Borderlands: Canada

What the Truck is going on in all things freight this week? Weekly Market Update: J.B. Hunt misses analysts’ first quarter earnings and revenue estimates. Truckload carriers’ first quarter results don’t appear to be in jeopardy after the J.B. Hunt report. Marten Transport reports best-ever net increase of more than 30 percent in first quarter of 2019. What gets hauled to Vegas, stays in Vegas.And then on to the freight tech headlines of the week.

Marc Bédard, founder and president of Lion Electric, discusses the Canadian-made Class 8 and its promises of winter performance.

Deal will grow U.S. last-mile business and add $100 million in annual revenue, Canadian transportation firm says.

Canadian National (NYSE: CNI) plans to appeal a determination by a federal regulator that the railway breached rail service obligations last fall at the congestion-prone Port of Vancouver.

P&S Transportation added Celadon Logistics to TA Services, its asset-light brokerage.

Nikola Motors has the potential to disrupt the freight industry by building hydrogen fuel powered trucks and by setting up hydrogen fuel stations all across North America.

Ottawa plans to fight decision over how Washington calculates anti-dumping levies as trade tensions continue.

With first quarter 2019 earnings set to kickoff on Monday, April 15, FreightWaves is looking at expectations for the transportation stocks.

Delays could extend to U.S.-Canada as customs personnel are relocated to deal with immigration on the southern border.

What The Truck?!? episode 63What the Truck is going on in all things freight this week? Our focus this week is on regulatory moves, final mile and LTL, and updates in freight tech and capital investment. This week Ellis Smith joins Chad Prevost in the studio while JP is on assignment in Orlando covering the TIA Conference.

Marc Moncion of Fleet Complete predicts forthcoming regulations will ensure a stronger vetting process for electronic logging devices than in the U.S.

Don’t underestimate Mother Nature. Numerous truck drivers in the Midwest lost control while moving through a major snowstorm Thursday.

The grounding of all Boeing 737 MAX aircraft has caused many problems; it has also created an opportunity for freight forwarders. Read a market expert’s take on the situation.

While tariff fight may not repeat itself, other factors that lead to drayage capacity crisis still in play for shippers this year.

Executive orders aim to foster oil and gas permitting, but Trump’s own trade policies also put kibosh on rapidly growing export markets.

Pork and wine among the potential targets as Ottawa looks to step up pressure over steel and aluminum levies.

Year-to-date rail volumes for every commodity except petroleum and petroleum products slumped last week in the United States, according to the Association of American Railroads.

Isuzu with partners Supreme and Delivery Concepts have introduced a truck body designed for craft brewers, complete with taps. Plus, ports seek alternative fuels, concerns over fracking, and Walmart pressures suppliers.

Outlook for U.S. container imports back to normal levels after 2018’s pre-tariff front loading, but with this administration, you never know.

Australian mining giant Rio Tinto has admitted that there was a fire that damaged some of its iron ore export facilities at the port of Dampier last weekend. This story also includes a production losses update, a current cyclone weather update and an iron ore market analysis.

Firms whose trucks operate in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan or New Brunswick face penalties if they fail to register with Canada’s federal tax agency.

Geotab, one of the world’s largest suppliers of sensors for commercial vehicles, today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire BSM Technologies.

Around the world, consumers are clamoring for more seafood. Read how airlines and airports are working to move more seafood more quickly around the world.

What the Truck is going on in all things freight this week? Weekly Market Update: Survey data shows upcoming improvement in manufacturing, softening service sector, U.S. rail volumes dip as carriers grapple with flooding impacts. War on Detention update: Specialty stores and electronic retail tops the list for longest dock times, And then on to the other big headlines of the week: ICONIQ Capital invests in Truckstop.com at $1B valuation, White House: Trump would let trucks cross Mexican border if it closes, Providence Equity buys GlobalTranz back from The Jordan Company after just 8 months, Stock stumbling, Lyft announces $50 million in transportation initiatives. 

This year, Brie Carere became the first woman to serve as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) at FedEx. Now, as CMCO and Executive Vice President, Carere is using her position to promote diversity and inclusion at FedEx.

Breakout List curates a list of startups that have a high possibility of success, thus making it easier for startup-inclined people to choose a company they would want to work in.

The facility will be capable of producing approximately 1.2 million tons of steel plate products per year. Nucor expects the plant to be fully operational by 2022.

Canada’s 36M people live across 3.8M square miles. The country is looking to drones to make faster delivery possible.

Canadian customs brokerage and BiTA member participates in pilot program of system developed by Maersk and IBM, involving Canada Border Services Agency.

Toronto firm courting couriers as it expands beyond pilot projects.

More refiners make pledges to supply market for IMO-compliant fuel, but if those efforts fall short, diesel may be next best option.

Canadian National (NYSE: CNI) laid out plans to invest C$615 million this year in network infrastructure in eastern Canada amid wider efforts by stakeholders to revamp Canada’s transportation infrastructure and support the nation’s export markets.

U.S. and European freight railroads are very different in many respects. Market analyst Jim Blaze gives insights about how the two systems differ.

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) is seeking public comments on amendments to regulations that govern the rail rates that Canadian National and Canadian Pacific set for hauling grain in western Canada.

Canadian firm nets C$100 million from deal with Saskatchewan bulk transportation company.

Auto sales are declining, but the National Automobile Dealers Association still expects strong sales for 2019, plus the one area where Amazon is losing and opposition to Canada’s carbon tax grows.

Canadian trucking company Bison Transport acquired H.O. Wolding Inc., or HOW, a 320-truck dry van fleet headquartered in Amherst, Wisconsin, on April 1.

Celadon announced late this afternoon that is was selling its A&S Kinard and Buckler Transport subsidiaries to Day & Ross, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian company McCain Foods Limited. Celadon is seeking to focus on core businesses and also refinance its debt obligations.

Aulick and ShirAul were “a compelling strategic fit for our Specialized Truckload growth objectives in the U.S,” says CEO Alain Bédard.

Surcharge to add thousands of dollars to annual cost for long-haul truckers. But will it help improve fuel efficiency?

Increases in manufacturing and construction help GDP grow by 0.3 percent following slowdown at end of 2018.

One of the biggest terminals on the west coast is showing better results after multi-year automation project as final auction nears.

Railroad company must re-open Thunder Bay, Ontario, span to vehicles after lengthy legal battle.

Today’s Pickup: March 27, 2019

Canadian cross-border trucking and logistics firm to establish new business based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and plans additional locations in the United States.

Proposed legislation seeks to piggyback U.S. maritime industry to gas export boom, but bill lacks loan guarantees behind the ‘70s heyday.

Cross-border drivers like new wage structure, carrier executive says.

U.S. maritime’s economic contributions may be at risk if Chinese tariffs remain in place.

The debate over how many crew members should operate a freight train is back in the spotlight again as federal and state officials push to mandate crew size for the freight railroads.

There are plenty of conflicting data points on the direction of the economy, which might suggest that everything may be just fine in the near term.

Canadian National (CNR) finalized its acquisition of trucking and transportation provider TransX, months after announcing plans to purchase the company.

Drone Delivery Canada’s expanded offering brings C$10 million – a month after announcement of long-range Condor model.

Accident that killed members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team in Saskatchewan spurred efforts improve driver-training standards in country.

The Alaska-based family of companies does everything from shipping Alaskan seafood around the world to delivering mail and other essentials to remote bush communities via hovercraft.

Will cyberattack remain a drag on the company?

In partnership with Reliance Partners …If the DRIVE-Safe Act gets passed in the Congress, it would usher thousands of young drivers into the long haul trucking space. For them to have a long and successful career in the industry, it is critical for them to focus on body movement and the way they interact with their environment to prevent workplace injuries.

Proposal would boost incentives for greener fleets as industry bemoans forthcoming carbon taxes.

More than a foot of snow could fall in parts of New England at the end of the week. Winds could reach blizzard strength.

Israeli-based maritime startup Orca AI provides uses artificial intelligence and data analytics to prevent ships from colliding with obstacles while at sea.

The Rhenus Group, a German-based logistics service provider, acquired Canadian logistics company Rodair this week.

Strong performance from Ontario-based Peterbilt dealerships reflects overall North American demand.

Good day, About $400 million in less-than-truckload business has gone elsewhere since regional carrier New England Motor Freight (NEMF) said Feb. 11 it would file for bankruptcy protection and subsequently […]

Comments by HEXO executive highlight difficulties cannabis producers face in getting product to consumers.

Record flood stages have been reached on some Midwest rivers after heavy snow, record winds hit the Great Plains.

International terminal mega-operator, DP World, has announced a solid set of results for 2018. Revenues, earnings before interest taxation depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), and net profit all substantially increased last year compared to 2017. Acquisitions and increased box volumes drove revenues and profits. DP World has announced investment plans for 2019.

Canadian transportation and logistics company searches for replacement of Kasia Malz, who helped guide mergers and acquisitions.

City’s construction boom helped fuel influx of steel to Canadian inland port.

The nominees have been announced and voting is now underway in the inaugural FreightWaves Shipper of Choice awards. The Shipper of Choice Award is in partnership with Convoy.

If the world’s fleet of 737 MAX 8 aircraft were to be grounded for some period of time until a fix is found, how much impact would that have on air cargo?   

Canada’s No. 2 auto parts maker sees growth surge in industrial manufacturing business.

Canadian-made Class 8 truck posts a 250-mile range and 25,000-pound maximum payload.

Destructive winds, heavy snowfall in the Great Plains will slow down truckers, disrupt supply chain for a couple days. Up to a foot of snow, winds reaching 60 mph.

Over the last several years, Columbus Rickenbacker airport has emerged as a key and growing alternative U.S. gateway for international air cargo.

Member of THE Alliance is latest ocean carrier to experience financial difficulty amid a still volatile rate environment.

Navistar International Corporation’s first quarter revenues bounce on orders for new truck designs and a strong performance in the spare parts business.

This February was brutal in parts of the Midwest. One city reported more than 50 inches of snowfall. Weekend blizzard to add more.

With female representation among truckers at just three percent, industry looks for ways to close gap.

Canadian transportation and logistics firm may add as many as 68 new trucks and 160 trailers to its fleet this year.

Fourth-quarter revenue at the cross-border transportation and logistics company increased by 20 percent.

Talks between the U.S. and China have made significant progress over the last several weeks, and the two sides appear to be closer to a deal than at any time over the past several months. However, while the restoration of positive trade relations will help the trade outlook, other factors are likely to keep trade growth subdued going forward.

Canada’s largest port handled 147 million tons of cargo during 2018.

FreightWaves executives discuss how futures mitigate risks facing carriers, shippers and intermediaries in spot trucking market.

Oregon business and philanthropic leader Peter Stott started his first trucking company in 1969.  

Transportation-as-a-service will have a huge 2019, and Lyft is kicking it off.

Lower investments and exports help push down Canadian GDP growth to lowest level in more than two year.

Flashback Fridays previews the soon-to-open Freight Alley Haul of Fame and showcases four trucking companies that contributed to the history of trucking.

Australian miner Rio Tinto generated over US$12 billion (all figures in U.S. dollars) from its bauxite, alumina and aluminum production in 2018. It predicts about 67 million tonnes production of bauxite, alumina and aluminum this year. These minor bulk commodities are significant seaborne cargoes.

UPS provides fulfillment, shipping for SMBs using e-marketplaces.

Alain Bédard says Canadian transport giant expects growth and acquisitions to continue on both sides of border.

Political tensions in the Washington-Beijing bilateral relationship are making the China-based U.S. business community uneasy. Tariffs are being blamed for driving business confidence down, decreasing investment and for re-routing Asia-Pacific supply chains.

Canadian TFI saw revenues and income surge in its truckload segment, while margins improved.

U.S. and Canadian officials are negotiating an end to the costly import levies, which have wreaked havoc on cross-border supply chains.

Acquisition of bulk transporter will grow Canadian TFI’s tanker presence in the United States.

Crawford’s mission is to secure large enterprise customers, grow the company aggressively, and prepare for the next stage in the venture capital cycle.

Truck stop-travel center operator returned to core business in q4, CEO said.

U.S. private equity firm Platinum getting Canada’s largest customs broker for undisclosed sum

Microdea is an Ontario-based company that digitalizes documentation and automates back office processes to make them more efficient, seamless, and less wasteful.

Jack Cooper Transport Company has announced its intention to stop yard management operations and lay off 425 employees at its Louisville, Kentucky terminal.

Stockpiles in the country are building up. Also: more hints on the price of fuel in a post IMO2020 market; Russia’s lack of assistance to OPEC

Ken Husband drove a tanker truck 2,000 miles from Alberta to the Canadian capital, Ottawa, because he says the Trudeau government is hurting the oil industry. “What’s this country going to live on, apples and maple syrup?” he says.