January 2008
Editor's Note
In continuing pursuit of know-how
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM, David A Kolman
It used to be that neighbors asked about your family and meant it. Parents were the only baby sitters. Rip Van Winkle slept 20 years and no one asked...
Industry Watch: News
Forklift use in freezers
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
A recent survey of forklift practices, conducted by the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IAWR), revealed that the average amount...
Trucking-related revenue hits $312 billion
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Revenue for truck transportation, couriers and messengers, and warehousing and storage totaled $312 billion in 2006, compared with $293 billion in 2005,...
Calavo adopts PakSense as shipping tool
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Calavo Growers, supplier of fresh and processed avocados and other perishable food products, has adopted PakSense Inc's TXi Label to track time and temperature...
Trying out fuel economy driving methods
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Fleet managers from around the nation applied fuel-saving techniques to improve their mileage 33.6 percent to 40.5 percent during a Fuel Economy Challenge...
Panther receives business growth award
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Panther Expedited Services has been awarded the 2007 Business Growth Award and Sales Growth Award in the Service category from Cascade Capital Corp. The...
US truck tonnage falls in October 2007
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has reported that United States truck tonnage decreased 0.3% in October 2007 after a modest 1.5% increase in...
Groups appoint steering committee for Produce Traceability Initiative
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Representatives of more than 30 produce supply chain companies have been chosen to serve on the steering committee of the Produce Traceability Initiative....
Peterbilt ranks highest in medium-duty truck customer satisfaction, study finds
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Peterbilt ranks highest in customer satisfaction among conventional cab medium-duty trucks, while Chevrolet ranks highest in medium-duty truck dealer...
United Natural turns to the sun in a big way
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
United Natural Foods Inc, along with Solar Works Inc and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), held a dedication ceremony December 13 for the installation...
Novazone changes name to Purfresh Inc
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Novazone Inc, a provider of clean systems for food and water, has changed its corporate name to Purfresh Inc, effective immediately. The name change comes...
Volvo keeps backing America's Road Team
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Volvo Trucks North America will continue in 2008 its sponsorship of America's Road Team, the trucking industry's image and safety outreach program. Volvo...
Texans, beware of ground beef sold under questionable circumstances
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
American Fresh Foods in Fort Worth TX is urging Texas consumers not to purchase its ground beef under questionable circumstances. This precaution comes...
Long-term forecasting not reliable, study shows
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Detailed forecasting and planning are not necessary over the long-term, and can lead to less accurate results that require more work to obtain them, finds...
KLLM stirs Stewpot with generous care
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
On December 6, KLLM held its annual Christmas Celebration for children at Stewpot Community Services in Jackson MS. As a result of employees' donations,...
Industry Watch: Business
Prime Inc acquires TRL trucking operations
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Robert E Low, owner and chief executive officer of Prime Inc, has announced the acquisition of specific assets and the trucking operations of Pittston...
Vaughan secures new credit agreement
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Vaughan Foods Inc, a Moore OK-based producer and distributor of fresh-cut vegetables and fruit products, and a broad line of refrigerated prepared salads,...
Coastal, L&M Produce combine operations
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Coastal Sunbelt Produce and L&M Produce are joining forces to become a leading foodservice distributor of fresh produce in the Mid-Atlantic. The combined...
Knight tallies 3Q, YTD financial results
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Knight Transportation Inc has announced financial results for the third quarter and year-to-date ended Sept 30, 2007. For the quarter, the Phoenix AZ-based...
PacLease adds five new lease locations
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Paccar Leasing Co (PacLease) has added two new full-service lease locations in Moses Lake WA and Anchorage AK. The locations are operated by Western Pacific...
Susser Holdings purchases Town & Country
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Susser Holdings Corp has completed the acquisition of TCFS Holdings Inc, the parent company of San Angelo TX-based Town & Country Food Stores Inc, in...
Ingersoll-Rand plans to acquire Trane Inc
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Ingersoll-Rand Co Ltd has executed a definitive agreement to acquire Trane Inc, formerly American Standard Companies Inc, in a transaction valued at approximately...
Performance Food Group has profitable 3Q
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Performance Food Group Co has announced results for the third quarter ended Sept 29, 2007. Consolidated net sales in the third quarter were approximately...
Peterson strengthens Canadian presence
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Peterson Manufacturing has formed new partnerships with two Canadian firms. Now representing Peterson throughout Canada is Grant Brothers Sales Ltd of...
Knight announces quarterly dividend
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Knight Transportation Inc's board of directors has declared the company's quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share of common stock. This quarterly dividend...
Innovative Cold Storage awards contract
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Innovative Cold Storage Enterprises Inc has awarded FKI Logistex a major contract to supply a hybrid very-narrow-aisle (VNA) system for the firm's 132,000-square-foot...
Freightliner moving certain functions to SC
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Freightliner LLC will transfer selected functions from its corporate headquarters in Portland OR to a South Carolina location closer to customers and...
England Intermodal ready to hit the rails
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
England Logistics, a unit of Salt Lake City UT-based C R England, recently launched England Intermodal, which will offer refrigerated, private equipment...
Nash Finch sales dip; net earnings surge
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Nash Finch Co, a leading food distribution company, has announced financial results for the third quarter ended Oct 6, 2007. Total company sales for the...
Ryder to consolidate SCS business ops
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Ryder System Inc plans to combine its United States and International Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) business operations to form a single, fully integrated...
Idealease continues to thrive at age 25
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
In 1982, against long odds and a bleak economy, the former International Harvester Co transitioned its full-service lease franchise to 11 International...
Webb unit forms alliance with TMD
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The Aftermarket Business Unit of Webb Wheel Products Inc has entered into a strategic alliance with TMD Friction to couple brake drums and friction linings...
Industry Watch: Government
FMCSA publishes HOS interim final rule
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has published its latest hours-of-service interim final rule in the Federal Register that allows...
Sysco subsidiary wins DOD contract
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The United States Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded Sysco Food Services of Louisville (KY), a subsidiary of Houston TX-based foodservice distributor...
Tax credits proposed for employee wellness
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
New proposed legislation would give tax incentives for businesses to implement workplace comprehensive health management (wellness) programs. In addition,...
CARB seeking input on diesel emissions
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is developing a regulation to reduce diesel particulate matter (PM) and other emissions from in-use heavy-duty...
Alternative fuels web site is revamped
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The United States Department of Energy's redesigned web sites for the Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC) and the Clean Cities Program...
Meijer wins EPA SmartWay award
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The United States Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay Transport Partnership has awarded Grand Rapids MI-based Meijer an Environmental Excellence...
FMCRRG takes new members in 12 states
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Federal Motor Carriers Risk Retention Group Inc (FMCRRG) has commenced accepting new members in the 12 states of Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida,...
Feature Articles
Moo-ving Milk
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By David A Kolman
Throughout the years, Driftwood Dairy of El Monte, California, has faced many challenges as it has grown from a family dairy begun in 1920 into a business...
Frozen creations
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By David A Kolman
Crafting Sizable, elaborate ice sculptures, such as a 12-foot tall Eagle's wing, a life-size Jennifer Aniston, or a giant Pegasus is a considerable challenge....
What's next?
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA) recently brought together executives from Great Dane Trailers, Wabash National, and Utility Trailer Manufacturing...
Truck air systems
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Cold weather has an adverse impact on trucks and can create a multitude of problems, including weak or dead batteries, frozen locks, problems with fuel...
Fighting rollovers
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
MeritorWABCO Vehicle Control Systems has introduced its new Roll Stability Support (RSS) trailer system, the RSSplus. Designed specifically for the North...
Preparing for market changes
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Coverage Of the annual Foodservice Distribution Conference & Expo, begun in Refrigerated Transporter's December issue, continues here. The event, held...
Hybrid technology
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
An overview of the applications of diesel electric hybrid technology by truck, engine, and equipment manufacturers to decrease fuel consumption, reduce...
Trailer concerns
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The most common trailer issue facing those in the foodservice industry was the subject of a panel discussion during the annual Foodservice Distribution...
Job applicant interviews
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Finding the right person for the right job helps fuel a company's success. One of the key elements in finding the right person is the job interview. To...
Best practices
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Earlier this year, the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) published a report that represents the foodservice industry's first gathering...
Waiting for 2009
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Rick Weber
Imagine that you have been in the waiting room of your doctor's office for about a year. The receptionist calls you to the counter and explains that the...
Six decades of excellence
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
W&B Service Company L.P. has entered into an agreement to sell a 20% ownership stake to four of its senior managers. These dedicated managers Teresa Murphree,...
Information Channels
J B Hunt installs Hegemon ID system
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Hegemon Electronics recently assisted J B Hunt Transport Services Inc with the addition of its PLC4TRUCKS system to more than 10,000 J B Hunt tractors....
Universal Package offers new web site
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Universal Package Systems has launched its new web site at www.UniversalPackage.com. The company offers new and reconditioned plastic and metal bulk containers,...
Waytek publishes its newest catalog
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Waytek Inc, a distributor of electrical wiring supplies, announces its newest catalog 220A. Many new products are introduced in this catalog, including:...
GCT signs contract with Lawson Software
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
GCT Global Container Terminals Inc has licensed the Lawson S3 Enterprise Performance Management and Enterprise Financial Management suites. The company...
McLeod adds Agent Access For Truckload
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
McLeod Software has added Agent Access For Truckload to its PowerBroker and LoadMaster enterprise management systems. The Agent Access For Truckload module...
Dairy co-op boosts efficiency with DS
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
IRM Corp has announced a successful implementation of Discovery System (DS) with one of its newest clients, Tillamook County Creamery Association(TCCA)....
USCS signs networking pact with Qwest
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Qwest Communications International Inc has signed a multi-year data networking agreement with United States Cold Storage Inc (USCS), a public refrigerated...
Roadranger launches online ordering tool
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Eaton and Dana through their Roadranger marketing partnership have launched a new online ordering tool, the Roadranger Warranty Assistant. It provides...
Ameriscan launches dealership web site
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Ameriscan, a world wide leader in temperature monitoring and trailer tracking applications, has announced the release of its new dedicated dealership...
Cole Hersee has its heavy-duty line covered
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Cole Hersee Co introduces its new Heavy Duty Catalog, D-400, detailing the company's line of heavy-duty products. Within the past year, Cole Hersee has...
Nordic goes live with RedPrairie WMS
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Nordic Cold Storage LLC, a national temperature-controlled warehousing and transportation company, has gone live with RedPrairie Corp's Warehouse Management...
Intermodal Monthly Update report begun
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
A new monthly report detailing key trends affecting the intermodal industry has been launched by FTR Associates and Gross Transportation Consulting (GTC)....
Idle Talk guide adds Canadian information
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Cummins is offering a new version of the eight-page guide, Idle Talk: How the New Regulations Affect You, that includes information for various Canadian...
Gordon Trucking standardizes on Cognos
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Gordon Trucking Inc (GTI) is standardizing on Cognos 8 Business Intelligence (BI) and Cognos 8 Planning to enable greater reporting accuracy and speed...
Bendix updates safety position paper
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has updated its Highway Safety Position Paper. In the paper, Bendix identifies four areas as vital to the improvement...
TODCO enhances website navigation has a sleek, new look
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
TODCO's www.todco.com website has a sleek, new look, but according to Scott Blackford, vice-president of marketing and sales, the updates are not merely...
Fleets turn to driver-recruiting web site
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Vertical Alliance Group Inc announced that 11 new trucking companies have signed with FullFleet.com in the first six months of 2007, including Jack in...
C&S implements XATANET software
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
XATA Corp announced that C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc has chosen to equip more than 700 trucks with XATANET software. C&S's fleet delivers to both local...
Product Innovations
Product Innovations
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
TODCO PolarTek door is graphics-friendly TODCO's new PolarTek overhead refrigerated door is doing double duty, thanks to its high thermal efficiency rating...
Changing Roles
Fleets
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
SYSCO Corp has promoted Michael W Green to executive vice-president, Northeast and North Central US Foodservice Operations, and Stephen F Smith to executive...
Suppliers
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
R-O-M Corp has promoted Steve Briggs to chief executive officer; he will also maintain his duties as president. Jeff Hupke will now serve as chief operating...
Obituaries
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Rush Enterprises Inc reports that John D Rock, a member of the board of directors and chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee, died Nov 16,...
Industry Events
Green Supply Chain Forum scheduled
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Green Supply Chain Forum, featuring best practices for global supply chains from leading companies, is set for Feb 7, 2008, at Kovens Conference Center,...
Supplier Showcase
Telematics Systems
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Commercial vehicle telematics systems intermingle computers and wireless telecommunications technologies to perform a variety of tasks, many in real-time....
