P.M. Executive Briefing - Sept. 14
This Afternoon's Headlines:
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Schwan Song Leaves Workers Out In Cold
Due to poor Canadian business, the U.S.-based frozen-food delivery firm Schwan's Sales Enterprises is shutting down its operations there, with the final deliveries to take place by Dec. 18. Schwan's spokesman Bob Otterson says the amount of employees for Schwan's Canada is under 1,000.Company sales manager Scott Letendre says he doubts anything will come of employees' ideas of buying the trucks and keeping the business going in Canada. He says the cost of U.S. imports in Canada went up due to the low value of the Canadian dollar.
DAT Announces Development of 'Sky Vision 2000' Commercial Vehicle Mounted Anti-Theft Camera Unit Incorporating Satellite Data Communications
Diversified Auto Technology says it will be selling an onboard trailer camera system, Sky Vision 2000, intended to help combat the $6 billion to $12 billion in annual U.S. trailer cargo theft.The system is to be available for the company's Vehicle Data Recorder System, which at the present development state includes an accident recorder, anti-theft system, and an electronic logbook. Other options will also be available.
Prompted by software cues or operator instructions, the VDRS can activate strobe lamps so as to call attention to possible cargo thefts. Diversified Auto Technology is still trying to choose a satellite communications firm to provide communications access for the VDRS. The company expects to debut the camera system by early 2000. PRNewswire (09/14/99)
Herenton Rallies With Teamsters' Hoffa as Union Threatens Strike
At a rally in Memphis on Sunday, the Teamsters once again mentioned the possibility of a cross-country strike against Overnite Transportation, the biggest non-unionized long-haul LTL carrier.The rally, behind Teamsters Local 667, saw speeches by Teamsters President James P. Hoffa and Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton as well as two Teamsters who were dismissed from Memphis dock jobs at Overnite as the company charged that they had threatened fellow employees. The two employees say the company's charges are untrue, and they have complained to the National Labor Relations Board.
Due to a 1996 union election victory, the Teamsters represent around 460 of the 536 Overnite employees at the Memphis service center. Teamsters organizing director and international Vice President John Murphy says strike negotiations are to start Wednesday. Memphis Commercial Appeal Online (09/13/99); McKenzie, Kevin
NHTSA Announces July Recalls
Recalls are in effect for the 1998 and 1999 model years for Kenworth's T600, T800, T2000, and W900 models as well as the Peterbilt 357, 377, 378, 379, and 385. Troubles with the software in those trucks built between December 1998 and June 1999 with Caterpillar engines and Eaton AutoShift transmissions can cause stalling. Notification was to start last month, and dealers will repair the software problem. Owners are to receive a cure for the problem at no cost. Land Line Magazine Online (09/13/99)Con Metco Expansion to Add 130 Union Jobs
The Oregon-based truck-parts maker Consolidated Metco is pouring $12 million into an expansion at its Monroe, N.C., factory, which will see heavier output due to automation. In addition, the factory will employ 130 more workers. Over the next five years, grants and incentives worth close to $490,000 will be forthcoming from Union County for Con Metco's expansion.he Monroe City Council will vote today on grants totaling $247,500, with which Con Metco could pay three-quarters of the expansions' property taxes over five years. Con Metco expanded the site and payroll at the same plant just last year, for which it got over $600,000 from the state and local governments. Business Journal of Charlotte Online (09/13/99); Elkins, Ken
U.S. Trucking, Inc. Forms National Agents Division; Opens Nine Offices Across U.S.
U.S. Trucking Inc., a logistics provider, long-haul TL carrier, freight broker, and auto-liability insurance firm, is starting up a national agency division. The division is to be based in Orlando with nine agencies nationwide."Our goal is to have as many as 30 agents working for us over the next three years," says Mack Fulmer, who is the company's new vice president of agent and Mexican operations. President and CEO Dan L. Pixler says, "The agency program will provide our customers with greater options and more responsive service." Business Wire (09/13/99)
Detroit Diesel Announces Supply Agreement with JB Hunt Transport
The engine maker Detroit Diesel Corp. has signed a deal with JB Hunt Transport to provide Hunt with Series 60 engines. The engines are part of the new equipment Hunt is using in a driver recruitment advertising campaign. "The Series 60 engine has been the most popular engine in North America since 1992 because it offers the lowest cost of operation combined with the highest level of driver satisfaction," says Detroit Diesel Vice Chairman Lud Koci. PRNewswire (09/13/99)© copyright 1999 INFORMATION, INC. Terms of Service
