Canada, US Advance Truck Cargo Inspection Pilot Project

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JOC Staff | Mar 14, 2013 3:05PM EDT

Vic Toews, Canada’s minister of public safety, and Janet Napolitano, U.S. secretary of homeland security, have signed a memorandum of understanding that paves the way for a U.S. Customs and Border Protection truck cargo pre-inspection pilot project in Canada.

The deal was signed in Washington at their biannual meeting. It is a commitment made as part of the Beyond the Border Action Plan.

Canadian and U.S. officials will work together to finalize the details to implement the pilot. It will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will test the concept of conducting Customs primary cargo inspection in Canada, and the second phase will further test how pre-inspection could enhance border efficiency and reduce wait times to facilitate trade.

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U.S. Cross-Border Rail Trade With Canada Continues to Climb

JOC Staff | Mar 29, 2013 12:30PM EDT

U.S. cross-border trade by rail with Canada

Cross-border trade by rail between the United States and Canada has been on the rise for the past eight months, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

U.S. rail exports to Canada jumped 5.6 percent to $2.43 billion from $2.3 billion in January 2012, although they were down almost 9 percent from the level seen in December 2012. For the full year of 2012, exports were up 11.8 percent by value over 2011.

U.S. rail imports also increased year-over-year in January 2013, rising 4.2 percent to $5.82 billion, but volume as measured by value fell .5 percent or $87 million month-to-month. The value of imports by rail from Canada rose 7.4 percent year-over-year in 2012.

Truck trade between the U.S. and Canada also increased in January after declining in December. U.S. exports by truck rose over 2 percent year-over-year and 6.6 percent month-to-month to $15.77 billion in January. In 2012 the value of exports by truck grew 3.8 percent over 2011.

The value of imports by truck from Canada rose 2.8 percent in January over the same month in 2012 to $11.29 billion; this was 11.5 percent or $1.16 billion higher than the level seen in December 2012. The value of imports by truck rose 2.5 percent year-over-year in 2012.

BTS noted in a press release last week: “The top commodity category overall transported between the U.S. and Canada by surface modes of transportation in 2012 was vehicles and vehicle parts (other than railway vehicles and parts) with $107.4 billion in trade. U.S.-Canada trade of this commodity group was split roughly even between exports and imports, reflecting the interdependency of automotive plants on both sides of the border.”

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CTA, CargoNet join forces to fight cargo theft in Canada

TORONTO, Ont. -- The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has announced it will be joining forces with CargoNet to help motor carriers introduce an additional layer of security aimed at reducing their vulnerability to cargo crime.

New Jersey-based CargoNet, a division of Verisk Crime Analytics, features a national database, 24/7 theft alert system, task force and investigations support, driver education and awareness training and a tractor-trailer theft deterrence program.

“By joining forces with CargoNet, which is already working with carriers and police departments in the United States, we are able to provide a secure mechanism that will assist the Canadian trucking industry and police in better addressing many of the issues and recommendations identified in CTA’s report on cargo crime released a little over a year ago,” said CTA CEO David Bradley.

“CTA must be commended for its ability to work with its members as well as insurers and police agencies across Canada to study the growing problem of cargo theft and take steps towards addressing the problem,” said David Shillingford, president of Verisk Crime Analytics. “We are excited to be able to support CTA and the industry in the implementation of one of the major recommendations of the study – secure data collection and sharing between cargo theft victims and law enforcement.”

To facilitate the CargoNet launch in Canada, a group of CTA member carriers from across Canada are joining the CargoNet program. CTA will retain a seat on CargoNet Canada’s advisory board.

“Cargo crimes, affect the entire supply chain, from shippers, to insurers, to carriers, their employees and ultimately the end customer,” says Bradley. “The trucking industry is leading the charge to combat cargo crime, but we need to work with and convince members of the enforcement community, governments and the Canadian judicial system that cargo crime, which is increasingly orchestrated by sophisticated organized crime syndicates, is a serious issue that is costing the Canadian economy billions of dollars."

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Jonjo Transportation Refrigeration buys Thermo King Eastern Canada

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Jonjo Transportation Refrigeration (JTR) has purchased Thermo King Eastern Canada (TKEC) from Ingersoll Rand. Jonjo is an independent transport refrigeration sales, service and parts company with more than 25 years in the industry. Thermo King Eastern Canada offers service to customers from several locations in Ontario and Quebec as well as Moncton, N.B. and Dartmouth, N.S.

"The combination of TKEC with our years of industry experience will provide our customers an unparalleled level of service and support," said John O'Dwyer, president of JTR.

"JTR's exceptional customer focus, local market experience, and long-term stability made them the obvious choice to become the partner that will enable our continued growth in Eastern Canada," said Ken Hartman, director of dealer development for Thermo King in North America.

Jonjo officials say they will use Thermo King’s existing locations, product offerings and “leverage TKEC's strengths to provide industry-leading solutions to all of its customers.”

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Ancra Canada now offering customer service with 'Hart'

WOODSTOCK, Ont. -- Ancra Canada has appointed of Laury Hart as the company’s bilingual customer service representative.

 Based at the company’s new Woodstock, Ont. facility, Hart will primarily support Ancra Canada's Quebec customer base, but will also be available to provide bilingual customer service to all Canadian customers as required, officials announced.

 To contact Hart, call 866-962-0055, ext. 211 or e-mail lhart@ancra.com.

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Ancra Canada appoints new sales manager for Atlantic, Central Canada

WOODSTOCK, Ont. -- Ancra Canada has appointed George Bates as regional sales manager for Atlantic and Central Canada. 

Bates brings with him more than 25 years of experience in sales and service to the heavy-duty transportation industry, including 10 years of previous load securement sales experience, six years specifically with Ancra as a territory manager. He has been an active participant in several trade associations, including the Automotive Transportation Service Superintendents Association, the Canadian Fleet Maintenance Seminar, and the Heavy Duty Distributor Council. 

“(Bates’) previous load securement experience has left him well versed in the current load securement regulations, making him a valuable resource for Ancra’s customers,” Ancra officials said in a release. 

To contact Bates, call 519-282-0519 or e-mail gbates@ancra.com.

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Wakefield Canada names new v.p., sales for commercial division

TORONTO, Ont. -- Wakefield Canada has named Randy Klein its vice-president sales, commercial division.

In his new role, Klein will head Wakefield's commercial division, with a strategic focus on the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and commercial lubricants segments.

Wakefield announced in a release that the commercial sector continues to be an important strategic focus area for the company.

Before joining Wakefield, Klein served as vice-president and general manager of The Elexco Group (supplier of land services to the North American energy industry).

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UPS to expand into Atlantic Canada in spring

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- UPS will be heading east in the spring to open its own operations in Atlantic Canada.

UPS will begin to perform pickup and delivery services for its customers in Moncton and Halifax beginning in April, replacing its current agent. Additional cities in the Atlantic provinces will be added to the network later in the year, the company announced.

The expansion represents a multi-million dollar investment and approximately 250 new UPS jobs.

"We're truly excited about this expansion because it means we're extending to Atlantic Canada the superior level of service and shipping and logistics options for which UPS is recognized around the world," said UPS Canada president Mike Tierney. "The introduction of brown trucks to the region - driven by men and women who I believe represent the best service providers in the industry - strengthens our position in the Canadian market while supporting the needs of our customers."

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Hankook Tire Canada intros three new commercial tires

BRAMPTON, Ont. -- Hankook Tire Canada has introduced three new tires to its truck and bus line: the DH06, the AH15 and the AH24. The trio were designed with Hankook's e3 technology (energy, economy, and environment) are intended for medium haul applications.

The DH06 features zigzag grooves and open shoulder for improved performance and traction; optimized block size to prevent against irregular wear; deeper grooves and wider tread to help lengthen tread life in all weather conditions; and a unique tread design to help decrease stone retention.

Designed for high-scrub applications, the AH24 features a combination of straight and zigzag grooves designed to improve performance and traction; a closed shoulder rib to help provide stability and better performance for even wear; multi-sipes to promote more even wear; a unique tread design to help decrease stone retention; deeper grooves and wider tread to help lengthen tread life; and Hankook's Sidewall Protector Rib which is designed to resist cuts and abrasions from curbing and impact

Features for the AH15, a multi-purpose tire for mixed service, include a multi-step groove shape to help with traction; an optimized lug design to help prevent uneven wear; a deeper grooves and wider tread to help lengthen tread life; and tread designed to improve traction on various road conditions.

"Hankook's latest commercial tires, the DH06, AH15 and AH24 are designed to increase durability -helping our customers save money," explains Bill Hume, vice-president, Hankook Tire Canada. "The tires are a great value and offer excellent performance and traction while offering extended mileage."

DH06 and AH24 are available in six sizes, including 11R22.5 and 11R24.5 in both 14 and 16 ply-ratings. AH15 is available in 385/65R22.5 in 18 ply-rating.

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