Making the Grade Insideinside This Issue

pg 1, 10-11 tw nov v2 10/14/09 1:29 PM Page 1

November 2009 Volume 20, Issue 11

Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com CSA 2010 What you need to know if you haul into the US By Ingrid Phaneuf WASHINGTON, D.C. – Are Cana- dian truckers ready for the FMC- SA’s new safety rating system, slated BACK to kick off in July 2010? Or are they BACK being caught with their pants down, yet again? It depends on whom you talk to. Either way, those in the know say ONON the new Comprehensive Safety Analysis system (a.k.a. CSA 2010) created by FMCSA, will monu- mentally change the way carriers track and hire drivers and owner/operators. LEADING THE PACK: Glenn Creed’s #59 Ford Louisville runs up front during one of the North American Big Rig Racing “It’s like a tsunami,” says Peter series’ 2009 events. Creed eventually won the championship. Charboneau, the Canadian rep for a US company selling carrier solu- Big rig racing rolls on despite closures, changes and challenges tions. “Honestly there is almost no awareness by Canadian fleets of By Jim Bray Challenges also include many of ern US and Canada. Founded in what is coming towards them. The CALGARY, Alta. – Coming to the same ones that affect non-rac- Calgary in 1989, NABRR ex- impact is going to be tremendous.” an oval race track near you: the ing truckers these days: a money panded subsequently to Vancou- “Up to now,the FMCSA was able roar of the diesel, the smell of the crunch, as well as increasing – and ver Island and Washington State to provide safety ratings for less then crowd – and the excitement of sometimes unfair – competition. in 1997 and later its influence 2% of carriers in the US,”says Char- big rigs running wheel to wheel, But in the meantime, the show spread further south, right to boneau’s partner Steve Kessler, lap after lap after lap. goes on. California. Long time NABRR based in Dallas,Texas.“But with this Or maybe not. The future of The North American Big Rig racer and series organizer Ron new program, they’ll have the ability big rig racing in Western Canada Racing (NABRR) series was Singer, of Calgary, says some of to generate safety ratings for every is cloudy right now, as organizers formed after the demise of the the GATR events offered over carrier on a monthly basis.” and participants strive to find the “GATR” (Great American Truck $100,000 US as a pay day for the So are Charboneau and Kessler right sponsorships and venues. Racing) series that ran in the east- Continued on page 11 just blowing smoke because they’re Continued on page 10 Making the grade InsideInside This Issue... Mark Dalton O/O • Economic outlook: We report from the American Trucking Associations convention where all eyes were on the economy. Be warned: There was no sugar-coating. Page 12

• Lighting the way: It seems there’s a bright future for manufacturers and users of LED lighting. We take a look at some of the latest innovations. Page 17

• Slowing down: A furniture hauler pauses for reflection before his final cross-country run. Page 20 See page 26 • Ready for winter?: Two safety columns cover the dangers of driving in the winter time. Pages 21-22 Page 28

To view list of advertisers Reach us at our Western Canada news bureau see pg. 29 E-mail [email protected]

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November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 5 Truckers fuming over Ontario smoking fine

November 2009, Volume 20, Issue 11 When an OPP officer pulled over should this occur. Canada Post Canadian Publications Editorial Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069240 a truck driver near Windsor re- The sad thing is, there was no “Return Postage Guaranteed” cently and fined him for smoking Comment need to enforce the letter of the 12 Concorde Pl., Suite 800, Toronto, Ont., M3C 4J2 Sales: 416-510-6892 / Editorial: 416-510-6896 a cigarette in his rig, he couldn’t law in the first place. In my opin- Fax: 416-510-5143 possibly have known the fire- James ion, some overzealous cop chose Truck West, USPS 017-178 is published monthly by storm he’d ignite. Or maybe he Menzies to do so and as a result, the pro- Business Information Group, a division of BIG Magazines L.P., a leading Canadian information did. fessional driver has been beaten company with interests in daily and community Maybe it was a slow day and he down even further by an ever- newspapers and B-2-B information services. US office of publication: 2424 Niagara Falls Blvd, wanted to shake up a hornet’s truck can be deemed a smoking longer regulatory billystick. Niagara Falls, NY 14304-5709. Periodicals Postage nest and create some headlines. area – provided non-smokers are Many professional drivers got Paid at Niagara Falls, NY. US postmaster: Send address changes to Truck West, PO Box 1118, Maybe Ontario’s speed limiter not required to work within that into this business because they’re Niagara Falls, NY 14304. law has been so effective at slow- truck. independent spirits and enjoyed SENIOR PUBLISHER – Rob Wilkins ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – Kathy Penner ing down the big rigs that he had But drivers working for in- the chance to work alone on the EXECUTIVE EDITOR – James Menzies to find another way to get his traprovincial carriers operating open road without anyone look- MANAGING EDITOR – Adam Ledlow trucker-ticketing fix. company-owned vehicles can in ing over their shoulder. CIRCULATION MANAGER – Vesna Moore CIRCULATION ASSISTANT – Anita Singh Or perhaps he was acting upon fact be fined $305 per offence, and Those days are long gone. Is it CREATIVE– Carolyn Brimer, Beverley Richards a directive from some bureaucrat the company that owns the rig can any wonder, as Lou writes below, V.P. PUBLISHING – Alex Papanou in Toronto who wanted to enforce be smacked with a fine as high as that driver satisfaction is on a PRESIDENT – Bruce Creighton ■ Circulation inquiries: 416-442-5600 ext. 3553 the letter of the law and make an $10,000 if it knowingly allows steady decline? Change of address: Please include subscription example out of some unsuspect- smoking in its vehicles. number from mailing label. Subscription rates: Canada (Includes GST) – ing trucker. So what’s a driver to do? Does – James Menzies can be reached by One year $40.60; U.S. – one year $66.95; Whatever the case, the ticket the province really want a truck phone at (416) 510-6896 or by foreign – one year $66.95 Send subscription orders, address changes (incl. mailing label from spurred the ire of not only many driver who smokes to pull over on e-mail at [email protected]. latest issue) to above address. On occasion, our subscription list is made available to organizations whose products or services may be professional drivers, but also the side of the road to light up? You can also follow him on Twitter of interest to readers. If you prefer not to receive such information, please write to us. Please allow 8 weeks for changes or corrections. gained national attention in the That’s far more dangerous than at Twitter.com/JamesMenzies. PAP Registration No. 11065 mainstream media. smoking in the cab We acknowledge the financial support of the Dare I say the prevailing senti- – and you better Government of Canada, through the Canada Magazine Fund, towards our editorial costs. ment from the media and most not linger too long We acknowledge the financial support of the readers was that of empathy? For or the police will Government of Canada, through the Publications once the trucker wasn’t portrayed soon be along to Assistance Program, towards our mailing costs. as the villain. fine you for illegal In what has become a dinner parking. table discussion, it seems most Is a driver ex- Advertising inquiries would agree that the OPP had no pected to pull business charging the truck driver entirely off the Kathy Penner: 416-510-6892 for smoking in his truck. highway and park Fax: (416) 510-5143 However, according to the at a rest area Smoke Free Ontario Act, it is, in before having a fact, against the law to smoke in smoke? Wait a any workplace – and that includes minute, most of a truck cab. those have been Now there are exceptions to closed by the every rule. An owner/operator is province and may still able to smoke in his cab – remain closed for Rob Wilkins Kathy Penner (see story on Publisher Associate Publisher provided he or she is the only per- years (416) 510-5123 (416) 510-6892 son to drive and work in that ve- pg. 8). rwilkins@ kpenner@ hicle. Federally-regulated carriers And besides, trucknews.com trucknews.com are also exempt. They must in- just imagine what stead adhere to the federal Non- would happen to Smoker’s Health Act, which al- delivery times and lows for ‘smoking areas’ within the trucking indus- workplaces. So theoretically, a try’s productivity

Don Besler Brenda Grant should be of great concern. Of the National Sales Mgr. National Account Sales Take this job and… 12 different job factors,only one was (416) 699-6966 (416) 494-3333 [email protected] [email protected] rated above 3.50 or, put more sim- There are many depressing numbers ply, given a ‘B’ grade. I’ve had to look at this year. Class 8 Viewpoint Several important areas slipped truck sales, for example, are down into dangerous territory, slipping 46% year-to-date compared to the uncomfortably close to receiving a same time last year and off an in- Lou Smyrlis failing grade. These included the credible 65% from their peak in Editorial Director “amount of pay and benefits,” the 2006. By June of this year, rates were “amount of job security” and the down 5.6% from the end of last year “amount of job training.”The “qual- Doug Copeland Laura Moffatt Regional Manager Research and LTL cross-border rates down first two years of our survey almost ity of supervision received on the Man., Sask. & Alta. Director more than 21% while company val- two-thirds of drivers taking the sur- job,” and the “amount of independ- (416) 510-6889 [email protected] uations are down by more than 40% vey described themselves to be ei- ent thought and action exercised on on average. There’s no need to go ther “satisfied” or “very satisfied” in the job,” were also graded low. TRUCK WEST is a proud member of the following on. I’m sure you get the picture.This their driving jobs. Last year that And there were a couple of areas trucking associations: is definitely a year worth forgetting. dropped to slightly more than half graded at 2.5 or less out of 5 this

ALTA. MOTOR TRANSPORT ASSN. But there is one statistic I think we being happy with their driving jobs. year, which translates into a ‘D’ dare not forget. It may be the most This year that’s down even further grade or worse.These included driv- depressing statistic of all and will not with only 42% being satisfied. And er satisfaction with the “amount of SASK. TRUCKING ASSN. MAN. TRUCKING ASSN. B.C. TRUCKING ASSN. improve simply because the econo- while last year we reported alarm recognition received for strong per- The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents my will eventually rebound. This that a full fifth of the people behind formance,” and the “opportunity to of any advertisement and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher. The sorry statistic was revealed most the wheel now considered them- grow with the company.” publisher is not liable to any advertiser for any misprints in advertising not the fault of the publisher and in such an event the limit of the publisher's recently by our annual Driver selves either “unsatisfied” or “very The economic uncertainty and tu- liability shall not exceed the amount of the publisher's charge for such advertising. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in all or in Satisfaction Survey but perhaps of unsatisfied” in their jobs, that level is multuousness of the last couple of part, without the written permission of the publisher. even greater concern is that it re- now up to almost a third reporting years have proved to be the perfect From time to time, we make our subscription list flects a clear downward trend. Our dissatisfaction. storm in which to test our mettle available to select companies and organizations whose product or services may interest you. nationwide survey of drivers and Our survey,conducted in partner- when it comes to driver relations. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact our privacy officer via owner/operators found their satis- ship with the CTHRC, digs further, And at the moment, we are fighting one of the following methods: ■ Phone: 1-800-668-2374 faction rate down to a paltry 3.13 out asking drivers to rate their satisfac- an uphill battle. Fax: 416-442-2200 of 5 this year, compared to 3.48 last tion with 12 different aspects of E-mail: [email protected] Mail: Privacy Officer. Business Information Group, year and 3.66 for the two years pre- their job, ranging from pay and – Lou Smyrlis can be reached by 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, Ont., M3C 4J2 vious to that. recognition to stress and growth op- phone at (416) 510-6881 or by e-mail PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40069240 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES Whereas two years ago the job portunities with the company. The at [email protected]. TO CIRCULATION DEPT. – TRUCK NEWS, satisfaction rate could be considered depths that these satisfaction levels You can also follow him on Twitter 12 CONCORDE PL., SUITE 800, TORONTO, ON M3C 4J2 a solid ‘B’, 3.13 is barely a ‘C’. For the have fallen to in several areas at Twitter.com/LouSmyrlis. pg 6 tw nov v2 10/14/09 12:13 PM Page 6

Page 6 TRUCK WEST November 2009 CanadaCanada with,” Hopkinson says of the towns- people. “They let us use their community centre, which had showers and washrooms and the like, so a lot It’s a convoy, alright! of the truckers stayed overnight and were ready to go on Saturday morn- Economic conditions can’t dampen spirit at ing.” The procession followed a 52-km perimeter route around Winnipeg Canadian legs of World’s Largest Truck Convoy and, besides the truckers and police escorts, they also had “a bunch of By Jim Bray sented in the trucking part of the It’s good for the drivers, too, ap- athletes come out and they all got PARIS, Ont. – Talk about Long convoy, too. Her husband Dwight parently. Blackwell says some of to ride in trucks – and they were Combination Vehicles (LCVs) – or was one of the top three fundraisers, them are already asking for their absolutely thrilled about it, pulling long vehicles combining their ef- pledging $3,100 – only beaten out by 2010 pledge sheet.“They want them on the horns and that. They forts, anyway. Luis Alves, of Linamar Transport before Christmas so they can hit up thought that was pretty terrific,” While these particular vehicles ($4,730, which earned him the hon- everybody at the Christmas dinner Hopkinson says. weren’t exactly the type of LCV you our of driving the lead truck) and table,” she says. Trophies were awarded to TransX, see on some highways, they were Brian Hilton of MacKinnon In Manitoba, Special Olympics for having the most trucks in the special trains of trucks that travelled Transport ($4,244). A total of 56 director of marketing Terry event, and TransX drivers Cliff and three provinces recently, and they trucks were on-hand for the day, Hopkinson reports its third annual Brenda Sumner raised the most were so long they required police es- which ended with a baseball game convoy also came off well despite money, “about $3,500” according to corts – and so important that truck- between the top 12 pledgers and economic kerfuffles. Hopkinson, and got to be the lead ers gave up their precious weekends Stratford’s Special Olympics base- “We had the largest number of truck. Henry Picton, with Darcol to ensure it came to pass. ball team. trucks ever,” he says proudly,tallying International, was the number two The trucks were participating in “Try to visualize 12 out-of-shape 48 in all, up six from a year ago. The driver, while Norm Lussier of CWS this year’s World’s Largest Truck truck drivers who haven’t touched Sept. 12 event ended up raising close Logistics came in third. Convoy,which brought truckers and any sporting equipment for years to $15,000 for the Special Olympics, The Athlete’s Choice Truck, their vehicles together with athletes, playing a bunch of athletes who Hopkinson reports, praising the awarded to the truck the athletes law enforcement personnel and oth- practice all the time,” Blackwell says. great buy-in from the industry,“par- thought was “the prettiest,” was ers over late summer and early au- “It was a hoot!” ticularly at the driver level.” the Darcol International/Henry tumn weekends in an annual effort The $51,000 given to the Special “We had some companies that Picton entry. to raise money and awareness for Olympics surpassed last year’s total stepped forward and put a lot of Saskatchewan truckers held their the Special Olympics charity. It’s an by $1,000 and, while it wasn’t a trucks into it as well, such as Bison third annual fundraiser on Saturday, event that began in Florida before record, the organizers weren’t dis- and TransX, who were huge play- Sept. 26, with 60 truckers – the most spreading to Canada, and the organ- couraged. ers,” Hopkinson says, noting that participants since the event began izers of this year’s Canadian legs re- “We knew it was going to be a many independents and company there, beating handily the previous port that 2009’s convoys were a big tough year so we dug in and got a drivers turned out for the convoy as high of 42 – heading out in a two success despite some major chal- few more prizes and worked hard on well. The Manitoba convoy headed mile long train along Hwy. 11 from lenges. sponsorship,” Blackwell says, “be- out from a new venue this year: the Saskatoon to Regina. “It was our fifth anniversary in cause we knew we couldn’t just de- town of Oak Bluff, which sits on the This year’s event supporting the Ontario, and it came hand-in-hand pend on one element to bring in all perimeter highway just southwest of province’s 1,250 Special Olympics with the 40th anniversary for Special the funding. Overall it came out Winnipeg. athletes grossed $25,000, according Olympics Canada,” organizer good for us.” “They were really good to work to Special Olympics Saskatchewan Tammy Blackwell says. “So it was a director of operations, Roger very special year for us.” Dumont. “Which is tremendous in Blackwell announced that the terms of sponsorships and registra- Ontario truckers – as well as one tions from all of the truckers in- from Langley, B.C. who drove across volved,” he adds, “Given the eco- the country for the event – ended up nomic times and conditions that we writing a cheque to the Special have, this year certainly surpasses Olympics in the amount of $51,000 the expectations that we had.” after their Sept. 19 convoy. After the convoy, figure skater The 2009 convoy didn’t always Justin Duong spoke to the crowd at seem as if it would come off, though. a celebration barbecue, recounting “With a not very promising econ- his experiences competing with omy,” Blackwell says, “we really Special Olympics for eight years. thought about whether or not we Duong has won 18 gold, 11 silver would even go forward.Was it wise? and six bronze medals at four na- Would we get the turnout? And tional competitions. then we started hearing from our “Special Olympics helps him drivers and decided to do it anyway. train, compete and meet new people I’m very glad we did.” and travel across the country,” Ontario’s convoy begins and ends Dumont says, “And the truckers’ at the Paris fairgrounds and goes as support goes a long way to help him far as the Putnam scales, where and other athletes get to competi- there’s a large turnaround area the tions.” trucks can use. For the third year in a row, Ed Once back in Paris, the partici- Wright, who drives for Kindersley pants take part in a lunch and Transport, raised the most pledges awards session that gives them a ($3,100) and drove the lead truck. chance to rub elbows with the ath- Second was Al Ackerman with letes, the law enforcement officers Slinkemo Enterprises and third was involved, parents and the public. Brian Harrison from Maximum Blackwell says that, as a special treat Training. this year, Lynn Snider of Drumbo Dumont credits Paul Perry, safety Transport addressed the crowd. and compliance officer for Jay’s “She’s not only part of a trucking Group of Companies, as being the family, but she also has three lead organizer of the event.“It is his Special Olympic athlete children,” enthusiasm and long hours on the Blackwell says. “So she could talk phone making calls that lines up all from the trucking side as well as these trucks,” Dumont says,“But the the side of the parent of Special effort was worth it.” Olympics athletes.” The World’s Largest Truck Snider was accompanied on-stage Convoy has raised well over $50,000 by four athletes and, according to for Special Olympics Saskatchewan Blackwell, “You could’ve heard a in its three years. pin drop. It’s the first time I’ve ever Money contributed from each heard that many truck drivers quiet convoy stays in its home province, in one spot.” BIRD’S EYE VIEW: Trucks taking part in the Saskatchewan convoy stage for helping to provide a much-needed Snider’s family was well repre- departure (inset) before heading down the highway en masse. lift to Special Olympians there. ■ pg 7 tw nov v2 10/14/09 12:36 PM Page 7

November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 7 InIn Brief Funding available for fuel-saving technologies DriveBC Web site features new highway cams SASKATOON, Sask. – The try,” said Bradley. “While there have VICTORIA, B.C. – DriveBC had added new highway Web cams to its site Government of Canada is offering been small programs here and there, to help truckers and motorists plan their routes this winter. to pick up the tab for a million bucks what is lacking is a cohesive, target- In the southern interior of B.C., new Web cams have been placed on: in environmental upgrades for the ed plan to achieve meaningful emis- Hwy. 3 about three kilometres east of Paulson Summit; Hwy. 3 in Hosmer; heavy-duty trucking industry. sions reductions and improved fuel Hwy. 95 at Brisco Road in Brisco; and Highway 93/95 at the junction of The government announced the efficiency for industry that these Highway 95A near Wasa. program Sept. 10, which will allow technologies can make happen. In the south coast region, new Web cams can be found at: Hwy. 7 east of fleets to apply for up to $100,000 in Society’s environmental goals and Nelson Street in Mission; Hwy. 99 at Function Junction, five kilometres funding to put towards proven fuel- the economic goals of the industry south of Whistler; Hwy. 99 at Alice Lake, 10 kilometres north of Squamish; saving devices such as aerodynamic have never been more aligned.” and Hwy. 99 at Furry Creek, 12 kilometres south of Squamish. devices and low rolling-resistance To find out more about the pro- To check out road conditions, visit www.drivebc.ca. ■ tires. Up to 50% of the cost of eligi- gram, visit fleetsmart.gc.ca. ble fuel-saving devices will be re- Meanwhile, the Manitoba funded under the program. Trucking Association (MTA) is Behind the headlines Eligible products must be EPA now accepting applications for the SmartWay-certified and funding will second phase of its GrEEEn Trucknews.com has been named a finalist for best overall magazine Web come from Canada’s ecoENERGY (Economic, and Environmentally site and best video awards in the first-ever Canadian Online Publishing for Fleets program, which is admin- Efficient) Trucking Program. Awards.Trucknews.com was the only transportation magazine to be recog- istered by Natural Resources The GrEEEn Trucking program nized in any award category. Canada. offers incentives on green tech- The awards program, produced by Masthead magazine, recognizes excel- “Fuel efficiency in all sectors is im- nologies, such as low rolling resist- lence in online editorial and innovation by Canadian magazine and Web site portant to our economy and the en- ance tires, aerodynamic tractors publishers. The best overall magazine Web site category is awarded to the vironment,” Brad Trost, MP for and trailers, trailer side skirts, auxil- publication deemed to best serve the needs of its target audience through Saskatoon–Humboldt, announced iary power units, and tractor-trailer content, design and use of the Web medium. on behalf of Lisa Raitt, Minister of gap fairings. Trucknews.com is also up for the best video category through its weekly Natural Resources. “By investing in The MTA, together with WebTV show, Transportation Matters. Video features were judged on how fuel efficiency we will help the in- Manitoba Infrastructure and they serve their intended audience, through their educational, entertainment dustry reduce fuel costs and con- Transportation, the Centre for and production values.Trucknews.com has been named one of Canada’s Top tribute to a cleaner Canada.” Sustainable Transportation, and 5 business Web sites by the Canadian Business Press for four years running. Not surprisingly, the trucking in- the University of Manitoba Meanwhile, to make accessing information on Trucknews.com easier and dustry welcomed the announce- Transport Institute, launched the more convenient, we’ve removed all registration requirements. ment, but Canadian Trucking program’s first phase in the spring. In other news, the first video in our new online information video series Alliance chief David Bradley hopes Participants are required to in- The Driver’s Seat, is now available. it’s just the beginning of things to vest a minimum of $2,000 in tech- Coupling/Uncoupling, the first title in the ongoing series, features Truck come. nologies to be eligible for rebates. News personality Adam Ledlow learning the correct procedure to couple “While this is a step in the right di- These rebates range from 15% up and uncouple a tractor/trailer from KRTS master driver trainer, Randy rection, the industry is still looking to 25% (maximum $2,500 per unit) Burry. Future releases will feature other common driver tasks such as air for a coordinated, dedicated proof the company’s capital invest- brake checks and daily vehicle inspections, as well as business-related gram of rebates and appropriate tax ment. material. The Driver’s Seat is available as a subscription service with treatments for all the aerodynamic For more information, visit prices starting at $7.99/month. For more information, visit technologies available to the indus- www.grEEEntrucking.ca. ■ www.TheDriversSeat.ca. ■

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Page 8 TRUCK WEST November 2009 OntarioOntario are being developed. Joanne Richie, director of the Owner-Operators’ Business Assoc- iation of Canada (OBAC), is critical Closed for business of the government’s handling of the project. Ontario highway service centres could be closed for years “We’re incensed with the Ontario government’s poor planning… By Harry Rudolfs They’ve completely dropped the TORONTO, Ont. – Drivers looking ball on this one.” for a restaurant and a place to buy Ritchie recalls meeting with mem- fuel on Ontario’s 400-series high- bers of Infrastructure Ontario and ways will find slim pickings the next the MTO while the project was in few years. Twenty of the 23 sites are the planning stages. closing while they are being decom- She says OBAC’s suggestions for missioned and rebuilt.And although truck-friendly sites with safe, acces- some parking, vending machines sible truck parking so drivers can and portable toilet facilities will be comply with HoS rules were warmly available at some of them, the proj- welcomed at the time. ect is expected to take much longer “They liked our ideas and asked than originally expected. us if we would work with them and The service centres are being shut the contractor going forward (when as soon as the leases expire and the they were chosen); we readily last one will close its doors in 2011. agreed, then we never heard from But until the first of the new struc- them again…That was over two tures come on stream – a process years ago.” that takes three years or more – we NOTHING TO SEE HERE: More Ontario service centres are being shuttered, in As a professional driver, I agree could be left with only three fully- many cases leaving truckers with no place to park. Photo by Harry Rudolfs that truck parking is available off operative service centres (Ingersol, the 401 at truck stops and the like, Maple, and Newcastle) on the 400 but finding a spot after 11 p.m. while and 401 highways. extend the lease and were denied. “If a service centre is temporarily you want to run in and get a coffee is This is nothing new to truck driv- We used to get 15 buses in there at closed, every effort has been made often an ordeal. As for the 401 cen- ers. From Windsor to the Quebec one time.Are you going to be able to to have the next one on the highway tres, I stopped using them because of border we’ve watched these places do that with a little trailer and a open with interim services at a mini- the dearth of truck parking and fears close in bunches for the last couple johnny-on-the-spot?” mum,” says Paulette Den Elzen of of getting blocked in. of years; the strategy probably suit- Furthermore, Runciman ques- Infrastructure Ontario. Nichols may have declared the ed the Ontario government as it tions the deal with Host-Kilmer Den Elzen adds that signs have Odessa site LCV-friendly, but you wanted one vendor to take over the itself and the fact that no numbers been posted along the highway in don’t want to pull around the back whole works. have been released. advance of the service centres that of that place at night. The deal with a provider, at least, “They’re still negotiating and it’s don’t have fuel. As well, she says, My linehaul colleague at appears to be in place. In August of not finalized,” he says. “Who knows “While the service centres are Purolator,Tom Murray,agrees. this year it announced Host-Kilmer how many billions this is going to closed, fuel and food services can be “I found out the best thing is to get Service Centers as the preferred cost? They haven’t supplied any obtained on a 24-hour-a-day basis at off the highway.” He immediately proponent, although the monetary kind of figure.” privately-operated and easily acces- starts listing his favourite Tim details are yet to be worked out. The CAA has also expressed anx- sible alternative service areas locat- Horton’s in Brockville, Trenton and The rebuilding initiative is a joint iety for motorists travelling the 400 ed along the highways.” Belleville. venture between the MTO and highways. It should be noted that some ex- “The new rest area at Woooler is Infrastructure Ontario, but the fact “Our concern is that people, panded truck parking is now avail- okay I guess, but it’s an awful long that the ground at these sites is con- instead of stopping, will keep press- able at the Morrisburg and Wooler way from the truck parking to the taminated with decades of spilled ing on. Motorists who are not famil- Hill (Trenton) sites. bathroom.” gasoline and oil drippings brings the iar are reluctant to stop in small Bob Nichols, media liaison for the Fellow driver and newly-minted Ministry of the Environment into towns or places they don’t know,” MTO, adds that King City, Barrie, LCV pilot Greg Manchester is more the mix. says CAA spokesperson Edyta Woodstock, Cambridge North, scathing. The sites are subject to environ- Zdancewicz. Cambridge South, Newcastle, Port “Why could they have not mental assessments, and before the “With winter coming, it might be a Hope, Napanee and Odessa have brought in a temporary Tim first brick can be laid, the old fuel big problem for motorists running been approved for LCV use. Horton’s in those closed places? It is tanks have to be dug up and the pol- out of gas who have to travel more “Once the new service centre sites absolutely absurd and socially irre- luted soil removed. Then, according than 150 km to get fuel.” have been redeveloped, all the sites sponsible that the Ontario govern- to the regs, the sites have to remain The provincial government, on will include LCV-friendly access and ment would allow this to happen. fully closed for six to nine months the other hand, says it is doing what parking,” he says. Where are drivers supposed to stop before any construction can begin. it can to mitigate the discomfort to But on the whole, truck parking and eat and take their mandatory But this slow approach is clearly travellers. spots have been lost while the sites breaks?” ■ not satisfactory to Bob Runciman, opposition Conservative house leader at Queen’s Park. “This is a colossal screw up,” he tells me on the phone just after he’s Plan ahead when driving in Ontario: finished lambasting the governing Liberals on the issue during ques- The following service centre sites are closed with no interim services available tion period.“This is going to provide at this time: West Lorne – westbound; Mallorytown North – westbound; Ingleside – a bad image for the province and po- westbound; Bainsville – westbound; Mallorytown South – eastbound; and Trenton tentially jeopardize public safety by not having these services available.” South – eastbound. Indeed, Runciman might be The following service centre sites are open with interim services (interim servic- particularly agitated because two of the recently-closed centres es include parking, accessible washrooms, drinking water, vending machines and (Mallorytown north and south) telephones but no fuel): Tilbury North – westbound; Trenton North – westbound; were in his home riding of Leeds- Tilbury South – eastbound; Dutton – eastbound; and Morrisburg – eastbound. Grenville. While truck parking is available at all five of these sites, expanded truck He estimates the closures from parking lots exist at Tilbury South, Dutton, Morrisburg and Trenton North. these two centres alone will cost 250 local jobs. “There’s absolutely no reason The following service centre sites are open (for now) with full services: those two service centres at Napanee – westbound; Newcastle – westbound; Cambridge North – westbound; Mallorytown had to close,” he Ingersoll – westbound; Woodstock – eastbound; Cambridge South – eastbound; fumes. “There’s nothing wrong with Port Hope – eastbound; Odessa – eastbound; King City – northbound; Barrie – the tanks in the ground, they’ve northbound; Cookstown – southbound; and Maple – southbound.Truck parking is been checked and they’re good for available at all sites however Newcastle, Ingersoll, Woodstock, King City and at least four or five more years. We ■ talked to the lessee at Imperial Oil Maple have more truck parking capacity than the other sites. and they told us they offered to pg 8-9 tw nov v2 10/14/09 10:00 AM Page 9

November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 9 Ontario announces Oct. 26 enforcement date for cell phone ban CB radios to be phased out in three years vices will not be banned, the accommodation for most of the province said, provided they other handheld devices used by TORONTO, Ont. – Ontario’s cell province. aren’t being held in the driver’s industry that serve an important phone ban for drivers will kick in Truckers will also be able to hand while the vehicle is in mo- business purpose.” Oct. 26, with fines of up to $500 continue using display screens tion. However, Bradley admitted for offenders beginning Feb. 1, that provide information about Hand-mics (push-to-talk de- truckers may be incensed to learn 2010 the province has announced. the status of the vehicle. vices) and portable radios will be CBs will eventually be banned The new law makes it illegal to The province has also allowed allowed in hands-free mode only, along with other types of commu- use a handheld communications certain exemptions for commer- allowing a driver to use a lapel nication devices. or entertainment device while cial drivers. button or other hands-free appli- “Given the still pervasive use of driving. It will allow a three year phase- cation as long as the hand-mic or these devices in the industry, I ex- Ontario joins many other juris- out period for the use of two-way walkie-talkie isn’t held while driv- pect there could be push-back dictions with similar laws, noting radios including CB radios to al- ing, according to the province. from some truck drivers,” he said. that a driver is four times more low time for hands-free alterna- The OTA was satisfied that its “In many respects the CB is not likely to be in involved in an acci- tives to be developed. concerns about the removal of only an important part of the dent while using a handheld The Ontario Trucking Associa- tools of the trade truck drivers truckers’ social network, but it is phone than a driver who’s focused tion (OTA) which lobbied for require on the job have been also an important safety device in on the road. exemptions for truckers, said it’s addressed. its own right. However, by intro- The ban does not include been told by the Ministry of “There is sufficient evidence to ducing a conditional three-year hands-free devices, including a Transportation that if hands-free suggest that the new law is direc- phase-out, it gives us time to mon- cell phone with an earpiece or a solutions for CBs are still not tionally appropriate,” said OTA itor how the technology develops headset that uses voice dialing. available in three years, the ex- president David Bradley. and if need be, revisit the issue GPS systems that are properly se- emption may be extended. “We support the handheld cell down the road. It doesn’t mean cured within the vehicle are also Mobile data terminals, logistical phone ban and believe that the that CBs are going to be banned acceptable, according to the tracking devices and dispatch de- Ministry has made reasonable on Oct. 26, 2009 or Feb. 1, 2010.” ■ ‘We appear to Trucker reportedly have hit bottom’: fined for smoking in David Bradley cab of truck PICKERING, Ont. – Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) presi- WINDSOR, Ont. – According dent David Bradley took the truck- to media reports, an Ontario ing industry’s message to the Ajax- truck driver was fined $305 for Pickering Board of Trade during a smoking a cigarette in his truck. keynote address last month. The Canadian Press has re- Bradley told the assembled busi- ported the truck driver was ness folks that trucking is a leading fined because the cab of his indicator of economic prosperity, truck was considered a “work- and added “the best I can say at this place.” He was reportedly point is the prevailing view of most pulled over on Hwy. 401 near carriers is that we appear to have hit Windsor and ticketed after a bottom for the time being.” police officer spotted him He said shippers that are enjoying smoking. low rates now should not expect The Smoke-Free Ontario Act them to continue as the industry doesn’t allow people to smoke continues to shed capacity. Despite in public areas or enclosed trucking layoffs and bankruptcies, workplaces. he told the gathering that “the The driver may be able to INNOVATION shrinkage in the volume of freight successfully challenge the tick- has outpaced our ability to shrink et, however, if he works for a FROM the fleet” and that there are already federally-regulated carrier. R signs of an impending capacity When the Smoke-Free WHITING shortage in certain lanes. Ontario Act was passed in DOOR Despite the trucking industry’s 2006, the Ontario Trucking hardships, Bradley said he remains Association fought for and re- “bullish” on the industry’s overall ceived assurance that only outlook. He said carriers are more provincially-regulated carriers sophisticated today and better able would have to abide by the law. OPEN to weather economic downturns. “Our concern was over Bradley also addressed truck safe- provincial incursion into an AND ty to the group, which included rep- area of federal law and what CLOSE resentation from the local trucking precedent that might set in oth- industry with a large contingent of er statutes in the future,” OTA YOUR Shandex and Mackie Group execu- president, David Bradley said ROLL-UP ✓ tives on-hand. Unlike any other in- at the time. “We are very ✖ dustry, the trucking industry shares pleased that we were able to DOOR WITH its workplace with the public, and work with the government on THE PUSH OF “when we screw up, it can be front this issue and come to an un- page,” he said.That’s why the associ- derstanding on how the law af- A BUTTON! ation endorsed speed limiters, which fects a major segment of the in- Bradley said so far have been im- dustry.” proving the flow of traffic according Federally-regulated carriers to anecdotal reports he’s received. would still have to abide by the ✓ While he admitted not all drivers ap- Non-Smoker’s Health Act. ✖ proved of Ontario’s controversial Under the Smoke-Free Ontario speed limiter law,he said “the reality Act, a trucking company could is there’s no reason, in our view,for a be fined as much as $10,000 for driver to be coerced or forced to allowing smoking in its vehi- speed to make a delivery.” cles. To weigh in on the debate Bradley explained some of the de- on whether or not truckers tails of Ontario’s long combination should be allowed to smoke in vehicle (LCV) pilot project to the their rigs, check out the 1-877-845-3816 business group, and said about 18 Trucknews.com blog and post a LCVs are currently operating in comment. ■ www.commandlift.ca Ontario. ■ pg 1, 10-11 tw nov v2 10/14/09 1:30 PM Page 10

Page 10 TRUCK WEST November 2009 Border well as more resources to train them, should action be required. The advantage, says Davis, is that drivers What’s coming where? will be more accountable. The driver/carrier relationship will therefore change, possibly for Many small fleets unaware of changes to US ratings system the better, says Joanne Ritchie, head of the Owner-Operators’ Business Continued from page 1 performance as part of its safety tween the carrier and the FMCSA) Association of Canada (OBAC). selling a product that they say will measurement system, it can keep a of a safety plan to address the issue, “This new system is going to give help carriers stay out of trouble? close eye on a lot more carriers for a a notice of violation, a focused on- drivers and owner/operators a high- Not according to industry veteran lot less money. site investigation, and a comprehen- er stake in making sure they don’t Ray Haight, executive director for And here’s the even scarier part, sive on-site investigation. do anything wrong,” says Ritchie. MacKinnon Transport, based in for some. Even though the pilot Finally, a Tier 3 intervention will “That means they’ll have more mo- Guelph, Ont. project has only been going on in include a notice of claim, a consent tivation to push back if their carrier “They’re fundamentally changing four states, inspectors are already agreement and a safety fitness deter- tries to push the envelope when it the way carriers are rated for safety,” gathering the information they’ve mination of ‘Unfit’. (Of course all of comes to compliance. Carriers won’t says Haight.“Companies aren’t used been accumulating on drivers and the above may also be accompanied be able to pressure or threaten driv- to being measured by infractions. inputting it into the new database. by gradually increasing fines.) ers into doing things they don’t want And they’re not used to being meas- Which means Canadian carriers If all of the above seems a little to do.” ured by their drivers’ infractions. (and drivers) will already have a confusing, think of the whole So are carriers prepared? Truck The criteria for assessing safety rat- safety rating under the new system process this way: If you get a notice West called one smaller carrier, ings under CSA 2010 has grown ex- when it becomes official next July. that something needs to be ad- which will remain nameless and dis- ponentially. Canadian carriers need “It will take only three roadside dressed (including the roadside be- covered that the carrier’s compli- to know what’s coming down the ance manager knew nothing of the pipe.” CSA 2010 initiative. Jeff Davis, vice-president of safety ‘They’re fundamentally changing the way “We’ll be watching for your article and human resources for Jet Ex- carriers are rated for safety.’ to find out more,” said the officer. press, a carrier based in Dayton, As for larger carriers, Challenger Ohio, agrees. He’ll be delivering a Ray Haight safety and compliance director presentation on the new CSA safety Robert Halfyard believes the impact rating system in Mississauga, Ont. in will be minimal, at least for “carriers November, under the auspices of the inspections to trigger a safety rat- haviour of your drivers) and you who currently have effective safety Driving for Profit seminar series, or- ing,” says Davis. don’t provide proof that you’ve programs and monitor their on-road ganized by NAL Insurance in part- So how does the new safety rating fixed it, FMCSA is going to step in performance.” nership with KRTS. system work? and fix it for you or take you off the As for carriers who do not have “I think it’s fair to say that carriers To begin with, drivers will receive road. So is this good or bad for carri- ways and means to monitor and cor- don’t know much about CSA, but I their own safety ratings, based on ers and drivers? It depends on who rect deficiencies, they “will most cer- wouldn’t feel too bad about it if roadside inspections. The criteria you ask. tainly have some issues to deal you’re Canadian. The system has consist of seven categories of driver “This is definitely going to have an with.” For more info visit been in the planning process for four behaviour (see BASICS chart). How impact on the driver hiring process,” http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov. ■ years now in the US and US carriers drivers perform according to these says Davis. “Carriers will be re- are just finding out about it,” says criteria will of course impact carrier quired to look at the driver’s safety Davis. In fact, the FMCSA has just ratings. Ratings will consist of three rating under CSA 2010. In a way it’s The BASICS completed a pilot project in four US categories: Continue Operation; a good thing, because carriers won’t states (Missouri, Colorado, New Jer- Marginal; or Unfit.A rating number have to dig and hunt for info on driv- Drivers’ safety ratings will be sey and Georgia), to determine how will also be calculated based on the er behaviour. Conversely, much calculated using data from the effective the new system will be.The new criteria and, as is now the case, more data will be used to calculate a following BASICS (Behaviour, results are either reassuring or the higher the number is, the more carrier’s safety rating. And the algo- Analysis Safety Improvement alarming, depending on whether unsafe a carrier will be perceived. rithms used to calculate the rating Categories): you’re already a carrier that tracks Next, the way the FMCSA re- will be weighted more towards driv- driver behaviour closely. sponds to a carrier rating will er behaviour. Every violation will 1. Unsafe Driving “The government has stated that change. CSA 2010 ‘Interventions’ count.” Davis says the FMCSA has 2. Fatigued Driving it has been able to greatly increase will include Tier, 1, 2 and 3 interven- severity-weighted 3,589 different vi- 3. Driver Fitness the effectiveness of the use of audi- tions.Tier 1 will consist of a warning olations. 4. Drugs and Alcohol tors under the new system,” says letter and a focused roadside inspec- A further impact on carriers will 5. Vehicle Maintenance Davis. In plain English, that means tion. Tier 2 will consist of an off-site be that they will need more re- 6. Cargo Securement that the FMCSA has found that by investigation, the requirement for sources to track the increased vol- 7. Crash Experience ■ tracking and rating driver roadside the cooperative development (be- ume of data on their own drivers, as

THIS MONTH’S CROSSWORD PUZZLE A

Across Down n s 1. Truck stop with Wi-Fi service (3,4) w

1. Protective devices behind cabs (8,5) e r

8. Lode King product 2. Anti-theft-system component s

9. New-truck-deal factor, perhaps 3. Truck-transmission brand n

10. Truck-stop ﬁxtures 4. International sleeper type (2,4) a

g e

11. Corporate name on NASCAR vehicle 5. Relationship between gears 2 12. Roadside-assistance service 6. Freightliner conventional model 9 14. Twist-off cooling-system component (3,3) 7. Tractor-tire type 18. State with “Big Sky Country” plates 13. Border city in SW Ontario 20. Trip-odometer button 15. Gladhands connector (3,4) 22. Dress-up trim for windshield 16. Brief truck-stop visit, slangily (3,4) 23. Radiator liquid 17. Tractor for local-cartage driver (3,3) ©

24. Event ending ice-road season (6,7) 18. Allied's business, you might say 2 0

19. Ohio’s “Rubber City” 0 8

21. A vertical exhaust pipe M .

J a c k s o Try it online at: www.trucknews.com n pg 1, 10-11 tw nov v2 10/14/09 1:30 PM Page 11

November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 11 Racing Start-up series poses challenges to NABRR circuit

Continued from page 1 providing the money. drivers. Meanwhile, Singer says the se- “It’s certainly nothing like what ries brings together some of the we race for,” he says, “because we best talent and experience in the never, ever made it to those levels. trucking and motor sport indus- They also had great sponsorship tries – and offers good value for and support from the eastern fans. manufacturers, names like Mobil “It’s just the cheapest entertain- Oil and the like.” ment value for your dollar that Singer says that in those forma- you could ever find,” Singer says. tive days of the NABRR series, he “You never, ever find any fans that met with a lot of the GATR own- were disappointed. They were al- ers to pick their brains. ways amazed – and the kids just “I wanted to know all about the love it.” series, all the good, the bad, and So do the participants.“What re- the ugly,” he says, noting that “they ally attracted me to the sport was were pretty wild trucks in those the fact that you could have a rela- days. The series was very well run tionship with people you worked and they had big dollars to play with,” Singer says, “But it wasn’t a with.” work relationship, it was a fun re- He came away from his consul- lationship.” tations with the opinion that the It’s a relationship that carries GATR series had lost its lustre in over from peers to sponsors. “The part because the trucks stopped thing about motor sports is that it looking like real trucks, in much is so brand loyal and I never un- the same way today’s NASCAR derstood why the big OEM manu- vehicles are Camrys, Fusions and facturers didn’t support it more. the like in name only.That doesn’t THE RACE GOES ON: Glenn Creed (pictured) was crowned champion of the It’s been an untapped opportunity mean today’s big rig racing trucks NABRR series in 2009. and I hope we can change their are stock vehicles driven right off minds over time.” the lot or the job site, however. industry itself. We’re being under- tee a return on their investment.” The racing community is work- “We have evolved,” Singer says. cut and so those tracks we raced Singer says the series would en- ing hard at doing that and has “When we started, guys parked at, while they’re not happy that sure sponsors’ investments were managed to change some minds the trailer in the lot and put the we’re not there anymore, it only returned in real dollars and cents, along the way, getting some of the truck on the track and that’s how costs half as much to have the oth- through the teams’ support of manufacturers involved in the rac- it was. Now, the trucks have been er series there.” their products and by the series ing. And while money is a vital in- modified to be more racing trucks, That means the series has anoth- encouraging people to use their gredient, it also takes a lot of time but the looks are still genuine er challenge: looking for new ven- products. “We would be salesmen and effort by the race team, with- OEM – so when you see Mack or a ues, a major issue indeed. Even for their product all the time,” he out which “you’re nothing. And Peterbilt or a Western Star, you long-time tracks such as Calgary’s says. “We go to all the big rig every part of the team has to be don’t have to guess what it is.” Race City Motorsport Park are shows, all the big truck shows and there or you’re not going to be on Singer says the trucks are either threatened. Race City has been we would sell their wares there, the winning side.” tweaked or rebuilt completely, de- living under a death sentence re- and at race tracks and any other Challenges or not, the 2009 sea- pending upon the team and its cently, thanks to a host city that function we were at.” son came to a successful conclu- budget, and are definitely no owns the land and wants to use it Singer, whose son now races sion with Glenn Creed driving the longer street legal. for its own purposes: expanding a both his big rig entries and runs number 59 Ford Louisville 9000 “There’s no brake lights or sig- landfill. Race City’s operators the teams for Heavy Metal Motor- LTL to the championship for nal lights and no wipers,” he says, have been understandably reluc- sports, says he’s sure it would work Glenn Creed and Valley Racing, “And they run altered suspensions tant to spend a lot of money on the because Big Rig racing in Europe sponsored by Johal Trucking, and front axles.” track. can attract 250,000 people and big Creed Trucking and Nixon Broth- All this modification doesn’t Race City received a temporary rig racing events at Calgary’s Race ers Contracting. But the 2010 sea- come cheap. According to Singer, stay of execution in late Septem- City have been very popular. son is still in flux. it’s easy for a team to invest ber when Calgary city council de- “We provide the attraction and “We’ll be meeting and talking $200,000 into a truck. “There’s cided to allow a renewal of its the tease, we bring the people to soon,” Singer says,“And then we’ll guys that’ve got $50,000 in and lease for another five years. And the track,” he says, “We fill the contact other tracks regarding there’s others with $200,000,” he while that may provide some wel- seats and the sponsor gets 250,000 schedule dates.” He says there’ll says. “There’s a lot of high-tech come breathing room for many people coming to his booth. What definitely be a 2010 season but stuff and knowledge that goes into racers and fans, Singer doesn’t they do with them then is up to where and when the races will be what makes the truck go fast and think it will do anything for the them.” held won’t be known until after how you can stay on top.” NABRR, because of the wear and It’s kind of a three-pronged next January or February. Another challenge of racing is tear the trucks put on tracks. deal, he says, with the teams and “There’s no doubt big rig racing the way a team has to balance “I’m really happy for Race City the promoter supplying the venue will continue,” Singer says,“but it’s sport with business. “To be suc- and all the people who use it,” and the audience, and the sponsor a challenging time.” ■ cessful,” Singer says, “you’ve got Singer said. to do the same things as it takes to “It’s a good thing for everyone be successful in business.You have concerned, except for big rigs. I to be efficient and very business don’t think we’ll be racing there savvy; you’ve got to be entrepre- because the track’s just too far NEED A FAST CARD? neurial, with some salesmanship gone.We do so much damage, tear about you.” A racing team can’t it up so bad, and they haven’t put If your Fast Card has been refused succeed, he says, by appealing only any money into the track and to the motor sport fan, but to the probably don’t intend to.” or you need to apply for a Fast Card sponsors as well, because “They’re The competition for sponsor- the most critical part. Without ship dollars – dollars that are also ...we can Help! them, you’re just not running.” shrinking thanks to the current And there’s the rub. Singer says economic rat race – is also intense. the series has gotten so expensive, Singer, however, looks on that as CONFIDENTIALITY GUARANTEED! with a dollar potential that hasn’t an opportunity for more sales- increased for many years, that it’s manship and marketing to help If you need a Fast Card, Pardon or U.S. Waiver tough to keep going. And now a the manufacturers and OEMs see cut-rate racing series in the US has big rig racing as a way to reach a Call Us Today! been siphoning off NABRR ven- captive, friendly audience. ues by offering to race on the “They spend a lot of advertising Toll free: 1-888-599-2999 cheap. dollars every year,” he says. “If we “It’s all about dollars and cents,” can get them to support us a little www.justpardons.com Singer says. “It’s the same thing bit better, if they will only give us 3442 Yonge St., Toronto that’s happening in the trucking an opportunity, we would guaran- pg 12 tw nov v2 10/14/09 11:09 AM Page 12

Page 12 TRUCK WEST November 2009 ATAATA Convention “Freight volumes got hit much, compared to the previous year. much harder than the overall econ- Based on a five-year replacement Good news, please omy but I am happy to say it has hit cycle, that basically saved a year of bottom. Volumes are still at very, driving. very low levels and it will be slow (Incidentally, it’s also interesting Although not exactly a poke in the eye, and choppy ahead,” Costello said. where many of the used trucks are Year to date, tank loads are down going of late. At the start of the economic overview creates little about 20%, dry van loads down decade very few used trucks were about 18%, reefer loads down finding a home outside the US. By about 2% (we still need to eat, drink last year, however, about 20,000 excitement for trucking industry and take medications during reces- used Class 8 trucks found new sions) and flatbed has been hit the homes in Russia and Nigeria. This By Lou Smyrlis ally rather than 4-5%. Also by the hardest with about a 25% decline in year more than half of used truck LAS VEGAS, Nev. – US motor car- end of 2010 some of the boost to the loads. exports from the US went to riers have seen their loads drop by economy gained from the Obama “And I still don’t know if we can Africa). about 20%, their revenue-per-mile administration’s monster stimulus call this bottom for the flatbed sec- Several issues will combine to or per-tonne fall off dramatically package will start to wear off and tor,” Costello warned. make navigating through the next and their total revenues shrink by business will again slow down. Fleet capacity is down 10% across few years choppy. Bankruptcies in 30% on average so far in 2009. In “There is a 20% chance we will the board as carriers operate one of the industry are not close to where other words, the industry has taken indeed fall back into recession next the oldest fleets in recent memory they should be given the economic it on the chin. So the fleet executives year,” Johnson said. and employment in the for-hire sec- pressures, Costello said, surmising who converged at the posh Las Historically the trucking industry tor is at its lowest level since 1995. that many lenders are reluctant to Vegas Mandalay Bay Resort for the has been a leading indicator of both Costello figured it would be at least move on companies as long as their ATA’s annual conference were hop- economic slowdown and economic another six months before trucking used truck assets remain low. Once ing to hear some good news from recovery. But it will not be leading returned to any degree of normalcy the used truck market picks up, the much anticipated All Eyes on the US economic recovery this time, and more likely it will take 12 however, that will change. the Economy panel session. held back by still large volumes of months. Nor did Costello have good “Don’t be surprised if more carri- Yet all they got from the three ex- inventory in shipping circles that news for truck makers, even though er failures start to happen as de- perts on the economy and the indus- needs to be worked off before the fact the industry has experi- mand picks up,” Costello said. try was an assurance that the worst there’s any need for trucks to trans- enced one of its largest capacity re- One of the more interesting issues was behind them. The worst reces- port new products into stores, plants ductions ever would make it seem is the focus on reduced packaging. sion to hit the US in the post-war and warehouses. on the surface as if truck plants will Supply chain executives, faced with era likely ended in the third quarter “We have seen an inventory cycle soon be getting much busier. high fuel costs and environmental but unlike past recessions, it will not like never before,” ATA’s chief “I think you are lagging behind concerns, are on a drive to reduce be followed by a strong and quick economist Bob Costello said. “By the fleets. Fleets don’t have plans to packaging, explained Clowdis Jr., recovery. mid-2008 there was an unprece- buy any time soon,” Costello said. managing director, North America Panel moderator Stuart Varney dented increase in the inventory-to- Aside from weak demand for their for global commerce and transport. from Fox News warned fleet execu- sales ratio.” Companies did move services, fleets remain reluctant to And they are meeting with some tives that Sara Johnson and Charles aggressively to bring inventory in buy because the age of their vehi- success which has distinct repercus- Clowdis Jr. of IHS Global Insight line with sales but sales dropped cles is deceptive. The average miles sions for trucking. and the ATA’s Bob Costello would faster and deeper than expected. travelled by truck fell 22.6% in 2009 Clowdis Jr. gave an example of not sugarcoat anything, and they one large telecommunications com- certainly did not. Obama on wrong track with ATA over road work pany which by redesigning the Johnson, managing director of packaging for one of its products global micro-economics, said any LAS VEGAS, Nev.– For Canadian motor carriers frustrated with Ottawa’s was able to get 300 of them on a pal- projections of a recovery in 2010 historically slow response to dealing with our nation’s infrastructure needs let compared to just 120 under the with 3-4% GDP growth are too or its push towards a more intrusive regulatory approach, rest assured.You previous packaging design. Hewlett rosy, even though past recessions are in good company. Packard’s packaging redesign for have been followed by even They’re just as frustrated south of border,even with a new administration one of its computers is helping it re- stronger growth. in place. The Obama administration’s honeymoon with the leaders of the duce weight by 8% and cube by She figures the final quarter of American Trucking Associations (dubious at best considering the heavy 25%. The company is able to now this year will see GDP growth Republican leanings of the membership shown in past conventions) is move in three trailers what used to around 3% as will the first half of clearly over and infrastructure spending is a particularly sore point. take four trailers. 2010 but the second half growth will ATA president and CEO Bill Graves, a former two-term Republican Wal-Mart has a much publicized slip to just 1.5%. In total she proj- senator in Kansas, came out swinging in his opening address to the annual plan to reduce packaging and is ects the US economy, Canada’s conference, held this year at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. leaning on its suppliers to follow largest market which absorbs more Graves said he is frustrated that Congress is working on things that it “re- suit. Clowdis Jr.figured that 8% sav- than 70% of our exports, to grow ally doesn’t need to at the moment and doesn’t work on things it really ings on weight and 25% savings on just 2% in 2010. needs to.” Graves was referring specifically to what he perceived to be a cube will become an industry norm, “We see some speed bumps in the lack of action and funding for infrastructure by the Obama administration, placing even greater pressure on ca- road ahead,” she said, explaining pointing out that the administration recognizes and President Obama even pacity as fewer trailers are required that the US consumer, which ac- acknowledged during his presidential campaign that America’s long-term to move the economy’s goods. counts for 70% of spending, is still competitiveness depends on the quality of its roads and bridges. The panelists did deliver good under considerable financial stress. “It’s a point we enthusiastically agree on. But yet when it comes to taking news about fuel pricing, which just American households have lost $14 action, both the White House and the Democratic leadership use all their last year was the top concern for trillion in net worth, so they’re not energy and time on health care reform and climate change,” Graves said. motor carrier executives. likely to soon return to their pre-re- “…I think it’s politically safer/easier to have grand discussions on subjects Johnson said the global market cession free-spending ways. Johnson that are so complex and confusing, and provide legislators with a great de- for petroleum is currently over-sup- said just as the Great Depression gree of political cover by obfuscating the impacts the policies will have on plied and expects pricing for a bar- left its mark on a generation of peo- Americans, while avoiding a straightforward discussion about the need to rel of crude to stay around the $70 ple, so too will the worst recession of raise the national fuel tax.” mark and then fall to $62 by March the post-war era change the spend- Graves said raising the national fuel tax is the only way to create the as the economy gets more sluggish. ing habits of today’s consumers. funding necessary to deal with his nation’s “staggering” infrastructure She added that if the impact of spec- “People are now a lot more con- needs. He pointed to a recent report from the American Society of Civil ulators was removed and only sup- servative in their spending.They are Engineers that concluded that an estimated $930 billion needs to be spent ply and demand issues drove crude still deep in the hole,” she said, over the next five years to fix the highway infrastructure.Yet of that,only an pricing, the price would range be- adding that by 2005 US consumers estimated $350 billion will be spent, a shortfall of $550 billion (when you tween $50 and $70. were setting aside just 1% of their take into account the $29 billion included in the 09 economic stimulus pack- More good news: there’s little annual income, as they counted on age). chance of inflation despite the $1.56 the appreciating value of their “The money included in the stimulus package was a start. But I take issue trillion deficit the US has racked up homes to provide their retirement with labeling it a ‘record investment designed to lay the foundation for the and will likely not be able to take money. The collapse of the housing nation’s economic future’, which were the words used to announce it, when, below a trillion for another two market changed all that in a hurry in fact, it fell far short of the money we needed and was such a disappoint- years. Johnson said excess capacity, and now the savings rate is up to 3% ingly small fraction of the total stimulus package.” wage gains that are down to 1% and of income and she expects that to Graves said that with all the money spent on the stimulus package, cou- significant productivity gains will climb to 6%. pled with fighting wars on multiple fronts along with a serious decline in protect against inflation. So the US consumer will be sav- both federal and state governments there is simply no more general fund “But clearly we will have to pay ing more and spending less and will money available for infrastructure investment without raising taxes. But it’s for the deficit,” she said, explaining also be checked by reduced access a very tough fight for the industry to win and warned against expectations the heavy borrowing by govern- to credit. She expects consumer that something will happen soon. ■ ment will crowd out private in- spending to grow by just 2% annu- vestors. ■ Confident winter grip that clears the way to fuel savings.

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Page 14 TRUCK WEST November 2009 FleetFleet News Challenger acquires Sandrock Specialized Carriers Bison wins inaugural Volvo safety award CAMBRIDGE, Ont. – Sandrock and his team join our Challenger Motor Freight has an- new division, Sandrock Specialized LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Bison nounced it has purchased certain Transport, will enhance service of- Transport has won the inaugural assets of the special commodities fers to existing Challenger accounts Volvo Trucks Safety Award for business of Sandrock Specialized as well as provide Sandrock’s cus- fleets accumulating more than Carriers. Sandrock is an Ontario- tomers with much broader service 10 million miles. based carrier that specializes on offerings from a single source, a The award was presented at over-dimensional transportation. true win-win situation.” the American Trucking Asso- “The addition of the Sandrock “With the challenges in today’s ciations Management Confer- business is a significant moment trucking industry, it is often neces- ence and Exhibition. Winning for both our companies,” said Dan sary and sometimes inevitable the award for small fleets was Einwechter, chairman and CEO to seek out a larger carrier to Virginia-based Food City. of Challenger Motor Freight. provide security and diversity “Food City and Bison Trans- “With the addition of their equip- of service, and such is the case port represent extraordinary SAFETY PAYS: Bison Transport ment and expertise, we look for- for Sandrock,” added Mark ongoing achievements in the president Don Streuber (left) collects the ward to expanding our special com- Sandrock, president of Sandrock safe operation of trucks,” said cash from Volvo exec Scott Kress in modities division to provide Specialized Carriers. Scott Kress, Volvo’s senior vice- recognition of its safety practices. Challenger’s innovative transporta- Sandrock was founded in 1999 president, sales and marketing. tion solutions to a wider range of and has focused on transporting “Both of these companies have customers as well as our combined heavy equipment and over- taken the concept of safety and made it the foundation of their fleets. existing client base. Having Mark dimensional freight. ■ They have focused significant resources and talent on recruitment, training, maintenance and equipment.” Vancouver, Delta first to earn E3 Fleet Gold rating Participating companies were judged on accident frequency using US VANCOUVER, B.C. – The purchase of medium-duty hybrid trucks and the DoT definitions of a “recordable accident” in addition to fleets’ accident use of biodiesel are two elements that helped the municipalities of prevention programs. Vancouver and Delta earn the first ever Gold Ratings from E3 Fleet. Bison boasts an accident rate of 0.19209 per million miles travelled, while The E3 Fleet program is a national program orchestrated by the Fraser operating 1,050 tractors and delivering 3,200 loads per week,Volvo report- Basin Council, which recognizes excellence in fleet management and envi- ed. Bison provides drivers with a ‘toolbox’ that contains promises such as ronmental performance. Under the program, public and private sector the selection of safe equipment, a safe working environment, in-depth fleets can seek formal ratings based on criteria such as: fleet action plan; idle training and accountability “so that we don’t lose sight that safety is in fact reduction practices; vehicle purchasing; fuel data management; fleet opera- a priority,” according to Bison president and CEO Don Streuber. tions and maintenance; trip and route planning; and fuel efficiency. “Bison has an intense focus on safety,” said Streuber. Bison provides Vancouver earned its Gold rating by: purchasing medium-duty hybrid- ongoing training for drivers using 15 different courses and four simula- electric trucks, employing the right vehicles for each fleet function, assessing tors. It also performs risk assessments on every driver and uses targeted the full lifecycle costs of each vehicle purchased, testing alternative fuels, training to improve drivers who are identified as high-risk. adopting new technologies and taking advantage of nitrogen tire inflation Each of the winning fleets received $25,000 from Volvo to put towards and engine control module reprogramming, according to the city. their safety programs. ■ Delta, meanwhile, improved its fuel efficiency by 6% for every kilometre travelled, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 1% between 2007 and 2008, E3 Fleet officials said. Delta employed a fuel-efficient fleet purchasing strategy (including replacing 16 conventional vehicles with hybrids), launched an anti-idling campaign, right-sized its vehicles and on larger vehicles installed GPS systems and engine shut-off devices to discourage idling. Delta also uses biodiesel in all its diesel engines. More info on the E3 Fleet program is available at www.e3fleet.com. ■ Canadian fleets top SmartWay fuel-savers LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Three introducing the changes. SmartWay Canadian carriers have been estimates Bison saved more than 9.1 recognized by the EPA SmartWay million gallons of fuel and slashed its program for significantly reducing CO2 output by 101,796 tonnes. their CO2 emissions. Thirty-seven For its part, Challenger has organizations were recognized dur- equipped its entire fleet with idle- ing the 2009 SmartWay Excellence reduction equipment including 730 Awards, including Bison Transport, bunk heaters. It’s also in the process Challenger Motor Freight and of deploying 350 APUs. Challenger MacKinnon Transport. takes advantage of intermodal op- “EPA’s SmartWay partnership portunities, saving the company helps freight companies go the extra 771,850 gallons of diesel per year, mile by saving fuel and money,while SmartWay claims. cutting air pollution,” said Gina Challenger also takes advantage McCarthy, assistant administrator of satellite technology to track its for EPA’s Office of Air and fleet and improve its operating effi- Radiation. “Within our nation’s ciency.Tractors are dispatched loads PROUD TO BE PINK: Superior Propane revised its paint scheme to raise hard-working freight sector, based on factors such as proximity awareness (and money) for breast cancer research. SmartWay Excellence Award win- to the load, reducing empty miles ners have stepped up to help protect and idling. Challenger also puts its our health, climate and environ- drivers through a full week training Superior Propane goes pink ment.” course on fuel economy and effi- Bison earned SmartWay’s praise cient driving. SmartWay estimates CALGARY, Alta. – Superior throughout Ontario in an effort to by modifying its idling policies, re- Challenger has saved more than 11.1 Propane has introduced a new raise breast cancer awareness. ducing its speed and reducing its million gallons of diesel and slashed pink and white delivery truck into “Superior Propane is commit- emissions by taking advantage of its CO2 emissions by 123,337 tonnes its fleet in support of the Canadian ted to improving lives and the intermodal opportunities. Bison inin 2008. Breast Cancer Foundation – a communities in which its cus- vested in auxiliary power units MacKinnon Transport meanwhile sharp contrast to its trademark tomers and employees reside and (APUs) for 391 of its sleeper cab- implemented a corporate speed lim- bright yellow vehicles. this cause marketing relationship equipped trucks, slashing idling by it of 60 mph,saving it 125,000 gallons The new vehicle will deliver is a clear demonstration of that over 650,000 hours, according to of fuel. It has also focused on driver propane to Superior’s Ontario commitment,” officials said in a SmartWay. training and behaviour to improve customers, with a portion of release. “Breast cancer does not Bison shipped more than 5,000 fuel economy. MacKinnon has a all revenue generated from just affect those people living with loads intermodally in 2008 and also cash incentive program to reward those deliveries to be donated to the disease, but also their friends lowered its governed speed from 65 low idling time, high gear percentage the Canadian Breast Cancer and families. With the debut of mph to 62. Bison also has an incen- and maximum use of cruise control. Foundation. Each customer will this new pink and white truck, tive program for drivers willing to MacKinnon uses wide-base tires on receive a note alerting them to the Superior Propane is proud to as- reduce their speed to 59 mph, which new equipment and its efforts have donation. sist the Canadian Breast Cancer has been embraced by 40 drivers. collectively saved about 732,689 gal- In addition these deliveries, the Foundation in their mission of Bison estimates it improved its fleet- lons of fuel and 8,133 tonnes of CO2 truck will also be displayed at var- creating a future without breast wide fuel economy by 0.3 mpg since emissions, according to SmartWay. ■ ious tradeshows and events cancer.” ■ General Electric.indd 1 13/10/09 9:29 AM pg 16 tw nov v2 10/14/09 11:05 AM Page 16

Page 16 TRUCK WEST November 2009 ProfileProfile

HIS OTHER RIDE: When he’s not riding horses, Mitch Sutherland is running Hitch’em Oilfield Hauling.

so sometimes I end up in the truck,” he says.“I don’t mind it and it actual- ly seems that the more you’re out there, the more work you get out of it because you’re out talking to the (customer) and you’re not just a driver collecting a paycheque.” Business has been quiet since April, but he’s optimistic for the winter and hopes it’ll be decent like last winter was. For the near term though, “It’s NO SPEED LIMITERS: Mitch Sutherland’s trucking business helps fund another form of horsepower – chuckwagon racing. basically survival, keeping the wheels turning and the wolves into the football thing that took over away from the door.The recession my summers so I wasn’t around it is turning around, but the price of for about five years.” oil and gas still has to come back When the final gun sounded on up.Another year or two and that’ll Prime chuck his football career, however, he be back – hopefully at that point I started accompanying his dad to can afford to have a manager.” the races again and, when Kirk He admits that his business plans Alberta trucker’s quest for eventually went south to compete also depend on how much fun he’s in World Professional Chuckwagon having with chuckwagon racing. Association events, Mitch took up And fun it is. horsepower takes several forms the Western Chuckwagon Assoc- “It’s been getting better and bet- iation (WCA) seat his dad was ter every year,” he says. “We’re get- vacating. ting more drivers and more money. By Jim Bray He came back home to Alberta “I did that for a couple of years It seems like a natural thing for me, GRANDE PRAIRIE,Alta. – Mitch and worked construction for a year, then took a year off before getting I’ve been around it so much and I Sutherland knows all about horse- “fixing camp shacks and stuff like back into it last year,” he says. His love horses to begin with.” power. Sutherland, the 31-year-old that,” and then got into trucking timing couldn’t have been better: he He admits there isn’t a lot of mon- owner of Grande Prairie, Alberta’s, with his dad Kirk, who’s had trucks won the WCA title last year and ey in the sport, at least at the level he Hitch’em Oilfield Hauling company, as long as Mitch can remember. again in 2009. occupies currently, “But I can break can “torque” about horsepower all “He was hauling mud when he WCA events let him stick close to even and I’m having a whole bunch day – not only because he’s familiar was 14, 15 years old,” the younger home. Most races are within an of fun. It’s just a love for the sport – with it from his fleet, but also be- Sutherland remembers. Mitch drove hour’s drive of his base, the farthest it’s a lot of fun or I wouldn’t be doing cause he knows it intimately from for his dad’s company for a couple of being three hours away,in Manning. it because it’s way too much work.” his summer sideline: he’s a champi- years, then made a deal that resulted That suits him for now and lets For aspiring chuckwagon racers, on chuckwagon racer. in him becoming co-owner. him keep riding herd on the trucking Sutherland has this advice: The man comes by both facets of “I could have either had the truck company which, while he aspires to “Ambition goes a long way,especial- his “horse sense” honestly, having I was driving,” he says,“or half of all following his father Kirk, uncle ly up in our association.If you’ve got grown up in a family with a long his- the company’s trucks – which was Kelly and cousin Mark into the the drive for it, you can make it hap- tory of driving and of racing.Sired in three at the time.” WPCA, keeps him plenty busy for pen.You have to go out and get your Grande Prairie, Sutherland spent After opting for the latter now. sponsor, and if you can find some- four and a half years studying “a lit- arrangement, they spent the next “Racing locally, you’re home for one who’ll help you out for the first tle bit of this and a little but of that” decade building the company to a three or four days a week so you year, that’s a big help.” at the University of Alberta in point where they had 11 trucks in still have time to work the trucks if He says a chuckwagon racing Edmonton, but quit half a year be- service, though they downsized to you have to,” he says. “With the newbie can get away with spending fore getting his degree from the four recently and plan to purchase other circuit, you’re gone for two only about $10,000 dollars on horses Faculty of Arts. one more to run through the winter months solid. I do want to get and still be competitive for a year or “I could tell that it wasn’t the di- “and see how things pan out.” there but it’s going to be a bit of a so,which he says is a good way to get rection I wanted to go,” he says. The Hitch’em does oil service work challenge managing the company one’s hooves wet. experience in the halls of academe such as hauling rental equipment, from the road. But I think it can be Perhaps self deprecatingly, didn’t propel him directly toward pipe and the odd load of mud. done if you have the right person- Sutherland says success in the sport becoming the latest racing and Sutherland says they used to get into nel back at home looking after of chuckwagon racing is “Probably trucking Sutherland, though; for a more things, like end dump work, stuff for you.” 90% the horses.” while he trod a decidedly different “but we got rid of those trucks be- Right now he and his wife, He admits the driver does make a path where neither trucks nor horses cause there are just too many out Heather, run the business and Kirk difference, and that it probably takes were part of his stable of interests. there. There’s no money in it any- “helps out here and there.” Mitch about 10 years to become a really Instead, he was into pigs – as in more.” does the dispatching and managing, good driver, but “after that it’s pigskins. His busy season is November to which keeps him hopping. horsepower.” “I played football through high April, and he stays mainly around “I’ve got my plate full and now It’s the thrill of competition that school and a year of junior,” the Peace country, ranging from with all the safety stuff the oil com- keeps it exciting, though. Sutherland remembers, playing line- Hinton in the south to Tumbler panies are starting to require to “Our club is getting more compet- backer first and later, when he got to Ridge in the west and as far east as show you’re compliant with the itive every year,” Sutherland says. college, moving up to defensive end. Slave Lake. He doesn’t drive much regulations, it’s more or less a full- “The top three guys are within a sec- He was good enough to attract the during the summer, which suits him time job.” ond of each other.” attention of the Canadian Football just fine – it frees him up to pursue And while that makes things a In contrast, Sutherland says that at League’s Montreal Alouettes, who racing. It seemed inevitable that little more challenging for him, the higher level, such as the WPCA, drafted him. The CFL didn’t work Sutherland would wear a chuckwag- “It’s not a bad thing; it’s just time- the top 20 only have a second be- out for him, though. on racing hat eventually: his dad has consuming.” tween them. “If you hit a barrel or “It was a little political at that lev- been racing them since before Mitch Being as hands-on as he can be – something, you’re at the bottom.” el,” he says, admitting that the expe- was born. and being around enough to be Right now,however, with the 2009 rience left a sour taste in his mouth. “I travelled with him until I was 17 hands-on – has other benefits, too.“I championship under his belt, Mitch “But that’s the way she goes.” or 18,” he says, “then when I started have more trucks than I do drivers Sutherland is at the top. ■ pg 17 tw nov v2 10/14/09 2:39 PM Page 17

November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 17 LightingLighting Design improvements, lower cost bring LEDs mainstream By Jim Bray headlamp (the follow-up to a 24- CALGARY, Alta. – Driving or volt version now being used by working at night can be tough the US military), meets or exceeds enough without having to worry all applicable DoT requirements about what’s lurking in the dark. for headlights and offers “a per- Fortunately, today’s modern light- fect blend of thermal manage- ing fixtures are doing a better job ment and light output to produce than ever of not only banishing an aesthetically pleasing beam the darkness, but of ensuring that pattern.” you can be seen by those around The company says the new you as well. headlamp is designed to replace Some of today’s brightest ideas any standard seven-inch round are advancing the state of the art COOL AND AFFORDABLE: New advancements in LED lighting technology, headlight in 12-volt applications in LEDs, or Light Emitting such as this tunnel effect from Peterson Manufacturing, have created new and can be aimed using standard Diodes. Solid-state LEDs are not possibilities for creative fleets and owner/operators. mechanical aiming equipment. only super bright, they’re also get- Each lamp uses 10 high-output ting quite intelligent, allowing road and avoid downtime and re- for refuse, maintenance and serv- LEDs and Truck-Lite says they their owners to do more things pair costs.” ice vehicles and is more compati- should last up to 50 times as long with fewer fixtures. Assenmacher says “value” ble and easier to install than other as a typical headlamp, while offer- LEDs have been around for LEDs can cost two or three times strobe systems. ing improved visibility. decades – for example, many early an incandescent version but, since Grote Industries is carving its The bad news is a current price digital watches had LED displays some LEDs have a rated life of own LED path. At last spring’s of about US$350 – per lamp. The – and TV sets are now going LED. 100,000 hours, they’re a good in- Mid-America Trucking Show it company says, however, that the LED taillights are commonplace vestment. unveiled LightForm technology improved durability, extended life on new cars and trucks, and LEDs “And if you want to step up to that, as vice-president of sales and and safety benefits (they’re also for safety lighting have been one that’s got all the bells and marketing Dominic Grote said to offer 30 times the impact available to the trucking industry whistles and hard shell connectors claimed at the time, will alter dra- strength of glass), ensure their for about 20 years. Besides their and all that, for longevity, you’re matically the way the industry value even at that price. brightness, LED’s advantages in- going to pay more, maybe three to uses lighting. Higher prices can turn people clude long life, energy efficiency, four times more, but you’ll get all The LightForm thin-film, solid- toward cheaper “knock-off” ver- and flexibility. the benefits.” state lighting device Grote sions, and such is the case with The downside is that LEDs are Next up for Peterson are demonstrated was only a millime- LED fixtures. generally more expensive than their “Smart Lamps” that combine ter thick and could be bent, flexed “There’s imitators out there,” old tech, incandescent counterparts. strobing LEDs with a turn signal and twisted – so you can even in- Assenmacher admits. “They bring This is typical of newer technology, override, so the functions of a stall it around corners. Grote lights in and you can buy them however, and in the years since Class 2 warning lamp and a legal claimed such a lamp can be “peel- cheaper in a truck stop, but LEDs first appeared, their prices DoT turn signal can be performed and-stick” mounted and can you’re not getting the complete have come down substantially. by a single unit. achieve “The same FMVSS 108 solution.” According to Mark Assenmacher, Peterson’s first Smart Lamp photometric requirements for a Assenmacher says such lights director of marketing for was a 36-diode, four-inch round P2-rated marker lamp, with just are “just a quick fix and you’re Peterson Manufacturing, LED’s model introduced mainly to the 2% of the material used in a tradi- probably going to have some cor- advantages outshine incandescent refuse market. When the driver tional LED lamp.” He also says it rosion problems down the road.” regardless of price, making them activates the turn signal with the should virtually eliminate installa- Assenmacher warns that some a compelling choice for compa- new lamp, the alternating triple tion hassles and costs. products may not be compliant nies looking to enhance their bot- flash strobe automatically shuts Around the same time Grote with motor vehicle safety stan- tom lines. off on that side, resuming when was mesmerizing the audience with dards, even if they’re labeled as “At one time LEDs were 10 times the signal light is cancelled. LightForm technology, Truck-Lite compliant. “That’s something the cost of incandescents,” The unit is self-contained, with no was taking the wraps off a seven- buyers should be cognizant of,” he Assenmacher recalls. “But even requirement for a separate inch round LED headlamp it says, adding that “fortunately, then some fleets jumped on-board controller. says brings “a new level of per- most OEMs and fleets are looking because they could see the long- “That’s kind of the wave,” formance for seven-inch round for- for a quality manufacturer that term benefit, especially for places Assenmacher says, “asking your ward lighting 12-volt applications, stands behind the product.” like up on the high rails – they didn’t LEDs to have more functions, to offering the extended life and It seems, then, that LEDs are an want their people climbing up there offer solutions.” energy efficiency of light emitting increasingly bright idea for fleet on ladders replacing light bulbs.” He says the new smart lamp is diode technology.” owners and truckers looking for Assenmacher says LEDs last six an integrated, hassle-free solution Truck-Lite says its new LED true enlightenment. ■ to 10 times as long as incandescent lights, are imperious to road shock and have no bulbs to break. He also says they’re cheaper and 6920 Pacific Circle easier to use in the long run Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1N8 which, figured on a cost-per-mile CANADA INC. basis explains why a lot of fleets www.paicanada.com are going LED. Peterson and other manufactur- Differentials Transmission Engine Kits ers currently offer a wide variety & Components of LED products, mostly safety lighting such as marker lights, turn signals and taillights. “It’s pretty much commonplace to go to LEDs now,” says Assenmacher, “though some guys still stick with incandescent – it depends on the segment of the • MACK market.” • FULLER He points to the container chas- MACK • 2 Valve Heads sis market as one place where in- Overhaul Kits Overhaul Kits & Components • 4 Valve heads candescent lights are still popular, & Components • Camshafts because “they have pilferage • Crankshafts problems and don’t want to spend • MACK QUALITY SERVICE PARTS DETROIT DIESEL • Crankshafts the extra (for LEDs).” For the • EATON NAVISTAR • Crankshafts most part, however, “fleets are FOR • Engine Components looking to companies like ours to • ROCKWELL MACK • EATON • FULLER • CUMMINS • give them a complete system: ROCKWELL • NAVISTAR CUMMINS • Crankshafts wiring harness, premium LEDs, a Dealer Inquiries Welcome • Engine Components lot of the time with hard shell con- CATERPILLAR • Crankshafts nectors to keep corrosion out and To Order Call: 1-800-567-5916 • Fax: (905) 795-0699 help them keep the trailer on the pg 18 tw nov 10/14/09 1:04 PM Page 1

Page 18 TRUCK WEST November 2009 ADVERTISEMENT HOW DO YOU SPELL TIRES WITH HIGH VALUE?

In the age of unlimited competition, Fact : Hankook medium truck tires are we can agree that having the right available at your local dealer. parts is the first step in providing H-A-N-K-O-O-K quality services. Therefore, many With thousands of dealers across owner-operators and fleet managers Canada, Hankook truck and bus tires turn to well-recognized brands that In addition, Hankook focuses on that focuses on providing innovative are available at your local dealer to provide high quality products with improving fuel efficiency and lower- products that are high in quality. help you earn more value for your high price tags. In the tire industry, it ing the rolling resistance of current And the company’s effort has been purchase. From the ports of Vancouver is no different. Many companies pur- and future products with an annual recognized and certified. But did to the lumber mills in the Maritimes, chase tires manufactured by the top investment of $19 million on R&D to you know the tires provide excellent the dealers are proud to sell Hankook three companies despite high prices make more environmentally-friendly value to consumers? Hankook tires products and they are widely available. without considering purchasing other products that reduce the operating are very cost effective in comparison In addition, the new large distribution brands, simply because of the percep- costs of O-Os and fleets. Certainly, with comparable quality products centre in Ontario can service Ontario tion that the other brands are manu- you will hear about additional and have been well-recognized for fleets directly and help you to reduce factured by overseas companies with Hankook products being certified their value. Call your local dealer costs, which will help your fleet in low technology to make them cheap. for the SmartWay Program. today to find out how much you can the current economic downturn. Certainly, the perception is justifiable save with Hankook products and For further information, please to some brands, but not to Hankook. Fact : Hankook Tires provide how they can deliver better value. contact Hankook Tire Canada Corp., Here is why: tremendous value to the consumer. The news you hear about the price, at 1 800 843 7709. quality and value of Hankook Tires Fact : Hankook Tire is a global You now know the Hankook prod- will be some of the best news you So, how do you spell tires with high company, not an overseas company. ucts are made by a global company will hear in 2009. value? H-A-N-K-O-O-K

Maybe you did not know this, but Hankook Tire is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world. In fact, Hankook Tire is the 7th largest tire manufacturer in the world with one of the fastest growth rates in the industry*. With great success and satisfied customers all around the world, the company has grown and transformed itself over the years. Hankook Tire now has more than 20 offices globally, multiple state-of-the- art manufacturing facilities and several technical centres on every major continent including in the U.S., Germany, Korea, Japan and China. With a global network that stretches from Seoul to Toronto to Moscow, it is true that Hankook is a global company, not an off-shore tire company. Hankook products are premium imports developed to exceed the expectations of consumers. * Modern Tire Dealer, 2008

Fact : Hankook Tires are produced with innovative technology.

Grouped with energetic, smart and consumer-oriented engineers, Hankook Tire continuously re-invests approximately 5% of its revenue into Research and Development. At the Akron Technical Center of Ohio, energetic and dedicated engineers develop tires that reflect the weather, road and drivers of North America. The dedication and effort in advancing tires has been noticed from several highly respected organizations.

First, Hankook Tire is the original Tame the Road equipment tire supplier to Interna- tional Trucks and I.C. School Buses on drive and steer positions. The tires meet and exceed the requirements of the highly respected company and continue to satisfy drivers and fleets in North America. Secondly, Hankook Tire has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and received EPA SmartWay certification on three truck and bus tires for reduced rolling resistance that creates a smaller carbon foot- print. The recently launched AL07+ steer tire, top-seller Z35a drive tire and advanced TL01 trailer tire provide reduced rolling resistance of 3% AL07+ DL01 TL01 or more to meet SmartWay standards. Hankook Tire Canada Corp. : 30 Resolution Drive, Brampton, ON L6W 0A3 Toll Free : 1 - 800 - 843 -7709 The certified Hankook tires provide improved fuel economy and reduced costs to drivers and fleet managers. pg 19 tw nov v2 10/14/09 2:42 PM Page 19

November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 19 TaxTax talk Baby, you can drive your car (just log the miles)

One of the most misunderstood cle that contains the total number cle’s expenses separately. If you deductible business expenses I see Tax of kilometres you drive in a year change vehicles during the year, involves the so-called ‘service ve- Talk as well as the date, destination, pur- record the odometer reading and hicle’ – the business-related use of pose, and the distance in kilome- dates of each vehicle at the time a car, truck, or van, especially if it’s Scott tres for each business-related trip. you buy, sell, or trade it. also your personal vehicle. Canada Taylor Without a log, you can’t prove And if more than one driver is Revenue Agency has pretty clear that the vehicle was used for busi- using the vehicle to support the guidelines about how to document ness. Your kilometres will be business, remind them to maintain the use of the vehicle for business special rules may apply. For exam- deemed to be personal and your ex- the log as well. purposes, yet this type of claim re- ple, if you’re buying a new service pense claims will be denied. Since Make sure there’s a working pen mains one of the biggest red flags vehicle, you can claim 100% of the CRA can audit three years at a inside the vehicle and an envelope for auditors.Why? There are specif- GST/HST immediately on your time, you may lose three years of to organize receipts. Like any other ic requirements for documenting next return if you can show that it’s claims as well as the GST/HST input record-keeping exercise, keep it as these expenses and it takes disci- used for business 90% of the time. tax credits on those expenses. This simple as can be. ■ pline to get them right every time. If the business use is less than 90%, includes the GST/HST in your You’re not only collecting a re- you have to calculate the lease payments, purchase price, gas, – Scott Taylor is vice-president of ceipt for fuel, service, or some GST/HST included in the deprecia- repairs, etc., which can be refunded TFS Group, a Waterloo, Ont., com- other expense, you have to record tion of the vehicle each year and to you at the percentage of business pany that provides accounting, fuel mileage as well. As a truck driver claim it back over time. use.You may have to pay back part tax reporting, and other business you may be accustomed to that of your GST/HST refunds. services for truck fleets and own- What do I need to know about sort of thing, but what about your If you use more than one motor er/operators. For information, visit recording mileage? spouse or kid who’s running a vehicle for business, keep a sepa- www.tfsgroup.com or call 800- business errand while you’re away? You need a logbook for the vehi- rate log and calculate each vehi- 461-5970. Before the year ends, talk to your accountant about how to make a valid service vehicle claim. Here are some questions to help PIRANHA® LED LIGHTING get the conversation rolling: What’s a “business” trip? There are all kinds of reasons to use your car, truck, or van for busi- HOOK UP TO PRIDE. ness: a trip to the parts store, a meeting with your carrier, and so on. What’s important is that you’re PIRANHA® PRIDE. using the vehicle for a task that helps you earn business income. Note that CRA considers driving back and forth between home and work – commuting – as personal use, so you can’t deduct expenses related to your drive from home to your truck. I’ve argued that if your business office is in your home, then driving from the “office” to where your truck is parked should count as business travel. But I haven’t found an auditor yet who agrees with me. What expenses are deductible? Only the business portion of your motor vehicle expenses are tax deductible. So as a rule, you can deduct any reasonable motor vehicle expense you paid or will have to pay to earn business income. This includes licence and registration fees; fuel and maintenance; repair expenses; insurance; interest on money borrowed to buy the vehicle; and your lease payment or “Not one Piranha failure in a capital cost allowance (CCA or de- “Not one Piranha failure in a preciation). CRA’s guide, T4002 million miles. That’s phenomenal!” Business and Professional Income, DARIAN STEPHENS of Hereford, PA is the official reference on motor with his ’95‘95 Freightliner Classic vehicle expenses (it’s available online at www.cra-arc.gc.ca). How do I separate personal and business travel?

To support the amount you can IN 1997 DARIAN STEPHENS customized his Freightliner Classic with deduct, you’ll need to keep a Piranha LED lights. He’s proud that a million miles later, his rig and the record of both the total kilometres Piranhas are still going strong and looking good. you drove and the kilometres you 816.765.2000 • www.pmlights.com drove for business. Divide your “Last year we were named the winningest Pride & Polish rig of all business-use kilometres by your time,” he says. “And I’ve had zero problems with the Piranhas. That’s total kilometres for the year, giving why I stick with Peterson all the way around.” you anywhere from 1% to 100%. The percentage is important. Take a tip from Darian: Keep the pride in your CRA uses “90% or more” as its ride by hooking up to Piranha. Available at 4200 E.135th St. • Grandview, MO 64030 guideline to interpret the words safety lighting centers everywhere. “all or substantially all” in the Income Tax Act and Excise Tax Act. If your business miles are 90% or www.pmlights.com more of the vehicle’s annual total,

PM-1704_2006_v6_TN.indd 1 12/7/07 12:30:49 PM pg 20 tw nov v2 10/14/09 2:44 PM Page 20

Page 20 TRUCK WEST November 2009 ProfileProfile

READY TO ROLL: Loading furniture is an art form, since the trailer must be loaded to the roof from front to back.

affiliations, who Waistell says often undercut rates and promise unreal- istic delivery schedules. “The discounts have gotten bigger in the moving industry,” he laments. “I don’t want to cut all the independents up, because there’s some good ones out there, but there are a lot of bad ones too. Some people never see their furniture again The and if they do, they only get half of The it or it’s smashed and broken.” Waistell also has grave concerns about the safety of Canadian highways. While he says he’s “watched them twin the Trans-Canada LASTLAST LOADLOAD Highway across the prairies” over the years, current traffic volumes and the lack of professionalism on CHANGING GEARS: Bill Waistell pauses for reflection as his trailer is loaded with furniture one last time. After 40 years in the roads today worry him. the furniture hauling business, Waistell’s ready to spend more time fishing and golfing. Photo by James Menzies “It gets more dangerous out there every day,” he says. “In the After a lifetime of hauling furniture from coast-to-coast, a professional winter time, you’ll see at least five wrecks between here and driver pauses for reflection as he prepares to make his final delivery Vancouver.” Driving through the Rockies in By James Menzies a 1965 single-axle Ford cabover home in Toronto, Ottawa or winter is one of the things Waistell OSHAWA, Ont. – After 40 years of with a 250 Cummins and began Montreal. A delivery from Victoria says he won’t miss, even though his ‘humping furniture,’ as Bill Waistell hauling household goods around to Ontario can earn him as much as wife prefers to accompany him on refers to it, it’s time to park it for Vancouver Island. $17,000 gross, which is one of the those scenic runs. He also won’t good. The owner/operator, who has “That was quite the ol’ beast, I appeals of transporting household miss the physical labour. Just a few spent the last 25 years of his career tell you,” he says. “Colder than a goods. months ago he had to pick up a load driving for Mackie Moving Systems, whore’s heart in the winter time.” “Furniture is good money com- in Kelowna in the 40-degree heat – reaches into his pocket and pays his Waistell signed on with North pared to freight…if you want to get closer to 50 C inside the enclosed lumper one last time at the Mackie American Van Lines and soon af- out and make some money,you can trailer. warehouse in Oshawa, Ont. ter, with North American agent do it,” he says, adding a good run “I’ve had enough of that,” he He has just taken on his last Mackie Moving Systems. He took a will consist of 30,000 lbs of furniture says. “I’ve humped millions of load, which he’ll haul to Hamilton short hiatus about 20 years ago to packed front to back, top to bot- pounds of furniture.” in the morning before heading to try hauling freight, but “three tom. “Whenever you load them, However, like any trucker he ad- Prince George, B.C. for his final months later I quit freight and went you load them right to the roof and mits he’ll miss the call of the open drop. After that, it’s back home to right back into furniture again,” he right to the back, otherwise you road, as well as visiting the many Shawnigan Lake, B.C. just outside recalls.“I couldn’t stand it.” don’t make any money.” people he’s come to know during Victoria. His truck’s already sold. Waistell figures he has owned Exceeding legal weights isn’t a his travels. Most of his goodbyes have been about a dozen trucks during his ca- concern with furniture, he explains, “I chum around with a lot of peo- said. reer. One of his favourites was a ’65 since a 53-ft. trailer cubes out be- ple and have gotten to know hun- “It hasn’t hit me yet, but I know it Kenworth with a 250 Cummins and fore it grosses out when hauling dreds of people,” he recalls. “I get will,” he says as he prepares for his a four-and-four, two-stick transmis- household goods. Furniture hauling into town here and I know every- final cross-country run. “I some- sion that kept him busy behind the is a different kind of trucking. body. I’m really going to miss the times wake up at night thinking wheel. Waistell makes just seven or eight Mackies and all these guys here. about it – Jeez, no more on-the- “I just loved that truck,” he re- trips per year and often spends two Even the guy at the hotel; I told him road, no more seeing all the guys I calls with a chuckle. “You had 16 to three weeks waiting for a back- I was leaving and he and his wife know and like and having a good gears to choose from and you were haul. When he’s stranded in came to my room and brought me a time. It’ll be different, but I think always playing with them. In the Ontario, Mackie’s tries to keep him bottle of scotch to say goodbye.” my wife will like it.” mountains it was nice because you busy hauling general freight or car Ross Mackie, patriarch of the Waistell’s wife Vivian is resting at always had a lower gear.” parts for other segments of its busi- family-run Mackie Moving Systems, a nearby hotel – there’s no more It was a far cry from his current ness. However,Waistell is often just is still hopeful he can coax Waistell living out of the truck for either of ride – a 2004 Volvo VN780 com- as happy to catch up with old back to work once winter passes. them. plete with an automated transmis- friends while waiting for a return But Waistell shakes his head. “When I’m travelling, it’s the sion, twin bunks, refrigerator and a load of furniture. The lucrative na- “I don’t think so,” he says. “I’ve truck all the time but when I get 19-inch TV. ture of furniture hauling means made up my mind.As much as I like into town, it’s the hotel,” he says.“A “I’m spoiled now,” he says with a there’s less urgency to get back on them, I just don’t want to do it any- lot of guys will stay at the truck smile. Waistell has always taken the road. more. It’s a hard ol’ life sometimes, stop, but I can’t stand it.” pride in his equipment, and he had But like other forms of trucking, humping that furniture, I tell you.” Waistell first got into the furni- no problem finding a buyer for his the furniture business is not without Instead, Waistell plans to spend ture hauling business at the age of current rig, which has only 650,000 its challenges. more time on the golf course or 25, when he was dissatisfied with his kilometres on it. “The (cost of) labour’s gone up,” aboard his buddy’s 18-ft. boat in job as a B.C. Ferries deckhand. All told, he says he’s racked up Waistell says. Over the years, he’s pursuit of Vancouver Island “I had a lot of days off and one about two million miles during his established a network of helpers in salmon. day my next door neighbour said ‘I career and has delivered furniture virtually every Canadian city, but But that’s not to say he’ll never work for a moving company,do you from coast-to-coast in Canada, as many of them now command $20 again slip behind the wheel of a want to work on your days off?’ So well as into the US and as far north an hour “from the minute they sit tractor-trailer. In fact, he admits I started doing that and I loved the as Yellowknife. Most of his loads down in that seat.” with a grin that he has already put physical labour,” Waistell recalls. It originate in B.C. and from there There’s also a growing contingent out the word that he’s available to turned out to be a lasting labour of he’ll usually deliver to Mackie of “independents” to contend with deliver the odd load of freight or love. Waistell bought his first truck, headquarters in Oshawa, or to a – smaller movers with no van line lumber locally on the island. ■ pg 21 tw nov v2 10/14/09 2:46 PM Page 21

November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 21 SafetySafety over a hilltop at 60 km/h to discover trailer wheels are rolling. When the Remember to adjust driving habits this winter a sheet of ice or cars and trucks piled trailer wheels are locked, a trailer up below,invites tragedy. jackknife can also develop. Driving challenges increase at a Letting the truck build up speed Brakes on empty vehicles still chilling pace in winter.Whether you Guest downhill before a turn or a stop in- have all the power necessary for a are a seasoned professional trans- Column vites danger by having to overbrake, full load. When the truck is un- port driver who has clocked thou- which could result in a skidding or loaded, it’s easy to overbrake. So, sands of hours on winter roads, or an Michael jackknife accident. There has been when driving on a light or empty industry newcomer, there are guide- Burke considerable difference of opinion unit, brake with extra care. lines to keep in mind that will help on the subject of jackknifing and Power should be applied cautious- you stay safe. Safe winter driving de- driver techniques have been studied ly. Spinning the drive wheels risks a mands knowledge of defensive driv- knifing: a tractor jackknife in which to find the most effective methods of jackknife. This can easily occur on ing skills and adjustments. The win- the rear of the tractor skids side- maintaining control of a tractor icy uphill grades and usually result in ter scene will be less hazardous if ways; and a trailer jackknife in which semi-trailer. a tractor jackknife which blocks the you keep some of these in mind. the rear of the trailer comes around. The most effective technique for road and ties up traffic. While the two major hazards in Repeated tests have shown that if recovery from a jackknife on ice is Jackknifing often develops while winter driving are commonly con- a jackknife develops beyond 15 de- almost complete reliance on steer- braking for a curve. Do your braking sidered to be poor traction and re- grees, it is almost impossible to re- ing with little or no use of the accel- or gearing down well before the duced visibility, research has shown cover. A jackknife can go to 15 de- erator or brakes. A prompt start in turn, get down to a safe and easy there are six important problems grees in 1.5 seconds. You must react correcting a jackknife is important. turning speed, then take the turn which confront all drivers: fast in order to take preventative ac- Experience and practice count. with all the wheels rolling. ■ tion and recover control of your ve- Drivers with the most experience Poor traction hicle.The faster this 15 degree angle have greater confidence and better – Michael Burke is president and To keep your grip, start off slow and develops, the greater the severity control. Directional control is best CEO of the Transportation Health easy. Do not spin your wheels. In and potential damage of the jack- with all the wheels rolling. and Safety Association of Ontario. deep snow, try turning your wheels knife. Safe defensive driving and ad- The tractor is most likely to jack- For more tips on winter driving and from side to side to push the snow. justing to conditions offer the best knife when the drive wheels of the other transportation workplace safe- Before you turn off the ignition, safeguard against jackknifing. Going tractor are locked and the front and ty topics, visit: www.thsao.on.ca. move your vehicle back and forth one to two metres (four to five feet). This packs the heavy snow for easier starting. When you are pulling out, use a light foot on the accelerator, easing forward gently. Reduced ability to stop It takes three to 12 times the distance to stop on ice and snow covered roads than on dry roads. Under winter conditions widen this gap accordingly – the more severe the conditions, the wider the gap. Starting and stopping Braking on ice is never easy but as the temperature rises, ice becomes even more slippery. For example, your braking distance can double with a temperature varia- tion from -18 to 0 degrees C. Slippery surfaces The action of tires spinning and slid- ing on snow and ice polishes the surface. It happens most often at inter- sections, on curves and on hills. Slow down early when you approach a slippery intersection, curve or hill. Gearing down may be necessary to slow down safely. Black ice Ice sometimes becomes disguised. The road ahead may appear to be black and shiny asphalt. Be suspi- cious, it may be covered by a thin layer of ice known as black ice. Generally, in the winter, asphalt is a gray-white colour. If you do see a black surface ahead, slow down, and brake smoothly and gently. Proceed with caution. Reduced ability to see and be seen Before starting your trip, clean off the entire windshield and all the windows. Wipe off the headlights, stop and tail lights and turn signals so that others may see you.This may be necessary frequently during a heavy storm. Road splatter can leave you blind. Use your windshield washer often. At night, stop occasionally to clean off the headlights. In fog or snow, keep lights on low beam and adjust your speed. Hazards of jackknifing for tractor-trailer combinations There are two distinct kinds of jack- pg 22 tw nov v2 10/14/09 4:13 PM Page 22

Page 22 TRUCK WEST November 2009 SafetySafety The cold winds are coming, but is your fleet ready? As the leaves change their colours when heading into any intersec- when they see a warning to “chain and temperatures begin to drop, ex- Ask the tions, ramps or bends in the high- up,” but those who use the chains perienced truck drivers begin to Expert way with reduced visibility and will require training in the way the shift their thoughts to the most chal- traction. devices wrap around tires and lenging season of all. Yes, it will not Robert Trip planning initiatives play clamp into place. be long before today’s dry pave- Spencer their own role in ensuring that Even when they are locked in ment is covered in snow and ice. changes in the weather do not position, chained tires are also ac- While the realities of winter are come as a complete surprise. companied by reduced vehicle impossible to escape, there are approximately 600 feet on a dry Drivers who check their routes will speeds, such as limits of 35 km/h in steps that fleets and drivers can road, but the distance can be dou- be able to identify areas such as deep snow and 15 km/h when the take to address the threats that ac- ble that amount when travelling on mountain passes that are more snow begins to melt. Familiarize company the onset of colder snow. Add black ice into the mix, prone to bad weather, and further yourself with the snow-chain regu- weather. and the stopping distance can be warnings can be collected by moni- lations for the jurisdictions in Have your equipment thoroughly three times as long. toring forecasts or even speaking which you operate. checked and prepared for winter – Of course, drivers of every sort with drivers who have recently The simple addition of a snow this includes tire tread, the braking need to be extra vigilant in these passed through the same areas. brush, shovel and ice scraper will system, batteries, and coolant conditions, and that will contribute Know where your safe havens are help to ensure that circle checks strength, among others. to the levels of stress and anxiety. located and always try to leave can be properly conducted. There should be little surprise Fatigue management practices yourself a way out. Drivers may need to clear ice that slicker surfaces can have a such as regular sleep, frequent When they encounter the deep- and snow away from LED lights, dramatic impact on a vehicle’s han- breaks, and trip planning are much est snow, drivers will also need to since these bulbs do not heat up as dling characteristics; we must be more important. know about a fleet’s policies and much as their incandescent coun- ready for quickly changing condi- A commitment to the principles procedures surrounding the use of terparts. The build-up of ice and tions.A tractor-trailer that is travel- of defensive driving will also help snow chains. Some fleets simply ask snow may make it difficult to prop- ling 100 km/h may stop within to ensure that speeds are adjusted their personnel to pull off the road erly inspect your vehicle, and may affect your gross weight. You may G then have to adjust your payload E T accordingly. P Other low-tech supplies can A Y P O make the difference between being E U R R stranded and continuing a trip. Some additional washer fluid and wiper blades, for example, will ensure that the view of the road is as clear as possible. Western Canada’s Trucking Newspaper and Equipment Buyer’s Guide A bag of kitty litter can provide some welcome traction in a slick parking lot, and it will be easier to carry and handle than a bag of salt or sand. Even the choice of fuel can lead to a stranded vehicle.The long-haul drivers who fill their saddle tanks SUBSCRIBESUBSCRIBE while driving through the southern US could end up with some of the MOVING? summer diesel fuel that is more READING SOMEONE prone to waxing when it is exposed ELSE’S COPY? REQUALIFY! to freezing temperatures. Send us your new address Moisture will present a challenge Have your own! in writing on this form. of its own. Those who allow fuel NOW!NOW! levels to drop too low will face Company ______struggles around the condensation Name ______Title______that forms in the empty space of your saddle tanks. Address ______The air brake system needs to be City ______dry in order to perform properly. Province ______Postal Code______The system can be protected by draining air tanks at every oppor- Telephone: ( ) ______Fax: ( )______tunity, keeping air dryers in good E-Mail ______repair, and topping up the airline CHANGE OF ADDRESS ONLY antifreeze that is fed through any 1 1 4 automatic injectors. Serial # from code line on mailing label So let the cold winds blow. With some extra caution, common sense Canada USA Foreign Charge Card Cheque Enclosed and a handful of supplies, profes- $ $ $ Visa No sional drivers will be safely pre- 41.28 99.95 99.95 pared for the days ahead. ■ 1 Year Mastercard No (38.95 + 2.33 GST) Amex No – This month’s contributing expert 65.66 2 Years is Markel Safety and Training (61.95 + 3.71 GST) Expiry Date Signature Date Services trainer Rob Spencer. NB, NS & NF Add 14% HST to Price / Quebec Residents Add QST (7.5%) To Total Coming from a family of truck drivers, Rob grew up with trucking DO YOU WISH PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS CLIP and MAIL and has more than 10 years as both TO RECEIVE OR 1) How many vehicles are based at or controlled from 5) Indicate your PRIMARY type of business by checking a driver and a trainer. He has now this location? Please indicate quantities by type: ONLY ONE of the following: With a) ■ For Hire/Contract Trucking (hauling for others) (CONTINUE TO — No. of Straight Trucks _____ No. of Trailers been sharing this expertise as a ■ _____ No. of Buses b) Lease/Rental Markel trainer for four years. RECEIVE) — No. of Truck-Tractors _____ No. of Off-Road Vehicles c) ■ Food Production / Distribution / Beverages Payment to d) ■ Farming 2) Does this location operate, control or administer one Markel Safety and Training or more vehicles in any of the following Gross Vehicle e) ■ Government (Fed., Prov., Local) Weight (GVW) categories? Please check YES or NO: f) ■ Public Utility (electric, gas, telephone) Services offers specialized courses, 14,969 kg. & over (33,001 lbs. & over)... ■ YES ■ NO g) ■ Construction / Mining / Sand & Gravel seminars and consulting to fleet 11,794-14,968 kg. (26.001-33,000 lbs.). ■ YES ■ NO h) ■ Petroleum / Dry Bulk / Chemicals / Tank 8,846-11,793 kg. (19,501-26,000 lbs.)... ■ YES ■ NO i) ■ Manufacturing / Processing 12 Concorde Place, owners, safety managers, trainers ■ YES ■ NO ■ ■ 4,536-8,845 kg. (10,000-19,500 lbs.)..... YES NO ji) ■ Retail Under 4,536 kg. (10,000 lbs.)...... ■ YES ■ NO Suite 800, and drivers. Send your questions, jii) ■ Wholesale 3) This location operates, controls or administers: k) ■ Logging / Lumber feedback and comments about this ■ ■ Toronto, Ontario Diesel powered vehicles...... YES NO b) ■ Bus Transportation Signature Refrigerated vehicles...... ■ YES ■ NO column to [email protected]. To read m) ■ Other (Please specify) ______Pickups or Utility Vans...... ■ YES ■ NO M3C 4J2 about more industry hot topics, Propane powered vehicles...... ■ YES ■ NO 6) Are you involved in the purchase of equipment or replacement parts? ...... ■ YES ■ NO 4) Do you operate maintenance facilities visit Markel’s Web site at at this location? ...... ■ YES ■ NO 7) Are you responsible either directly or indirectly www.markel.ca and click on the Date IF YES, do you employ mechanics?...... ■ YES ■ NO for equipment maintenance? . . . . ■ YES ■ NO TODAY! Articles & Essays section. pg 23 tw nov v2 10/14/09 4:16 PM Page 23

November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 23 OEM/DealerOEM/Dealer News Yokohama inks major deal with NationaLease Are August Class 8 sales sign LANGLEY, B.C. – Yokohama has inked a deal with NationaLease to meet the leasing company’s commercial tire needs. of recovery or just a mirage? Under the deal, Yokohama and its dealer network will provide tires and tire service to NationaLease’s customer fleet, the companies By Lou Smyrlis As Renschler pointed out this is announced. LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Class 8 truck the first time all regions his com- NationaLease has more than 700 full-service locations in Canada and manufacturers, battered like nev- pany is involved in have experi- the US and more than 150,000 trucks, tractors and trailers. The deal er before by the worst global eco- enced sizeable drops at the same covers the entire Canadian fleet as well as the US fleet when running in nomic malaise since the Great time. Canada. Depression, just may be starting And those drops are significant. “This agreement builds on Yokohama Canada’s commitment to the to see a glimmer of light at the So far sales in North America for country’s commercial fleet operators,” says Eric Dedoyard, national end of tunnel, according to Daimler products are down 45% sales manager. “With a strong dealer network, new products like the Andreas Renschler, head of compared to 2008, which was not next-generation tires from the Z.environment series and the blessing of Daimler Trucks. a particularly strong year in itself. key products by the US SmartWay environmental management program, Then again, it may be a mirage. In Europe sales are down 46%, our customers know we stand behind them.” ■ Here’s what’s going on that has in Asia 51%. Overall, Daimler Renschler being very cautiously Trucks sales worldwide are down optimistic. 48%. Detroit Diesel files for EPA certification August showed an uptick ac- “The current market situation is cording to worldwide sales figures not a walk in the park even for us, PORTLAND, Ore. – Having verse operating conditions. We are for his company that he presented the market leader,” Renschler ac- racked up more than 25 million pleased with test results confirming in conjunction with the annual knowledged in the understate- miles of testing for its BlueTec selec- that our Detroit Diesel engines with American Trucking Associations ment of the month. tive catalytic reduction (SCR) emis- BlueTec consistently meet the 2010 conference in Las Vegas. “The markets will not return to sions control system, Detroit Diesel emissions standards,” said Rakesh Specifically, Daimler truck sales previous sales levels in the near has now submitted applications to Aneja, 2010 program manager, in the NAFTA region showed a future and there is a lot of pres- the US Environmental Protection Detroit Diesel. 9% increase versus July. sure on pricing. But we have no Agency (EPA) for formal approval. “In addition to being good for the Sales were also relatively strong intention to enter the discount The DD13 and DD15 engines environment, BlueTec allows the in the European Union and in race and we are flexible enough to have been submitted for EPA certi- performance of the engine to be op- Brazil August proved to be the last this out…Cash flow is the fication already, with the DD16 to timized, thereby meeting cus- best sales month of 2009 so far. In name of this game and we are still follow next month, according to the tomers’ need for fuel efficiency, dri- Asia August was the second best in a positive position.” company. vability, reliability, simplicity, and month of the year. Daimler has taken decisive “The submission of our 2010 cer- convenience. Welcomed news in a year where steps to manage the situation. For tification applications, based on suc- “We are satisfied with the readi- the truck market imploded world- example, manpower levels in the cessful completion of our emissions ness of our engine and aftertreat- wide but for North America at NAFTA region were almost and OBD certification testing, is a ment system for production launch least it may be a mirage. halved between December 2006 key program milestone for us. We – in fact, pre-production of our The upturn in Class 8 sales may and June of this year. have millions of test miles under our 2010 trucks and engines is already simply be reflective of the weak In fact, in August they were able belt, including ‘real world’ freight underway. We remain excited at pre-buy before the 2010 engine to slightly add to their workforce. hauling experience in customer the prospect of offering a emissions deadline. Renschler ac- Also in April, everyone from the trucks as well as our own testing in paradigm-changing product to our knowledged that if that’s the case, president on down took a 10% extreme ambient conditions and di- customers.” ■ the final quarter of the year could pay cut. prove very slow. Renschler believes growth in Deserving driver to win a second chance Both Renschler and Martin the near future will come from the Daum, the new president and emerging markets and Daimler is KANSAS CITY,Mo.–It’s an are deserving of a second chance. CEO of Daimler’s operation in positioning itself to be a bigger American program for American The winning nominee will re- North America, believe the North player in these areas. drivers, but it’s nonetheless a no- ceive a 2007 Volvo VNL670 from American market will improve in Daimler is in a strong position ble award that will change some- Volvo, a one-year work agreement 2010 but it won’t be much to get in Brazil, having been there for 55 body’s life for the better. Arrow with Heartland Express and an as- excited about. years, but is looking at partner- Truck Sales has once again sortment of other prizes. They are basically banking on a ships in other countries. launched its Back on the Road “Over the past two years, we’ve 10% improvement in sales over Daimler is cooperating with the program, which will help a down- received a number of heart-warming the horrible year that was 2009. heavy-duty market leader in trodden truck driver get back on stories of truckers helping others in “We see very, very moderate Russia to enter the local volume his or her feet and back behind the need. So, we felt we should recog- growth, based on a U-shaped eco- market and recently announced a wheel of their own rig. nize these individuals, and their acts nomic recovery that will climb common project between Kamaz, The award, now in its third year, of kindness and consideration, as slowly. It will certainly not be V- MFTBC and JV for production looks to award a trucker who “con- part of this year’s campaign,” said shaped. If I had three wishes, that and sales of Fuso trucks in Russia. sistently and unselfishly” helps oth- Carl Heikel, CEO of Arrow Truck would be one of them but we are Daimler is also planning to enter ers in need or otherwise supports Sales. “We believe the Back on the not living in a fairy tale,” Daum the volume truck segment in the trucking industry. It has a Road campaign has not only had a said. India, starting in the construction celebrity spokesperson, country positive influence on those we’ve se- The past year has certainly sector. music star Aaron Tippin and a lected as winners, but on the truck- proven a nightmare ending to the It’s also looking to make moves strong partner in Volvo Trucks. ing industry as a whole.” fairy tale growth in Class 8 sales in the Chinese marketplace, Arrow is now soliciting stories So if you’ve got an American bud- shown during the decade. Daum said. ■ about American truckers who may dy who’s down on their luck and have lost their truck (and liveli- may be considered for the award, hood) through unfortunate circum- you can nominated them at Canadians among top Bendix distributors stances beyond their control, and www.BackOnTheRoad2010.com. ■ ELYRIA, Ohio – Bendix • Malmberg Truck Trailer Commercial Vehicle Systems has Equipment – Ottawa, Ont.; Class 8 orders continue slow climb awarded its top distributors with • Parts For Trucks – Dartmouth, platinum designation. N.S.; and NASHVILLE, Ind. – North American Class 8 net orders were up for the A total of 37 companies have • Ressorts Maska – St. Hyacinthe, fourth consecutive month in September, according to preliminary figures earned the highest ranking in Que. from industry forecaster FTR Associates. The North American OEMs Bendix’s Premier Distribution totaled 10,817 units in orders in September, the report says, which marks Program, including seven To achieve platinum status, dis- the fourth consecutive month-over-month gain.The total includes orders Canadian distributors. tributors must place in the top for the US, Canada and Mexico as well as exports. This year’s Canadian platinum 10% of the comprehensive Year-to-date orders are now 5.2% better than last year, according to distributors are: Bendix independent aftermarket FTR, marking the first year-over-year improvement since June 2008. distributor network, which covers “FTR still believes that any increases we are seeing now are partially • Buy-Rite Truck Parts – the US and Canada. driven by abnormal industry activity ahead of the 2010 EPA emissions Mississauga, Ont; Distributor performance is mandate,” noted FTR president Eric Starks.“The data we track does not • Fort Garry Industries – evaluated in six business perform- support any significant purchasing activity driven by increased freight Winnipeg, Man.; ance areas and each distributor’s demand any time soon. We continue to advise our clients to expect a • Harman Heavy Vehicle score places them in one of four continued soft recovery at least through 2010.” ■ Specialists – Kitchener, Ont.; categories: bronze, silver, gold, or • Macpek – Ste-Foy, Que. ; platinum. ■ pg 24-25 tw nov v2 10/14/09 4:18 PM Page 24

Page 24 TRUCK WEST November 2009 NewNew Products turing 140 pages and more than 100 whereas its new synthetic moves graphics, covering comprehensive, into action as soon as the ignition is step-by-step instructions on gear turned. Imperial Oil says its newest shifting in a wide range of applica- product also delivers and maintains tions, according to the author, who a strong, stable film of protection Problems with the ETR407? Help claims it will help drivers achieve a under heavy load and in high-tem- is now available from HTS to man- greater level of shifting proficiency. perature operations. It’s also more age Canadian toll highway invoic- The book is being marketed direct resistant to the formation of sludge ing.The company says it works with online and is available as a .PDF and deposits as well as viscosity toll operators to resolve problems, file from the author. Payment of breakdown than conventional mo- two-inch round, grommet-mount- settles outstanding balances, offers $9.95 is accepted via PayPal. For de- tor oils. Customers using the new ed accessory light for trucks and dispute resolution, corrects improp- tails, send an e-mail to the author: synthetic oil can also extend drain trailers. It complements the com- er invoicing and assists with plate [email protected]. intervals and reduce maintenance pany’s 179 Series, which it dubs the and transponder management. The • costs, Imperial Oil says.The new oil “ultimate accessory light.” The company also provides detailed Imperial Oil has introduced a new is available through Imperial Oil’s light features a unique 3D tunnel monthly breakdowns of your Mobil Delvac 1 ESP SAE 0W-40 national network of branded dis- effect, which led to its name. The charges. For more info, contact HTS heavy-duty synthetic motor oil tributors. More info is available by two models now available feature at [email protected] or which it says will offer added en- calling 800-268-3183 or visiting an operating range from eight- to call 416-986-9062. gine protection, particularly in cold www.imperialoil.ca. 16-volts and are available in amber • weather. The company says the oil and red. For more information, A former truck driver, driver-in- has proven in testing to reach even visit www.petersonmfg.com. structor and commercial driver ex- the furthest parts of the inside of an • aminer has authored an electronic engine within the first minute of Phillips has come out with a new textbook on gear selection and start-up, even at temperatures as trailer dome lamp it claims to be shifting. Practical Tips to Shifting cold as -43 C. Conventional oils the brightest trailer interior lamp for Students of Truck Driving thicken in the cold and allow met- Peterson Manufacturing has intro- on the market. Phillips says its Schools and Truck Drivers (ISBN: al-on-metal wear and tear during duced a new LED tunnel light.The Permalite XB trailer dome lamp 0-9684939-0-4), is a textbook fea- cold starts, the company claims, new 274 Series tunnel light is a boasts twice the light output of competitive lamps and its 175-degree light spread illuminates the trailer more thoroughly so pallet documents can be read anywhere within the trailer. The lamp draws only 1.8 amps at 12-volt DC, ac- A PAT ON THE BACK cording to the company. For more NEVER FELT SO info, visit www.phillipsind.com.

Haldex has announced it is now offering service parts for the Dana ESD-225 air disc brake caliper.The service kits include all the necessary parts required to service the Dana Spicer ESD-225 Air Disc Brake Caliper and are conveniently pack- Every year the Canadian Business Press aged for order, stock and identifica- recognizes publications that excel in writing and tion, according to Haldex. The kit is available from Haldex distributors graphic design. The Transportation Media Group or by visiting www.haldex.com.Also new from Haldex is a heavy-duty is proud to be part of an elite group. clutch guide wall chart and clutch guide/cross reference brochure.The wall chart and brochure include new Top five Canadian Business Website and remanufactured parts numbers, product photos and specifications. for the fourth straight year: The wall chart and brochure are trucknews.com available from Haldex distributors or by calling 800-267-9247 and pro- Top five finish in the Best Resource/Infrastructure Article: viding order code LL60059 (wall chart) or LL20649 (clutch James Menzies, Truck West guide/brochure). • Top five Canadian Business Website: Thermo King dealers are providing rebates of up to $1,000 on qualifying Canadian Transportation & Logistics: ctl.ca Espar heaters up until Dec. 31, the company has announced. Airtronic Gold Award in the Best Resource/Infrastructure Article: D4 and D2 truck kits are included as are Airtronic D2/Hydronic 5 combo Adam Ledlow, Canadian Transportation & Logistics truck kits and Hydronic D5 truck kits. Customers can find out more by Silver Award in the Best Cover Category: visiting a local Thermo King dealer. • Mary Peligra, Adam Ledlow, Lou Smyrlis, Motortruck Fleet Executive Alliance Parts and ArvinMeritor have teamed up to offer cost-effective remanufactured brake shoes, the companies have announced.The Canadian Transportation & Logistics and Motortruck Fleet Executive Alliance reman’d brake shoes offer were the only two transportation publications to receive value for any make or model of commercial vehicle, the companies gold or silver honours during the 2009 awards ceremony. claim, noting they’re still engineered to strict standards. The shoes are manufactured by ArvinMeritor and feature the company’s Platinum-

Transportation Media Group Shield advance shoe coating to pre- vent rust-jacking. They’re available Fleet Executive WEST from Freightliner and Western Star dealers. ■

KRW Awards.indd 1 17/06/09 11:19 AM pg 24-25 tw nov v2 10/14/09 4:19 PM Page 25

November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 25

Shell injects ‘Energized Protection’ into new oil line possible by moving to the T5 or T6 Rotella T5 allows fleets or from a conventional CJ-4 HDEO. owner/operators to extend drain in- By James Menzies Synthetic SAE 5W-40 which offers That can amount to about $800 per tervals and improve fuel mileage. In TORONTO, Ont. – Shell is com- the most advanced low-emissions truck each year based on 120,000 testing, a fleet of medium-duty pletely revamping its heavy-duty en- technology for aftertreatment sys- miles per year averaging 6 mpg. trucks performing city and on-high- gine oil (HDEO) portfolio to offer tems as well as fuel and maintenance Shell’s new trademark “Energized way deliveries achieved 1.6% better improved protection and perform- savings, according to the company. Protection” refers to the extra pro- fuel economy using Rotella T5 than ance while at the same time reduc- “The strengthening of Rotella tection the new portfolio offers a conventional 15W-40.Rotella T5 is ing customer confusion by eliminat- synthetic product offerings, along against harmful acids, deposits and especially strong in the areas of wear ing some of its brands. with moving to strictly CJ-4 prod- wear. Company officials said more and deposit control as well as piston Gone are Quaker State, Pennzoil ucts, further reinforces the techno- than 40 million miles of testing went cleanliness, Arcy explained, and it’s and Rimula brands. In their place is logical leadership position of Shell into developing the new product line specially designed for use with diesel a more complete portfolio of Shell’s Lubricants and will enable Shell and the results have been impres- particulate filters (DPFs). more popular Rotella brand. Shell Rotella to continue to build on its sive. Shell Rotella T6, a full-synthetic explained the changes to the position as the number one heavy- Shell officials spent much of the 5W-40 sits at the top of the new port- Canadian trucking press during a re- duty engine oil in terms of market press conference highlighting the folio’s food chain, delivering the best cent unveiling in Toronto. The new share, brand preference and brand performance improvements of its overall performance as well as: ex- portfolio boasts several perform- awareness in North America,” said higher end options. Rotella T with tended drains; fuel economy; engine ance and protection improvements Diane McFarlane, general manager, Triple Protection boasts an average cleanliness; wear protection; and and is now dubbed Shell Rotella Shell Canada Products’ Lubricants’ of 50% less wear than its CI-4 Plus high- and low-temperature flow. Energized Protection. business. “These products are predecessor in industry-recognized Compared to Shell’s previous 5W-40 The new portfolio, comprised en- proven on the road, not just in the engine tests, we were told. It also formulation,T6 offers, on average, a tirely of CJ-4 formulations, includes: lab, and are backed by over 40 mil- boasts up to 38% less iron wear than 34% improvement in wear. Shell of- Rotella T1, a straight grade engine lion miles of punishing on- and off- the soon-to-be discontinued Rotella ficials also claim Rotella T6 can ex- oil available in SAE 30, 40 and 50 highway testing.” CI-4 Plus 15W-40 and 22% less iron tend starter and battery life in cold grades; Rotella T3 15W-40 which All of the products that comprise wear than Rotella T3 15W-40. weather. For more, visit Shell says offers maintenance sav- the new portfolio are compatible Stepping up to the synthetic blend www.shell.ca/rotella. ■ ings; Rotella T with Triple with EPA2010-compliant engines Protection, which promises a 22% and are also completely backwards- reduction in engine wear over the compatible for use with current and previous Rimula Super 15W-40; legacy engines. Especially notewor- Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend, which is thy to fleets and owner/operators available as a 10W-40 or 10W-30 and may be the fuel-saving potential of FASTER, EASIER offers increased protection and fuel the Rotella T5 synthetic blend and economy over a conventional 15W- the T6 full-synthetic. Dan Arcy, %25'(5 &5266,1* 40 oil; and the most premium of Shell’s OEM technical manager, Don't lose C-TPAT, PIP, FAST or CSA compliant loads. them all, Shell’s Rotella T6 Full pointed out fuel savings of 1.5% are *HW &73$7 FHUWLÀHG ZLWKLQ GD\V Freightliner introduces vocational Coronado GET 3 MONTHS PORTLAND, Ore. – Freightliner ACE E-MANIFEST SERVICE ABSOLUTELY FREE has introduced a new severe-service Don’t let border security threaten your business WHEN YOU APPLY FOR C-TPAT version of its Coronado truck. proﬁtability. Take advantage of Avaal’s 24x7 Fax WITH AVAAL Avoid safety & service for e-Manifest and customs clearance. compliance audit The Coronado Severe Duty (SD) headaches and is aimed at the toughest vocational take full control applications, the company an- 9OUR.EW#AREER3TARTS(ERE Get The Competitive Edge of operations by by Avaal’s certiﬁcation in: implementing Avaal nounced when unveiling the new s4RANSPORT$ISPATCH-ANAGEMENT Express, Freight model at the International s&AST4RACK&REIGHT&ORWARDING Management/Dispatch Construction and Utility Equipment s,OGISTICS-ANAGEMENT software. Exhibition. “The flagship vocational product AVAAL’s professionals for Freightliner Trucks, the can also handle all your Coronado SD encompasses transportation authorities, Freightliner’s most advanced tech- permits, renewal and nological innovations, resulting in a The Coronado SD retains the fuel tax filings. Contact Dara Nagra versatile product that is built to per- Coronado’s distinctive chrome steel 1-877-995-1313 24-hr Email: [email protected] form and work,” said Richard intakes on either side of the hood, 2 Automatic Rd. Unit #110, Brampton, ON L6S 6K8 Shearing, director of product strate- however the intakes are aerodynam- Live Support www.avaal.com gy for Freightliner Trucks. ically-designed, the company points The Coronado SD is available in out.The Coronado SD also features set-back and set-forward axle con- a new single air filter with improved figurations. Features include a filtration capabilities. An optional durable fiberglass hood and fenders pre-cleaner creates a vortex effect to made of impact-absorbing material spin dust and heavy water particles WOWTRUCKS - Canada 2008 to minimize the risk of damage and out of the air and away from the en- An Image Tribute to the 2008 Show 'n' Shine Season cracking. A one-piece stainless steel gine. grille surround is accented with User-friendly features include a By David Benjatschek chrome steel horizontal bars. 90-degree hood tilt for easy access to New headlights feature single, engine components and easily-re- This book, created in conjunction high-tech reflectors for improved placeable headlight bulbs. with Pro-Trucker Magazine and lighting.The new truck also has new “We focused on and have deliv- Truck News, is an image tribute doors that the truck maker says are ered what is needed to get the job to 525 trucks met at several built lighter yet sturdier, to minimize done – a resilient and sturdy truck major Show 'n' Shine competitions mirror vibration. that is easily maintained out of the across Canada in 2008. “We created a truck strong shop,” said Clausen. Trucks covered are from enough to tackle the most extreme Inside the cab, the Coronado SD the following shows: elements,” said Shearing. boasts a new dash design with well- “Everything about the Coronado lit gauges and controls and switches • The Pro-Trucker Alberta Big Rig SD was carefully developed and strategically placed within easy Weekend built to keep it running and earning reach of the driver, Freightliner • The Pro-Trucker BC Big Rig revenue in any environment.” claims. It also reduced the number of Weekend “We understand that every joints in the dash to cut down on minute counts, so we developed the squeaks and rattles. • The Fergus Truck Show Coronado SD to keep customers out “Vocational applications are often • Rodeo du Camion of the shop and on the job longer,” loud, dirty and distracting at job added Melissa Clausen, director of sites, so we created a quiet interior Also including: the Vancouver Island product marketing for Freightliner for drivers,” said Shearing. Truck Show and the Northern BC Trucks. “Our new design elements The new Coronado SD will be Show 'n' Shine. enable drivers to easily make adjust- available with Detroit Diesel DD13, www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/626313 ments on their own, keeping repair DD15 and DD16 engines as well as costs and downtime to a minimum.” the Cummins ISX. ■ pg 26-27 tw nov v2 10/14/09 4:23 PM Page 26

Page 26 TRUCK WEST November 2009 NewNew Products

Road Test: Eaton’s UltraShift Plus transmission It’s a smarter, more diverse UltraShift. Will it be smart and diverse enough to pry Canadian truckers’ clenched fists from their beloved sticks?

By Paul Hartley were primarily intended for the line- operated through the transmission’s Mazahem said we could have over- MARSHALL, Mich. – Eaton’s re- haul crowd, and they relied on a cen- own control module. ridden the system and used an even cent introduction of the UltraShift trifugal clutch for launching and This pair of gadgets works in tan- higher gear. Plus, an improved automated trans- shifting. Unfortunately,that technol- dem – using info provided by the en- “It would probably handle fourth mission “family,” is the latest corpo- ogy didn’t always provide the so- gine ECM – to deliver silky smooth here because we’re on level rate attempt to pry North American phisticated executions users wanted. launches and precise, rapid shifts. ground,” he said. “Fifth would have truckers’ clenched fists from their The release of the UltraShift Plus Thanks to the assistance from a new- been too much, and the transmission beloved manual shift sticks. These changes the game entirely. First, it ly relocated inertia brake – or “I would tell you that. It won’t allow new products, awash with conven- comes in six versions, covering Brake,” to use an Eatonism – gear you choose an improper gear.It ience and safety features, might just 98.37% of all trucking applications changes are accomplished in roughly knows its capabilities.” do the trick. known to man.There is the LAS for half a second. We rolled forward smoothly with Heavy-duty automated transmis- linehaul, the VCS for vocational As if that weren’t enough, the Plus no driveline shudder nor faint whiff sions have been around a while. construction, the VXP for severe trannies also apparently know the of cooking clutch. Mazahem said Eaton has been building them for heavy-duty, the MHP for … well, appropriate gear for launching – Eaton engineers spent a lot of time some 25 years.The company’s previ- you get the idea. The Plus line also their thoughtful selections based mapping the torque transfer on each ous generations, however, had their features a new electronically activat- on vehicle weight, grade and avail- clutch plate in a multitude of scenar- limitations and peculiarities. They ed two-plate ceramic clutch that’s able power – when to skip-shift, ios, and they programmed that when to activate an engine brake, information into the transmission’s when to “creep” and, just as impor- software.This code, along with other tantly, when to completely ignore mechanical advances, allow clutch the driver. plates to open and close independ- MISSING “If you try to make one of these ently of each other, offering flaw- do something it’s not supposed to less launches in any imaginable do, it will just beep at you,” said condition. ZAINA TALIB Samir Mazahem, Eaton’s heavy- Heading toward the hill, I mashed duty transmission division chief hard on the accelerator, and the 5620-P engineer. transmission responded accordingly, D.O.B.: Apr. 14, 1999 Mazahem was one of six test- shifting from third to fourth to sixth truck chaperones accompanying to eighth to tenth to twelfth to four- Missing since: Nov. 11, 2005 media folks during an outdoor, teenth.We were soon halfway up the hands-on product introduction at short 8% grade, and the engine Missing from: Toronto, Ontario Eaton’s spacious, scenic and com- speed began sagging. The tranny Height: 4' 6" prehensive proving grounds near dropped one gear at 1,300 rpm; then Marshall, Mich., in early September. it went through a quick series of Weight: 80 lbs. He was in charge of a Pete Model two-gear downshifts as our momen- 379, powered by a Cummins ISX tum slowed, and the need for torque Eye Colour: Brown (rated at 600 hp) and grossing greatly increased. roughly 160,000 lbs. I joined him I was impressed with the system’s Hair Colour: Black May be in the company of Chaudhry Hassan Talib for the paved-hill portion of the performance. It not only knew when Characteristics: Hair long, straight, usually kept in Date of Birth: April 16, 1974 company’s nearly day-long demon- to shift, but also how many gears to a pony tail. stration.This roughly two-mile route take each time to keep the engine www.ontario.childﬁnd.ca included two stiff grades: one 8%, within its power band. Mazahem Anyone with information please contact: All Calls Conﬁdential – No Name Required the other 15%. credits the box’s “skill” to the newly Releasing the parking brake and added inclinometer, a device that moving the ‘driver interface’ to D, I measures road grade, and good soft- noticed that the transmission picked ware programming. CHILD FIND 1-800-387-7962 third as our launch gear. I thought “When writing the code, we al- the choice was a bit tall, but ways determine when to downshift pg 26-27 tw nov v2 10/14/09 4:24 PM Page 27

November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 27

based on a projected point where and began accelerating. Gould said the engine can recover an adequate the technique is a good – and safe – amount of torque to continue way to achieve maximum slowing pulling the weight forward,” he said. power without touching the founda- “We know where the engine rpm tion brakes. will be in every gear based on road Eaton executives said the speed. The goal is to choose a ratio UltraShift Plus was in development that provides the best power.” for nearly seven years – a long time, Of course, it also helps to make to be sure – and extensively field- these decisions in nanoseconds and tested during the last two. execute them in half-seconds, re- The company has clearly done its gardless of the seat cover in a pass- homework to ensure the product de- ing car, the interesting chatter on a livers on its promise. Still, the ques- CB or what just fell out of a shelf in tion arises: “Can we beat the very the bunk. best drivers in North America?” I brought the truck to a stop just Michael Holahan rhetorically asked past the summit so Mazahem could during the press event. “To be hon- demonstrate the transmission’s est, we’re still learning from them. downhill abilities. He said I should But we can beat a whole lot of oth- shift to third gear in the manual MAKING MOLEHILLS OUT OF MOUNTAINS: The UltraShift Plus’s diversity ers, enough so that fleets installing mode, release the brakes and keep makes it suitable for a wider variety of applications. Photo by Paul Hartley this transmission will notice a signif- my foot off the accelerator and icant uptick in their fuel economy brake pedal. I did as instructed, and – to check out its ability to slow came on at full power. As soon as a and corresponding decrease in their we began rolling forward. The en- our speed. downshift was possible, the trans- driveline maintenance costs.” gine retarder, which was set to medi- I was reluctant, imagining the aw- mission grabbed a gear, and it con- Now if they can just figure out a um power, immediately activated ful grinding sound that might ensue, tinued grabbing gears until we were way to peel those diehard truckers’ and curbed the truck’s speed some- but I followed her recommendation down to 15 mph, at which point I fingers away from their beloved where around 10 mph – not bad, anyway. Instantly, the engine brake switched the box back to automatic manual shift sticks. ■ considering that we were descend- ing a 15% slope carrying 160,000 lbs. Mazahem reached over and switched the retarder to low.Our ve- locity gradually increased.When the engine reached about 2,100 rpm, the Now accepting job postings transmission flipped into automatic mode and started upshifting – first in single steps, then two and three at a FREE OF CHARGE! time – to protect the engine from over-revving. The final display of technical wiz- ardry in Mazahem’s Pete occurred on our way back up the hill’s steep side. He’d told me to back off the throttle about halfway up the ascent. The tranny had already downshifted from 14 to 13 in an effort to keep us moving.When I took my foot off the accelerator, though, our speed sunk TRUCK-OPS, an online job board for office and mechanical fast, and the little UltraShift Plus gnomes under the floorboards went positions in the transportation industry, is now accepting straight to eighth then, after a lazy second or so, to first. At that point job postings…free of charge. we were pretty much just idling up the remaining few yards to the top. I’d challenge any seasoned gear- The job board, owned and operated by Truck News, Truck West jammer to match that maneuver and Motortruck Fleet Executive, is hosted at Trucknews.com. without coming to a complete stop. Following my heavy-haul trip, I Transportation companies can now sign up and submit their spent some time on the facility’s non-driving job opportunities for up to eight weeks for free. hilly, winding off-road course, first with a Cummins-powered cement mixer then a pair of Cat-powered “We realize most transportation companies are watching their dump trucks: all Kenworth T800 models. Their transmissions shared costsverycloselyrightnow,”saidKathyPenner,associate many of the same characteristics I’d experienced in the Pete, but they publisherofTruckNews/TruckWestandadministratorofthe were fine-tuned for vocational Truck-Opsservice.“However,wealsoknowit’simportantto needs. Eaton officials say that any of the Plus models can be easily cus- findtherightpeopletofillimportantpositionswithinyour tomized for buyers’ unique needs. company.ByofferingourTruck-Opsserviceforfree,we’re This is done through the Service Ranger software package, which is giving back to the industry and helping transportation currently available only to dealers and the company’s largest cus- companies to strengthen their operations going forward.” tomers. Wider distribution might be possible in the future, said Michael Holahan, Eaton’s program manager To submit an ad, go to www.trucknews.com, for the UltraShift Plus. click the Truck-Ops button on the left-hand “The challenge is making sure people would know how to correctly side of the page and follow the instructions. use it.” My last romp of the day was on the facility’s oval road course, driving a Kenworth W900, Cummins powered and grossing 129,000 lbs. I was accompanied by Rose Gould, Trucknews.com… an Eaton test pilot. theonlyrideyou’lleverneedontheinformationhighway. Rounding the track’s final turn we were cruising at roughly 55 mph, and she suggested I shift the transmission to the low mode – as in first gear pg 28 tw nov v2 10/14/09 2:47 PM Page 1

MarkMark Dalton: Owner Operator

FICTIONFICTION Hands On Trucking Part 34

By Edo van Belkom “I have drivers coming in here every them!” The Story So Far... day with knee and ankle injuries they Mark bent his Before making a delivery of hardwood flooring sustained by jumping rather than step- knee and felt pain to a big warehouse, Mark jumps from his cab ping. Which leg is it?” flare in the joint. “I and injures his knee. Working through the pain, “This one,” Mark said, putting his will," he said. Mark is told by the shipper that all the ware- bad leg up on the bench. • house workers are gone, so if Mark wants his The doctor put one hand under the Instead of calling truck unloaded he’ll have to do it himself. Mark knee and another on the ankle and be- Bud for another wants another load so he unloads it himself. gan to bend the leg slowly. load, Mark left the His knee aches. Mark felt no pain at first, but walk-in clinic and Mark’s knee is sorer than ever, but he keeps then…“Ahh!” got his prescrip- working. He gets another load to the same The doctor eased up on the leg, then tion filled at a warehouse and there are still no workers to slowly straightened it, until…“Ahh- nearby pharmacy. unload his truck. Unhappy, Mark unloads his ahh!” The prescription's trailer wondering how he could be so unlucky He put down the leg. instructions said he to make two deliveries when no-one was “You've put a strain on it for sure, should take the around… maybe tearing the ligament, maybe the medications with • tendon.” food, so he drove Mark awoke the next morning with still “You don't know?” to a nearby Tim’s more pain in his knee. He could bend it “I could cut your knee open and take where it looked well enough but there was a constant a look for sure, but that would make it like a lot of truckers stopped for coffee our friend, the crook.” ache that didn't want to go away – it worse... A few weeks of rest and your and snacks. Vito looked at Mark and smiled, re- was there at rest, under load... always. pain should be gone. A few more When he entered the coffee shop he vealing a row of picket fence teeth. ‘I’ve got to get this checked out,’ weeks and you'll be as good as new. If was greeted by a couple of smiles and “Union meeting?” he said. thought Mark. not, and the pain persists, you'll need a few familiar faces. The drivers around the table And so he decided to put off calling surgery.” “That’s Mark,” someone said. laughed. Bud for a load and use the time to see a “Aren’t you going to tell me to take “Mark who?” said another. “Out to lunch?” doctor instead. Because Mark was on some time off?” Mark walked over to the table More laughter. the road so much, he really didn't have The doctor shook his head. “I tell the and said hello. “You look familiar,” he “Off sick. Taking a kid to the dentist.” a regular “family” doctor, but he did drivers who come to me to rest as best said to one of the drivers seated at the Roars this time, and Mark could visit a walk-in clinic near the airport they can. They all have to make a living table. “Didn’t we meet on the road out- feel his face getting red. “What's so where a lot of drivers went because it after all.” side of…” funny?” was so close to a lot of the container Mark shook his head. “But how “Timmins,” said the first driver. “That guy doesn’t have any workers. yards in the area. Hopefully he'd be could this happen, I just jumped a few “And I remember you from Halifax. He counts on truckers to unload their able to see a doctor without too long of feet?” You warned me about some loose own trucks because we all just want to a wait. The doctor nodded. “You weigh strapping on my load.” get on our way.” When he arrived at the clinic it was about 200 pounds, right?” “I did?” Mark asked. Mark said nothing at first, seething in just after nine and there were already Mark nodded. “Yes sir. Saved me a lot of money... anger over being so easily taken for a three people in front of him. He filled “You jumped maybe two, three feet, not to mention grief.” fool. “I had a feeling something wasn’t out the forms the nurse provided him, but you landed on one foot with all your “Well, what do you know?” Mark right.” presented his provincial health card weight, putting a force of many hun- said. He didn't remember the incident, “How many deliveries did you and waited. dreds of pounds on your poor knee. It but he’d helped a lot of people over the make?” Halfway through a Maclean’s maga- was designed to bend, not take a load, years and it was quite possible he’d “Two.” zine article about the rising cost of so something broke.” helped this guy too. “You’re lucky,” Josef said. “I made everything, he was called in to see the “But it was just a few feet.” “My name’s Josef, by the way.” four before I caught on. Vito did three, doctor. “Okay, let me ask you this. Would “Oh yeah, Josef.” Mark still didn’t re- and Sal over there, well, he made six Doctor Dhillon was of South Asian you put a three-tonne load on a trailer member the man. “How you doing? deliveries before we stopped him.” descent and spoke Punjabi as well as that’s rated for one tonne?” “Fine. What do you drink?” The driver named Sal shrugged his English, which made him a favourite “No, something would break,” Mark “Large double-double.” shoulders. “I’m not as smart as these among the ethnic drivers who worked said with a mix of realization and “Hey Vito,” Josef called over to two, I guess.” in the area. frustration. another driver at the cash. “Bring Mark smiled in Sal’s direction, but on The doctor looked at the clipboard in “I will give you something to keep the another double-double.” Then he the inside he was angry with himself for front of him. “And your name is...” swelling down, and for the pain. But turned his attention back to Mark. “So being had, and with a shipper who “Mark.” the best thing I can give you is advice. what are you doing here? I thought you would try and make money by ripping “Mark who?” Are you aware of the principle of three- did just long-haul stuff.” off hard working people who were just Mark wondered if Bud had given the point contact.” “Things are slow, so I’m doing a trying to make a living. doctor a call. “Mark Dalton.” “I’m not sure. It sounds familiar.” bunch of loads to this flooring ware- “So where are you heading next? “Uh-huh." He nodded his head and “It’s easy to remember. Any time you house. You know... hardwood, ceramic. Vancouver? Montreal? Maybe the continued looking over the information are getting in or out of your truck, make Stuff like that.” States?” on the clipboard. sure you have three points of contact – “Don’t tell me. You’ve been unload- Mark thought about it for a second, “I hurt my…” two hands, one foot; two feet, one ing your truck yourself, right?” then said. “Nah, I might stay in town The doctor put up his hand to silence hand. If you do that, you’ll always be Mark just looked at the man. “How’d for a little while longer.” Mark. “Let me guess... You are a truck stable and will never slip or fall.” you know that?” Like maybe for one more load. ■ driver. And you hurt your knee jumping “I’ll try it.” The other driver arrived at the table down from your truck.” “Don’t try. Do it! Your truck has all the with his coffee then. - Mark Dalton returns next month in the “That’s right. How did you know?” steps and handholds you need. Use “Hey Vito. He’s delivering flooring to conclusion of Hands-On Trucking.

The continuing adventures of Mark Dalton: Owner/Operator brought to you by MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA (CANADA) INC. pg 29 tw nov v2 10/15/09 10:34 AM Page 29

November 2009 TRUCK WEST Page 29 PeoplePeople Four Manitoba drivers receive awards WINNIPEG, Man. – The reviews from his employer, a divi- Manitoba Trucking Association sion of Gardewine North, where and Custom Truck Sales named he has spent the last 14 years of the first four winners of the new- his career. ly-formed Industry Excellence He’s been described as a “con- Award. summate professional” and goes Bruce Wright of Northern “above and beyond even our Deck, Robert St.Vincent of Bison highest level,” according to com- Transport, Doug Ducharme of pany officials. Arnold Bros. and Fred Barnett of He’s been trucking since 1987 Len Dubois Trucking were the and before that worked in the first to receive the honour. shop as a mechanic and general The award goes to drivers that labourer. demonstrate excellence in four Len Dubois Trucking’s Barnett categories: commitment to the in- won the award based largely on dustry; commitment to safety; his customer service abilities, ac- commitment to customer service; cording to the MTA. and acts that go beyond what is He has been an owner/operator normally expected of drivers in with Len Dubois for six years and day-to-day operations. has often been acknowledged by AWARD WINNERS: Pictured from left to right: Earl Coleman (president, Recipients will then be consid- customers for his professional- Manitoba Trucking Association), Bruce Wright (Northern Deck), Fred Barnett (Len ered for the MTA-Volvo Trucks ism. Barnett excels at multi-drop Dubois Trucking, Inc), Robert St. Vincent (Bison Transport) and Jim Clark Canada Manitoba Driver of the and job-site deliveries and on- (Custom Truck Sales Inc.). Missing from picture: Doug Ducharme (Arnold Bros. Year award, according to the asso- time service according to his em- Transport). ciation. ployer. Northern Deck driver Wright, Arnold Bros. driver Ducharme his commitment to safety, which ‘Thank you with all my heart, Mr. earned the award based on rave boats a clean abstract thanks to helped earn him the award. Transport Driver, you saved my He has already won a variety of life. I would love to meet you in safety awards and bonuses and person and hug you. None of this Opinion Arnold Bros. officials say he also was your fault, you did a great job takes great care of his equipment. at steering your rig as best you Let’s hope for end to DriveTest strike Bison’s St. Vincent won the could under the circumstances. award for his life-saving heroics Thank you so much! You are my As Thanksgiving weekend came when he had to maneuver his angel.Although I don’t know your and went, there were a lot of Publisher’s truck in icy conditions on a north- name, you will always have a place Ontario families that had less to Comment ern Ontario highway to avoid hit- in my heart.’ be thankful about due to an ongo- ting two other motorists. The mo- The MTA continues to seek ing strike by employees of Rob torists later thanked him for nominations for future awards. DriveTest. Wilkins saving their lives. Full details can be found online I’m talking about the men and In a letter, the motorists ac- at the MTA’s Web site: women who have been unable to knowledged St. Vincent’s heroics: www.trucking.mb.ca. ■ get their A/Z licences and the (some even have jobs waiting for people who train them, many of them) and they haven’t been able whom have been laid off due to to take their road test as their EI this nearly two-month long (and benefits trickled away. counting) dispute. Jobless rates have been climb- I don’t know enough about the ing through the recession and we situation to decide who’s right should be making it easier – not and who’s wrong. more difficult – for people to It seems the employees, includ- work. The most frustrating thing ing driver examiners, have some about the strike is that there beefs about working conditions – seems to have been little progress and they may well be legitimate. in the negotiations. Acklands Grainger ...... 31 What I do know is that the two In fact, the two sides have gone sides need to get back to the table stretches of time without even Avaal Technologies...... 25 and work out a deal pronto, so negotiating at all. that the innocent victims of this One thing’s for sure, two sides Bison Transport ...... 7 strike can get back to work. can’t meet in the middle unless Career Opportunities ...... 7 Many of the victims of the they’re willing to sit down together strike are workers who have been and hammer out a compromise. Castrol ...... 21 displaced from manufacturing Let’s get at it! ■ jobs at steel plants and other pro- Chevron Global Lubricants...... 4 fessions. – Rob Wilkins is the publisher of Child Find ...... 26 Now they’re interested in pursu- Truck West and he can be reached at ing a second career in our industry 416-510-5123. Crossword...... 10,29 General Electric Canada...... 15 This month’s Great Dane Trailers...... 32 CROSSWORD Hankook Tires ...... 18 Imperial Oil ...... 30 SOLUTION Just Pardons ...... 11 is brought to you by Mack Canada ...... 2,3 Michelin ...... 13 PAI Canada...... 17 Peterson Manufacturing...... 19 Truck-Ops...... 27 Truck West Subscription...... 22 Whiting Group Of Canada ...... 9 Try it online at: www.trucknews.com WOW Trucks...... 25 pg 30 tw nov v2 10/16/09 12:04 PM Page 30

Page 30 TRUCK WEST November 2009 TSQTSQ BOWMANVILLE, Ont. – After Princeton, Ont., says he’s sick of announcing its decision to ban cell Truck Stop How will the having car drivers talking on their phone usage while driving several Question cells phones passing his truck only months ago, the Ontario govern- to have them slow right down, so ment has finally tacked on an en- industry react to he’s looking forward to the law’s forcement date: Oct. 26. Adam Ledlow Ontario’s cell (and enforcement.“They should just set The new law will make it illegal Managing Editor the bloody things down and drive.” to use a handheld communications As far as the CB radio is con- or entertainment device while eventual CB) ban? cerned, he admits he doesn’t use it driving, in an effort to increase very often, other than listening to it road safety. Temporarily spared from time to time, but that most from that list of handheld devices truckers should be able to deal is the CB radio, which has a three- for truck drivers. with the eventual handheld ban. “I year phase-out period to allow “(I use it) all the time. You need don’t see any problem with leaving time for hands-free alternatives to it for directions, accidents up CB the way it is, (but) if they can be developed (For more on this ahead, brake checks. It’s a necessi- do a hands-free, it shouldn’t bother story, see pg. 9). ty,” he says. anybody, I wouldn’t think.” But how will drivers feel about When asked about using a • the eventual ban on such a long- hands-free device instead, standing staple of the trucking in- Melvin McKinnon says he wouldn’t con- dustry? Might this spell the end of McKinnon sider it. “You’ve got something the CB for good? Truck West went hanging off of your ear and some- to the Fifth Wheel Truck Stop in thing plugged into your ear, so Bowmanville, Ont. to see how you’re not hearing what’s going on drivers feel about the new law. N.S., says that while he agrees with around you,” he said. • the cell phone ban, he’s wary of the • Melvin McKinnon, a driver with what the eventual CB ban will Kevin Harrison, a driver with Gerard Wadden Transportation in Sydney, mean for what he calls a “lifeline” Gunner Transportation in Desrosiers

Gerard Desrosiers, a driver with Robert Transport out of Boucherville, Que., says he is 100% behind the new law. “If you drive, you can’t take your hands off for everything. I think that’s a good law,” says the 46-year veteran. “I think it’s nice to have a CB, but in the traffic, your eyes are on the road. When you speak with a friend (on the CB), it’s not really correct.” t 1 • 0 . 9 W 5 k 0 9 _ P T / M I S

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x Creative D x E expected from the industry. 9 0 0 2 “It’s not just nostalgia – it’s our © Art Directoradar detector, it’s our advanced warning system. It’s been synony- mous with our industry since day CopyWri one,” he said. “They want to make Introducing Mobil Delvac 1 ESP 0W-40: the ultimate level of cold weather protection and reliability from an API CJ-4 licensed SAE 0W-40 synthetic. With over 80 years life tougher out there for us, basi- of specialization in heavy-duty lubricants, Mobil Delvac is trusted by the world’s Accountcally. D With the new technology, it’s top ﬁve heavy-duty engine builders and millions of truck drivers around the world. more of a cost to us to update and Find out more at www.delvac.ca. Accountto M go with the flow. No one’s going to be happy with the new rules. They never are. It doesn’t matter Produtionwhat it is, they never are.” ■

McGill– Adam Ledlow is now on Twitter! www.essolubes.ca Joind today and follow his tweets at twitter.com/adamledlow.

A.CVL.DELV.312.4C.01.indd 1 9/14/09 5:00:07 PM Apg 31 tw nov 10/14/09 1:05 PM Page 1

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