types of situations arise, we do everything we can to get the right information and insure the fastest and least disruptive solution we can.” The problem was discovered in mid-December after reports of intermittent brake applications. The company reports that following inspection of complaint vehicles, Bendix replicated the event under lab conditions and verified the situation in the field. Gould said Bendix notified NHTSA on Jan. 26 of a potential defect on the ATR-6 traction relay valve. The problem is that internal leakage can develop, resulting in pressure being delivered to the affected service brake circuit. Gould said it’s a potential problem, which means it doesn’t happen in every valve but can happen. The one consistent element, she said, is that it has occurred in vehicles operating in extremely cold – below zero – temps. According to Gould, a temporary remedy kit is out there now and permanent one is forthcoming. “From the OEM perspective, we are working closely with them to come up with a solution that works for them,” she said. “Some are already in the field installing the temporary remedy kit and we are working with others to come to a decision.” Gould noted some confusion with a few reports she’d seen that indicated the defect was connected with Bendix’s stability and collision mitigation systems. Those reports are not accurate, she said. “It’s not true that there are problems with these systems,” she said. “It’s an intermittent air leak issue, not related to stability and collision mitigation systems. Our Bendix ESP Full Stability System and Wingman ACB and Wingman Advanced – although they are temporarily suspended when you install the temporary remedy kit – are not the root cause of the condition.” When the permanent remedy kit is installed, Gould said those systems will be instantly reactivated on the vehicle. Bendix is providing online information and the latest developments at its Product Action Center and is now manning a toll free action line at 1-800-478-1793. Copyright © OOIDA
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Inver Grove Heights travel center to remain open during remodeling Located at 11650 Courthouse Blvd. along U.S. Highway 52/55 in Dakota County, the travel center will remain open during remodeling, which is expected to be complete in May 2012. The 7,500-square-foot travel center will feature four fuel islands and five diesel islands along with DEF at the pump. The Inver Grove Heights location will include a Cat scale, Subway restaurant, which will reopen after the remodeling is complete; hot food deli; clean restrooms; pay phones; an AirVac; fax and copy services; Western Union and check cashing; an ATM; lottery and Lotto tickets; an arcade; laundry services; and general merchandise for professional drivers and highway travelers. As with all other Pilot Flying J locations, the Inver Grove Heights Pilot Travel Center honors the Frequent Fueler Advantage card. Pilot and Flying J merged in 2010, and both brands are still available on U.S. highways. Pilot Flying J is headquartered in Knoxville, TN, and has more than 550 retail locations across North America.
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Another Yokohama Tire price adjustment coming in February The tire company upped the price of its commercial tires 6 percent in January 2011, 8 percent in April, in July and again in October. Rick Phillips, director of Commercial Sales cites costs of manufacturing and logistics, and domestic and global economic pressures.
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Dana, Eaton end alliance for marketing drivetrain components Eaton will continue to provide field services and support for all Eaton and Dana products through the middle of 2012 under the Roadranger brand, after which Dana will have the support systems in place to effectively service and support its customers independently.
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Pilot Flying J completes purchase of Bosselman travel centers The centers are located in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota and are open for business Thursday, Jan. 5, as Pilot Travel Centers. In addition to Pilot Flying J’s acquisition, the companies agreed to expand Bosselman’s Boss Truck Shops repair facilities to 20 additional Pilot Flying J locations across the country. The newly acquired centers are located in Des Moines (Altoona), IA; Colby, KS; Salina, KS; Rapid City, SD; Big Springs, NE; Wood River, NE, and Elm Creek, NE.
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Florida company develops ‘no fuel’ reefer Emerald Technology Partners says the Wedway Refrigeration Power System refrigeration unit can run up to 10 hours after the truck has stopped. Or, the company says, it can be run off shore power. With a Wedway-equipped refrigeration unit, the company claims the cost of operation is greatly reduced by doing away with the fossil fuel, lowering the overall weight of the system and allowing for more cargo weight. By Emerald’s calculation, there are more than a million reefers on the road that consume nearly $13 billion dollars worth of fuel each year.
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Paccar parts to please TRP chrome and stainless parts include exterior accessories such as fenders, bumpers, kick panels, steps, skirts and toolboxes, and interior accessories such as knobs and panels. TRP also offers accessories designed specifically for popular Kenworth and Peterbilt models. TRP Aftermarket Parts are available through authorized retailers including Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF dealerships. Visit TRPParts.com for a location near you.
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Freightliner design contest for college students The company is sponsoring a contest to see which college student can submit the best original design for a new truck – one that’s good looking, aerodynamic and user-friendly for owner-operators. The goal is to help generate out-of-the-box ideas for what owner-operators want. Judging criteria will cover a broad spectrum of required skills, including concept, overall product appearance, originality, power of emotion, and illustration quality. The contest runs from now through February 2012. Three finalists, selected by a panel of commercial vehicle design experts, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the 2012 Mid-America Trucking Show, where their designs will be on display at the Freightliner Trucks booth. The winner will receive a $20,000 scholarship fund and option for a paid internship at Freightliner Trucks. For more information about the competition and a complete list of rules, go to www.FreightlinerTrucks.com/TruckDesignContest.
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Daimler brings the cloud to the cab By leveraging Zonar cloud-based (Internet) technology with the Virtual Technician system, DTNA can provide immediate and proactive diagnostic service to their customers. The Virtual Technician transmits real-time engine diagnostics with vehicle performance indicators to the Detroit Diesel Customer Support Center. The support center then proactively communicates with fleets and vehicle owners regarding potential performance issues and service scheduling.
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Freightliner aims for 8 mpg in 2015 Freightliner says it’s already boosted the tractor’s mileage with aerodynamic fairings and expects to introduce more aerodynamic improvements as well as mechanical advances and things like switching to a 5W-30 engine oil.
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Good FAQ for CSA lighting info
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YRC sells Glen Moore assets to Celadon It was bought by USF in 1998, and USF was bought by YRC in 2005. Glen Moore lost $10 million in the first nine months of this year. YRC lost $120 million in the third quarter of this year.
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Trucking executive Patrick Quinn dies of cancer
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Love’s upgrades ‘Connect’ smartphone app Other upgrades include DEF pricing and information on available truck parking spaces at each site. “Our customers let us know which features they want to see on the Love’s Connect app, and we listen,” said Dave Frankenfield, director of marketing for Love’s, in a release. “Our roadside assistance team is ready to roll when drivers contact us instantly through the app. Parking is always top of mind for professional truck drivers.” According to Love’s website, the Connect app first debuted in June 2011. The free app includes a locator map of all of the locations with real-time updated fuel prices, restaurant offers and other features.
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Freightliner sponsors design contest with big rewards The company is sponsoring a contest to see which North American (U.S. or Canada) college student can submit the best original design for a new truck – one that’s good looking, aerodynamic, and user-friendly for owner-operators. The contest runs from now until the end of February and the winner will be announced at next year’s Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville. Three finalists will get a paid trip to MATS. For more information about the competition and all the rules, go to www.FreightlinerTrucks.com/TruckDesignContest.
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Kenworth recognized for energy conservation program In the past three years, the plant has achieved a 35-percent increase in its so-called ‘energy intensity,’ which measures how much energy is used in the production process. Kenworth officials say they lowered the plant’s energy consumption with more efficient heating and lighting systems and by constantly monitoring energy use. The plant has won a number of awards from local government and media for being a model of green manufacturing.
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Bosselmans to sell seven locations to Pilot-Flying J Truckers shouldn’t see any big changes when Pilot-Flying J takes over seven of the eight Bosselman Travel Centers early next year. Charlie Bosselman explained to Land Line Now that the group had a previous relationship with Pilot Corp. and that, taking a hard look at the economy, they just didn’t see a lot of growth potential for the truck stops. That doesn’t mean the Bosselmans are leaving the industry all together. In fact, he said that the group will be keeping their flagship truck stop in Grand Island, NE, and the Boss Truck Shops will still be around. In fact, while the truck stop business may not have had the growth potential to suit the Bosselmans, the Boss Shops show real potential, he said. In fact, they see potential to increase from 34 locations to 60 or more within three years. Still, he notes that the Bosselman family has been operating truck stops for 63 years. “It’s a sad day for us, a lot of those locations we’ve been operating since the late ’60s. We’ve remodeled several times; built from the ground up; and put a lot of work into it,” Charlie told Land Line Now. “We’re still going to be in those facilities, still going to operate the restaurants, still going to operate the Boss Shops. We still have hotels on the property. We’re going to be in and around them quite a bit.” Bosselman’s is based in Grand Island, and has about 1,400 employees at eight Midwestern locations. Charlie Bosselman said that the majority of the employees will be keeping their jobs through the transition. Pilot-Flying J is out of Knoxville, TN, and has about 18,000 employees at more than 550 locations in the US and Canada. Land Line Now News Anchor Reed Black contributed to this report.
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Icahn buys 10 percent of Navistar’s stock The Wall Street Journal reports Carl Icahn thought the company’s stock was undervalued and now wants to get people on the board of directors who agree with his approach to business. This summer, Icahn bought nearly 10 percent of the stock in Oshkosh, which mainly makes specialty vehicles, including military trucks.
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Truckers Helper Giveaway 2011 If you register at the website and put the Truckers Helper sticker on your truck, trailer or car, you’ll be in the running. Established in 1994 by OOIDA Life Member John Ewing, Truckers Helper has been a constant leader in bringing truckers the tools they need to stay legal and profitable. Offering trucking software for drivers, owner-operators and small fleets, Truckers Helper is working with all segments of the trucking industry. The newest version, Truckers Helper Online, brings the best of the highly successful box version of the program to the Web. Truckers Helper will be at the Great American Trucking Show Aug. 25-27, 2011, in booth number 25010.
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Ontario seeks to recoup investment in Navistar facility “With the announcement of the immediate permanent closure of the Navistar truck facility in Chatham, Navistar has failed to meet their commitments under the agreement they signed with the Ontario government in 2004,” Member of Parliament Pat Hoy told the Windsor Star. “Navistar has been notified they have failed to fulfill their obligations and therefore our government will be pursuing our right to recover funds as outlined in our agreement with Navistar. While it is unfortunate that Navistar has made this irresponsible decision we must continue to act in the best interests of taxpayers and recover public funds that were intended to provide support to a vital industry over the long term in Chatham.” Navistar received $65 million in government grants in 2003 as an incentive to keep the Chatham plant open. It also got $41 million in concessions from workers.
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New Pilot Flying J opens next week in Illinois The Iroquois County travel center’s fuel islands feature high-speed fuel pumps that provide faster flow. In addition to diesel fuel, professional drivers have access to such services as DEF and biodiesel at the pump. The Gilman location includes a Denny’s restaurant, restrooms, vending machines, pay phones, an AirVac, fax and copy services, Western Union, an ATM, Cat Scales, and general merchandise for professional drivers and highway travelers. The Gilman location also features driver services such as Transflo, a Dat Load Board and Trip Pak. The travel center is located at 815 Highway 24 West at Exit 283 off Interstate 57.
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IdleAir offers free service at two new sites until Nov. 30 Until Nov. 30, IdleAir will be offering free limited service for truckers at the two newly opened sites at the Pilot Travel Centers on Interstate 75 at exit 326 in Dalton, GA, and also on I-81 at exit 4 in White Pine, TN, according to Mike Fielden, president and chief operating officer at IdleAir. “We’re thrilled to expand IdleAir’s premium service along important highway corridors to provide services for our hard-working customers,” Fielden told Land Line on Wednesday, Nov. 9. In December, Fielden said IdleAir will offer a “grand opening special rate of $1.25 per hour for all users.” He said the company plans to open three additional sites before the end of the year in Carneys Point, NJ; Benson, AZ; and Albert Lea, MN.
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The bulldog hauls the 2011 Capitol Christmas tree According to the Sierra Sun, while the cutting of the tree is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, most of the costs associated with transporting of the tree across the country are covered by donations from the business community. The newspapers lists some of those donations as provided by Bosch, Wells Fargo, Black Oak Casino and the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians. The Sun reported that a Mee-Wuk tribal elder blessed the tree just before the trip. This year’s partners also include Mack Trucks and Royal Trucking of Concord, CA, which are providing trucks and drivers to transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as well as 100 smaller trees that will be placed in federal offices throughout Washington. After arriving in Washington, the tree will be decorated with almost 10,000 low-energy LED lights and thousands of ornaments. A lighting ceremony on the west lawn of the Capitol will be held on Dec. 6, and the tree will remain lit throughout the holiday season. The tradition of “the People’s Tree” began in 1964, and national forests rotate responsibility for providing the tree.
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Permit revoked for truck stop tiger The Associated Press reported that a lawsuit filed against the owner of the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete sought the revocation. It was filed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, which argued that the tiger poses a potential danger to the public. Owner Michael Sandlin noted that the tiger is inside a 10-foot high fence with razor wire on top.
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What tank trailer manufacturer started as a blacksmith shop? The company started as the Opole Blacksmith Shop owned by brothers Vince, Roy, and Frank Warzecha, skilled welders who built high-quality stainless steel tanks for bulk milk distribution. Today, Polar employs more than 1,700 and is composed of three companies, all leaders in their respective markets: Polar Tank Trailer, Polar Service Centers, and Quality Trailer Products.
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Lucas Oil purchases MavTV According to Patison, “For MavTV we’re focusing on three main areas including significant programming buys from major studios, exclusive new programming, and an aggressive marketing campaign to improve consumer awareness.” Lucas Oil’s future plans for MavTV will use its extensive portfolio of marketing relationships. The campaign will include local media buys and prominent brand positioning within Lucas Oil properties such as Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, plus grass roots marketing at more than 400 racing events throughout the country. These include Lucas Oil’s Off Road Racing Series, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling events and multiple teams in NHRA.
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Good freebie from JG Lubricants Tom Johnson is part owner and president of JG Lubricant Services LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering technology from Purdue University and has more than 30 years engineering experience. Prior to forming JG Lubricant Services, Johnson acted as the transmission fluids engineer for Allison Transmission for 20 years before his retirement in 2009. While in this position, Johnson worked with most of the global oil and additive companies. Johnson wrote all of Allison’s current lubricant specifications (including the groundbreaking TES-295 specification). He directed and managed the testing and approval of hundreds of transmission fluid formulations for Allison Transmission and served as a key member of the GM Automatic Transmission Fluid Committee. Johnson was also a key member of the Engine Oil Review Committee for the SAE Performance Review Institute and participated on a multi-OEM panel to review and approve engine oils to U.S. Army specifications. He worked closely with the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command to review military specification oils for use in tactical and combat wheeled and track laying vehicles.
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Trailer sales surge However, ACT says order cancellations were also on the rise last month, reflecting uncertainty about the overall U.S. economy.
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LED lovers: new catalog from Optronics “Heavy-duty applications benefit more than any other from LED technology,” said Randal Varner, National Sales Manager for Optronics. “LEDs offer durability not found in products utilizing filament bulbs, and also energy efficiency, reducing stress on the complex electrical systems of heavy-duty vehicles.” The Opti-Brite catalog provides detailed product information for each series listed above, including light output, power requirements, dimensional data and warranty. Along with the printed catalog, an electronic version is available on Optronics’ website, at http://www.optronicsinc.com/pdfs/2011white_led.pdf.
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Luber-finer info? Easy find That won’t be the case with Luber-finer, a brand from Champion Laboratories Inc. The company is announcing that it has developed a wide array of communication channels to keep its customers informed about any new product offerings and changes made to its lines of automotive, heavy-duty, and on- and off-highway filtration products. Trucking customers receive the latest in new product announcements, product summary hot buttons on all global websites, the ShowMeTheParts Knowledge Center and the new ShowMeTheParts online parts lookup tool. The Luber-finer website is designed to provide visitors with a customer-friendly, ease-of-use experience and a wealth of valuable information concerning the Luber-finer products. All new filter models are posted on the Luber-finer Home page under the New Products banner. Also accessible from the website are Luber-finer’s Facebook and Twitter channels. More traditional communication methods are also available to Luber-finer customers to help keep them up-to-date. These traditional methods include contacting the Luber-finer product hotline around the clock at 800-882-0890 or 618-445-5392.
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Second year for nation’s top truck tech Schlecht has strong connections to the trucking industry. He is the son of a retired truck technician and the brother of a truck driver who started his career as a diesel technician.
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Bennett-OOIDA sponsors driving simulator at Labor Day NASCAR event “We’re excited to sponsor an event where we can encourage the motoring public to stay focused when they are behind the wheel,” said Lynette Alt, Bennett vice-president of Marketing and Diversity. “Every year our contractors deliver more than 10,000 freight loads across the nation’s highways, and we want to encourage everyone to keep safety first and to minimize distractions while driving.” Bennett Vice President Danny Lowry’s Proline Racing 670ci powered twin turbo Mustang will also be on hand for attendees to view. A five-year veteran of the drag racing circuit, Lowry competes in 8 to 10 races a year in the NHRA series. “I enjoy competition,” says the former high-school athlete and U.S. Marine. “But now that I’m older and no longer an athlete, the car is the athlete.” The simulators will be on display in partnership with Bennett’s recruitment team. During the three-day event, Bennett’s recruiters will be on-site with door prizes and applications for qualified contractors who have a valid commercial drivers license. What: NASCAR Distracted Driving Simulator and Recruitment Event About Bennett International Group, LLC
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Oregon state investigation into Cascade Sierra Solutions ‘concluded’ What ever happened to the state investigation into the practices of one of the nation’s largest non-profit diesel grant distributors? It ended in August 2010, according to documents recently obtained by Land Line Magazine. Land Line reported in February 2010 that the Oregon Justice Department was investigating Cascade Sierra Solutions for reportedly helping Texas-based Mesilla Valley Transportation receive nearly $4.5 million in Oregon energy tax credits for leasing “energy-saving equipment.” The Oregonian newspaper published a lengthy investigative report that criticized the tax credits that the paper said provided “few Oregon jobs or environmental benefits.” In a letter dated August 25, 2010, signed by Oregon Assistant Attorney General Daniel Rosenhouse, the state Department of Justice told the Oregon Department of Energy that its investigation was over. “The investigation has concluded,” the letter reads. “The Department of Justice has not found evidence that would justify a prosecution of either company to recover any of the tax credits or that would justify any other prosecution, either criminally or civilly.” Through a company spokesman, Cascade Sierra Solutions declined to comment on the investigation’s end. Copyright © OOIDA
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Your worst night? Hodyon wants to hear it One way is in the new “Most Uncomfortable Night Contest,” which will have five contestants chosen each day of GATS for automatic entry into the drawing. Entry is simple: Stop by the space at GATS (No. 18029 next to the Pride and Polish show); then step into their video recording booth and tell your “best story about the worst night” you ever spent in your truck. Broken down in the Arizona August heat? Three dogs, two people and a blizzard in North Dakota? Hodyon wants to hear the hilarious, unusual and downright uncomfortable stories about why you deserve a free Dynasys the most. Five entries daily will be included in the drawing to win the free APU. Second, if you’re not the story-telling type, you can still be entered to win by applying for a lease for a new Dynasys. The new Dynasys leasing program is self-financed by Hodyon in order to make quality APUs available to all drivers. If you have ever been interested in an APU but thought costs were prohibitive, stop by their booth. Anyone who fills out a leasing application on-site will also be entered into the free APU giveaway. There is no obligation to buy an APU or execute the lease; all they ask is that you fill out an application.
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CRST acquires Specialized Transportation STI, an independent company since 2004, was formerly the high value products/logistics division of North American Van Lines. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, the company has 250 employees, 500 owner operators and works through an extensive network of 150 agents in the United States and Canada. CRST currently employs more than 4,400 drivers and office personnel, and an additional 2,500 independent contractors across the U.S. CRST’s president and CEO Dave Rusch says the acquisition will boost the company’s annual projected annual revenue to more than $1.3 billion.
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Navistar announces plant closings Navistar says it has enough production capability at other plants – in the U.S. and in Mexico – to pick up the slack. The company and Canadian Auto Workers Union had a history of conflict at the Chatham plant, including a six-week strike in 2002. At the time, Navistar threatened to move the Chatham work to Mexico but changed its mind after workers made concessions and the government provided subsidies.
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Bosselman Travel Centers featured on Speed channel’s ‘American Trucker’ This episode is scheduled to air at 10 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, Aug. 4. Show Host Robb Mariani was at the Grand Island Bosselman Travel Center in Nebraska for several days in June filming the show. “American Trucker” has new episodes every Thursday night at 10 p.m. Eastern. The show takes a look at some of the most iconic machines, routes and locations that define this admirable occupation. Bosselman Inc. is headquartered in Grand Island, NE. Founded in 1948, Bosselman’s has expanded across the nation in 20 states with more than 1,400 employees.
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New truck stop opening in Davie, FL It is located at the intersection of I - 595, 441 and the Florida Turnpike in Davie, FL. Located on 33 acres, the 595 Truckstop has 350 truck parking spaces, bathrooms and showers, a convenience store, state-certified scale, high-speed diesel pumps, on-site 24/7 security and much more. They will celebrate their grand opening on Oct. 11. Attendees can check out the 24/7 restaurant, chrome shop, medical clinic, spa and dog park in addition to all the other amenities and services available. For more information about the Florida 595 Truckstop, visit their website.
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Pilot Flying J reopens travel plaza in El Paso The 13,971-square-foot travel plaza has six fuel islands and 12 diesel islands along with a restaurant and a wide variety of convenience items, including a Denny’s restaurant, a full hot and cold deli, clean restrooms, pay phones, fax and copy services. Among other on-site services, there is a Western Union, a UPS drop box, an ATM, check cashing services, and general merchandise for professional drivers and highway travelers. In addition to diesel fuel, professional drivers will have access to such services as a Cat scale, laundry services, 11 automated showers and 120 parking spaces for trucks. The El Paso location also features a driver kiosk, so professional drivers can get in and out of the store quickly and be on their way. The El Paso location honors the new Frequent Fueler Advantage card and continues to honor points accumulated on the Frequent Fueler, RV Real Value Card and Driver Payback cards. Pilot and Flying J merged this past year, and both brands are still available on U.S. highways. Pilot Flying J is headquartered in Knoxville, TN, and has more than 550 locations in North America. For more information, click here.
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Paccar Financial opens used truck center in Salt Lake City Jason Skoog, PFC’s director of operations, says the used truck market is still very robust, and late-model, low-mileage Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks sell quickly. “But we have a constant source of incoming used truck inventory through trucks coming off lease and from trade packages,” he said. “This enables us to know in advance what will be available. Therefore, we can keep truck buyers in the loop as to what will be for sale in the near future.” To make it easier to find the right Kenworth or Peterbilt, customers can go to PFC’s website at www.pacleasetrucksales.com.
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Dave Giroux to head Daimler’s PR and communications staff Daimler Trucks says the position is a newly created senior role. Giroux is responsible for the company’s public relations strategy, internal and external corporate communications, as well as media relations for its industry-leading family of Freightliner, Western Star, Detroit Diesel, Thomas Built Buses, and other company brands. Martin Daum, president and chief executive officer of Daimler Trucks North American, noted Giroux’s extensive industry and media relations background in welcoming him. Giroux joins Daimler Trucks North America after serving as Meritor Inc.’s director of global brand management and marketing communications. In that role, he was responsible for the company’s brand transition from ArvinMeritor Inc. to Meritor Inc. Previously, he served as director of marketing communications for Peterbilt Motors Co. in Denton, TX. Giroux also has extensive international experience operating as ArvinMeritor’s director of corporate communications and media relations in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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CAT Scale introduces free Android app A link to the application can be found on the home page at catscale.com. “Many drivers have been asking for an Android version of our app. It is very easy to use and is updated with any CAT Scale location changes on a daily basis, including new locations, truckstop name changes, etc. We anticipate that drivers will find this to be a very useful tool,” says Heather DeBaillie, marketing manager. CAT Scale released an app for iPhone users last December.
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Goodyear announces new on-highway truck service network The Uni-Maxx Truck Care’s network operates 71 on-highway commercial truck maintenance facilities positioned to provide outstanding service to the trucking industry. Many of the network’s shops are located at Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J Travel Plazas. Members of the network will provide consistent products and services, a nationwide warranty, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
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Iowa 80 Trucking Museum launches app “The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum’s mission is to celebrate trucking and to preserve and share its history,” says Heather DeBaillie, marketing director. “This app will give visitors even more information about the exhibits they are viewing and also give those who are unable to visit the museum the opportunity to learn more about trucking history.” The app is available in iPhone and Android formats and is free of charge. Visitors at the museum can simply scan the QR code at the Welcome Desk to download the app. Others can download from the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum website home page. Click here.
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Retreaders warn of casing shortage In a statement this week, Brodsky warned that this shortage can have a negative impact on you, whether or not you retread your tires or buy retreads and whether you have one truck or 1,000. “Retreads act as a brake on new tire prices,” says Brodsky. “Whenever there is a shortage of retreads, new tire manufacturers do not have any reason to hold back on raising their prices, and everyone who purchases truck tires feels the pain in their checkbooks.” Brodsky says if you are sitting on retreadable casings, you should either have them retreaded now, or if you don’t wish to use retreads, you should sell them since they will bring you a higher price than ever before. “Retreaders are hungry for retreadable casings and are willing to pay a premium for popular sizes of truck tires,” he says. Brodsky says if you contact the Retread Tire Association, it will give you the names of retreaders close to you who are in the market to buy and will also provide you with additional information regarding the casing market in North America right now. If you have casings to sell or if you want information about where to have your own casings retreaded or where to buy retreads, Brodsky invites truckers to call toll free at 888-810-8861, or send an email to info@retreadtire.org.
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Bridgestone announces 11 percent price increase
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Caribou Coffee opens July 1 at Iowa 80 The Caribou Coffee also features breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal and assorted bakery items.
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Win a NASCAR weekend
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An orange a day to keep the doc away?
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TRIB to compete in support of Trucker Buddy
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OOIDA Senior Member David Lowry named SCRA president Lowry has been a member of OOIDA since 2001 and is currently a senior member. He lives in McDonough, GA, home base of Bennett Motor Express. Most recently, Lowry has held several board positions with SCRA, including vice president and transportation group chairman. He has more than 30 years experience in the industry and has received numerous industry awards and recognitions. Bennett Motor Express was founded in 1974 and is the largest of eight operating companies within Georgia-based Bennett International Group LLC. BME has five divisions, including flatbed, stepdeck, government services, heavy haul, and air and space services. Specializing in hauling heavy, over-dimensional and unusual freight, BME has transported some of the largest pieces of equipment ever moved on the open road.
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First ever trucker social media convention planned for October Aug. 1 is the deadline for reservations to attend the First Truck Driver Social Media Convention to be held Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at the Gold Strike Resort and Casino in Tunica, MS. The cost to attend is $89, and attendance will be limited to 550. It will be an all-day event, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and will feature full breakfast buffet, full dinner buffet, cash and prizes. Live entertainment will include the Keystruckers, Jim and Jan McCarter. A special plaque and $500 will be awarded to the person who has made the biggest difference in trucking. The event offers a strong lineup of guest speakers.
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WIT to name Influential Woman of the Year A panel assembled by the Women in Trucking organization will discuss “Overcoming the Challenges” faced by women working in the trucking industry. Panelists include Andreea Raaber, Bendix VP for business development; Joyce Brenny, president of Brenny Transportation and Chairman of Minnesota Trucking Association; Phyllis Cochran, president of the Navistar Inc. Parts Division; and Rochelle Gorman, chief executive officer, CalArk International Inc. Moderator will be Chris Burruss, president, Truckload Carriers Association. The Influential Woman of the Year will be named following the panel discussion. Three finalists will be introduced. WIT President and CEO Ellen Voie will announce the winner.
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Discovery Channel announces new 'World's Toughest Trucker' series The new series features truck drivers from the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Australia and Sri Lanka. All are competing for a $150,000 prize. According to the release, truck drivers will compete in three-day challenges in some of the harshest environments on earth, including the Australian Outback and icy roads in the Himalayas. Drivers must face “unusual cargo, massive rigs, lethal roads and each other” as a driver is eliminated in each episode for “slow times and penalties.”
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ATD Commercial Truck of the Year winners announced Feb.5 The heavy-duty (Class 8) truck entries are the Freightliner 114SD conventional dump truck, International ProStar Plus tractor with MaxxForce 15 engine, Kenworth T660 Regional Hauler with Paccar MX engine, and Peterbilt 587 SmartWay conventional tractor. The medium-duty (Class 3-7) truck entries are the Fuso Canter FE160 low cab forward, Isuzu NPR-HD Gas, Kenworth T440 Conventional, Peterbilt Model 210 low cab forward, and UD 2600 low cab forward. Trucks were judged on overall appearance, cab comfort, noise levels, roominess, ease of getting in and out of the truck, and convenience of maintenance. Four journalists on the judging panel test drove the trucks on an eight-mile course that included rural and highway driving in Dallas last fall. Key judging factors included the trucks’ overall appearance, cab comfort, noise levels, roominess, ease of getting in and out of the truck, and convenience of maintenance. The judges were Paul Abelson from Land Line magazine, Tom Berg from Heavy Duty Trucking, Paul Hartley from Fleet Equipment magazine, and Jack Roberts from Commercial Carrier Journal.
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Don Schneider dies at age 76 Schneider was named president of the Wisconsin-based trucking company in 1976 and stayed at the helm for more than 25 years. He retired from the daily operational responsibilities at Schneider National in 2002. He is survived by his wife Patricia, five children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The company was founded by his father, Al Schneider.
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Chapter 11 for Hostess Hostess says it filed for protection from its creditors because of debt, declining sales of some products, and the high cost of pensions and medical plans for its mostly union employees. Hostess has about 7,500 Teamster truck drivers and thousands of other workers who are represented by other unions. Hostess was in bankruptcy from 2004 until 2009 and, at the time, cited many of the same reasons.
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Petes take top honors in ATD Commercial Truck of the Year Winners were the Peterbilt 587 SmartWay conventional tractor in the heavy-duty (Class 8) division and the Peterbilt Model 210 low cab forward in the medium-duty (Class 3-7) competition. Other entries in the heavy-duty category were the Freightliner 114SD conventional dump truck, International ProStar Plus tractor with MaxxForce 15 engine, and the Kenworth T660 Regional Hauler with Paccar MX engine. The medium-duty truck entries were the Fuso Canter FE160 low cab forward, Isuzu NPR-HD Gas, Kenworth T440 Conventional, and UD 2600 low cab forward. Trucks were judged on overall appearance, cab comfort, noise levels, roominess, ease of getting in and out of the truck, and convenience of maintenance. Four journalists on the judging panel test drove the trucks on an eight-mile course that included rural and highway driving in Dallas last fall. Key judging factors included the trucks’ overall appearance, cab comfort, noise levels, roominess, ease of getting in and out of the truck, and convenience of maintenance. The judges were Paul Abelson from Land Line Magazine, Tom Berg from Heavy Duty Trucking, Paul Hartley from Fleet Equipment magazine, and Jack Roberts from Commercial Carrier Journal.
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Onspot automatic chains growing Onspot had been planning to add to its existing 30,000 square foot facility when the building and property next door became available. The company chose to purchase the three- acre parcel with its 7400 square foot building. This will become Onspot’s storage warehouse. The additional space frees up the room required to add two more machines that assist in the production of Onspot’s automatic tire chain systems. Onspot of North America has been supplying automatic tire chain systems for the past 24 years to more than 200 OEMS as a factory-installed option and to more than 1,400 dealers throughout North America. For more information, contact Onspot at 800-766-7768 or www.onspot.com
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TRIB to give away $10,000 of retreads during MATS
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Battle ongoing over Tony the Tiger An animal rights group has now filed suit hoping to get Tony moved to wildlife refuge. In November, a judge ordered that the truck stop owner’s permit to keep the tiger be revoked, but another judge issued a temporary order barring the state from moving the animal.
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Volvo hybrid race truck to attempt new speed records The world’s fastest hybrid Class 8 truck will try to beat its own speed record (it owns three) April 27 at Wendover Airfield in Utah. From a standing start, the Volvo hybrid “Mean Green” will attempt to do more than 165-miles-per-hour in a little over half-a-mile.
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Trucker’s Helper donates to St. Christopher
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