New Caterpillar CEO
Caterpillar has appointed James Owens as its next chairman and chief executive officer, replacing Glen Barton. Barton chose to retire in January, after five years as the company’s top official. Owens, 57, joined Caterpillar in 1972 and held management positions in economics, accounting and product source planning. In 1987 he became managing director of P.T. Natra Raya, Caterpillar’s joint venture in Indonesia. He became a corporate vice president in 1990 and president of Solar Turbines Inc., a Caterpillar subsidiary. In 1993 he became chief financial officer and group president in 1995.
Sirius, NFL Deal
The National Football League and Sirius Satellite Radio have announced a seven-year agreement for Sirius to broadcast all NFL games live nationwide, and for Sirius to become the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the National Football League, with exclusive rights to use the NFL “shield” logo and collective NFL team trademarks.
As part of the agreement, Sirius will create “The NFL Radio Network,” an around-the-clock exclusive stream of NFL content for Sirius subscribers.
No SCR in ’07
Caterpillar, Cummins and International Truck and Engine Corp. each announced Dec. 15 that they will be able to comply with 2007 federal emissions standards.
The three will not use selective catalytic reduction, an engine aftertreatment technology that requires ammonia-based urea to be injected into the exhaust to decrease the nitrogen oxide emissions. SCR has been widely discussed in the industry as a potential technology for meeting the 2007 standards.
Border Review
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted the Bush administration’s request that it review a court decision delaying opening the border to Mexican trucks.
The court agreed Dec. 15 to review the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that upholds a federal law requiring a detailed Environmental Impact Statement and a general conformity evaluation before allowing Mexican trucks to do business in the United States.
Dave Dudley Dies
Dave Dudley, whose 1960s song “Six Days on the Road” is a legend among truck drivers and was a top country music hit, died Dec. 22. He was 75.
IdleAire Deal
Pilot Travel Centers and IdleAire have signed a long-term agreement allowing installation of IdleAire Advanced Travel Center Electrification technology in all Pilot-owned travel centers in the United States.
The first locations are already in the planning stages and are expected to be installed in California, Indiana, New Jersey, Tennessee, Arkansas and other locations over the next several months.
Werner Exemption
Werner Enterprises may continue using paperless logs even under the new hours rule, if Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration approval goes through. In June 1998, Werner became the first truckload carrier to be authorized by the Federal Highway Administration to use paperless logs. FMCSA’s current program with Werner expired at the end of December.
Interstate Cooks
If you enjoy cooking your own meals while away from home, Truckers News may spotlight your recipes in a special section of this magazine as well as in an upcoming cookbook. The recipes must be able to be prepared using appliances and cooking utensils you can carry inside the cab of the truck. To be considered, send your recipes to Truckers News, c/o Jeff Mercurio, 3200 Rice Mine Road N.E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35406, or via e-mail to [email protected]. You can also go to www.truckersnews.com and use our online form to submit your recipes.
