Bridge to Someday Top 10 of 2017 Waiting for a new U.S. crossing PG. 10 Products that topped our list PG. 36

The Business Magazine of Canada’s Trucking Industry EVERYONE’S TALKING TESLA

W 5C4. Will it be the game changer?

January 2018 www.todaystrucking.com plus Yard Dogs Tools to keep your trailers rolling Sleep Well

Canadian Mail Sales Product Agreement #40063170. Return postage guaranteed. Newcom Media Inc., 451 Attwell Dr., Toronto, ON M9 Researchers fascinated by fatigue

Contents January 2018 | VOLUME 32, NO.1

5 Letters 7 John G. Smith 10 16 9 Rolf Lockwood 31 Mike McCarron

NEWS & NOTES Dispatches 13 MacKinnon Sold Ontario fleet sold to Contrans 22 Heard on the Street 32 36 23 Logbook 24 Truck Sales 25 Pulse Survey 26 Stat Pack 27 Trending 30 Truck of the Month

In Gear 44 Yard Dogs Features Keep trailers moving in the yard with 10 Bridge to Someday specialized equipment Work on the Gordie Howe International 48 Southern Stars Bridge continues, but at a slow pace By Elizabeth Bate Cabovers gaining ground in Mexico 16 Talking Tesla 51 Product Watch Elon Musk (partially) unveils his electric truck. 52 Guess the location, Will it be the game changer he promises? By John G. Smith win a hat 32 Sleep Well Good health begins with proper sleep. Researchers want to know if drivers are getting what they need. By Elizabeth Bate

36 The Top 10 Here’s the tech that topped our editor’s list in 2017 By John G. Smith

Cover Image: Courtesy of Tesla For more visit www.todaystrucking.com

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U.S.A. Owned & U.S.A. Made  Letters Is the computer my boss? The Business Magazine of Canada’s Trucking Industry Eventually we will need an Electronic Logging Device [in Canada], but who am I as a PUBLISHER Joe Glionna single truck owner and self-employed businessman reporting to? The computer in my [email protected] • 416/614-5805 office – since, as I have been told, my ELD will need to send the information somewhere. VICE PRESIDENT, EDITORIAL Rolf Lockwood, MCILT Seems a little silly that I will need an internet connection and a program in my office [email protected] • 416/614-5825 to receive data from one truck, but I guess the regulators can’t differentiate. EDITOR John G. Smith — Peter LaRocque [email protected] • 416/614-5812 JPL Storage ASSOCIATE EDITOR Elizabeth Bate Haileybury, Ontario [email protected] • 416/614-5828 Email: CONTRIBUTORS: Steve Bouchard, Mike McCarron, [email protected] Jim Park, Nicolas Trépanier The insurance ‘myth’ is a reality DESIGN / LAYOUT Re: Generation Next (November 2017) Tim Norton, Frank Scatozza [email protected] • 416/614-5818 I need to point out a rare error in your latest magazine. SALES AND MARKETING CONSULTANT The above article states that it’s a “myth” that insurance Anthony Buttino SEND YOUR [email protected] • 416/458-0103 premiums are higher for younger/new drivers. I suppose, LETTERS TO: SALES AND MARKETING CONSULTANT technically, it is a myth, since if you are a small trucking Nickisha Rashid Newcom [email protected] • 416/614-5824 company you can’t hire them at all, at any cost. But even after Media Inc., some experience, premiums are considerably higher, at least QUÉBEC ACCOUNTS MANAGER 451 Attwell Dr., Denis Arsenault for a small company. Since the majority of trucks are operated [email protected] • 514/947-7228 Toronto, ON by smaller companies, this “myth” clearly is a real problem. CIRCULATION MANAGER M9W 5C4 Pat Glionna I’ve had to reject several good, qualified drivers, young and 416/614-2200 • 416/614-8861 (fax) old, either because of lack of experience, or demerit points. If we publish PRODUCTION MANAGER Lilianna Kantor When the company reaches a certain size, you are allowed your letter, we’ll [email protected] • 416/614-5815 one rookie for every six or seven experienced drivers, at an even send you a increased rate. When I question this logic, or the logic that Today’s Trucking Kenneth R. Wilson hat as our thanks. Award Winner every driver I’m not allowed to hire ends up immediately at a large company, I’m given the phrase: “risk management”. Why don’t we call it what it really is – “profit management”? Once your insurance bill reaches a certain level, the insurance companies will allow a percentage of your NEWCOM MEDIA INC. drivers to be less-qualified. The driver hasn’t gotten any safer because they’re part of 451 Attwell Dr., Toronto, ON M9W 5C4 416/614-2200 • 416/614-8861 (fax) a larger fleet, just as they become no safer because the name on the door belongs to a CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER larger fleet. This nonsense, along with all the other exceptional and true reasons in the Jim Glionna article, leaves no mystery why few millennials stay in such a demanding, thankless, and PRESIDENT Joe Glionna underpaid industry – one that is increasingly and unnecessarily over-regulated. One other point on the projected shortfall of 34,000 drivers? This is strictly count- VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Melissa Summerfield ing empty seats, I assume. From what many of us seasoned “old-farts” see daily, if we CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER include licensed drivers who should never have become employed in the first place, Peter Fryters that number is deceivingly small. DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Pat Glionna — Bill Cameron

Today’s Trucking is published monthly by NEWCOM MEDIA INC., 451 Attwell Dr., Owen Sound, Ontario Toronto, ON M9W 5C4. It is produced expressly for owners and/or operators of one or more straight trucks or tractor-trailers with gross weights of at least 19,500 pounds, and for truck/trailer dealers and heavy-duty parts dis- tributors. Subscriptions are free to those who meet the criteria. For others: Surviving one of those days single-copy price: $5 plus applicable taxes; one-year subscription: $40 plus applicable taxes; one-year subscription in U.S.: $60 US; one-year subscrip- Just wanted this day to end. Tell me if there is a the opening for a paperboy in your office. tion foreign: $90 US. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent Got hit in the windshield by a flying pie! (Lemon I think). In a way it was a good of the publisher. The advertiser agrees to protect the publisher against legal omen. While I pulled off to survey the mess, I of course was passed by a whack of action based upon libelous or inaccurate statements, unauthorized use of photographs, or other material in connection with advertisements placed trucks. Got back in behind these guys and, boom, [another truck was] hit eight trucks in Today’s Trucking. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising which in his opinion is misleading, scatological, or in poor taste. Postmaster: in front of me by a four-wheeler heading the wrong way on Highway 2 in Sussex, New Address changes to Today’s Trucking, 451 Attwell Dr., Toronto, ON M9W 5C4. Postage paid Canadian Publications Mail Sales Agreement No.40063170. Brunswick. Both vehicles burned to the ground. ISSN No. 0837-1512. Printed in Canada. If it wasn’t for that pie it might have been my plastic truck burning. We get through that. I switch out in Moncton, start heading to Prince Edward Island. Damn kids were burning giant tractor tires on Highway 15! Ugh! Tell me why I still do this job!

Member — Lance Nolan Cambridge, Ontario

JANUARY 2018 5

Editorial

By John G. Smith

Musk Matters Tesla’s launch was light on details, but it’s sparking important conversations

he recent reveal of the Tesla Semi was like none other Look no further than the launch event itself. In some ways, – and not simply because it offered the first look at a Musk’s presence eclipsed the truck and Roadster in its trailer. T prototype of the company’s electric Class 8 truck. If The 1,000-plus-strong crowd greeted him much like Apple anything, there were still plenty of unanswered questions once devotees once hung on every word of tech visionary Steve Jobs. the lights dimmed and fog machines were stowed away. Every product claim was greeted with cheers. The Tesla Semi is Other than acknowledging the truck battery sits beneath fast! It can be charged with sunlight! The windshield can survive the cab, offering a low center of gravity, Tesla has yet to a nuclear blast! offer any real insights into the underlying power supply. This Tesla isn’t even the only manufacturer exploring electrification all- important power-pack promises to store enough energy to – as ongoing coverage in Today’s Trucking has shown – but this offer an 800- kilometer range, but we’re still missing spec’s such is the truck the general public is talking about. It’s certainly the as how much it weighs. only truck launch that friends A pretty vital measure “ In some ways, outside the trucking industry when trying to deter- ever asked me about. (“Were mine how much freight Musk’s presence you really there to see the Tesla? it can haul. That’s so cool!”) The cost per mile is eclipsed the truck The star power matters also said to be at least because, pun intended, the Tesla 20% cheaper than diesel, and Roadster in Semi is sparking more conversa- but claims like these are tions about electrification and defined in fine print, its trailer.” the truck as a tech hub. Even a especially where the text first glimpse leaves us imagining reveals costs that are excluded. And as for the promise that the driver information displays the size of tablets rather than smart Tesla Semi and its unproven technology will run a million miles phones, and steering wheels the size of those in a family car. without ever breaking down? Please. In an era where we’re trying to engage a new generation of Setting aside the truck itself, we are even left to wonder about workers, actually getting them to see trucking as a tech- savvy the rollout plans for charging stations, and where the trucks career, the Tesla Semi certainly foots the bill. The value of the will be sold and repaired. Each is a factor that plays a role in Tesla brand in getting shippers and the general public to think everything from operating strategies to residual values. about the same thing is undoubtedly on the mind of those who Elon Musk, Tesla’s product architect and Chief Executive place early orders before knowing exactly how well the truck will Officer, seemed more consumed by the truck’s potential speed fit into their operations. when unveiling the prototypes during his stage presentation. The The market will decide if the Tesla Semi is viable. But promise of an 80,000-pound tractor trailer launching from a stop in the meantime, Musk has ensured that people are talking to highway speeds in 20 seconds seems important to car devotees, about trucks in a new way, no matter how many orders are but it’s meaningless in real-world trucking applications. Fleet placed. TT managers are unlikely to encourage pedal-to-the-floor driving habits that sacrifice safety and tires alike. John G. Smith is editor of Today’s Trucking. Make no mistake about it, though. Musk still matters. You can reach him at 416-614-5812 or [email protected].

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Produced in partnership with: Lockwood

By Rolf Lockwood

Coaching, not Training Training to promote fuel efficiency and safety is only effective if it includes refresher courses

river training is a subject dear to my editorial heart, but proper acceleration, and maintaining the correct engine and I fear we don’t do it well enough. For one thing, the focus road speed. The data showed that, with monitoring and commu- D of training is almost always on making sure truck pilots nication, a driver operating a truck an average of 156,000 miles don’t hit the weeds too often, or infinitely worse, whack the aged per year could save 2,640 U.S. gallons of fuel, says PIT. I’m not sure librarian’s Toyota. that many folks do all those miles, frankly, but the point is clear. Safety is obviously paramount, but there’s more to it. Another test illustrated the virtues of Automated Manual Think fuel economy. Transmissions (AMT). A group of 35 regional-haul drivers were Most of you make the connection between training and lower monitored for nine months, including 22 operating a manual fuel bills, and some of you have incentive programs that reward transmission, and 13 operating an AMT. efficient drivers for low idling times and superior miles- per- Drivers with manual transmissions would shift in the most gallon figures. For those who don’t, there’s now some science to fuel-efficient range (1,000 to 1,400 rpm) 55% of the time, while change your mind. And maybe convince everyone to think of the AMT drivers were in process as continuous “coaching”. the most efficient range The PIT Group in Quebec recently released a driver-training “ The largest impacts 78% of the time. Average effectiveness study exploring the true value of driver monitor- on fuel consumption? engine speed for manu- ing and coaching to address bad habits and reinforce efficient al drivers was 1,316 rpm techniques. PIT is a research and engineering outfit focused on Cruise control, proper versus 1,240 rpm for improving truck spec’ing, maintenance, and operations practices. drivers with AMTs. The PIT’s study suggests that training to promote driver fuel effi- acceleration, and overall result was a 5% ciency and safety is only effective if it includes refresher courses fuel savings in favor of to reinforce good practices and address weaknesses. maintaining the automated manuals. We “While vehicle technology designed to improve fuel economy kinda knew that. continues to advance, driver training is the element that has correct engine speed.” “What these and the largest impact on fuel consumption,” says Yves Provencher, other studies tell us is director - market and business development at PIT Group. “Our that training is only effective if it is reinforced with new ideas studies show that various ways to train drivers, including class- and structured to include regular reminders,” says Provencher. room, in-cab, and simulator training, all have their advantages. “Many companies make the mistake of providing the same train- “However, the lessons and techniques they teach don’t ing year after year without focusing on weaknesses or adding last without monitoring behaviors,” he continues. “Providing new ideas to make the lessons more interesting and effective. refresher training and in-vehicle coaching technologies that “Regardless of the type of training and its initial effectiveness, address bad habits and reinforce effective skills is what’s needed it is human nature to revert to old habits unless we are constant- to maintain and improve fuel-efficient and safe performance.” ly reminded what works best,” Provencher adds. “In the end, the In one study of longhaul operations, PIT compared 47 control type of training really doesn’t matter as much as the monitoring drivers and 38 test drivers before and after simulator training that takes place afterward.” that focused on things like road and engine speed, acceleration, And that’s a strong vote in favor of data analysis, a topic for and more. Baselines were established over two months before another day. TT the 38 test drivers were trained. Afterward, evaluations were done at one, three, six, and nine months. Rolf Lockwood is vice-president, editorial, at Newcom Media Inc. The largest impacts on fuel consumption? Cruise control, You can reach him at 416-614-5825 or [email protected].

JANUARY 2018 9 Bridge to Someday Work on international Gordie Howe Bridge continues, but at a slow pace By Elizabeth Bate

The one thing that is cer- There is now the promise tain about the plans for a of massive toll plazas on each new international bridge side of the border, including in Windsor, Ontario, is 18 commercial inspection the name. Gordie Howe, booths, and staging areas for Canada’s famed Mr. Hockey trucks between primary and and a long-time Detroit Red secondary checkpoints. Wing, will have his name About $350 million has added to the span when the already been spent to clear time comes. away existing roads and The question is exactly structures; add pumping, when the time will come. drain, and stormwater man- Even as new details agement to the area; relocate emerge, the project has been hydro lines underground; ant Request for Proposals gies, but nothing is certain. beset by delays. Owners of relocate some species of (RFP). But that extension The toll collection and bridge the nearby Ambassador plants and animals; and add pushed back the financial maintenance is also included Bridge are also among those nearly 1 million tons of fill closure of the project to in the yet-to-be-finalized RFP. who continue to ask courts to to the Canadian side of the September 2018. This means But the tolls will be collect- scuttle the project altogether. river, raising the land about the authority can’t confirm ed entirely on the Canadian But the earth is moving, nine meters to meet the Herb a completed design, cost, side of the bridge because all albeit slowly. Highway Gray Parkway. projected tolls, or timeline the funding will be Canadian. approaches are taking The Windsor-Detroit for the work. All pretty U.S. partners aren’t investing shape, leading up to the Bridge Authority has even vital details. a penny in the project, says spot that is to connect Herb narrowed a list of potential The bridge authority says Andrew Doctoroff, special Gray Parkway, the Windsor partners to design, build, and conversations around tolls projects advisor to Michigan extension of Ontario maintain the bridge to three have included automated Governor Rick Snyder. Even Highway 401, and Michigan’s firms, after a four-month tolling and direct billing for the mounting legal bills Interstate I-75. extension to the all-import- fleets, among other strate- to acquire the needed land

10 TODAY’S TRUCKING MacKinnon Sold PG. 13 Mulroney on NAFTA PG. 15 Mack’s star power PG. 20

of Canada is generously Doctoroff says tenants Hydro One workers move lines underground to make way financing,” said Doctoroff. have been offered a good for the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Ontario . “We’ve had nothing but great price for their homes or cooperation to make sure businesses, as well as reloca- those bills are paid.” tion services and other help. Doctoroff and Tenants need only provide Michigan Department of evidence of a lease for what Transportation represen- Doctoroff calls safe, sanitary, tatives said during a recent and decent housing before briefing that they effectively Michigan will issue a check. control 93% of the land Resident Steve Toth of the needed for their side of Delray area of Detroit, where the bridge. More than 80% the bridge is expected to link of it belongs to the state to the American side, sees free and clear, while the things a little differently. remaining 13% has out- Toth says the relocation standing court orders for services offered to him tenants to be evicted in a amount to websites and reasonable time. other information down- loaded off the internet, while the promised payment for relocation won’t help him find a new place to live if he has no money to cover up-front moving costs. “You can’t leave if you for the project are being have no money,” he said, funded by the government approaching a busload of that sits on this side of the journalists during a recent Detroit River. tour of the site. “I want to “Every single penny be treated fairly, and I don’t that is being spent by [the think I’m being treated fair- Michigan Department of ly. And a lot of the people Transportation] is being haven’t been treated fairly promptly and fully reim- down here.” bursed by the government ▲ Andrew Doctoroff standing Toth says instead of the of Canada, by the [bridge on a Gordie Howe International help he’s asked for, he was Bridge site in Detroit, Michigan. authority]. We invoice them served an eviction notice and we pay in full, and we the day before a recent

▲ Delray resident Steve Toth is are deeply appreciative having a hard time finding a new U.S. holiday. “The bailiff of what the government place to live. told me to have a nice

JANUARY 2018 11 Dispatches

Thanksgiving,” he said. “I can’t find offer of US $53,000 was made to him as sizable amount of money as a tenant a lawyer to take the case. I have to a tenant in the neighborhood. to relocate.” do everything myself because the “I can’t tell you how many services Doctoroff says the total amount lawyers tell me it’s a losing proposition have been offered to Mr. Toth to given to residents to relocate is now in down here.” make sure he is treated well, treated the tens of millions. Doctoroff says the state is aware of effectively,” he said. “He’s a single “The number is going to be increas- the situation, and has offered help but example of a homeowner who has not ing, if not … exponentially, then very been refused. He said Toth is not a prop- being willing to cooperate with us. The quickly because we’re getting to the part erty owner, as far as he’s aware, and the fact of the matter is, he’s been offered a of the project where we’re going to be paying people for their businesses. As you can imagine, those payments are normally significantly larger than pay- ments made to residents or tenants.” Toth isn’t the only Delray resident fighting the state’s appropriation of the land. While Doctoroff says 600 of the 636 required parcels have been acquired, the others are before Michigan courts. Located across the street from Historic Fort Wayne, immediately in the path of future ramps onto the American plaza, for example, is Central Transport. That company is owned by Manuel Moroun, who also owns Detroit International Bridge – the company which owns the current Ambassador Bridge. The bridge owner has filed several suits opposing the new project, includ- ing one dismissed case that challenged the legality of the Gordie Howe Bridge altogether. Moroun’s suit challenging the expropriation of the 20 parcels of land, including those occupied by Central Transport, still has to be adjudi- cated, but Doctoroff isn’t worried about the outcome. “We will not lose. We will not lose because we understand the law and we have been successful with great regu- larity,” he said. “We’re very confident in our legal position going forward.” If the bridge plaza replaces Central Trucking and the other buildings in the Delray neighborhood, it will be one of the largest in North America – even larger than the plaza proposed for the Canadian side of the span – and occupy 148 acres of space. Attaching directly to northbound and southbound I-75, through three kilometers of interchange ramps, the bridge authority says the new crossing may be ideal for longhaul drivers looking to connect with a direct path to Florida or other areas. TT

12 TODAY’S TRUCKING Dispatches

operating out of Dawson Creek, British ▼ News Briefs Columbia, offers significant growth opportunities in the region. Photo: Nathan Srigley/MacKinnon Transport Joe Loomis, who served as the pur- chased fleet’s Chief Executive Officer, becomes CEDA’s operational vice president for the region. Manitoulin acquires Duckering’s LTL business Manitoulin Transport has acquired MacKinnon sells fleet Less Than Truckload (LTL) provider Duckering’s Transport, building on In the end, Guelph, Ontario’s MacKinnon Transport just couldn’t find the drivers it several other recent investments in needed. And that was the driving force behind the 88-year-old operation’s sale to Western Canada. Contrans Group – a deal which closed just 24 days after an initial handshake. Duckering’s International Freight Evan MacKinnon, the former president and Chief Executive Officer, says the company Services was not included in the purchase. was doing well, but perpetually found itself 35% short of the workers it needed. Every time someone new was hired, another driver retired. Almost 25% of the workforce was Jeff King, president for Manitoulin more than 65 years old. Transport, said the new addition was When he looked for other fleets to buy, trying to build the critical mass to remain important for the company because it competitive, every potential acquisition had an aging driver pool of its own. includes more than 100 new direct His son Alex is now Contrans’ director – sales and business development. But the elder service points, and primes the fleet for MacKinnon is one of just five people who won’t transfer to the new Aberfoyle location. continued growth. He’s unemployed for the first time since he was 12. Duckering’s was founded by Clarence “I’m only 60 years old, so I need to do something. There’s lots out there to do, so I’ll Duckering in 1971 and has remained have fun,” he insists. “It’s not all a bad news story. There’s lots of opportunity in this a family-owned business for more industry, no one is going to be unemployed.” than 40 years. Headquartered in Contrans is keeping the MacKinnon name and branding. How will it feel to watch Red Deer, it has terminal facilities in MacKinnon trucks roll down the highway without having a hand in running the fleet? Brooks, Calgary, Camrose, Edmonton, “It’ll be different,” says Evan. “It’s what my dad [Bill] has done his entire life. It’s what Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, and I’ve done since I can walk.” Medicine Hat. Ontario invests Stinger-Steer program One of the configurations provides similar efficiencies to the U.S. designs, autonomous cash unveiled in Ontario but incorporates a longer trailer Ontario is investing $80 million into Ontario’s new Extended Stinger- wheelbase to help address excessive autonomous vehicles – including those Steer Auto Carrier Special Vehicle rear overhang concerns. This allows for commercial fleets – through a new Configuration Permit Program it to travel anywhere in Ontario, while Autonomous Vehicle Innovation has created what’s described as a also being fully compatible with the Network (AVIN). “made-in-Canada” approach to harmo- U.S. regulations. “There is a lot we can learn from nizing regulations for the vehicles. The new permit program is expected conducting pilot tests at AVIN, but there Carriers and industry groups had to roll out slowly to allow carriers, sup- is more to be done to usher in a new era been asking Ontario to update the rules pliers, and shippers to adjust to the new for our roads and for improving mobility,” for auto carriers since the 2015 passage options, the association reports. said Andy Manahan, executive director of the U.S. Free and Secure Trade (FAST) of the Residential and Civil Construction Act, which changed allowable lengths CEDA purchases Alliance of Ontario. and front and rear load overhang limits. A report recently commissioned The Ontario Trucking Association vacuum truck fleet by the alliance concludes that self-driving worked with the Ontario Ministry Joe Loomis Trucking has been pur- vehicles will eventually replace entire of Transportation to develop three chased by CEDA – a maintenance and fleets of taxis and buses, and impact new configurations, offering multiple turnaround company in Canada’s oil, other commercial fleets. It also recom- options for carriers and automotive gas, and petrochemical industry. mended a governance system that shippers that move finished vehicles CEDA says the fleet of hydro vac- would use digital tools to set subsidy within Ontario and across the border. uum and combination vacuum units and pricing systems.

JANUARY 2018 13 Dispatches

the other side of the border. “When you get that opportunity [to work in the U.S.], A Mexican trucker’s you are going to be the best driver in the world,” he said. view of NAFTA Montes acknowledged reports of crime in Mexico, but insists the situation By John G. Smith is improving. “As a Mexican company, obviously, we know how to be safe,” Noe Montes has experienced the Montes says. The fleet has also had suc- he said. The fleet’s security procedures benefits of NAFTA first hand. He cess reaching out to younger workers include protocols requiring drivers to has grown his business from a single between 18 and 28, in part because of stop only in secure truck stops, while truck to a sophisticated fleet with 170 technologies like I-Shift Automated personnel monitor truck locations power units and 250 drivers – serving Manual Transmissions. around the clock, and act on any unit automotive shippers from Linamar The fleet also invests in training for that strays outside a geofenced route. to Pirelli. the younger workers – and not just to “Technology is like a friend,” he says. He’s eying opportunities in Canada, improve the skills to move a truck. Most “Like a good friend.” too, particularly in a lane that would of them have no more than a high school Technology also offers drivers the stretch between Mexico and Southern education when first hired, so Montes tools to meet or exceed fuel economy Ontario. Gone are the days when Mexican invests in English language training to targets of 7 miles per gallon (33.6 liters carriers would simply interline with their prepare them for cross-border work. per 100 kilometers), as the fleet looks to counterparts in Canada and the U.S., says address something that represents 40% the owner of Transmontes and its sister of operating costs. company, TM Transportation Services, in “If you pay incentives, extra incen- Laredo, Texas. tives to driver, you can get more fuel But even as the 40-year-old entrepre- efficiency,” he says. Newer equipment neur adds to his fleet’s capacity, he helps, too. is keeping a close eye on NAFTA While the company runs new equip- negotiations. ment, it still falls short of North America’s “I am very optimistic because the latest generation of Greenhouse Gas- relations between those three coun- limiting engines. Montes’ trucks have tries are very strong for more than 20 years,” Montes said in a broad-ranging discussion with industry media. Besides that, NAFTA has introduced more than growing business volumes. He has seen it Noe Montes transform the way the trucking industry is perceived in Mexico. “Twenty years ago it was considered a not-important industry, but since NAFTA started [the] transportation industry in Mexico is getting better,” Montes explained. “We are now trying to get good technology, trying to get good practice.” Transmontes and TM Transportation “If you go into the USA and you see engines that meet the Euro 4 standard, in Services are good examples of that. All of some police, and the police start talking part because Mexico has limited access his power units, predominantly Volvos, English, and the driver doesn’t answer, it’s to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, expected to be are no more than four years old. The trail- going to be dangerous,” he said. readily available by 2019. ers are new as well. Telematics systems Indeed, it can be a culture shock. And Montes clearly has his eyes on include geofencing capabilities, and he Operations based solely in Mexico might the future. introduced Electronic Logging Devices flaunt regulations, he added. There is no “I’m not scared if something happens three years ago, well ahead of the U.S. choice but to follow the rules in the U.S. with NAFTA,” he said. “We can go to mandate that took hold December 18. Montes pays 35 cents per mile in both offer our services in the domestic market While aware of a growing driver operations, although those in the U.S. because we know how [to] work in a shortage, particularly in the U.S., he says receive additional benefits. In contrast, good manner, and also I am very positive he hasn’t faced much of a struggle. “We some Mexican drivers can make 1/3 of because I know we can offer a good know where to find Mexican drivers,” the money earned by counterparts on quality.” TT

14 TODAY’S TRUCKING Dispatches

children and grandchildren require,” he Global trade not tilted against said. “Only very foolish people would seek Americans, Mulroney says. to upset this majestic reality.” The former Progressive Conservative prime minister is also serving as an advisor to the current Liberal government during the negotiations. “Political capital is required to be spent in great causes for one’s nation. This is precisely such a time. Presidents and prime ministers are not chosen to seek popularity. They are chosen to provide leadership. There are times when the voters must be told not what they want to hear, but what they’ve got to know,” he added. “Much of what we are witnessing these days in the U.S. reflects similar emotions of fear and anger, stimulated in large part by the sense that government is dys- functional or detached from public sen- timents, that the global system of trade and investment is tilted against American interests. That happens to be false, but Mulroney Talks Trade that’s what Americans have been told,” Mulroney said. NAFTA talks ‘most important international In contrast, he noted that the best anti- dote to a spirit of protectionism is more negotiations in modern history,’ says former PM liberalized trade that stimulates economic growth and stronger employment. By John G. Smith “Canada has the privilege of having the United States as a neighbor and friend. Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney neighbors have “done extremely well”, And the United States should get down on brought a message about the importance referring to the U.S. unemployment rate its knees every bloody morning and thank of leadership and free trade to fleet execu- of 4.1% as an example. the stars that they’ve got Canada on their tives in Toronto, at a time when the trade “If the U.S. is to maintain its role in northern border,” he said to applause. agreements he championed are being world leadership … it must ensure its “This is the most successful and peaceful challenged and renegotiated. great economy does not falter or fail, bilateral relationship in history and one In a speech during the Ontario because such failure would soon jeop- that must be cherished and enhanced Trucking Association’s annual meeting, ardize and ultimately eviscerate the by our leadership in a manner that is Mulroney referred to NAFTA discussions American capacity to persuade other thoughtful, understanding, and wise.” as “the most important international nations to share its prescriptions for peace Quoting former English Prime Minister negotiations in modern history” for and prosperity around the world,” he said. Winston Churchill, he said: “That long Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. And he The presentation was laden with jokes, frontier from the Atlantic to the Pacific drew on a series of statistics to prove his political war stories, and quotes about Oceans, guarded only by neighboring point about the value of trade. leadership, but there was also a general respect and honorable obligations, is an “The statistics alone speak to the theme of leaders focusing on the best example to every country. success of the (Canada-U.S.) Free Trade decisions rather than short-term gains. “That is the leadership challenge Agreement,” he said, noting how trade “I am persuaded that the highly tal- confronting the NAFTA negotiators between the countries has tripled since ented and capable team, put together by today – to conduct themselves in such a 1989. “With less than 7% of the world’s Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau, will do way, in an atmosphere of robust discus- population, NAFTA produces 29% of the a top-flight job for our country. This will sions, leavened by a spirit of reasonable world’s wealth.” result in a modernized NAFTA that will compromise, that the product of their While U.S. President Donald Trump continue to produce tremendous results successful efforts will be viewed by has referred to NAFTA as a terrible deal, for all three countries including the mil- history as a wise and powerful enhance- Mulroney stressed that our southern lions and millions of new jobs that our ment of Churchill’s words.” TT

JANUARY 2018 15 Dispatches

Elon Musk stresses the Tesla Semi’s acceleration as compared to diesel counterparts. Photo: Tesla

in and around one of a pair of prototype Talking Tesla day cabs. Questions were limited to what could physically be seen. Most answers Elon Musk (partially) unveils his electric truck. were limited to suggestions that details would be revealed later. Will it be the game changer that he promises? Just a day before, Musk went so far as to tweet this truck “can transform into a By John G. Smith robot, fight aliens, and make one hell of a latte”. Hyperbole, to be sure. There was Elon Musk was not the first to unveil the trucking industry itself. A related no cappuccino machine anywhere. But an electric truck. Not by a long shot. launch event in California attracted it certainly has more in common with Established manufacturers have unveiled media from around the world, including futuristic prototypes than production a series of electrified plans, prototypes, the likes of Rolling Stone, the New York trucks on the road today. and production models in recent Times, television networks, and others. months, particularly in the form of medi- Today’s Trucking, too. The truck um-duty vans and drayage tractors. New Now the question is whether Tesla will With no internal combustion engine nameplates such as Nikola Motors and become the industry disruptor it wants under the hood, the Tesla Semi takes on Chanje have emerged in the process. to be. a streamlined, wedge-shaped appear- Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus, the Brief looks at the Semi were highly ance. The small hood that does exist majority of which is owned by Daimler, choreographed in the hours before Musk, reveals a small storage space. Drivers even beat Tesla Motors to the punch Tesla’s Chief Executive Officer and prod- enter the cab from behind the driver’s with a Class 8 prototype, unveiled during uct architect, stepped out of the truck in seat, climbing up a set of stairs revealed the recent Tokyo Auto Show. front of about 1,000 cheering enthusiasts when the door opens. The driver’s seat But the Tesla Semi is the electric truck and employees. Select media had been itself even sits in the center of the cab, that everyone was talking about in late shepherded into a secure hanger by the behind a car-sized steering wheel flanked November, especially in circles outside handful, each given 15 minutes to climb by a pair of massive information displays.

16 TODAY’S TRUCKING Dispatches

Pop-open windows are located at the A expected to accelerate or slow smoothly, ise to offer access to a navigation system, pillars, to the left and right, presumably while regenerative braking recovers blind spot monitors, and an Electronic to pass documents in and out of the available kinetic energy. Logging Device, although only one screen truck. And a jump seat for a passenger This is hardly a Model 3 car, but the was working in a displayed prototype. It was mounted just to the right, against truck does draw several components showed electronic controls for a tractor the back wall. and design cues from its four-wheeled protection valve and trailer supply valve. One important spec’ that was released brethren, ranging from the door handles Telematics capabilities will integrate noted Tesla Semis will have a range of to touch screens. Both vehicles also use with existing fleet management systems up to 800 kilometers. High-speed DC common electric motors. But unlike to cover everything from routing to charging stations are, in 30 minutes, the car that draws power from a single remote monitoring, Tesla says. expected to add enough energy to drive motor, the truck has four of them – One prototype didn’t have any mirrors, another 650 kilometers. Other energy is to be supplied through regenerative braking. There was no mention about the size or weight of the battery, other than recognizing that it offers a low center of gravity. The design of the high-speed charging stations, or where they would be located, is still under wraps as well. “You can go out to the middle of nowhere and come back,” Musk insisted, referring to the maximum range as six to seven hours of driving. “By the time you’re done your break, the truck will be ready to go.” Above all, Musk claimed the new trucks will be 20% cheaper than their diesel counterparts, once factors such The driver’s seat is positioned at the center of as lease payments, insurance, and main- the cab, flanked by a pair of information screens. tenance are combined – promising an Photos: Tesla operating cost of US $1.26 per mile com- pared to $1.51. (All figures in this article are in U.S. dollars.) Those who generate energy supplies through solar-powered mega chargers would see greater savings yet. “Your truck is money on sunlight,” Musk said. “Reliability is incredibly important,” he added. “We’re guaranteeing this truck will not break down for a million miles [1.6 million kilometers].” Even if some of the all-important electric motors break down, the Semi will still reportedly beat the speed of a diesel-powered truck. using a pair on each drive axle to ensure suggesting that the views around the That promised speed was a corner- independent controls. This can help to truck would be entirely electronic in stone of Musk’s presentation, as he prevent jackknifes by reacting with pos- nature. Not mentioned was the fact that poked fun at the comparable accelera- itive or negative torque on each wheel such a setup would run afoul of current tion of diesel counterparts. A bobtailing end, along with independently applied federal regulations. Tesla Semi is to reach 97 kilometers per brakes, Tesla says. Cameras have been mounted around hour in five seconds, while one laden to “It’s unlike any truck you’ve ever the vehicle, above and below the wind- 80,000 pound Gross Vehicle Weights will driven,” Musk said, referring to the driv- shield, and on small wings mounted reach the speeds in 20 seconds. Perhaps ing experience. “Jackknifing is impossible. behind each door. In addition to the more relevant, the truck will climb a 5% Your worst nightmare is gone from enhanced view they offer, the cameras grade at 105 kilometers per hour. With this truck.” are to support enhanced “Autopilot” no shifts or clutch actuations, the truck is The driver information displays prom- features such as Automatic Emergency

JANUARY 2018 17 Canada’s Largest Inventory of New and Used Trucks and Trailers

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Braking, Automatic Lane Keeping, Lane among the first to announce purchases. “We had two to three of our customers Departure Warnings, and event record- Fortigo Freight Service, Fuel Transport, basically say, ‘When you get this, can we ing. The Autopilot is a standard offering. Titanium Transport Group, and Speedy be one of the first to have it on our run?’” “I can drive this thing and I have Transport followed. More buyers lined says Peter Calluori, Fortigo’s senior vice no idea how to drive a semi,” Musk up in the U.S. president – sales and marketing. There said, referring to the semi-autonomous Base prices for the trucks were later is no questioning the cache of the Tesla controls. revealed to be around $150,000 for brand, he says. One of the fleet’s trucks The Tesla Semi even promises a form models with a 500-kilometer range, and will be tested on a pedal run around of platooning – what Tesla refers to as $180,000 for those that run 800 kilo- Toronto, while a second is to be tested in a “convoy” – where several of the trucks meters between charges. A so-called a Toronto-Montreal lane. follow one in the lead. “You’re more like a Founders Series model will cost $200,000 Admittedly, the purchase is a leap of train driver,” Musk said, suggesting that it to be paid up front. Loblaw reported it faith, with so many factors still unknown. Tesla hasn’t even announced where the trucks could be serviced. Prices are to range from $150,000 to $200,000. “Have we put a certain amount of trust Photo: Tesla in him? Yeah, we have,” Calluori says of Musk and Tesla. He’s also confident that questions about the battery are being answered behind the scenes. “We also want our customers to know we’re investing in technology,” he adds. In fact, it’s one of the factors that Fortigo finds most intriguing. It has invested extensively in fleet management systems. The Tesla Semi promises to be a truck that becomes an extension of such tech. Still, Tesla has other challenges to overcome before any trucks are shipped. Analysts have noted can be done 10 times safer than a human The market will decide just how the manufacturer driver. “Now, [in a convoy], a diesel truck could run out of is twice as expensive as a Tesla Semi.” smooth the manufacturer’s ride money by August “This beats rail.” 2018 if it contin- As an electric vehicle, there are several will be, but Tesla has already ues to spend at maintenance savings to be realized in the current rate of the form of fewer parts. There is no inter- attracted downpayments from $8,000 per minute, nal combustion engine, aftertreatment a handful of Canadian fleets. Bloomberg reports. system, transmission or differentials, for In the midst of it all, example. But some familiar components the company has could be seen during the controlled struggled to man- reviews, ranging from a Jost fifth wheel to paid $5,000 deposits, but Tesla now says ufacture its Model 3 car. The rollout of what looks like a traditional suspension. the deposits are set at $20,000. that product line has been pushed back Tractor-trailer gaps were closed with Nikola Motors, which previously to March 2018, when 5,000 units per extenders, making a side view of the announced a truck that will combine week are to roll off the line. daycab look almost like a sleeper, and hydrogen fuel and electric power, was The company is reportedly using its the bottom of the truck is covered with a unimpressed. Based on current costs and revolving credit resources at a high rate, panel to further enhance aerodynamics. the Semi’s promised range, the company with 70% of its debts outstanding in “This has got a better drag coefficient tweeted that the truck’s battery cells September – more than double that of than a super car,” Musk said. would cost $140,000 and weigh 15,000 the same month in 2016 – while bonds pounds when enclosures and cooling sys- sold a few months ago to cover $1.8 Early adopters tems are included. billion in debts are still not worth what The market will decide just how smooth “Fun battery estimate @tesla #teslasemi,” investors paid for them. the manufacturer’s ride will be, but Nikola said when tweeting the related Revenue from any sales will clearly be Tesla has already attracted downpay- math. key to the company’s future. ments from a handful of Canadian Those linked to earlier purchases were Production of the Tesla Semi is to fleets. Loblaw, Walmart, and Bison were decidedly more upbeat. begin in 2019. TT

JANUARY 2018 19 Dispatches

Mack Trucks is now an official sponsor of Petty’s Garage, building on an existing relationship with NASCAR.

University of Buffalo and eventually Star Power became a dominant force in football. The Mack executive thought the man Mack Trucks looks to celebrity who shared the same name and values as the truck maker would be a great fit endorsements in push for market share for the company, but put the idea on the back burner. Such a relationship would By John G. Smith probably be too expensive anyway. Then the phone rang a week later, Mack Trucks is once again turning to This is not the only time Mack has and a caller identified himself as the the power of celebrity partnerships as leveraged the power of celebrity endorse- player’s agent. it looks to expand its share of a growing ments. Earlier this year, for example, it “I’m thinking this is a prank,” Walsh North American truck market. established a relationship with Khalil admits. But the agent also said it wasn’t The truck maker is now an official Mack of the Oakland Raiders, the reign- about the money. A short time later, the sponsor of Petty’s Garage, the high-per- ing NFL Defensive Player of the Year. defensive end was featured in a video formance speed shop established by Walsh remembers reading a profile released along with Mack Trucks’ new NASCAR’s Richard Petty. Under the in Sports Illustrated about the player, Anthem highway tractor. deal, the Garage receives a 2018 Mack who was not highly recruited in high The Anthem also received its own, Pinnacle Axle Back model with an MP8- school but proved himself at the well, anthem through Born Ready – a 445C engine to move cars to public events as part of the Performance Tour. This build’s on Mack’s established rela- Mack NASCAR with 10 Pinnacles to haul gear and more. tionship with the NASCAR race series, which has it providing 10 Pinnacles to haul gear, equipment, and other tech- nologies. And for Mack customers, the NASCAR relationship means opportu- nities to ride in pace cars or see drivers load in equipment at track level. Now appearances by Petty – one of the biggest names in auto racing – will be included as well. “There’s nothing like ‘The King’ walk- ing into your hospitality suite to say hi,” says John Walsh, Mack’s vice president – marketing and global brand.

20 TODAY’S TRUCKING Dispatches song written and performed by country spending, a stable construction segment, Mack Trucks plans to focus particular music’s Steve Moakler. increased manufacturing activity, and attention on the western region of the “It all comes back to this genuine improving freight volumes and rates U.S., where its market share sits at connection at the level of shared values,” which suggest growth in the longhaul around 5%. Walsh says, referring to what is needed segment. The latter truck market tradi- “We are going to focus on this region for deals like these to work. He even had tionally accounts for 48% of Class 8 sales, as an opportunity for growth because a chance to discuss the foundation of but has dropped to 41%. In 2018, the we believe we have the right trucks,” such partnerships during a presenta- longhaul share is expected to expand to Randall adds. “Everything seems to be tion for music industry insiders at the about 44%, Randall says. lining up for the very good year.” TT Country Music Association. Of course, it’s also about engaging potential customers, and this is a good time to find them. It currently looks like 235,000 Class 8 trucks will be sold in North America this year, and there is even “upward pres- sure” on that projection, says Jonathan Randall, Mack’s senior vice president – North American sales. This compares to projections at the begin- ning of the year that called for 215,000 sales. “The market is strong and continues to perform,” he says. The com- ▲ Khalil Mack of the pany now holds Oakland Raiders about 8.2% of year-to-date retail sales in the U.S. and Canada, although the market share on our side of the border has dropped slightly in part because ▲ Country musician of lower sales to and songwriter Steve Moakler regional haulers. “The response [to the Mack Anthem] has been out- standing, the order intake has been robust, and we are extremely happy with the volumes since we launched the truck,” Randall adds, noting the tractor is also attracting the attention of fleet buy- ers that have not traditionally been seen as Mack customers. Next year the market is expected to be even stronger, reaching 260,000 trucks or more, he says. Factors driving those positive num- bers include a strong start for holiday

JANUARY 2018 21 Dispatches

on Heardthe Street

Celadon continues to refinance, replace personnel Embattled Celadon Group is changing more personnel as part of its efforts to refocus amid an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The group recently appointed Vincent Donargo as its new vice president and Chief Accounting Officer. Celadon said Donargo brings more than 30 years of accounting and financial leadership experience to the new role.

Bandag announces new director Crisan named one Bridgestone Americas is of Canada’s most welcoming LaTres Jarrett as the powerful women new director of marketing at Bandag, its line dedicated to researching, Andreea Crisan is being called an excep- developing, and manufacturing tional young woman who has distinguished retreads. Jarrett will be responsible herself early in her career. The Chief Operating for strategic marketing efforts to Officer and executive vice president of Andy revitalize and grow the brand, Transport has been named by the Women’s Bridgestone says. Eric Higgs, vice pres- Executive Network as a 2017 Canada’s Most ident – marketing for the commercial Powerful Women: Top 100 Award winner. tire group at Bridgestone Americas, Crisan is receiving the Telus Future Leaders says the company is excited to be Award, given to young women expected to working with Jarrett, who has more make their mark for years to come. than 16 years of experience in brand building and customer strategies.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck Earle named names new president BCTA president Justin Palmer has been named president and The British Columbia Trucking Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck Association (BCTA) has named of America, replacing Jecka Glasman who is Dave Earle its new president returning to Israel for personal reasons. Palmer has and Chief Executive Officer. Earle served Fuso for two years as director – business assumes the role on January 8. operations, and been responsible for business Familiar with the industry and planning and managing improvement processes. its issues, he was most recently Palmer will operate from Fuso headquarters in vice president - government Logan Township, New Jersey. relations and HR services for the Construction Labor Relations Association of B.C. Earle is also the past president of the Employers’ Cervus announces CFO retirement Forum, employer caucus chair- man for WorkSafeBC’s policy and Randy Muth is leaving Cervus Equipment. The Chief Financial Officer for the authorized practice consultation committee, service centers and dealerships will retire at the end of the year. With the announcement of and secretary of the Canadian Muth’s retirement after 13 years with Cervus, the company also appointed Adam Lowther Hoisting and Rigging Safety to be his replacement. Lowther had been the director of finance. Council.

22 TODAY’S TRUCKING Dispatches

APRIL L g book 2018 18 Canadian Fleet THE MEETING PLACE FOR CANADA’S TRUCKING INDUSTRY Maintenance Summit

APRIL 19, 20, 21 2018 International Centre INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, TORONTO, ON Mississauga, Ontario www.trucksummit.ca NEW FOR 2018 Additional exhibit MAY hall added More international 11-12 www.truckworld.ca exhibits TRUXPO 2018 Tradex Abbotsford, British Columbia www.truxpo.com JANUARY 5-8 TECHNOLOGY AND MAINTENANCE COUNCIL 26 (TMC) ANNUAL MEETING AND EXHIBITION ROAD TODAY TRUCK SHOW 22-26 Brampton Soccer Centre WORLD OF CONCRETE Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, Georgia Brampton, Ontario Las Vegas Convention Center www.roadtodaytruckshow.com Las Vegas, Nevada www.trucking.org www.worldofconcrete.com 6-9 26-27 THE WORK TRUCK SHOW WOODSTOCK TRUCK SHOW 23-26 Indiana Convention Center Woodstock, Ontario HEAVY DUTY AFTERMARKET WEEK Indianapolis, Indiana www.woodstocktruckshow.ca The Mirage www.worktruckshow.com Las Vegas, Nevada www.hdaw.org 22-24 JUNE MID AMERICA TRUCKING SHOW Kentucky Exposition Center 9-10 MARCH Louisville, Kentucky TRUCKING FOR KIDS www.truckingshow.com Ilderton, Ontario 1 www.truckingforkids.ca WOMEN WITH DRIVE 25 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT CANADIAN TRUCKING ALLIANCE 29-30 Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel SPRING BOARD MEETING CLIFFORD TRUCK SHOW Toronto, Ontario The Scottsdale Plaza Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona Clifford, Ontario www.truckinghr.com www.cantruck.ca www.greatlakestruckclub.com

JANUARY 2018 23 Dispatches Canadian market ‘red hot’ North America’s Class 8 truck sales exploded in October – reaching a 35-month high, according to ACT Research. More than 36,000 units were ordered as U.S. fleets increased demand. The analysts also called the Canadian market “red hot”. The strong market in both September and October, coupled with a modestly slower October build rate, pushed the backlog-to-build ratio to 91 days. Nearly 11,000 units were added to the backlog in October, bringing that total to 105,200 units. ACT president and senior analyst Kenny Vieth predicted that production would slow down as the year closed, dropping to 1,114 units per day, compared to 1,172 in the third quarter. Freightliner was the top-selling Class 8 brand in Canada this October, with International Trucks leading Class 7, Hino leading in Class 6, and Ford at the top of the charts for Class 5. www.total-canada.ca

Canada – October 2017 U.S. – October 2017

SALES MARKET SHARES SALES MARKET SHARES CLASS 8 Oct. YTD Oct. % YTD % CLASS 8 Oct. YTD Oct. % YTD % Freightliner 753 6,137 27.7 29.0 Freightliner 6,334 57,108 35.3 37.5 Kenworth 450 3,441 16.6 16.3 Peterbilt 3,076 24,418 17.2 16.0 International 637 3,388 23.4 16.0 Kenworth 2,769 22,215 15.4 14.6 Peterbilt 254 2,443 9.3 11.6 International 2,801 17,973 15.6 11.8 Volvo Truck 261 2,299 9.6 10.9 Volvo Truck 1,500 13,752 8.4 9.0 Western Star 229 1,982 8.4 9.4 Mack 1,063 12,722 5.9 8.3 Mack 135 1,456 5.0 6.9 Western Star 373 4,098 2.1 2.7 Other 0 0 0.0 0.0 Other 12 123 0.0 0.0 Total 2,719 21,146 100.0 100.0 Total 17,928 152,409 100.0 100.0 CLASS 7 Oct. YTD Oct. % YTD % CLASS 7 Oct. YTD Oct. % YTD % International 260 1,619 55.4 40.6 Freightliner 2,425 23,969 43.6 47.0 Hino 60 860 12.8 21.6 International 1,618 15,409 29.1 30.2 Freightliner 53 634 11.3 15.9 Peterbilt 662 4,755 11.9 9.3 Kenworth 49 417 10.4 10.5 Kenworth 388 3,667 7.0 7.2 Peterbilt 39 362 8.3 9.1 Ford 246 1,703 4.4 3.3 Ford 8 95 1.7 2.4 Hino 228 1,537 4.1 3.0 Total 469 3,987 100.0 100.0 Total 5,567 51,040 100.0 100.0 CLASS 6 Oct. YTD Oct. % YTD % CLASS 6 Oct. YTD Oct. % YTD % Hino 57 517 44.2 46.5 Freightliner 1,645 16,734 33.1 31.7 International 49 278 38.0 25.0 Ford 1,326 16,183 26.7 30.6 Freightliner 14 208 10.9 18.7 International 1,223 11,987 24.6 22.7 Ford 5 48 3.9 4.3 Hino 488 5,547 9.8 10.5 Peterbilt 1 46 0.8 4.1 Kenworth 225 2,027 4.5 3.8 Kenworth 1 11 0.8 1.0 Peterbilt 3 226 0.1 0.4 Isuzu 2 4 1.6 0.4 Isuzu 57 124 1.1 0.2 Total 129 1,112 100.0 100.0 Total 4,967 52,828 100.0 100.0 CLASS 5 Oct. YTD Oct. % YTD % CLASS 5 Oct. YTD Oct. % YTD % Ford 348 3,208 60.6 51.0 Ford 4,220 41,007 64.1 63.1 Hino 89 1,254 15.5 19.9 Dodge/Ram 1,382 14,125 21.0 21.7 Dodge/Ram 70 1,040 12.2 16.5 Isuzu 366 4,287 5.6 6.6 Isuzu 62 747 10.8 11.9 Freightliner 363 2,885 5.5 4.4 International 3 23 0.5 0.4 Hino 216 2,048 3.3 3.2 Mitsubishi Fuso 1 11 0.2 0.2 GM 18 275 0.3 0.4 Freightliner 0 6 0.0 0.1 International 8 149 0.1 0.2 GM 0 0 0.0 0.0 Mitsubishi Fuso 8 135 0.1 0.2 Kenworth 1 3 0.0 0.0 Kenworth 0 28 0.0 0.0 Peterbilt 0 0 0.0 0.0 Peterbilt 0 14 0.0 0.0 Total 574 6,292 100.0 100.0 Total 6,581 64,953 100.0 100.0

24 TODAY’S TRUCKING Source: WardsAuto Dispatches Pu se Reader Survey

Tell us your thoughts on ... Health and Wellness A lot of people make New Year’s resolutions to hit the gym and eat more vegetables, but it takes effort throughout the year to remain healthy – especially when it comes to life on the road. This month we wanted to know your thoughts on health and wellness.

Do you take the time to be Do you smoke? Do you take specific steps to physically active every day? prevent any of the following? YES (Check all that apply) % YES 16 51% Obesity % 65 NO 47% Fatigue % 47% High blood pressure 84 46% Heart disease 37% Stress If you answer yes, are you 36% Sleep apnea planning to quit this year? NO 34% High cholesterol 35 % YES NO 31% Type 2 diabetes % % 25% Muscle strain 67 33 20% Depression

What steps have you taken, or do you plan to take, Which of the following would you use if they were to improve or maintain your health? (Pick up to five) available through your workplace? (Check all that apply) 81% Get enough sleep 71% Healthy snacks or meals “Six hours of aerobic 41% In-house exercise equipment 78% Eat healthy meals activity every week, 53% Walk or stretch during breaks and yoga every day.” 27% Paramedical services 48% Follow proper lifting techniques (ie chiropractor, massage therapist) 47% Use Personal Protective 26% Health club membership Apparel where available 26% Health-related apps or monitors 29% Exercise at home 23% Scheduled physical activities during the workday 14% Exercise on the road 19% Workplace teams/tournaments 11% Exercise at a gym 17% In-cab exercise equipment 7% Other 16% Health-related seminars and information (ie from dietitian) 3% Other Results are rounded to the nearest 1/10th percent.

Today’s Trucking Pulse surveys are conducted once per month, covering a variety of Next month: industry issues. To share your voice in future surveys, email [email protected]. HR Challenges

JANUARY 2018 25 Dispatches

StatPack 5 PAY HIKES

Titanium Transportation Services will increase rates for owner-operators by 5% on January 1, in some cases increasing rates by six cents per mile. “We recognize 7,698 BRAKE INSPECTIONS that our drivers are the backbone of our Enforcement teams completed 7,698 inspections during the Commercial Vehicle company and 2018 will be about who Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety Day on September 7, placing 14% of vehicles out can attract and retain the best drivers,” of service for brake-related violations. Of those inspections, 1,337 were completed said Marilyn Daniel, vice president. in Canada, with the rest in the U.S. Twenty-two percent of inspected vehicles were Bonuses are also offered for safety and placed out of service when all vehicle violations were considered. More than 3.4 maintenance objectives, in addition to a million brakes have been inspected since the program’s inception in 1998. share purchase plan.

$500 million IN CONGESTION A recent report from the Toronto Region Board of Trade says traffic delays in and around the Greater Toronto Area cost consumers an extra $500 million to $650 million a year because of wasted fuel and added shipping times. Losses are also affecting productivity in a broader sense because raw materials aren’t arriving in time for manufacturers. Goods are not making it to ports, airports, and rail terminals reliably, causing delays with exports, the group adds.

12 TROPHIES Canada’s Bison BELTED UP Transport has 86 secured first place at the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) National The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Fleet Safety Awards in the large fleet has found that 86% of truck drivers were using seatbelts division. This is the 12th time the com- in 2016, up from 65% in 2007. The record results were pany has received the honor. Bison recorded in the 6th Safety Belt Usage by Commercial Motor boasts the lowest recordable accident Vehicle Drivers Survey. Eighty-nine percent of truck drivers rate per million miles, according to the and passengers operating on highways were buckled in, U.S. Department of Transportation. The compared to 83% of those running down city streets. Male fleet won its 7th American Trucking drivers were 2% more likely than their female counterparts Associations National Truck Safety to use the all-important safety device. Contest for the same reason.

26 TODAY’S TRUCKING Dispatches

on Trendingg .com

set out on a drive,” he suggested, referring to a simple minute Can fun and of breathing exercises before hitting the road, or cognitive behavioral therapy such as coping strategies that work to change games better unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. Successful tools will help to predict when bad behavior is driver behavior? going to occur, and offer positive reinforcement, he said. Think of a driver who travels more than 300 kilometers without using Gabe Zichermann doesn’t believe distracted driving can be the phone. A message of encouragement could convince them solved through higher fines, or even by shaming people who to drive 400 kilometers without it, reach for electronic devices when eyes should be on the road. rather than threatening anyone The expert on gamification even questions whether the apps who reaches for the screen. themselves can change habits by incorporating warnings and There is no small irony that asking if the user is a passenger. he is behind a software startup “People get desensitized to the override,” he says of the known as Onward, helping people passenger-identifying option, now used in apps such as the to break such addictions to tech. Waze navigation tool. Drivers simply hit the button themselves, Zichermann once worked on like the snooze on an alarm clock. making many smartphones as Instead, Zichermann told the annual meeting of the Ontario addictive as they are today. Trucking Association that the answer is found in the data that Gabe Zichermann The addictive nature of games illustrates how often people are tapping their screens. could also be used to address other industry challenges, he “Do you think you’re a distracted driver? Probably not,” he said. Dominos uses a game to recruit employees. Delta Airlines told a crowd of fleet managers. “Expose people to how often used games to get call center members to embrace training in they do it.” geography. Millions of people download games in which they Once statistics can show the trends, it’s a matter of helping pretend to be drivers. Why couldn’t that be a recruiting tool? people to curb their desire. Said Zichermann: “These screen-based experiences are only “This can be as simple as mindful meditation before you becoming better, and more vibrant, and more addictive.”

If you’re not following us on Twitter, you’re @todaystrucking 22.9K missing out on some interesting discussions in the world of trucking. From regulations FOLLOWERS Your go-to social media source to product news, we have you covered.

HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF TWEETS FROM AROUND THE INDUSTRY THIS MONTH KEEP IN TOUCH

facebook.com/ TodaysTrucking

Elon Musk @ElonMusk It can transform into a robot, fight aliens SafetyDriven™ @SafetyDrivenBC @todaystrucking and make one hell of a latte Today’s Trucking @Today’s Trucking How to put tire chains on commercial @MackTrucks is clearly bulldoggish about vehicles (video). http://ow.ly/ Today’s Trucking @TodaysTrucking the #Mexico market. #Anthem launch Pxs030gov2m #roadsafety We do like lattes. tonight at #ExpoTransporte17 #trucking #shiftintowinter TodaysTrucking1

JANUARY 2018 27 $15,000 IN CASH+PRIZES

We’re looking for one driver who embodies the term “professional”. A driver with that certain outlook on life and the industry that sets them apart from the rest. A driver who gives to the community, operates with • OF THE YEAR 2018 the highest regard for other road users, and who generally sits tall in the saddle. In short, we’re looking for a driver with STAR quality to be the 2018 Highway Star of the Year. The Highway Star of the Year award is open to ALL drivers – company drivers and owner-operators alike. If you know someone worthy of such an honor, please submit your nomination as soon as you can. We’ll be presenting the award during Truck World 2018 in Toronto, ON., on Saturday April 21, 2018.

WINNER WILL RECEIVE...

$10,000 IN CASH + Road-ready, trucker-friendly laptop from OBAC + Special-edition leather jacket with winner’s name and Highway Star of the Year logo www.truckworld.ca + Travel and accommodations for two to Toronto for Truck World 2018

FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ON-LINE

+2018 HlGHWAY STAR OF THE YEAR + BEFORE YOU PLATINUM SPONSOR: + PROUDLY START! SPONSORED BY: todaystrucking.com/hsoy Save Nomination Form To Your Desktop. Open PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

$15,000 in Cash and Prizes! Plus a trip for two to Truck World in Toronto. NOMlNATlON FORM

Nominate yourself or a driver you know. It’s easy and free. Candidates can be owner-operators or company drivers. Simply fill out this form and submit it to our judges. Having a winning driver on your team pays huge dividends. There’s STEP 1: Who are you nominating?

Name:

Company Driver? T

Current employer/contracted to:

Candidate’s day-to-day supervisor: free publicity. It’s a morale boost, a proud flag to fly, and just entering Or Owner-Operator? T somebody’s name shows you care. The winning driver and his or her carrier are often used as expert sources in subsequent magazine stories. Nominate+ as many drivers as you want. + AND A CHANCE FOR YOUR FLEET TO SHINE

HIGHWAY STAR OF THE YEAR HALL of FAME 2011 2013 2012 2015 2016 2014

Joanne Millen- Guy Broderick Michael T. Rosenau Brian Bertsch Stephen McGibbon Reg Delahunt Mackenzie APPS Transport, Rosenau Transport, Hi-Way 9 Express Ltd., Milltown Trucking, lndependence Highland Transport, Brampton, ON Calgary, AB Drumheller, AB Oak Bay, NB Transportation Markham, ON Lanark, ON 2010 2007 2008 2009 2006 2004

Cliff Lammeren Bud Rush Dale Hadland Jean-François Foy Terry Smith René Robert Praxair Armstrong Moving/ lnternational Transport Highland Classy Transport lnc. Edmonton, AB United Van Lines Freight Systems (IFS) J.C. Germain Transport Libau, MB Oakbank, MB Beachville, ON Neuville, QC Miramichi, NB

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: + PLATINUM SPONSOR: + Dispatches

Truck of the Month The Mighty Mack THE SPEC’S TRUCK: This 1988 R Model Mack was destined to be returned to its former glory, but the path to restorations are not always straight as an arrow. 1988 R Model Mack Ontario’s Evan Kitchen owned it first, but he passed away before the truck – at that point missing its camshaft – was repaired. The unit was sold to Wayne King of ENGINE: Owen Sound, Ontario, but the work wasn’t completed by him, either. Alex Griffin met Mack E7 350 King at the famed Clifford Truck Show, and struck a deal to buy the truck. And that’s where the work began. REAR END: “It was getting rough from being parked so long, but I spent about a year on it and 4.17:1 had it on the road,” Griffin recalls. “I had a lot of help from a good friend of mine, Hugh Donaldson, who is retired but had 50 years experience working on Macks.” SUSPENSION: Griffin uses the truck to pull a 5,000 US gallon tanker filled with potable water, Neway air ride or water to control dust on road products. It even floats equipment for the family business – Griffin Landscape Maintenance Solutions.

Do you have an unusual, antique, or long-service truck to be profiled? Send your Truck of the Month ideas or photos to [email protected], or mail Today’s Trucking Magazine, 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, ON, M9W 5C4

30 TODAY’S TRUCKING Open Mike Prepare to go green in 2018 By Mike McCarron

he only thing to like about Prime Minister T Justin Trudeau is that he’s proving to be a man of his word and keeping his campaign promises. Like most, I wasn’t sur- prised (or disappointed) when he announced that recreational pot will be legal here as of Canada Day. By most estimates, recreational marijuana is a $4 billion busi- ness, and within a decade the market is expected to explode and exceed $22 billion. The country stands to make mil- lions in taxes. But legalizing weed is going to a big headache for carriers. What does “going service? The only thing stop- harder. The marijuana crossers are going to migrate green” mean for our industry ping him from lighting up is industry requires vast to domestic fleets so they and your fleet? Here are some a company policy that many amounts of space to grow, can get high on the week- things worth considering: view as discriminatory and is store, and distribute its prod- ends without worrying about possibly unenforceable if the ucts. One consequence the losing their driving job on What’s your policy? dope is prescribed by a doc. legalization of pot is having Monday? Your best driver, Rocky, It’s critical that every on trucking in Colorado is Since random drug testing smokes a daily fatty to deal fleet clearly articulate and the rising price of real estate is still illegal in Canada, with chronic back pain. It’s communicate its policy on because there was a sud- figuring out who’s puffing at prescribed by his family impairment, and train people den shortage of available work is hit and miss. My doctor and legal – that is, to identify it. space. Safe to assume this pat- suggestion is that you try until he gets behind the Most trucking companies I tern will continue in Canada. using the MAT (Munchie wheel. Then what? have spoken with have done Assessment Test). Install a The limit at which truck little or nothing to deal with Smoke or drive? vending machine full of free drivers will be declared this issue. That’s a mistake, With so many people getting pizza. Pretty sure it won’t impaired under criminal because the problem of legal high, you have to expect huge take long to figure out who is law is still up for debate. drug use will only grow as the spikes in positive drug tests, smoking fatties at lunch. TT Canadian trucking associ- appetite to indulge soars. which is certain to exacerbate ations are calling for zero the driver shortage. Mike McCarron is the president of tolerance. Many human The price of dirt Since traces of pot can Left Lane Associates, a firm that specializes resources professionals are Finding a parcel of suitably be detected for up to seven in growth strategies, both organic and suggesting marijuana needs zoned real estate to base a days with a blood test, and through mergers and acquisitions. to be treated like other legal trucking business is a chal- over three months using a A 33-year industry veteran, Mike substances, like Lipitor to lenge in a lot of Canadian hair follicle test, how many founded MSM Transportation, manage your cholesterol. cities. It seems like no one drivers will choose to get which he sold in 2012. He can be What if Rocky worked on wants us as neighbors. high and take a job outside reached at [email protected], your dock or in customer Pot’s going to make it trucking? How many border 1-844-311-7335, or @AceMcC on Twitter.

JANUARY 2018 31

Good health begins with Sleep proper sleep. Researchers want to know if drivers are getting what they need. Well By Elizabeth Bate

Have your say WANT TO HAVE A SAY ON TRUCK PARKING THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN ONTARIO? VISIT www.spr.ca/trucking/survey BEFORE MID-FEBRUARY. or most people, the time-honored New Year’s resolution to get healthier will be toast by mid-February. But if you’re determined to focus on health and wellness in 2018, experts say you should sleep on it. ... and Sitting all day, a lack of regular exercise, eating unhealthy food, and working in a stressful environment, all tend to put drivers in a high- get paid Frisk category for some major and possibly life-shortening complications. Canadian researchers, however, are paying particular attention to the sleeping habits of those You can even make $50 by who work behind the wheel. participating in the University Geoff Fernie, senior scientist and director of the Research Institute at the Health Network’s study on Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, is heading up a study at the University Health sleep apnea. It involves a Network’s (UHN) DriverLab to identify the prevalence of sleep apnea among complete one-night sleep Canadian truck drivers. study at home, and will The first-of-its-kind research in Canada will look at 1,000 drivers, and compare confirm if you have sleep identified cases of sleep apnea to records on the road. Fernie says currently no hard apnea. To participate in that evidence exists to support the widely discussed theory that sleep apnea causes research, email Laura Gibson drivers to be less functional behind the wheel, though it’s not difficult to see why a at [email protected]. correlation likely exists. “Sleep apena is not the only cause of drowsiness, but it means that you don’t get a good sleep, so you’re sleepy throughout the day,” said Fernie, referring to the condi- tion that involves irregular breathing patterns, waking people sometimes hundreds

32 TODAY’S TRUCKING Sleep Well of times a night. “Driving is hard work when you’re tired. You’re not happy, you get stressed out.” ZZZ That stress and lack of restful sleep also puts drivers at a higher risk for developing other habits that cause health-related issues. Suffering from fatigue means you’re more likely to crave snacks full of sugar and carbohy- drates as a means to boost energy, which may lead to conditions like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity, says University of Waterloo A few tips Public Health and Health Systems associate professor Philip Bigelow. Those not getting regular sleep are also three to four times more likely to suffer a to sleep on stroke or heart disease. For commercial drivers, fatigue and drowsiness can be the result of increased University of Chicago researchers body pains, too. Sitting all day is often enough to give any worker lower back pain, found that high blood pressure, stress but a study of Manitoba drivers is looking into the effects of low-level vibration hormones, insulin resistance, and inat- drivers experience as they sit in a moving vehicle. Preliminary results are pointing tention all increased with just six nights to drowsiness during the day, and aches that last throughout the night, interrupt- of less-than-recommended sleep. While ing sleep over the longer term. those suffering from a chronic sleep Bigelow hopes the evidence will help fleets make better choices when it comes deficit may find it hard to recoup their to adopting new technologies, such as low-vibration seats. losses, experts say temporary sleep Steve Kane, a former driver who is now the president of Rolling Strong, is also deficits can be addressed with just an helping fleets develop the health-related programs that support proper sleep extra hour of sleep a night. patterns, among other benefits. Rolling Strong recently launch a mobile app that connects drivers to an overall Here are some tips to keep you plan to be healthier, with access to features that suggest healthy food, provide well rested on the road: ideas for short workouts in and around a truck, and track the all-important sleep. ■ The United States Center for Disease The program helps with workouts in the tight confines of a truck, something Control (CDC) says where you sleep that’s important not just for managing weight but for eliminating those aches that matters. Keep the cab as cool as pos- can keep you awake at night. sible, and block out noise and light “When you’re sitting there sedentary for 11-14 hours a day, your joints become by using earplugs, curtains, or even a restricted, making them susceptible to injuries,” says Kane. white noise machine. He says workouts don’t have to be long or punishing. “A little really goes a long way. We’re just getting them [drivers] to get moving.” ■ Plan the time to rest. Seven to nine While Rolling Strong provides a small medicine ball, bands, and other exercise hours of sleep is recommended each equipment that can be used in combination with a truck, it also identifies brief night. Remember to add an extra hour exercise regimes – each lasting under 30 minutes – that can be done with no if you’re making up for lost time. equipment at all. ■ Put down the phone. Texting or Rolling Strong’s app isn’t the only piece of technology affecting driver sleep and watching TV before bed will keep health. Bigelow believes Electronic Logging Devices could pave the way for people you awake. Instead, read a book the to get more sleep. He says researchers often hear about drivers being pushed to old-fashioned way, or do some other drive further or longer, either because schedules are tight, relationships with dis- quiet activity if you need help winding patchers are testy, or parking isn’t available — all issues costing drivers rest and down. affecting their health. ■ Don’t drink coffee, exercise, or smoke “Some of this stuff is beyond their control. It’s a very challenging environment,” before bed. Caffeine, nicotine, and the he said. “Drivers are really now going to have to stop these trucks. And if you ignore that, you’re going to have all these drivers violating these rules.” adrenaline produced by exercise are all Hours of Service regulations never included “wiggle room” to find food or stimulants and will keep you wide-eyed parking, but the shift to electronic logs has brought the lack of appropriate rest for longer. stops to the attention of researchers and government alike. ■ What you eat before hitting the bunk SPR Associates and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, for example, are matters, too. Don’t consume too many currently running a survey on truck parking in Southern Ontario – something liquids, alcohol, or spicy foods before survey author Ted Harvey says is severely lacking. lying down, or you could find yourself Bigelow says the survey is important because it will allow infrastructure having to get up in the middle of the planning to help create safe, available places for drivers to stop and take a break, night to go to the bathroom, or dealing or stop for the night. Something that impacts their ability to get enough sleep and with indigestion. their safety on the road. And the link between sleep, health, and safety is undeniable. TT

JANUARY 2018 33 Everyth EQUIPMENT. INNOVA L

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For the first time produced in partnership by: Official Media: Over-the-air programming will promote and ease engine software updates. The TOP 1O New products that topped our editor’s list in 2017 — By John G. Smith —

An acquaintance of mine once quipped that he hates picking winners for different contests. Sure, you’ll make a friend, he said, but you’re still annoying plenty of people who didn’t make the cut. So it is when picking the Top 10 products of the year. Today’s Trucking’s annual look at the top in tech involves looking at hundreds of launches from throughout North America. Trucks themselves have been excluded, but everything else was fair game in my review of components and other offerings that have been improved, reinvented, and reimagined.

36 TODAY’S TRUCKING The Top 10

Paccar’s 12-speed automated transmission

Accuride ROLLiant Hub System

Over the Air engine programming Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs) because it was con- My first choice for the year comes in the form of technology that ceived as an automated model out of the gate. It isn’t a manual supports streaming data – specifically in the way engine software box fitted with add-on shift actuators. One of the benefits here is can now be updated without physically connecting a service tool that it weighs 658 pounds, which is about 200 pounds lighter than or laptop. an Eaton Advantage AMT, the company says. OK, it’s not a single new product, per se. (Is that cheating?) The model supports linehaul applications with Gross Vehicle International, Detroit, Mack, Volvo, and Cummins are all rolling Weights of up to 110,000 pounds, and engines delivering up to out the capabilities in some form or other. But they will all make 510 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque. The first units to roll off a difference. the assembly line are options with MX-13 engines. Volvo Trucks North America estimates that three out of four The stalk-mounted controller is pretty elegant in its own right. new trucks on the road are missing the latest software updates, A simple twist of the DNR selector makes it easy to shift between which can be issued two to four times a year. The updates, how- Drive and Reverse, while the Neutral position includes an inter- ever, tackle pesky fault codes, improve performance, and more. lock with the parking brake – so the transmission automatically It’s easy to understand why vehicle owners have put off such shifts to neutral if the parking brakes are set when the shifter is in updates in the past, though. They can involve about two days in a D or R. A button on the end of the controller transforms the unit service bay. Now there’s no need to wait. into a paddle shifter for manual shifts. Current buying habits suggest there will be a high take rate. Paccar’s 12-speed automated transmission More than 70% of today’s Kenworth T680 trucks, for example, Paccar updated its MX-11 and MX-13 engines this year, shedding already come with AMTs. weight and extending oil drains in the process. But it was the company’s automated transmission – developed through the Accuride ROLLiant Hub System new Eaton-Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies – Bearing adjustment can present one of the biggest barriers to that garnered the most attention during recent product launches. extending the life of a wheel end components. Overtightened The 12-speed, twin-countershaft design is unlike other bearings will fail prematurely, overheating and contaminating

JANUARY 2018 37 The Top 10

Bendix greener air dryer cartridge

Truck-Lite Road Ready SAF-Holland CBX23 AeroBeam telematics system the lube. When bearings are too loose, seals dislodge and begin Truck-Lite’s smart trailer system leaking oil or grease, contributing to tire wear. And preloads can’t Truck-Lite’s new Road Ready telematics system can create be off by more than the width of a human hair. smarter trailers. Its Master Control Unit monitors and transmits Accuride answers this challenge with the new ROLLiant hub data from a series of customizable sensors, and is powered by a system that comes with a 10-year warranty for trailers and seven solar panel rather than power from the tractor. years for trucks. Those sensors can relay data about such things as tire pressure, An extended inner race ensures perfect endplay at the malfunctioning LEDs, Antilock Brake Systems, unauthorized factory, while extended bearing cones, cups, and seals come door openings, cargo fill and movement, cargo temperature, installed. Just put on a spindle nut and the system is ready to trailer arrival and departure, and GPS locations. Event-based go. Accuride even inspects each hub’s endplay, and attaches a data is reported in real time to a desktop dashboard, and unique serial number to ensure traceability should anything key data can even be conveyed when a trailer is still sitting in go wrong. the yard. ROLLiant can be used with straight and tapered spindle All told, Truck-Lite says it has more sensors than any other hub designs. trailer option on the market. There’s no need to drill holes or run wires, either. The sensors Lighter AeroBeam suspension peel and stick in place. There’s always a delicate balance between strength and weight, which can make it tough to shed unwanted pounds from Meritor’s high-efficiency linehaul load-carrying components. tandem drive axle Still, SAF-Holland has managed to shed 45 pounds from the Keeping in the spirit of saving weight, Meritor’s new 14XE HE previous generation of its CBX23 AeroBeam fixed-frame air high-efficiency linehaul drive axle is 30 pounds lighter than suspension for weight-sensitive flatdeck and tanker applications. the 14X models that came before it, but it has also improved Weighing in at 465 pounds, it’s about 25 pounds lighter per axle efficiency by 1.5%. than the nearest competitor, the company notes. This product announcement was not just about shedding The suspension beams are made with a heat-treated cast alloy, pounds. The axle features high-efficiency bearings, the Meritor 80-ksi frame brackets, and a 5.75-inch friction-welded axle that’s Lube Management system, precision-finished gearing, and ratios said to be 12% thicker than competing axles. And the trailing as low as 2.15 for aggressive downspeeding. arms are made of treated cast alloy steel. Many of the gains were realized through laser welding. This With multiple styles of frame brackets, the CBX23 AeroBeam made it possible to connect the ring gear to the differential can be adapted to fit an array of trailers, too. housing, creating a joint that eliminates fasteners and reduces oil-churning losses.

38 TODAY’S TRUCKING The Top 10

Meritor high-efficiency linehaul tandem drive axle

FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit system

Thermo King Electric Pallet Jack (EPJ) charger

Thermo King power management tools PeopleNet’s wireless backup camera Battery life can be a challenge in trailers that use the power for PeopleNet has unveiled a wireless trailer backup camera that far more than lights alone. Ask anyone who runs liftgates if you automatically pairs with any PeopleNet Video Intelligence need proof. receiver in the cab. Since it’s powered by the Antilock Braking This year, Thermo King unveiled a family of power manage- System, there’s no battery to charge. ment tools in the form of a boost charger, auto-start module, and Like some of the other choices this year, the camera should electric pallet jack charger. be seen as part of a broader system. Combined with forward The boost charger ensures liftgate batteries remain powered, and side-facing cameras, it offers 360 degrees of video data, and and comes in the form of 20- and 30-amp models. Backing up recordings are automatically triggered by an onboard event. So that component is a new auto-start module. If batteries run low, if a collision occurs, you know what happened to the rear. it activates a Precedent Series alternator on the reefer unit. This The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has also features low-voltage protection for the auxiliary battery to found that nearly 17% of fatal truck-car collisions in 2015 were keep liftgates lifting and lights, uh, lighting. caused by passenger vehicles rear-ending large trucks. Another Rounding out the system is an electric power jack charger 25 fatal truck-related collisions were caused by improperly start- that offers 120-volt power inside trailers for power jacks. It draws ing or backing. power from the liftgate battery pack, but also offers low-voltage By improving the view, fleets should be able to better the protection for the liftgate itself. results. Bendix’s greener air dryer cartridge FlowBelow’s removeable fairing The new GC spin-on air dryer cartridge from Bendix Commercial Little tweaks can mean a lot, and so it is with the latest update to Vehicle Systems is more than just green in color. The GC stands FlowBelow’s Tractor AeroKit system. for Green Cartridge because it uses recycled desiccant. The GC can Based on SAE fuel economy tests, the fairings have be used on any North American air dryer that calls for a standard demonstrated fuel savings of 2.23% when combined with the 39-millimeter spin-on dryer cartridge with a right-hand thread, company’s wheel covers, controlling the air flow between and although not in applications requiring an oil-coalescing filter. behind wheels. But that was little help to those who needed to Recycling this material is no small task. Desiccant attracts chain up their tires in winter months. moisture during the charging cycle, and is exposed to pressure, The answer comes in the form of an updated option with high temperatures, road vibrations, and air that’s saturated with quick-release fasteners that can be turned and released in three moisture and oil aerosols. But Bendix reprocesses the mate- to four seconds. No tools are required. Pull them off, chain up, rial, mixes it with new content, and creates a filter that it says push them on, and you’re back on your way. TT matches the performance of an OEM-grade cartridge.

JANUARY 2018 39 40 TODAY’S TRUCKING Trucks are more vulnerable to cyber threats than you might believe By Jim Park Cyber- jackeD!

t’s Tuesday afternoon, a little after 2 pm. You’re the hacker was sitting in the sleeper with a laptop plugged into the operations manager of a major truckload carrier. OBD port of a 2006-vintage Class 8 tractor. The morning rush is over, all the drivers and cus- Last year, the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma began research tomers are happy, and now you’re gearing up for the on a truck-in-a-box. It was a typical Class 8, electronically onslaught of late-afternoon messages from custom- speaking, but just the wiring and electronics. Researchers there ers wondering where their trucks are, and drivers were able to dig pretty deep into that system as well, with very alerting you that they can’t load ‘til tomorrow. little difficulty. Typical day. Then a driver calls on his mobile phone. The two projects were just demonstrations, accomplished “My engine has just shut down and I’m sitting deader than a with hard-wired connections to the truck. But nobody can guar- doornail in the center lane of Highway 401 between Dufferin and antee that today’s connected truck is completely and absolutely Keele Street,” he says. “No warnings, no red or yellow lights. It just safe from some kind of deliberate intervention. quit. Traffic was too heavy for me to get over to the shoulder. I’m “What concerns me, as a fleet equipment manager, is increased blocking traffic. What a mess.” opportunity for cyber attacks because of the inter-connectivity of Then your phone chirps with a text message: “Send 20,000 in our vehicles and all of the components now,” said Gary Hunt, vice Bitcoin and you can have your truck back.” president - equipment and maintenance at ABF Freight System. Most of you are now chuckling, saying, “That could never “When you talk about how these different components are going happen.” Well, it has happened on a test rig, and it’s likely to hap- to talk to the truck, across the J-1939, through our telematics pen someday in real life if manufacturers, regulators, and fleets system, to us, those are all opportunities that somebody else can do not take appropriate action to protect certain vulnerabilities talk to those components and get into the truck. That’s a real in the basic electronic architecture of nearly every truck built in concern for me.” the past 20 years or so. Hunt was speaking at the at the inaugural meeting of a What began as a class project at the University of Michigan new task force on cyber security at the American Trucking Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) in the spring of 2016 Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council’s annual made it to the pages of Wired magazine as a sort of follow up to meeting. He was part of a panel that was trying to raise aware- the widely reported controlled hacking of Jeep Cherokee as it ness among member fleets and suppliers about the cyber secu- drove around public highways in St. Louis, Missouri. The exercise rity challenges. was also controlled, conducted on a closed test track, and the Last fall, a similar meeting took place at the Society of

JANUARY 2018 41 Cyber-jacked!

hard time imagining why someone would bother. Well, a truck could become a pretty effective weapon in some sort of terrorist attack. There have already been examples of terrorists using trucks as a weapon. Or it could be used by someone with an axe to grind, maybe even a kid who wants to prove something to his girl- friend. Doorenbos told those at the task force session that the threat could come from several quarters. “You’ve got the tuners, the age-old nemesis of OEMs, the people to go in and find ways to modify trucks to get more power, better fuel efficiency, and bypass emission systems without the approval of the OEMs,” he says. “Then you’ve got your prankster category – people who are just out to demonstrate that maybe they’re smarter than somebody else. And you’ve got your hacktivists, people who are either socially or politically driven with specific agendas. Hacktivists have an enormous amount of dedication to put into making their particular political or

Automotive Engineer’s Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress in “Even if somebody can compromise your Rosemont, Illinois. A panel discussion there laid bare the threat faced by indus- telematics system, that does not automatically try. It’s real. Very real. give them immediately the ability to send A large part of the potential threat comes from the J-1939 data bus. It’s an commands directly to an engine or a brake.” open standard and provides the trucking industry a great amount of efficiency, but — Keith Doorenbos, system engineer with Paccar the open design also makes it vulnerable. “We worked, as an industry, to develop their own electronics to the truck. So every social point at anybody’s expense.” that open architecture, so that we could piece that gets connected provides anoth- He says trucking hasn’t yet had a lot have this great flexibility, as fleets, er path into the system and another risk to of exposure to what he called the classic as OEMs, to work collaboratively. Is the system,” he said. cyber criminals who are after access to J-1939 now going to be our Achilles’ Theoretical models have been devel- traditional servers for data-mining, iden- heel?” asked Hunt. oped that suggest even diagnostic tools tity theft, and financial gain. The open-architecture CANBUS is could be used to move a virus-like attack “At the top end of the system, you’ve just one of the challenges. To really look from one truck to the next, but so far, got your nation states or pseudo-nation at the whole attack surface, we need to Doorenbos says that’s entirely theoretical. states, the types of organizations that look all the way up and down the supply “I don’t believe it’s even been demonstrat- have very large resources and are willing chain, noted Keith Doorenbos, a system ed by any of our white hats [hackers work- to mount large-scale, very sophisticated engineer with Paccar who attended the ing for good], but there’s a lot of exposures attacks in order to support political goals,” task force session. in different elements. Basically everything he warns. “They can be very difficult, if not “So the OEs buy major systems and that’s ‘smart’ out there creates another impossible, to completely block if they components from a lot of large suppliers opening.” come after a system.” who, in turn, buy from other suppliers. More likely, Doorenbos believes, the And when we complete our part of a Directed threats biggest threat is in the for-profit sector, in truck, we hand it off to bodybuilders, to By now you might be prepared to con- the form of cargo theft. “Right now, that’s telematics providers, and to the fleets. cede that the potential for a cyber attack pretty much done using old-school meth- Even drivers are installing or connecting on a truck is real, but you’re having a ods,” he says. “What we’re trying to do is

42 TODAY’S TRUCKING Cyber-jacked! prevent giving them new techniques that environment created to enhance cyber- Maintenance Council session was on the might make that simpler, more efficient, security awareness and collaborate need for fleets to become involved. or more accessible.” across the global automotive industry. “I, as a fleet, have a definite dog in this Participants include light-, medium-, fight and so does every [fleet] in here,” he Ongoing efforts and heavy-duty vehicle OEMs and their said. Look at what’s at stake: safety of There’s a huge amount of work in the suppliers. employees, safety of customers, safety of background to better understand the Still largely absent from the table are the industry, and the safety of the general scale of the problem, and a few solutions carriers. Much of the message ABF’s Gary public. What can happen to my trucks can are emerging to help slow the black hats, Hunt delivered at the Technology and also happen to yours.” TT even if we can’t shut them out completely. A key pillar of cyber security efforts is encrypting data and software so it can’t easily be reverse-engineered or accessed by outsiders. Another strategy is parti- tioning truck electronic architectures so that, rather than having a single-vehicle HEAT DOESN’T HAVE network on J-1939, there are a number of sub-networks separating the most critical TO BE A LUXURY. systems from the less critical systems. Engineers are also inserting firewalls or gateways between the different networks You should be able to afford a good night’s sleep on so they can control the data and com- mands that can move from one network the road without breaking the bank. Our air and coolant to another. heaters cost up to 40% less than the competitors “Even if somebody can compromise your telematics system, that does not while offering the same level of quality and support. automatically give them immediately the Call us today! ability to send commands directly to an engine or a brake,” says Doorenbos. On a sobering note, the U.S. National Motor Freight Traffic Association recently completed a survey to gather registration data for all vehicles launched since Model Year 2000. The results suggest that four out of every five trucks built in the last 15 years are still registered. That’s a lot BF2000A of systems to reverse-engineer, partition, encrypt, and protect. It’s a fairly new problem, but there are several U.S. universities now actively engaged in research on the subject, such as UMTRI and the University of Tulsa, among others. The U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and other U.S, govern- BF5000C ment agencies are looking at it. And there are several industry groups very active- ly engaged in discussion and research on the subject, including the Society of Automotive Engineers, Technology and Exclusive distributors Maintenance Council, National Motor of Belief and TuiTé Freight Traffic Association, and the parking heaters Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC). GENERALCOMPONENTS.CA 1-800-517-7740 Auto-ISAC is an industry-operated

JANUARY 2018 43 47 New oil categories 48 Mexican marketplace In Gear 51 Product Watch EQUIPMENT NEWS, REVIEWS, AND MAINTENANCE TIPS

yard truck. Masonlift supplies all manner of material handling equipment includ- ing Ottawa yard trucks. “Two things to think about are employee safety and productivity,” he says. “If you use a road truck, you’re asking the driver to possibly get out and hook up the air lines and crank the landing dollies. There’s some risk in that activity, and when it comes to produc- tivity, you can do the move much faster with a purpose-built truck.” Shunt trucks can be spec’d to suit the operation, from heavy-lift 24/7 operation to a lighter-duty model to suit smaller operations. Larsen says each customer request is vetted, and the correct spec’ is then established. “We consider factors like the yard sur- face, grades the truck might encounter, Adding a yard truck to the fleet can improve productivity and lower how heavy the trailers are, and what type the risk of inadvertent Electronic Logging Device violations. of duty cycle is required,” he says. “Most truck terminals and distribution cen- ters are fairly flat, but in Vancouver, for example, we have to consider the tidal Yard Dogs drop for our marine units that are oper- ating on and off marine vessels.” Moving trailers around the yard? Suppliers can add options like galva- nized frame rails for seaside operations, Consider specialized tools for the job. heaters for colder climates, deeper drive ratios for heavy or hilly applications, By Jim Park and more.

Yard dogs, hostlers, terminal tractors, If you’re using a road tractor to spot shunt trucks ... they are known by a trailers, failing to log in as an unassigned variety of names, but serve a single pur- yard move, or failing to log out after the pose. Moving trailers around. They are move, could cause problems for that common at distribution centers, marine truck’s driver somewhere downstream. terminals, and rail heads, and they Electronic Logging Devices will force are often used by larger carriers with fleets to account for every move by a cross-docking facilities and Less Than tractor and driver. Having a means to Truckload operations. They are not so move trailers around without having to common at smaller carriers, but man- worry about the consequences might be dated Electronic Logging Devices could enough reason to consider a shunt truck. change that. According to Jeff Larson, vice presi- If your fleet is running close to dent and general manager of Vancouver- Electric yard trucks are said to cost about capacity, pulling a driver off a dispatch based Masonlift, if you’re making 10 or the same as a diesel truck, but with a to move a few trailers around the yard more trailer moves per day around your fraction of the energy costs. could cause problems later in the week. facility, it might be time to think about a

44 TODAY’S TRUCKING In Gear

Used yard trucks are an option, too. The trucks will last 20 years or more, but the older the truck, the higher the main- tenance costs. And trucks built to earlier emissions standards are in short supply. Current off-road diesel engines, such as those those found in newer trucks, must be built to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (and Environment Canada’s) Tier 4 emissions standards. “Some fleets are very concerned about their environmental profile and are doing all they can to green up their opera- If you only need to move a handful of trailers each day, an electric walk-behind tions, like buying the Tier 4 trucks,” says Trailer Caddy might be the answer. Larsen. “Other fleets concerned about operating cost and reliability will go new as well. Small light-duty operations will TAKE YOUR TRAILER FOR A WALK get by just fine with a used truck.” Gasoline, diesel, or electric ustifying the upfront cost and the ongoing maintenance costs of a full yard tractor can be daunting if the volume of trailer moves just isn’t there, but rely- Your choice of power will likely be diesel, ing on drivers to spot a trailer can be awkward, too. Qualified people might not but in 2017 there are alternatives and J be around when you need them. Enter the Trailer Caddy Terminal Tractor from DJ good reasons to look at alternatives. Products of Little Falls, Minnesota. It’s a walk-behind electric trailer mover that comes Tier 4 is less rigorous than EPA’s GHG at a fraction of the cost of yard truck and can be operated by anyone on staff with a 17 rules for on-road trucks, but the off- little training. road emissions rules do add cost and Repair and maintenance shops, expanding truck fleets, and even small distribution complexity to what used to be a relatively businesses will run into situations where they need a trailer spotted or moved into or simple and reliable engine. out of a bay. Traditionally, such operations rely on old, decommissioned road tractors, “Early Tier 4 engines had their share but those require maintenance and aren’t always reliable. When you consider the of problems, and regens were one of carrying costs of such equipment, a low-maintenance and easy-to-operate yard the worst,” says Larsen. “Usually, when spotter can be a pretty appealing alternative. you had a warning light, you’d just flick “It really comes down the number of trailers you have to move in a day,” says the switch and go for lunch. But if the DJ Products sales engineer Dawn Felker. “If you’re moving 10 or more trailers, you operator ignored the light, the system probably have your own truck or you contract with a shunting service. But small- plugged up, and off it went for an volume operations can have a Trailer Caddy on standby all day long for about a expensive repair.” quarter of the cost of a yard truck, and anyone can operate it.” Smaller engines under Tier 4 do not Trailer Caddys are electric and they plug into a 120-volt source, so no special require Diesel Particulate Filters, but electrical connections are required. They are rated up to 100,000 pounds, so even a they do have Diesel Oxidation Catalysts loaded quad-axle trailer isn’t too much to move. and Selective Catalytic Reduction, which Felker says the units are built in Minnesota, so they were designed with snow and requires Diesel Exhaust Fluid. To get cold in mind. “As long as you keep it plugged in, the batteries won’t be left short in around the hassles and expense associat- the cold,” she says. “And they can handle a little snow. Not two-foot drifts, mind you, ed with Tier 4 engines, some yard tractor but a couple of inches aren’t a problem.” manufacturers went to gasoline engines, Required maintenance on the unit is minimal, and no special training is required. but those lacked the torque to get the Anyone in the shop can probably take care of it. And best of all, anyone can operate a job done. So, the operator’s choices were Trailer Caddy. When you need a trailer pulled away from a door, the forklift operator limited to an old diesel yard tractor with can do it. No more waiting, no more tied up doors. its associated maintenance and repair headaches, or a new tractor, with the emissions-related challenges. EV of Riverside, Missouri. Such trucks powertrain. They are apparently as capa- Enter the electric yard tractor. In what certainly do not require emissions equip- ble as any diesel-powered hostler, but pro- would seem to be a perfect application ment, and in many cases could qualify for duce zero on-site emissions. Mike Saxton, for an electric powertrain, several manu- government incentives for environmen- Orange EV’s Chief Commercial Officer, facturers are now producing electric yard tally friendly vehicles. But do they work? says electric yard trucks are the future. trucks, including BYD Heavy Industries These trucks are almost exactly the “Battery technology is such that we of Los Angeles, California, and Orange same as a diesel yard truck except for the can build a cost-effective electric truck

JANUARY 2018 45 In Gear at cost parity with diesel, but without the high energy and maintenance costs,” he says. “Instead of doing a regen during a lunch break, you plug the truck in.” Orange EV trucks are configured for customer requirements, loads, and duty cycles, and the electrical systems are tailored for the use they will see. “When our T-series truck is configured as an extended-duty truck, we use a 160 kW-hour battery pack,” he said. “We try to match the charging rates to the cus- tomers’ duty cycles and usage patterns, and we can configure a charging sched- ule based on shift schedules, etc., so we Operator controls on an electric truck are the same as a diesel, except in place of a fuel gauge can spec’ and quote the truck that works you have a state-of-charge indicator. best for them.” They are available with a four-hour they build in some extra battery capacity waiting for your shunt service to arrive or two-hour fast-charge as well, which for cold conditions. and move a few trailers around the yard, shortens the time between charges and “We have several customers in Chicago or concern of the value of your road gets the unit back into service sooner. and New York where cold is a factor, and drivers’ time, having a shunt truck on the It also can be charged during lunch and the trucks are proving to be more reliable property can make sense. And with the coffee breaks to extend operating times. than their old diesels,” says Saxton. “They various incentive programs in place or Cold weather is a factor when design- never gel up. They always start.” coming soon, going electric could ing the battery system, but Saxton says Whether it’s the inconvenience of become more affordable. TT

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46 TODAY’S TRUCKING In Gear

Shifting from CJ-4 oils to the split cate- gory of a backward-compatible CK-4 and Protecting fuel-efficient FA-4 was no small matter. “This has been or was the largest and Promoting overhaul in recent memory,” said Barnaby Ngai, Petro-Canada’s category New oils ‘brand new ballgame’, says Petro-Canada portfolio manager – heavy duty engine and driveline oils, calling it a “whole By John G. Smith brand new ballgame.” At Petro-Canada Lubricants alone it New oil categories are delivering longer product specialist John Pettingill. meant 20 products had to be reformulated drain intervals and added protection Cold-cranking capabilities of the and requalified, with 70 unique labels for engine components, but few fleets company’s 15W40 oils have reportedly and changes to more than 250 pieces of appear to be embracing the most fuel- improved 33% at -20 Celsius, while marketing collateral required to describe efficient formulas of all, Petro-Canada 10W30 oils have seen the measure it all. Ongoing tests continue to subject Lubricants reports. improve 26% at -25 Celsius. “That’s the formulas to applications with Gross FA-4 oils are “not flying off the easier on your starter. It’s easier on Vehicle Weights up to 140,000 pounds, shelves,” admitted Brian Humphrey, your battery,” Pettingill said. Once the and the cold conditions that are a reality OEM technical liaison, during a brief- engine starts, the new oils are flowing in northern locales. ing for industry media. There’s a gen- more effectively as well, Petro-Canada “A lot of energy and talk in the eral resistance to change among those Lubricants reports. The 15W40’s pump- industry is all about fuel economy,” who oversee expensive equipment, ability is 23% better at -25 Celsius, while Ngai said. But there was no overlooking and engine manufacturers have been the 10W30’s pumpability has improved one key requirement: “It was all about “pretty cautious” when announcing 16%. “If your engine starts,” he said, engine protection, it was about protect- what models can use the oil, he said. “your oil has to flow.” ing that asset.” TT “Especially if you have a mixed fleet … you’re going to stick with CK-4 because it covers everything.” Those CK-4 oils are backwards com- patible, for use in existing and new engines alike, and they are proving they are up to the job. Citing real-world tests, Petro-Canada Lubricants says benefits including better engine protection, cold-cranking capabilities, and pumpability have all been realized through a reformulated product line-up. A waste hauler using Cummins engines in the Toronto area is report- ing longer service intervals and lower levels of iron and lead in the used oil, the company says. An open pit mine in Western Canada has seen the overall protection for Caterpillar 3516 engines increase by 33%. And six Peterbilt 579 trucks with Cummins and Paccar engines have reported better cold-flowing properties and improved fuel economy when compar- ing a new 10W40 to a previously used 10W30 – even though the demanding applications involve 140,000-pound Gross Vehicle Weights. “Protection of the oil is all about flowing through the engine,” said

JANUARY 2018 47 In Gear

The biennial Expo Transporte trade show in Guadalajara, Mexico, showcased a broad array of truck brands from around the world – and for a good reason. Buyers in the country can choose from no fewer than 13 different nameplates. (Photos by John G. Smith)

Class 8 Freightliner 2528 and Class 6 Southern Stars 1217, during the recent Expo Transporte trade show in Guadalajara. In the Class Cabovers gaining ground in 6 segment alone, Freightliner already accounts for 36.9% of sales, compared to diverse Mexican marketplace Isuzu’s 31% and Hino’s 23%, even though the latter two already had cabover trucks Mexico is now the eight-largest pro- Chief Executive Officer of Daimler Trucks available. The new Freightliner 1217 will ducer of trucks in the world, and the Mexico, during a media briefing in “compete aggressively” against those fourth-largest exporter of the vehicles. Puerto Vallarta. brands, he said. But as much as Mexico’s manufacturing Daimler accounts for 39% of the Mexico’s truck market saw 26,028 new activities play a role in the trucks seen country’s sales, based on October’s year- Class 4-8 trucks sold as of October. But it in Canada and the U.S., the country is to-date figures. But one in every five is also characterized by aging equipment, clearly a unique market in its own right. trucks sold in Mexico is also a cabover, as with the average truck now 18 years old. Buyers there can choose from no fewer buyers look for options that will work on “That is a very bad number,” Rivera said, than 13 different nameplates. congested and narrow roads, particularly referring to the need for government “They are Asian, they are European, when supporting “last mile” deliveries. incentives to adopt newer technology. they are of course North American,” Daimler has responded to the grow- The country’s buyers tend to be observed Flavio Rivera, president and ing interest in cabovers by unveiling the sensitive about purchase price, too, so

48 TODAY’S TRUCKING In Gear Mexico’s Anthem unveiled by Mack Mexico had its first taste of Mack’s Anthem highway tractor in November, completing the truck’s North American rollout with an unveiling at the Expo Transporte trade show. Buyers in the country will also have access to more places to find the trucks and service alike. The Trasca dealer- ship group has officially added 18 new locations to Mack’s network. And in the first quarter of 2018, the Original Equipment Manufacturer will begin sending trucks into markets further to the south, including Central America, the Caribbean, Columbia, and Argentina. “Mack is in Mexico and is here to stay,” said Eduardo Herrera, vice president – Latin America, when revealing the truck he referred to as the best Mack has ever launched in the on-road marketplace. The model replaces the axle-back version of the Pinnacle tractor. Mexico’s Anthems will include one significant difference when compared to their counterparts in Canada and the U.S., however. Because of different emissions rules in the jurisdiction, the standard power offering will be a Euro 4-rated Mack MP engine. The fuel-saving GHG17 MP8 engine will be an option, but approved only where Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Diesel Exhaust Fluid are available. The Anthem was first revealed to North American buyers in September, and comes in the form of a day cab, 48-inch flat roof, and 70-inch high-rise sleeper. “Somos Mack. Este es nuestro Anthem,” the company proclaimed in Guadalajara. “We are Mack. This is our Anthem.”

Volvo broadens lineup in Mexico Volvo’s “shape of trucks to come” has come to Mexico, with the official unveil- Magnus Koeck ing of the VNL long-haul tractor, VNR regional hauler, and an expanded VAH auto hauler lineup. It’s a significant expansion of Volvo Daimler dealers have an important role to offerings available in the country, which play in teaching people about the true cost had previously been limited to the VNL of operating trucks he said. long-haul trucks. “Our dealer network is stronger, it is “Mexico is a very important market for us globally,” said Magnus Koeck, vice larger, and it is well prepared to attend cus- president – marketing and brand management, comparing the market’s size to that tomer necessities. Some other brands, they of Canada, with 25,000 to 27,000 in annual sales placing Mexico among the largest don’t have a presence in many, many cities,” truck markets in the world. he added, suggesting Freightliner has effec- Volvo now has a presence in 140 countries overall, with manufacturing capabilities tively covered the country. In the last year on every continent. The North American models will be built in Dublin, Virginia. alone, it has invested about US $5.4 million Buyers around Mexico City will also have easier access to the trucks, through Grupo in new facilities or expanded capacity. Alden’s addition to the dealership network following a US $6 million investment. Volvo Mexico is also preparing to introduce now has 43 dealer locations in the country overall. Euro 5 emission standards in January One key distinction between these trucks and those available in Canada and the 2018, and that will require a stable supply U.S. will be the power under the hood. The trucks will be powered by U.S. EPA04/Euro of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel – a fuel that’s 4 Volvo engines. The fuel-saving GHG17 designs will only be an option in areas where commonplace in Canada, but rare in most Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Diesel Exhaust Fluid are available. areas of Mexico. Volvo launched the VNL in Dublin, Virginia, this July, following a reveal of the VNR “That is going to be a very challenging at the Expocam trade show in Montreal. time,” Rivera said. TT — Reports by John G. Smith

JANUARY 2018 49 You have options

You receive Today’s Trucking in print (obviously). Well, we like giving you options and now you can read the Magazine wherever you want. Check it out on any device, even subscribe to receive a monthly email, letting you know that your next issue has been delivered. Canada Post can’t do that!

todaystrucking.com/magazine.cfm PRODUCTWATCH WHAT’S NEW AND NEWS FROM SUPPLIERS  For more new product items, visit PRODUCT WATCH on the web at todaystrucking.com

It also features a conspicuity array at the center of the lens. These LEDs actually face backward, pointing toward metallic parabolic reflectors, as a way to improve photo- metrics. The geometry also generates a tightly controlled blue-white light beam that is said to better match the color tem- perature of natu- ral light, making it easier to see the road. The headlamps accommodate every- thing from a nine-volt to 33-volt elec- trical system, with an expected 30,000- hour service life. That’s about 15 to 30 times longer than the lives of halogen and HID headlamps, the company says. www.optronicsinc.com MULTI-PURPOSE Integrated ELD CLEANERS PRODUCT FAMILY INCLUDES Penske Driver app offers ELD and more WIPES, CLEANER, CONCENTRATE

Penske Truck Leasing has unveiled an portable ELD systems as well. integrated Penske Driver app that meets This is a companion to the Penske the U.S. mandate for Electronic Logging Fleet app for fleet managers. Devices (ELDs) and provides other pro- The app can be downloaded for ductivity tools for those with Penske Android and iOS/Apple operating rental trucks. systems, and connects using On top of logging it can be used to Bluetooth signals. locate Penske Truck Leasing service, www.pensketruckleasing.com rental, and fuel locations, as well as truck stops, Compressed Natural Gas COMBINATION LED stations, and public scales. Vehicle HEADLAMP Penray’s Tough Max multi-service clean- information includes views of recent 5X7” LAMP BY OPTRONICS ing products have been formulated to service history, while fuel receipts can Optronics International has expanded attack more than grease, oil, and grime. be submitted using a related form and its Opti-Brite family of LED headlamps The solvent-free Multi-Purpose picture of a receipt. by adding a new five-by-seven-inch Degreasing Wipes are said to clean It was customized in-house and combination high- and low-beam unit grease, tar, and ink from tools, but also is available for free to commercial known as the HLL70HLB. be gentle enough for leather, vinyl, or customers, although Penske will still The series includes an optimized ret- even dirty hands. No water is required. allow drivers and fleets to use their own roflective LED beam, the company says. The Tough Max Purple Multi-Purpose

JANUARY 2018 51 Product Watch

Cleaner offers extra cleaning power for codes are used as well. Payments by those with medium- or grease, oil, and other stubborn stains, Users of the crowd- heavy-duty vehicles are collected within and can be used on almost any non- sourced app have made the MyGeotab or Geotab Drive App. porous or semi-porous surface, from over 25 million truck www.goetab.com machinery to floors and walls. parking updates, which Rounding out the formulas, Tough offer real-time information about spots ELD FOR OBDII VEHICLES Max liquid concentrate comes in available at more than 11,000 locations, CUMMINS PLUG-AND-PLAY 32-ounce trigger spray bottles as well including over 6,000 truck stops. The ELD FOR SMALLER TRUCKS as five-gallon and 10-gallon pails, or a Trucker Path app has more than 270,000 Cummins’ ZED Connect has developed 55-gallon drum. It can be diluted to mix- truck parking spots in its database. an Electronic Logging Device for OBDII tures that include as much as 95% water. www. truckerpath.com commercial vehicles. www.penray.com The plug-and-play ROADSIDE device debuts with an PARKING ASSISTANCE APP OBDII 16-pin adaptor PREDICTING APP GEOTAB ROADSIDE for smaller commer- TECH TO OFFER PATH CONNECTS TO SERVICE cial vehicles and voca- TO OPEN SPACES Geotab Roadside combines GPS data tional work trucks. Trucker Path is helping to more and a network of service vehicles, offering It incorporates the easily identify the path to available insights that range from estimated arrival same functions found parking spots. times to service vehicle locations. in Zed Connect’s heavy duty trucking A new parking prediction feature The system leverages the Rapitow app application, and includes a one-time fee added to the company’s trip planning and allows users to ask for help through for the Bluetooth-enabled hardware that app compiles four years of data and more the MyGeotab or Geotab Drive app. connects with a driver’s smartphone. than 1 million monthly community- Available services include battery There are no contracts or recurring fees. powered parking updates. This generates boost, fuel delivery, up to 40 kilometers It’s compatible with most domestic a percentage of parking spots available of towing, and more, and is free for light- vehicles built since 2008. during a given period of time. Colored duty vehicles on Geotab’s ProPlus Plan. www.zed-eld.com

YOU CAN’T GET THERE FROM HERE

We like cows here DO YOU KNOW WHERE THIS IS? Moove over Markham – our second cow in several months was not as easy to find, but some sharp-eyed readers knew you couldn’t cow-moo-flage this giant heifer spotted off Highway 11 in New Liskeard, Ontario. This month’s picture comes to us courtesy of Marcia Redschlag. If you can be one of the first 10 readers to correctly identify where Marcia was when she snapped this, we’ll send you a Today’s Trucking cap. Send your guesses to [email protected].

December Answer: YOU CAN’T GET THERE FROM HERE Spotted off c/o Today’s Trucking Magazine Highway 11 in 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 5C4 New Liskeard, Ontario Phone: 416-614-5812 • Fax: 416-614-8861 Or email: [email protected] P.S. If you call your answer in, don’t forget to leave your contact details!

52 TODAY’S TRUCKING National Advertisers

Eaton 46 Meritor 2 Truck World Show 34-35 www.eatoncumminsjv.com/endurant www.machtruckparts.com www.truckworld.ca Eberspaecher 12 Peterbilt back cover Truck & Trailer 18 www.eberspaecher-na.com www.peterbilt.com www.truckandtrailer.ca General Components 43 Stoughton Trailers 4 Watson & Chalin 55 www.generalcomponents.ca www.stoughtontrailers.com www.watsonsuspensions.com HighwayStar of the Year 28-29 Today’s Trucking 50 Yeti 47 www.todaystrucking.com/hsoy www.todaystrucking.com www.goyeti.ca Hino 6 Total Canada 24 www.hinocanada.com www.total-canada.ca Order reprints from Isaac Instruments 21 Transportation Growth Summit 8 Today’s Trucking www.isaac.ca www.transportationgrowthsummit.com Call Lilianna Kantor • (416) 614-5815

COMPANIES IN THE NEWS

A F P Accuride ...... 38 FlowBelow ...... 38 Paccar ...... 38, 42 ACT Research ...... 24 Ford ...... 24 Penray ...... 51 Andy Transport ...... 22 Freightliner ...... 24 Penske Truck Leasing ...... 51 Apple ...... 7 G PeopleNet ...... 38 B Geotab ...... 51 Petro Canada ...... 47 Bandag ...... 22 H Petty’s Garage ...... 20 Bendix ...... 38 Hino ...... 24 PIT Group ...... 9 Bison Transport ...... 26 I R Bridgestone Americas ...... 22 International Trucks ...... 24, 38 Rolling Strong ...... 32 BYD Heavy Industries ...... 44 J S C Joe Loomis Trucking ...... 13 SAF-Holland ...... 38 CEDA ...... 13 K T Celadon ...... 22 Kriska Transportation ...... 54 Tesla ...... 7, 16 Central Trucking ...... 10 M Thermo King ...... 38 Cervus Equipment ...... 22 Mack Trucks ...... 20, 30, 38, 49 Titanium Transportation Services . .26 Chanje ...... 16 MacKinnon Transport ...... 13 TM Transportation Services ...... 14 Cummins ...... 38, 51 Manitoulin Transport ...... 13 Transmontes...... 14 D Masonlift ...... 44 Trucker Path ...... 51 Daimler Trucks Mexico ...... 48 Meritor ...... 38 Truck-Lite ...... 38 Detroit ...... 38 Minimizer ...... 51 V Detroit International Bridge ...... 10 Mitsubishi Fuso Truck ...... 16, 22 Volvo Trucks North America .14, 38, 49 DJ Products ...... 44 N W Duckering’s International Freight . .13 Nikola Motors ...... 16 Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority . .10 Duckering’s Transport ...... 13 O E Optronics International ...... 51 Eaton-Cummins Automated Orange EV ...... 44 Transmission Technologies ...... 38 Ottawa ...... 44

JANUARY 2018 53 Faces

Mangat doesn’t call himself a hero, but others do.

Executive Officer of Kriska, helped make Highway Hero the dream a reality – actually giving Mangat a gently used truck to call his Ickroop Mangat saves a life, and own. With work done by Tallman Truck Group, the 2013 International with a new becomes an instant owner-operator MaxxForce D14 engine was renewed and made shiny again before the keys were By Elizabeth Bate handed over. The 13-liter, 475-horsepower engine Thick smoke quickly poured into the president Stephen Laskowski calls had just 40 miles on it, but that wasn’t truck after 23-year-old Ickroop Mangat extraordinary courage. “His actions shine the only upgrade the truck received. With and his trainer were involved in a a light on all the professional drivers who a new coat of paint, upgrades to the inte- multi-vehicle collision during a blinding put their own lives on the line to help rior, and an all-new chrome package, the snowstorm outside Montreal. There those in need,” Laskowski said. unit only needed a big bow before it was wasn’t any time to lose. Mangat didn’t originally train to be a ready for the company’s presentation. The rookie driver for Kriska driver. He took mechanical engineering in There are no strings attached, but Transportation acted in a heartbeat, university. But that career wasn’t what he Seymour hopes Mangat will continue kicking in the driver’s side window and expected. “I really like machines,” he said. to be part of the Kriska team for years crawling out of the cab before pulling his “Once you go into the [mechanical engi- to come. instructor out behind him. Panicked and neering] industry, it’s totally different.” “He could be anything, but he just on fire, the instructor ran from the truck, He found himself attracted by the wants to drive a truck like his dad,” but Mangat tackled him to the ground, sense of independence and freedom Seymour said. “We need more people like practicing the “stop, drop, and roll” offered through trucking – an industry Ickroop.” method to extinguish the flames, and he’s been around his whole life. And now “I feel so blessed we could do it,” he saved the man’s life. he says he is proud to drive for the same added. “It’s the first time doing it, and The actions earned him this company that employs his father. I feel safe to say I’ll never do it again. year’s Bridgestone-Ontario Trucking Then again, he’s not technically an It feels really good to make someone Association Truck Hero Award, but employee anymore. Mangat always happy.” Mangat says he’s no hero. dreamed of being an owner-operator Speechless when Seymour handed “I was thinking ‘I don’t want to die in since the days he spent in the shop with over the keys, Mangat said he couldn’t be a truck, and [he] doesn’t either,’” he said. his dad and brother, but couldn’t afford more grateful. “Never leave a man behind.” a truck with the financial pressures of a “I’ve got my father here, and a good What for one man was a natural new marriage and school debt. company behind me,” he said. “What reaction, Ontario Trucking Association Mark Seymour, president and Chief more could I want?” TT

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