The trucking industry is facing a sharp increase in cargo theft, even as insurance providers and police forces say the crime is underreported by those who suffer the losses. Since last year, cases of cargo theft increased nearly 80% in Canada and the U.S., says Keith Lewis, vice-president of operations at Verisk’s CargoNet, which reports thieves stole $223 million worth of freight in 2022. Trucking-related fraud cases are up 700%. In Canada alone, reported cargo losses increased 29.8% last year, compared to 2021, says Bryan Gast, vice-president — investigative services at Équité Association. Ontario continues to see the highest activity, accounting for 62% of total recorded cargo thefts in the…

Freightliner and Western Star have a new sibling in the U.S., with Daimler Truck launching the new Rizon brand of medium-duty electric trucks. The Class 4-5 vehicle configurations will be distributed exclusively by Velocity Vehicle Group, which will also offer maintenance, consulting on AC and DC charging, and financing through Daimler Truck Financial Services. Potential applications will include dry vans, flatbeds, landscape dumps, and refrigerated units, Daimler Truck said in a streamed launch, referring to the vehicles with 175- and 187-inch wheelbases. Rizon electric trucks will be available in three models. (Photo: Daimler Truck) Three Rizon models will be available, delivering various operating ranges and gross vehicle weights of 15,995…

Don’t say you weren’t warned. Carriers and drivers might want to pay extra attention to cargo securement and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on their trucks because hawk-eyed enforcement officials will be focusing on them in a coming blitz. Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is around the corner on May 16-18, and thousands of commercial vehicles will be inspected during the 72-hour blitz in Canada, U.S., and Mexico. Driver Erron Collins secures a load of steel at Kim-Tam Logistics’ facility in Burlington, Ont. (Photo: Leo Barros) Last year, Canadian enforcement teams placed 22.6% of inspected vehicles out of service during a May 17-19 campaign, compared to a 23.8% out-of-service…

Two of Canada’s three publicly traded trucking companies reported Q1 earnings this week, with starkly different results. Mullen Group posted record earnings and held its guidance. Murray Mullen, senior executive officer, said he hasn’t had to follow peers in lowering guidance because he took a conservative view of the year to begin with. The LTL business was strong, and results were buoyed by a resurgence in the industrial and specialized segment, which benefited from an increase in oil and gas drilling activity in Western Canada. Mullen is not anticipating economic growth for the balance of the year. He told analysts that just walking through the company’s warehouses it’s clear there’s…

Fleet yards differ in size, physical layouts, and potential hazards. But a sound traffic management plan can address every underlying issue – ensuring that trucks and trailers move through the areas securely, efficiently, and safely. With 175 yards and terminals, Day & Ross manages more such locations than most fleets. And it applies a series of practices and technologies to maintain high-functioning locations, says Jason Kirk, regional operations manager – GTA. While yard management systems (YMS) automate and monitor many activities, the fleet’s yard management teams still conduct two physical yard checks per day to reconcile the related data and paperwork. “We want to make sure our checks and balances…

British Columbia is providing almost $1 million to help train 24 professional truck drivers in the north of the province. Go Team Professional Training is receiving more than $995,000 through a Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) project funded by the province to deliver the training program.   (Photo: iStock) “People in B.C. rely on professional drivers to bring supplies to our communities, yet these skills are in short supply,” said Sheila Malcolmson, minister of social development and poverty reduction. “The new training we’re funding gets people the work experience and support they need to land high-demand jobs in the transportation industry.” “This training program will benefit up to 24 people,…

Trimac Transportation has purchased AIP Logistics, a Central Ohio-based bulk hauler specializing in the plastics, liquid chemicals, food grade storage, and metal production industries. The company operates 13 tractors and 119 trailers and owns a 52-acre property in Wapakoneta, Ohio, where it provides warehousing, bulk transloading and storage. The location has indoor rail access on the CSX Transportation rail line, with 70 railcar spots for transloading and storage. “We are excited about this next step in our U.S. growth,” said Matt Faure, president and CEO at Trimac. “We look forward to connecting our most recent acquisition of AIP Logistics with superior service with safety. The integration with a leading logistics…

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has partnered with NextEra Energy Resources and BlackRock Alternatives to develop a charging network for electric commercial vehicles. Dubbed Greenlane, the joint venture will design, develop, install and operate a nationwide charging and hydrogen fueling network for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. (Rendering: Greenlane) It’s a US$650-million joint venture conceived last year, and will build its first site in Southern California. The JV is in the process of selecting additional sites along freight routes. A reservation system is being developed for fleets and drivers. Charging sites will be built along critical freight routes on the east and west coasts, as well as in Texas, the companies…

TFI International suffered declines in revenue and net income in the first quarter, but feels optimistic conditions are ripe for a meaningful acquisition later this year. The company posted Q1 earnings of $166.4 million (all figures U.S.), down from $219.8 million the same quarter last year on lower freight volumes and non-recurring costs, including $9.5 million in severance and early buyouts. On a conference call with analysts, chairman Alain Bedard said the company has about 800-900 people on layoff and has been offering early retirement packages as a bounce in shipment volumes isn’t expected this year. (Photo: TFI International) First quarter net income of $111.9 million was down from $147.7…