Manheim Orlando Truck Theft Problem

Just spoke to a customer who said their Peterbilt was stolen at 8:00 in the morning last week at the Orlando Manheim auction. She said the police said that theirs was the 18th stolen truck this year. I don't know what you can do to guard against something like this... maybe put a denver boot on your truck or something.

Check your wheel bearings!

Terre Haute News, Terre Haute, Indiana- TribStar.com - Two vehicles destroyed when semitrailer burns

Boydstun screw truck maintenance tip

Are the screw actuators on your Boydstun screw truck squealing like pigs? Try getting the SL-3195 Stayplex red grease... made by Staylube. You can get it at most NAPA stores. It is water repellent and should last you a couple weeks between applications. IF you want to save money, you can get a 120 lb keg of it for around $400.

This is the stuff they're using on the Toyota car haulers.

11/09/09 Addendum: More Boydstun parts available again here.

Sales UP

Light & Medium Truck | U.S. Auto Sales Increase in August
U.S auto sales increased 1% in August, the first time since 2007 that monthly sales figures increased versus year-ago levels, Bloomberg News reported.

Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. all posted gains for the month, as the federal government’s “cash for clunkers” program brought shoppers to showrooms. While these gains were offset by sales declines for General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC and Nissan Motor Co., the boon created by “clunkers” pushed total industry sales to 1.26 million, a 1% increase over August, 2007 levels, Bloomberg said.

Just last week, a full boat of Toyotas hit the west coast-- 5000 Scions, Lexus, and FJ cruisers were moved out of the port in the space of four days!

Border ban

BBC NEWS | Americas | Border ban angers Mexico truckers

OK, but if you read the article, it talks about the Mexican driver being on the road without significant breaks for 18 hours!  If it comes down to a choice between providing opportunity for Mexican trucking companies and public safety, public safety must always win. 

Another Case of Maag & Wendler

Cottrell, URS Midwest named in another injury suit | Madison/St. Clair Record
Cottrell, URS Midwest named in another injury suit

7/24/2009 10:44 AM
By Kelly Holleran

A man and his wife have filed suit against two trucking companies after they say the man fell from the top of a rig.

Dale and Lori Presnell claim Dale Presnell worked as a car hauler for URS Midwest and was using a Cottrell trailer on Dec. 18 when the incident occurred.

"Plaintiff, while attempting to maneuver on the upper deck of the rig in the course of his duties as a truck driver, sustained severe and permanent injuries when he fell from the top of the rig," the suit states.

Tennessee couple sues Cottrell, Nissan in St. Clair County | Madison/St. Clair Record

Tennessee couple sues Cottrell, Nissan in St. Clair County

7/22/2009 2:49 PM
By Kelly Holleran

A Tennessee man and woman say the man was permanently disabled while performing his normal work duties as a car hauler.

Jeffrey T. and Angela Ellis filed a lawsuit July 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Hansen and Adkins Auto Transport, Nissan North America and Cottrell.

The plaintiffs claim Jeffrey Ellis was originally hired by Premium of Tennessee but was leased to Hansen to perform car hauling duties.

While operating a ratchet and tie down system as part of his duties on July 21, 2008, Jeffrey Ellis received disfiguring and permanent injuries because of the force he was required to exert on the system, according to the complaint.