News - page 76

With nearly a quarter of a million job openings nationwide for long-haul truck drivers, the call of the open road is going largely unheeded. During these tough economic times with layoffs, pay cuts, and high unemployment, trucking companies are still struggling to fill their open positions. As David Heller, director of safety and policy for the Truckload Carriers Association, tells CNN money, “Nobody wants to drive a truck.” (more…)

The shortage of truck drivers will worsen as the economy recovers and as the federal government adds more regulations, so it is critical the industry retains current drivers and attracts younger ones to the profession, a panel of experts said here Tuesday. (more…)

LAS VEGAS  — In his annual “State of the Industry” address, American Trucking Associations President and CEO Bill Graves said the trucking industry was at a crossroads, facing a myriad of challenges and opportunities.

Graves spoke here today at the opening general session of ATA’s annual Management Conference and Exhibition.

“I honestly do believe that anyone who is operating in the trucking industry is at a crossroads — in fact you’re facing an entire series of crossroads — each one a decision point sending you in directions that will ultimately determine success or failure, profitability or loss, growth or stagnation,” Graves said in his address.

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Commercial truck makers Paccar Inc. (PCAR) and Volvo AB (VOVLY, VOLV-B.SK) disclosed Tuesday they intend to reduce production in response to weakening demand for trucks in the U.S.

Paccar, the builder of Kenworth- and Peterbilt-branded trucks, said it plans to lower third-quarter truck volume by 10% compared with its second-quarter volume. Paccar said trucking companies have pulled back on their orders and appear content to maintain their existing fleets of trucks until the outlook for U.S. economy becomes clearer. (more…)

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners announced it has awarded a $36.8 million construction contract for the Green Port Gateway, a railroad project designed to enhance the Port of Long Beach’s capacity for on-dock rail to cut down on truck traffic and air pollution. State and federal funds helped to pay for the project.

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