Wood in Products Bound for the US

The following information was passed along to CTEA, as a member of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition (MCM) from the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) and may affect those of you who sell product into the US with wood floors:

As many of you know, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued regulations to prevent international trafficking in illegal logging products and global deforestation. As a result, companies in the United States and abroad who are doing business in the United States must submit an import declaration with each shipment which must contain, among other things, the scientific name of the plant, the country of origin and the quantity and value of the products imported into the United States. In their regulations, USDA expanded the definition of “plants” to include paper, wooden furniture, hammers with wooden handles, musical instruments containing wood and even further manufactured products such as perfume, plastics and plastic components, jewelry and plant based pharmaceutical products. While enforcement concerns are targeted elsewhere around the globe and Canada is well known for its model forest sustainability programs, Canadian companies must still comply with these onerous reporting and declaration requirements. The compliance and cost burden will only increase as 1) Congress moves to expand the product coverage and 2) your customers upstream in your manufacturing supply chain, either in Canada or in the United States, request detailed transactional information from you.  The Lacey provisions require the exercise of “due care” and failure to exercise this care can expose your company and your customers to civil penalties of up to (US) $10,000 per violation and even criminal penalties. Currently only imported products under Tariff Chapters 44, 66, 82, 92, 93, 94, 95 & 97 are scheduled for enforcement of the declaration requirement but the underlying law makes it clear that almost all product lines should eventually be covered.

This is not a forestry or lumber issue, but rather an onerous and unnecessary requirement on Canada’s manufacturing sector. CME is therefore taking the business lead to work with the Government of Canada to find a permanent solution for Canadian shippers and suppliers. Your business voice and expertise will be critical in those efforts but we understand the need for business confidentiality and discretion. To that end, we are organizing a Lacey Coalition of companies who are willing to work with CME and provide us with your company’s experience and concerns with the implementation of the Lacey Act.

If you are interested, contact the following individual. We will organize an initial conference call with you and provide an initial draft action plan for your review and approval.  On behalf of CME’s leadership team, thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.

Birgit Matthiesen 

Special Advisor to the President and CEO 

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters 

PH 703-303-8413 

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

www.cme-mec.ca 

If you have further questions, you can also pass them along to CTEA at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Truck-Lite’s Sky-Lite Utilizes Natural Sunlight For Added Interior Trailer Lighting
January, 2012, Falconer, New York – Truck-Lite has developed a lensed product call the Sky-Lite, allotting external sunlight to assist with additional trailer interior lighting, without the need for added power or wiring. The polycarbonate product was designed to only mount on the upper sidewall of a trailer or body, giving a small windowed appearance and allowing natural light to enter the trailer and increase daytime visibility.

The Sky-Lite fits a 4” diameter hole cut into the sidewall of a trailer or body and offers ease of install with a snap-in design and peel-and-stick adhesive gasket.

“The Sky-Lite’s addition, coupled with our existing LED interior trailer lighting will enable fleets to run energy efficient units day and night.” stated Bob Ives, VP of Marketing for Truck-Lite. “Increased cargo visibility is key to fleets, and the use of our Sky-Lite encourages a safe work environment as well as loading and unloading accuracy.”

Truck-Lite Sky-Lite part #’s are 40270C (for 0.05” aluminum sheets), 40271C (for 0.31” composite panels) and
40275C (for 0.25” composite panels). For additional product features and benefits, please visit www.truck-lite.com.

HWS: Henderson Wing System

Convenience & Quick Turnaround:
Addressing Municipal Operations Requiring Wing Plows for Snow & Ice Removal

Wing plows have been around for years. They have grown both in popularity and complexity with municipal customers, each operation requiring unique tweaks and/or advantages. In essence taking customization to new levels and extending manufacturing response times.

With the release of the HWS, Henderson addresses the dated patrol wing, mid-mount wing and rear mount wing setups. This modular style wing system offers two important advantages over older designs currently being used: many shared or common parts slashing manufacturing response times and flexible mounting configurations.

Beyond these obvious advantages come substantial design improvements to the front mast. The heavy-duty fabricated I-beam mast (½” flange, ½” web & ¾” non-binding slide) is now a standard feature. In addition to bulking up, the front mast also boasts 100% engagement across its connecting surface area.

Options for the rear brace, cutting edge and moldboard construction did not take a backseat. These areas have also been addressed and converted to the new modular design requirements.

If you’d like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview, please contact Brian Evans @ (800) 359-4970 or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hino Motors Canada, Ltd. and Allison Transmission, Inc.
Mississauga, Ontario – Mr. Eric Smith, Vice President, Sales, announced today that Hino Motors Manufacturing in Detroit, U.S.A. and Allison Transmission, Inc. have recently signed a multi-year, long-term agreement that will make Allison Transmissions the preferred and exclusive automated transmission supplier in Class 6 & 7 trucks in North America. By this new agreement, Hino Motors Canada, Ltd. will be able to offer its customers enhanced transmission coverage on Allison equipped vehicles. An enhancement to the warranty coverage on the 3000 Series means that all Allison 1000, 2000 and 3000 Rugged Duty Series
(RDS) transmissions will be covered by a 3-year, unlimited kilometres warranty starting with 2013 model year trucks. This agreement strengthens the already important relationship between Hino and Allison.

About Hino: Hino Motors Canada, Ltd., a Toyota Group Company, assembles and distributes light and medium duty commercial trucks in Canada and is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with assembly operations in Woodstock, Ontario. Service is provided through its extensive coast-to-coast dealership network and is backed by its industry leading customer care

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Economic Update

As expected, the Bank of Canada announced this morning that it is maintaining its key policy rate at 1.00%.

The Bank noted that the outlook for the global economy has deteriorated and uncertainty has increased. The European sovereign debt crisis has intensified and conditions in international financial markets have tightened. The Bank expects the recession in Europe to be deeper and longer than it had previously anticipated. On a positive note, real GDP in the U.S. in the second half of 2011 was stronger than anticipated, but the Bank expects the U.S. recovery will proceed at a more modest pace going forward.

The Bank expects the pace of growth going forward to be more modest than previously envisaged in light of the global headwinds and the uncertainty that is prevailing. Net exports are expected to contribute little to growth, reflecting moderate foreign demand and ongoing competitiveness challenges, including the persistent strength of the Canadian dollar. In contrast, very favourable financing conditions are expected to support consumer spending and housing activity.

The Bank forecasts economic growth for Canada of 2.4% in 2011, 2.0% in 2012 and 2.8% in 2013.

As I noted in our December 2012-2013 Economic Outlook, Canada’s central bank will most likely wait until early 2013 before raising interest rates.

Chief Economist
(416) 868-6415 ext. 222

Truck-Lite Recognized as 2011 Wabash National Outstanding Supplier
December, 2011, Falconer, New York – Wabash National Corporation recently selected Truck-Lite as a top supplier
during its annual supplier conference, recognition for going above and beyond to meet increasing customer demand and
maximized productivity.

The prestigious Wabash National platinum award was presented to Truck-Lite for demonstrating the essential aspects of
supply chain performance in delivery, quality, cost and innovation. Wabash National noted the significance of suppliers
demonstrating superior commitment to meet challenging production schedules while providing products and services to
satisfy unique specifications on tight timelines is key to successful business relationships.

Truck-Lite’s President, Brian Kupchella, stated, “Truck-Lite is, once again, very honored to be named a Wabash National
top supplier. Year after year we work closely with Wabash National to manufacture cutting-edge products and provide a
high level of customer service and satisfaction. This achievement exhibits Truck-Lite employee commitment to honor our
customer’s quality standards and to meet long term expectations.”

“We appreciate suppliers who understand what a mutually beneficial relationship means and are honored to work
alongside them as an extension of the Wabash National family,” said Wabash National Vice President of Global Strategic
Sourcing Steve Miller.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Goodyear introduces Dunlop steer tire
AKRON, Ohio -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has expanded its portfolio of Dunlop brand truck tires with the new Dunlop SP348, an all-position steer tire for regional fleet, school bus and pickup and delivery applications.  2/1/2012 | Full Story

Navistar Joins the Natural Gas Brigade
LISLE, Ill. — New program offers customers quick payback on natural gas trucks. Without a hefty price tag.

LAS VEGAS — Companies renew long term relationship, and Fras-le expands, bringing work to the U.S.

Hino earns top marks in J.D. Power and Associates studies
NOVI, Mich. -- Hino has announced it finished tops in J.D. Power and Associates' rankings for medium-duty truck and engine customer satisfaction.  1/20/2012 | Full Story

Link Suspensions improves offer to acquire Raydan
EDMONTON, Alta. -- Link Suspensions has upped its offer for Raydan Manufacturing by $327,059, paving the way for a deal to acquire the suspension manufacturer.  1/20/2012 | Full Story

December's Class 8 Orders Second Best in Six Years
COLUMBUS, IN — Order trend resumes strong trend, ACT reports.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Vocational transmissions get coverage upgrade.

WINDSOR — MP Brian Masse says practice is "discriminatory."

Billionaire Bridge Owner Sent to the Brig
DETROIT — Judge finds bridge company avoided fulfilling contract.

Daimler Ramps Up with 1,100 New Jobs
CLEVELAND, NC — A full second shift to start work.

Class 8 Orders Make Strong Bounce Back
NASHVILLE, IN — Second highest level in three years, reports FTR.

Raydan gets better offer, Link acquisition on hold
EDMONTON, Alta. -- A better deal has come along for Raydan Manufacturing, which was set to sell its suspension business to Link.  1/12/2012 | Full Story

BREAKING NEWS: DTNA forecasts Class 8 sales of 232,000 for North America, primarily based on replacement demand
MIAMI, Fla. - Despite the sluggish economic recovery, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) expects the North American Class 8 market to bounce back in 2012 with retail sales of 232,000 trucks. About 27,500 of those are expected to be sold in...  1/11/2012 | Full Story

Virtual Technician diagnostic system helping fleets reduce downtime
MIAMI, Fla -- Virtual Technician, Daimler Trucks North America's new real time diagnostic system, has already been installed in about 11,000 vehicles, the company says. And about 10% of those have installed the optional Visibility package,...  1/11/2012 | Full Story

Trailer Wizards to sell Vanguard trailers; adds to sales, HR teams
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Trailer Wizards has inked a deal to sell Vanguard trailers across Canada, and has acquired its dealerships in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal and Moncton, the company announced.  1/11/2012 | Full Story

Roll-Tite rolls into new Brantford HQ, manufacturing plant
BRANTFORD, Ont. -- Retractable tarp system manufacturer Roll-Tite has announced it is pulling up stakes at its Norwich, Ont. headquarters and moving into a new "technologically advanced" facility in Brantford.  1/10/2012 | Full Story

Autogreasers 101: An in-depth overview of automatic lubrication systems
In a study conducted by a major component manufacturer, improper lubrication accounts for 53% of all bearing failures, a major cause of equipment downtime and significant maintenance costs. The majority of failures are caused by: contamination...  1/10/2012 | Full Story

UPDATED: B.C. log trucks no longer require ABS, auto slack adjusters
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. -- B.C.'s Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) agency has exempted log trucks operating primarily on forest and industrial roads from complying with regulations requiring anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and...  1/10/2012 | Full Story

ONLINE SPECIAL: Ontario's shunt truck shake-up
KITCHENER, Ont. -- The shunt truck market in Ontario is shaping up to look very different in 2012, after Glasvan Great Dane abandoned its longtime role as a Capacity dealer in favour of Autocar.  1/9/2012 | Full Story

New committee to explore transportation requirements of Athabasca oil sands
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. -- A new advisory body has been set up to explore the current and future transportation needs of the Athabasca oil sands region.  1/9/2012 | Full Story

Daimler Trucks Puts Weight Behind New Detroit Axles

MIAMI, FL — Detroit brings the axle to market.

Trucking Analysts Predict Healthy Season

COLUMBUS, IN — Heavy-duty truck market will benefit from rising profits.

Surface Trade up 12 Percent Year Over Year

WASHINGTON — U.S.- Canada surface transportation trade climbs 14.1 percent over October 2010.

Altruck International Deals Out Capacity Terminal Trucks

KITCHNER, ON – Manufacturer of terminal trucks now available In Ontario.

No Speed Limiters for B.C., says Truckers Guild
VANCOUVER — Truckers Guild prez says speed limiter mandates in Alberta and Saskatchewan unlikely.

Class 8 Orders Make Strong Bounce Back
NASHVILLE, IN — Second highest level in three years, reports FTR.

RBC Canadian Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index finds output growth strengthens to eight-month high in December
TORONTO, Ont. -- Canada continues to defy the pessimistic outlook of the stock market as production and new orders both rose strongly in December, according to the RBC Canadian Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index.  1/3/2012 | Full Story

Western Star to host driving challenge at World of Concrete
LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Western Star has announced it will host its second annual Serious Trucks Challenge at the World of Concrete, providing visitors to the show with the chance to take part in the first public ride-and-drive of the 4700 model.  12/27/2011 | Full Story

Bendix Celebrates 1 Million ABS-6 Braking Systems
ELYRIA, OH – That's a lot of braking.

Class 8 Truck Orders Drop, ACT Research
COLUMBUS, IN – But the demand situation remains encouraging.

Mack and Volvo Trucks Appoint Two New Presidents
GREENSBORO, NC – Volvo Group promotes two company vets, one Canadian, to top slots.

ATDynamics wins environmental award from California Governor
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- ATDynamics has won the 2011 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) for "redefining the shape of the modern tractor-trailer" via its TrailerTail product, the company announced. Presented by... 12/16/2011 | Full Story

Reyco Granning announces new company president
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. -- Suspension systems manufacturer Reyco Granning has named David J. Compton as company president.  12/16/2011 | Full Story

Freight Index Rises 36 Percent over 2010, TransCore.
PORTLAND, OR. — Dry van and reefer rates show increase, too.

Canada Drops Gloves on Detroit-Windsor Bridge
OTTAWA — Notes from Transport Minister's office suggest using act of parliament to block lawsuits.

Great Dane Adds Second Full-Service Location
QUISPAMIS, NB – Trailer manufacturer extends reach into Canada. 

Canadian Hino Achieves ISO 14001-2004 Registration
WOODSTOCK, ON — Ontario facility celebrates environmental achievement.

Canada, U.S Come Together on Trade and Border Action Plan
WASHINGTON — Beyond the Border plan looks to be a boon for trucking industry.

Glasvan ends Capacity relationship to sell Autocar shunt trucks
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Glasvan Great Dane has ended its dealer relationship with Capacity of Texas and instead will be offering Autocar shunt tractors as its exclusive Ontario distributor.  12/7/2011 | Full Story

Polar Tank Trailer dealing with strike at tanker plant
ST. CLOUD, Minn. -- Tanker truck manufacturer Polar Tank Trailer is dealing with a strike at its Opole plant, which produces stainless steel, aluminum and carbon steel tankers for liquid bulk products.  12/6/2011 | Full Story

Dana, Eaton to end Roadranger marketing alliance
MAUMEE, Ohio -- Dana and Eaton have announced plans to end their Roadranger marketing agreement.  12/6/2011 | Full Story

FTR reports decline in preliminary Class 8 orders in November
NASHVILLE, Ind. -- Net orders of Class 8 trucks cooled in November, according to preliminary results from FTR Associates.  12/5/2011 | Full Story

Raydan Manufacturing to be purchased by Link
EDMONTON, Alta. -- Link Suspensions of Canada has reached a deal to acquire Raydan Manufacturing, which produces the Air Link suspension among other products.  12/1/2011 | Full Story

Trucking conditions decline in October: FTR
NASHVILLE, Ind. -- FTR's Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) declined to a reading of 3.4 in October. The environment for truckers as measured by the TCI softened primarily due to further delay in the issuance of revised Hours-of-Service...  12/2/2011 | Full Story

US fleets looking to buy in 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An annual fleet study conducted by CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKVR) has suggested there will be strong demand for Class 8 trucks in 2012.  12/2/2011 | Full Story

Transportation Club Elects New Exec. Committee
TORONTO — 800 industry professional attend annual dinner.

Meritor Rewards Bullish Performance
FLORENCE, KY — Two Canadians win Meritor Award.

Titan Trailers Grow in Tillsonburg
TILLSONBURG, ON — New sub-assembly facility in southwestern Ontario.

Con-Way selects Goodyear as principal wide-base tire supplier
AKRON, Ohio -- Con-way Truckload has selected Goodyear as its principal supplier of wide-base truck tires. Con-way will be using Goodyear's recently introduced G392 SSD drive and G394 SST trailer wide-base tires.  11/30/2011 | Full Story

Rising costs to mute profits for transportation sector in 2011: report
OTTAWA, Ont. -- Rising labour and operating costs will lower profits to less than $5 billion for the transportation and warehousing sector this year, according to the Canadian Industrial Profile's Autumn 2011 issue.  11/24/2011 | Full Story

The 2012 Commercial Truck Awards
McLEAN, VA — Nine trucks nominated this year.

STOLEN TRUCK WATCH: 2006 Red/Burgandy Freightliner
BRAMPTON, ON — Plate # 8248PH

Commercial Trailer Orders Highest Since May
COLUMBUS, IN –Nothing suggests upwards move from current production levels, says ACT.

Start of Q4 Canadian Freight Index Up 19 Percent
TORONTO — While month-over-month dropped 5 percent, Transcore.

Haldex's American CEO steps down; will focus on North American market
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The American CEO of Haldex has announced he is stepping down as CEO of the company effective Dec. 1.  11/17/2011 | Full Story

Class 8 Truck Orders Hit Six Month High
COLUMBUS, IN – Strong demand sets the stage for 2012, says ACT.

Aerofficient Opens Canadian Subsidiary
WINDSOR, ON -- An American manufacturer of SmartWay-verified aerodynamic devices for trailers has set up shop in Canada.

Westport on Top Ten Clean Companies List
TORONTO — Fifth year on the list for the natural gas engine maker.

New Brunswick Hears Truckers' Weight Beefs
SUSSEX, NB — More inter-provincial consistency in regs and less officer discretion needed.

Canada's Trade Goes from Deficit to Surplus
OTTAWA — September's exports grow for first time since January, Statscan.

Cyclist Tragedy Sparks Side Guard Debate
TORONTO — Side guards on trucks still unproven: CTA

T.O. Trucker Did Nothing Wrong: Police
TORONTO — Driver in fatal cyclist accident did nothing illegal.

Number of Highway Truck Crashes Drops
WASHINGTON —The FMSCA reports a significant decrease in truck accidents.

Forecasts for commercial vehicles basically unchanged: ACT report
COLUMBUS, Ind. -- ACT Research is maintaining its mildly pessimistic outlook for the US economy, according to the October issue of the ACT North American Commercial Vehicle Outlook.  11/11/2011 | Full Story

Mack to be featured on Travel Channel series Made in America
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Mack is set to be featured in an episode of Made in America, a TV series on the Travel Channel that highlights iconic products manufactured in the US. Mack builds every truck it sells in North America, and every truck it...  11/10/2011 | Full Story

TruckWeight offers free Virtual Weigh Station software
HALIFAX, N.S. -- On-board weigh scale manufacturer TruckWeight has developed free software that allows customers to display and record axle and vehicle weights in real-time on laptop or desktop computers.  11/9/2011 | Full Story

SPECIAL REPORT: The I-Shift shines in Sweden
GOTHENBURG, Sweden - It may pain us to admit it, but the Europeans are far ahead of us when it comes to adopting certain truck technologies that have the potential to transform the industry for the better. Take, for example, automated...  11/9/2011 | Full Story

Air Liquide spec's safety systems in newest trucks
HOUSTON, Texas -- Private fleet Air Liquide says it made safety a priority when spec'ing new additions to its delivery fleet, including 133 trucks that will be delivered through the end of 2011.  11/9/2011 | Full Story

New Kenworth dealership opens in Ottawa
OTTAWA, Ont. -- A new Kenworth dealer has opened in Ottawa, offering expanded hours for parts and service and easy access to Hwy. 417, Mercier Group has announced.  11/7/2011 | Full Story

HEARD ON THE STREET: Mack Media Man Moves into Marketing

GREENSBORO, NC – John Walsh is new vice president of marketing.

Daimler Celebrates 1,000th Natural Gas Truck
ANAHEIM, CA — First manufacturer to hit milestone, says DTNA.

Class 8 Truck Orders Jump 17 percent, reports FTR.

NASHVILLE, IN — Order activity is a good beginning for Q4.

Isuzu, Utilimaster partner to create new commercial walk-in van
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Isuzu and Utilimaster have partnered to create an all-new Reach commercial walk-in van. Production began earlier this week at Utilimaster's assembly facility in Wakarusa, Ind.  10/31/2011 | Full Story

Thai Disaster Severs Supply Chain

BANGKOK, THAILAND — Bangkok goes from Motown to Waterworld.

Class 8 Order Numbers Strong for October

COLUMBUS, IN – ACT Research says incremental fleet growth happening.

Energy Sector Pushes GDP to Climb, Statscan

OTTAWA – Wholesale trade and manufacturing show drops, however.

Caterpillar Lands on Feet with Q3 Record

PEORIA, Ill.- But still keeps an emergency plan if economy goes sour.

Commercial Trailer Orders Up, says ACT

COLUMBUS, IN - But seasonally adjusted numbers show no change.