Justice Department has approved a proposal by the American Trucking Associations to develop and circulate a model contract to its members to help increase efficiency in contract negotiations. Motor carrier members of the ATA could use the model contract provisions in negotiations with their customers.
Transit Group Inc., Orlando, has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The reorganized Transit Group operates about 1,400 power units through three separate units: Land Transportation, Atlanta, an agent-based business; KAT-R&M Transportation, Chesterton, Ind., and Gretna, Neb., a temperature-controlled truckload carrier; and Priority Transportation, Rochester, N.Y., and Memphis, Tenn., a dry van carrier.
Burlington Industries, Greensboro, N.C., will phase out its trucking operations and transportation division by early February and will instead use UPS Supply Chain Solutions to manage its logistics needs. The manufacturer said that its expanded international requirements called for a global transportation network, which was not feasible internally.
Truckload Carriers Association has scheduled a Jan. 14 audio conference on developing an award-winning safety management system. The seminar will explore the safety systems built by four highly regarded carriers. For information, visit www.truckloadacademy.org.
The Acklie Companies in December announced that its Shaffer Trucking and Sunflower Carriers units are combining their operations as Shaffer Trucking, a division of Crete Carrier Corp., effective Jan. 1. The new division will offer a fleet of 2,700 temperature-sensitive trailers. Combined, the operating units of The Acklie Companies operate 5,500 power units and 13,000 trailers.
Alterman Transportation Lines in December announced an orderly liquidation and a plan to cease operations on Feb. 3. The refrigerated carrier, which started with one truck in 1938 and grew to 600 tractors and 1,000 trailers, had sustained operating losses for several years and had been actively seeking a buyer for its assets.
Navistar International Corp. named Daniel Ustian chief executive officer, succeeding John Horne, who will continue as board chairman. Ustian, who has held manufacturing and financial positions since 1973, has served as president and chief operating officer of International Truck and Engine Corp.’s engine group since April.
Autocar LLC chose a former Dana manufacturing plant in Hagerstown, Ind., as the site for its new headquarters and truck manufacturing facility. Limited pilot production will start in the second quarter of 2003, with full production beginning by July.
Pilot Travel Centers has acquired 60 travel centers from Williams Co. Inc. for $190 million.
Yellow Transportation ordered 154 Volvo VNM daycab tractors, announced Volvo Trucks North America. The trucks will be single- and tandem-axle tractors powered by a Volvo’s new VED12 engine, which complies with new emissions standards.
