August 2008 Volume 19, Issue 8

pg 1, 5-9 tw aug v2 7/16/08 4:23 PM Page 1

This year’s Truck News/Chevron Charity Golf Event was a huge success. See pages 16 & 17

Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com Hit hard Fuel prices put extreme pressure on western fleets By Jan Westell VANCOUVER, B.C. – Compared with much of Canada, the majority of highways in B.C. are primitive two-lane routes that meander through treacherous mountain terrain and require demanding naviga- tional expertise, coupled with frequent shifting and braking. All of those constraints are hard on fuel consumption, especially when compared to the flat land- BEST FOR LAST: Ryan Danylchuk won $10,000 and a spot in the SuperRigs calendar when his truck won Shell’s scape of most of Alberta, prestigious show’n’shine competition. Saskatchewan and Manitoba. And long before the present fuel crisis Young Canadian steals the show at Shell SuperRigs that has now hit much of the world, causing strikes, violence, and even By Jan Westell from the states there. I’ll just drop by America truck show circuit earlier deaths, B.C. truck drivers were brac- WALCOTT, Iowa – The 23-year-old and say hi.’ I was in the area, any- this year, yet ing themselves for a new provincial Canadian truck driver was in no way,” he recalls. Danylchuk was not overly opti- carbon tax, which has put a particu- rush to enter the Shell Rotella He arrived one day late for the mistic.Just as he was about to hit the larly high premium on diesel. SuperRigs competition, one of the three-day show, pulling in at night. sack the following morning, he got a Since the new tax was imposed most prestigious truck shows of the Danylchuk decided to take his call from the show officials – that he July 1, it’s the main point of con- year, held last month. chances, and headed straight for the had won the top prize. tention in B.C., sparking industry Ryan Danylchuk was in the midst truck wash. “That was pretty shocking, actual- and non-industry discussions about of hauling from Winnipeg to He stayed up all night, polishing ly,” he says.“It didn’t kick in until lat- the rising cost of fuel. It’s a situation Newport, Indiana, and only four his outlaw-style 2001 Peterbilt 379 er in the day. I was pretty excited. that especially irks the B.C.Trucking hours from the Iowa show, when he until sunrise. The dark plum truck, I’ve never had anyone give me Association (BCTA), which fears decided to make a run for it. with orange metallic fenders, had al- $10,000 before.” for the livelihood of its members. “I just figured ‘I know a lot of guys ready created a buzz on the North Continued on page 8 ■ Continued on page 5 ■ Road test: Eaton UltraShift InsideInside This Issue... Mark Dalton O/O A first-hand look at the auto • Building bridges: The newly-formed Indian Trucking Association plans to tackle discrimination and other issues. It gearbox that’s now also has its eyes on expanding west. Page 11 a standard spec’ • Graphic greatness: A look at the winners of this year’s PMTC at Purolator truck and trailer graphics competition. Page 12

• Best of BCTA: Coverage from the B.C. Trucking Association’s annual convention, including this year’s Driver of the Year and Service to the Industry winners. Page 18

• Canadian first: Eaton showcases its hydraulic hybrid system See page 22 for the first time in Canada. Page 29 Page 26

To view list of advertisers Reach us at our Western Canada news bureau visit us online at E-mail James Menzies at [email protected] www.trucknews.com PM40069240 pg 02 tw aug 7/17/08 5:26 PM Page 1

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August 2008 TRUCK WEST Page 3 Playing a role in crime prevention August 2008, Volume 19, Issue 8 It’s disturbing to note that there are cost of steel has now made stealing Canada Post Canadian Publications Editorial Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069240 individuals out there making a living tanker trailers a lucrative opportuni- “Return Postage Guaranteed” by installing hidden compartments Comment ty for thieves. Webb made another 12 Concorde Pl., Suite 800, Toronto, Ont., M3C 4J2 into truck cabs for the purposes of startling revelation during his pres- Sales: 416-510-6892 James Editorial: 416-510-6896 transporting contraband. entation. He said more commercial Fax: 416-510-5143 Everything from dope to guns to Menzies drivers are using crystal meth, a Truck West, USPS 017-178 is published monthly by dirty money is being hauled across highly-addictive and devastating Business Information Group, a division of BIG Magazines L.P., a leading Canadian information the border we share with the US as drug that can cause its users to do company with interests in daily and community well as east and west right across this the police are doing a better job of unthinkable things. newspapers and B-2-B information services. US office of publication: 2424 Niagara Falls Blvd, country. detecting it. “Two to three times a month, I’m Niagara Falls, NY 14304-5709. Periodicals Postage Const. Paul Webb of the Niagara Regardless, the trucking industry taking meth off truck drivers,”Webb Paid at Niagara Falls, NY. US postmaster: Send address changes to Truck West, PO Box 1118, Regional Police, made the point has a responsibility to ensure its revealed.Webb’s thought-provoking Niagara Falls, NY 14304. during a presentation on trucks and equipment and people are not being presentation was a real eye-opener, SENIOR PUBLISHER – Rob Wilkins ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – Kathy Penner terrorism which he gave at the used to commit illegal activities. and a reminder that our industry is EXECUTIVE EDITOR – James Menzies Private Motor Truck Council of By partnering with law enforce- not immune to crime. MANAGING EDITOR – Adam Ledlow Canada’s annual conference in June. ment to report criminals who oper- Working together with police, WESTERN EDITOR – Jan Westell CIRCULATION MANAGER – Vesna Moore “No matter how contraband gets ate under the guise of law-abiding truckers and trucking companies CIRCULATION ASSISTANT – Anita Singh into this country, at one time or an- trucking companies, the industry can help ensure criminals spend CREATIVE– Carolyn Brimer, Beverley Richards, other it ends up on a motor vehicle,” stands to gain significantly. For one, more time behind bars than behind Carol Wilson ■ V.P. PUBLISHING – Alex Papanou he said. Commercial trucks are in- many of the ‘bad guys’ undercut the steering wheels. PRESIDENT – Bruce Creighton creasingly being used to transport rates of legitimate carriers so they Circulation inquiries: 416-442-5600 ext. 3553 drugs and other contraband, and have a load in which to conceal their – James Menzies can be reached by Change of address: Please include subscription number from mailing label. most cops, admitted Webb, are out of contraband. phone at (416) 510-6896 or by Subscription rates: Canada (Includes GST) – their element when it comes to ques- “We want to get the illegitimate e-mail at [email protected]. One year $40.60; U.S. – one year $66.95; tioning truck drivers or conducting drivers off the foreign – one year $66.95 Send subscription orders, address changes (incl. mailing label from truck inspections. road who are latest issue) to above address. On occasion, our subscription list is made available to organizations whose products or services may be That’s why it’s imperative the taking money of interest to readers. If you prefer not to receive such information, please write to us. Please allow 8 weeks for changes or corrections. trucking industry works alongside out of your pock- We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada law enforcement to ensure it is ets,” Webb told Magazine Fund, towards our editorial costs. proactively reducing the risk of play- the PMTC audi- ing an unwitting role in the drug ence. “We need Advertising inquiries trade or other criminal activity. your help, we Kathy Penner: 416-510-6892 There have been many positive can’t do it on our Fax: (416) 510-5143 developments on this front.A grow- own.” ing number of fleets are partnering Getting these with the RCMP and its Operation posers off the Pipeline/Convoy initiative. Some road will not are prominently displaying Crime- only prevent stopper logos and phone numbers them from un- on their trailers and others are train- dercutting rates, ing their drivers to keep an eye out but will also

Rob Wilkins Kathy Penner for, and report, suspicious activity. lessen the rate of Publisher Associate Publisher Anecdotally, there seems to be an equipment (416) 510-5123 (416) 510-6892 increase in the number of major thefts.These guys rwilkins@ kpenner@ trucknews.com trucknews.com busts that have involved tractor- love to steal trail- trailers in recent months. This could ers to transport signal an increase in the level of their dope, point- illegal activity utilizing commercial ed out Webb, motor vehicles, or it could mean noting the high

Don Besler Brenda Grant National Sales Mgr. National Account Sales Turning green into gold, revisited (416) 699-6966 (416) 494-3333 [email protected] [email protected] A few months ago, after comment- support for cap-and-trade pro- ing that B.C.’s carbon tax should Viewpoint grams, past practice has shown serve as warning of further things to they’ve generally missed the oppor- come – the recently announced tunity to participate in them. Liberal plan for a national carbon Lou Smyrlis For example, a few years ago the tax is proof of that – I promised to Editorial Director Port of Long Beach tried to estab- look at how trucking can survive in a lish an emissions-trading mecha- Doug Copeland Bill Gallagher carbon-constrained future economy. nism for transportation companies Regional Manager Regional Manager The controversy over the speed lim- Cap-and-trade programs worked in its harbour area. Potential buyers Man., Sask. & Alta. British Columbia (416) 510-6889 (519) 589-1333 iter legislation in Ontario side- quite well in the 90s in the US when of credits – power companies and [email protected] Fax: (519) 395-5073 tracked my plans, but now that they were used to limit sulfur diox- utilities – rushed to join, for the rea- [email protected] Ontario has its speed limiter legisla- ide emissions and tame acid rain. sons already cited above. But after a TRUCK WEST is a proud member of the following tion I would like to make good on Utilities and large manufacturers few years of failing to persuade ter- trucking associations: that promise. would likely be more than willing to minal operators and transportation While it’s important to under- purchase credits from carriers and providers – the potential sellers of stand the risks behind the challenge warehouse operators. The cost of a credits – to join, the Port gave up. MAN. TRUCKING ASSN. ALTA. MOTOR of creating more environmentally- fleet of low polluting trucks or a It’s hard to understand why trans- TRANSPORT ASSN. friendly transportation systems, it’s more efficient warehouse may seem portation providers would pass up

SASK. TRUCKING ASSN. B.C. TRUCKING ASSN. just as important to consider the an expensive investment to those in such a potentially lucrative oppor- opportunities. the industry but, compared to the tunity, which also provides a mar- The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement and all representations or warranties made in such I believe properly structured costs utilities and large manufactur- ket-driven approach to reducing advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher. The publisher is not liable to any advertiser for any misprints in advertising not cap-and-trade programs – where a ers would face in building a new emissions. Perhaps they’re too the fault of the publisher and in such an event the limit of the publisher's provincial or federal body sets a cap plant, they’re a drop in the bucket. caught up in their day-to-day chal- liability shall not exceed the amount of the publisher's charge for such advertising. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in all or in for allowable pollution, and allows Supply chain service providers have lenges to consider such a long-term part, without the written permission of the publisher. companies who have invested in a lot to gain by being a net seller of issue. Perhaps they’re distrustful of From time to time, we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations equipment or facilities that exceed credits. And since such credits government legislation. whose product or services may interest you. the government requirements to would be scarce, the utilities and Perhaps it’s also time they recon- If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact our privacy officer via earn pollution credits and then sell power companies that need them sidered their ambivalence and gave one of the following methods: Phone: 1-800-668-2374 those credits to companies that would likely bid up the price. cap-and-trade programs the consid- Fax: 416-442-2200 ■ E-mail: [email protected] can’t meet the standards of the But so far neither our federal eration they deserve. Mail: Privacy Officer. Business Information Group, regulatory cap – provide not only a government nor the transportation @ARTICLECATEGORY:861; 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, Ont., M3C 4J2 sensible market-driven approach to sector have aggressively pursued PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40069240 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES reducing emissions, but also a real cap-and-trade programs. – Lou Smyrlis can be reached by TO CIRCULATION DEPT. – TRUCK NEWS, opportunity for supply chain service Transportation providers have phone at (416) 510-6881 or by e-mail 12 CONCORDE PL., SUITE 800, TORONTO, ON M3C 4J2 providers. not only failed so far to state their at [email protected]. pg 04 tw aug 7/15/08 4:43 PM Page 1

Page 4 TRUCK WEST August 2008

Monthly Class 8 Sales - May 08 Historical Comparison - May 08 Sales Motor Vehicle Production to Jan 08

OEM This Month Last Year Freightliner 381 524 International 534 500 Kenworth 412 413 Mack 212 138 Peterbilt 272 289 Sterling 235 267 Volvo 246 137 Western Star 138 209 With the days of coping with parts and materials shortages TOTALS 2,430 2,477 and record demand for new trucks nothing but a memory, Canadian Class 8 sales started off quietly in the first quarter, coming in below last year’s level and considerably below the truck manufacturers instead now face continuing to bring record numbers posted in 2006 for each month in the first quarter. That’s not surprising considering the impact of the their operations in line with the reduced sales. They also are pre-buy strategy and the fact that there are serious doubts about the economy’s health on both sides of the preparing for the next jump in sales volumes as fleets and border creating excess capacity. However, sales for March did climb above 2,000 units, avoiding the steep declines of owner/operators respond to the next round of engine 2001 to 2003, April’s sales were higher than last year’s and May's were not far off last year’s pace. emissions standards in 2010 and the anticipated rebound of the North American economy. Class 8 Sales (YTD May 08) by Province and OEM Historical Comparison - YTD

OEM BC ALTA SASK MAN ONT QUE NB NS PEI NF CDA Freightliner 182 355 88 104 855 297 92 49 0 10 2,032 International 104 314 42 161 1,132 655 86 44 2 34 2,574 Kenworth 247 624 105 77 397 363 4 35 0 0 1,852 Mack 69 104 54 69 295 105 19 33 0 0 536 Peterbilt 135 395 138 61 237 150 95 9 0 0 948 Sterling 109 149 47 35 293 203 9 26 0 3 639 Volvo 59 148 58 105 342 145 26 32 0 7 676 Western Star 92 104 21 11 141 81 14 14 0 2 342 TOTALS 997 2,193 553 623 3,692 1,999 345 242 2 56 10,702 After a stronger than expected April and May sales that weren’t too far off last year’s pace, Class 8 sales for the first five months are at 10,702. The total is below last year’s less-than- impressive total, about 1,300 short of the 5-year average and way off the record sales posted to this point in 2006. Currently, 2008 is shaping up as the fourth worst sales year in the past decade as the pre-buy strategy employed by many fleets combined with a slowing North American economy is giving fleets second thoughts about adding capacity. 12 - Month Sales Trends Market Share Class 8 YTD

2007 2008 3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1.000

500

0 June July August September October November December January February March April May 2,142 1,872 1,726 1,952 2,132 1,763 1,742 1,687 1,859 2,140 2,586 2,430

Monthly total sales never climbed above the 3,000 mark last year, after doing so seven times Last year, International wrestled the market share lead from perennial front runner in the previous record-setting year. It’s highly unlikely to see such strong monthly figures this Freightliner and International jumped out of the starting blocks with a lead in the first year either. The 2,586 Class 8 trucks sold in April marked the strongest sales so far this year quarter, capturing about 22% of sales. With a very strong April and May showing, with May’s 2,430 trucks sold the second best. Both those monthly totals also marked the best International has added to that lead and now controls almost a quarter of the market sales performances of the past 12-month period. with Freightliner controlling 19% and Kenworth 17.3%. Peterbilt is the only other truck manufacturer with a market share greater than 10%. Source: Canadian Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association

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August 2008 TRUCK WEST Page 5 FUEL CRISIS

ness. They can’t afford the fuel. There are big players who continue Carbon tax to be costly for B.C. fleets to look at some of the smaller com- ■ Continued from page 1 costs, considering that this sector hard by high fuel prices, an impor- panies and then buy them up, be- “B.C. imposes one of the highest fuel contributes to the Canadian econo- tant supply chain is affected. cause the profit margins on the tax burdens across the country, lag- my, and he says, purchases about 16 “Basically when the truck stops, smaller ones aren’t there.The bigger ging behind only Quebec, and the billion litres of fuel a year. the economy stops. A lot of people ones can do it on volume.” carbon tax,and additional TransLink “Do the math,” he said. “Govern- don’t realize that.We’re hauling wa- Even before this recent fuel crisis, (Vancouver transportation) fuel tax, ments are doing re- ter; fuel; bandag- the executive director of the Mani- will pull us into first place,” said ally well off the es; oxygen; cab- toba Trucking Association has long BCTA president Paul Landry, in a backs of the truck- ‘Governments are bages;TV sets.We been concerned about previous and recent last-ditch plea for fuel tax ing industry.” doing really well off are essential serv- existing economic downturns that mercy,just before the July 1 deadline. Rosseker consid- ices and govern- have hurt the trucking industry,such “Fuel taxes in Metro Vancouver and ers that small fleets the backs of the ments seem to as the US/Canada softwood dispute; the rest of B.C. are 114% and 67% and owner/opera- want to regulate the impact of bovine spongiform en- higher than Alberta’s and 69% and tors are “parking” trucking industry.’ us into the cephalopathy (BSE or mad cow dis- 32% higher than the average fuel their trucks because Al Rosseker. STA ground.” ease); and the dramatic change in prices for Alberta, Saskatchewan, of the high fuel The biggest the US economy, which resulted in Manitoba and Ontario.” costs, which is an ul- fear for the STA, the closure of Canadian pulp and However, the B.C. government timate loss to government tax cof- related to rising fuel costs, is the po- paper mills; and the ongoing restruc- followed through with its original fers. He added the larger carriers are tential demise of the smaller truck- turing of the auto industry. Even the plan, and the controversial carbon under contract, and likely have fuel ing firms, considering that these high Canadian dollar didn’t help ex- tax has gone ahead, starting at 2.76 surcharge adjustments as the cost in- fleets are unlikely to manage this ports, or the trucking industry that cents per litre for diesel effective creases. But considering that 95% of volatile expense as well as many delivered those products. July 1, and rising to 8.27 cents per all food products in Saskatchewan larger, more established fleets. “I guess if you look back histori- litre by July 1, 2012. It’s an onerous are hauled by truck, Rosseker feels “We’ve got people parking cally, the escalating fuel prices are financial penalty for the BCTA, that when the trucking industry is hit trucks,” he said.“They’re out of busi- Continued on page 7 ■ which also has to contend with increasingly higher fuel costs. “This will cost our industry almost PIRANHA® LED LIGHTING $200 million cumulatively over the next three years and almost $500 million by 2012,” said Landry. As well, lamented Landry, even before the carbon tax, collective fuel HOOK UP TO PRIDE. taxes include a four cent per litre federal excise tax and a 6.75 cent per litre tax levied for province-wide PIRANHA® PRIDE. transportation-related expenditures, (not related to the Vancouver TransLink tax).The B.C. trucking industry is also bracing itself for a mandated introduction in 2010 of biodiesel, which Landry is critical of, because it “tends to produce less energy than pure diesel,” as well as new engine standards in 2010, which he says may be less fuel-efficient. “Coupled with a qualified driver shortage, the cost of trucking in B.C. and throughout North America isn’t expected to abate for the foresee- able future,” he said. In contrast, the Saskatchewan trucking industry is coping with the rising cost of fuel with an added fuel surcharge,according to Al Rosseker, executive director of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association. “A lot of it is just pass-through for us, which of course, adds to the infla- tionary cycle,” he said of an expense that is inevitably passed on to the consumer. On top of this rising cost, what really grates at Rosseker,as it does the “Not one Piranha failure in a BCTA and much of the Canadian “Not one Piranha failure in a trucking industry, is a four cent per million miles. That’s phenomenal!” litre federal excise tax on diesel fuel, DARIAN STEPHENS of Hereford, PA which the STA and much of the in- with his ’95‘95 Freightliner Classic dustry would like to have abolished. “This was a tax that was put on by the Mulroney government to elimi- nate the deficit,” he said. “Well, the deficit is long gone.The government is still charging four cents a litre on IN 1997 DARIAN STEPHENS customized his Freightliner Classic with diesel fuel, and they have the audac- Piranha LED lights. He’s proud that a million miles later, his rig and the ity to charge the four cents and then Piranhas are still going strong and looking good. put GST on top of that. So it’s the 816.765.2000 • www.pmlights.com taxing of tax, which is incredible to “Last year we were named the winningest Pride & Polish rig of all us. Maybe government looks at four time,” he says. “And I’ve had zero problems with the Piranhas. That’s cents and says it’s peanuts. To our why I stick with Peterson all the way around.” profit margins, it could make a small difference. We just think that this is Take a tip from Darian: Keep the pride in your just a wrong tax. It’s a straight tax ride by hooking up to Piranha. Available at 4200 E.135th St. • Grandview, MO 64030 grab and we think (eliminating) that safety lighting centers everywhere. would be a good starting point.” Like many in the trucking industry, Rosseker is frustrated with bur- www.pmlights.com densome taxes on top of high fuel pg 06 tw aug 7/15/08 4:46 PM Page 1

Page 6 TRUCK WEST August 2008

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August 2008 TRUCK WEST Page 7 FUEL CRISIS

mensurate with the cost of doing days, now you have this huge com- business and for us to retain a rea- ponent of your cost that you have to Profit margins take a hit sonable target of 7% profit.” have this cash flow for. So, all these In reality, Orlick says his profit little companies that aren’t paying ■ Continued from page 5 with, Dolyniuk believes there is an margin is closer to 4%, due to the in- attention, they aren’t getting that one of the last of many straws that over-capacity in the trucking indus- crease in fuel costs, but that’s not the fuel surcharge back. Their cash flow have been placed on their backs,” try, which will make an adjustment, only operational expense that a 30- is killing them.” said MTA leader Bob Dolyniuk, eventually. “There will be a correc- truck fleet like Orlick Transport has When companies scramble for who also favours the removal of the tion once things level off, some- to endure. cash to pay that monthly fuel bill, federal excise tax on diesel fuel. where down the road. I don’t think “Wages go up,” he said. “Costs of Orlick fears that other operational “Every little bit will help.” it’s going to be this year.Then, hope- parts and services (go up). Even our expenses may be neglected, like new The only way that trucking com- fully we’ll start growing once again.” equipment went up. Our trailers tires, brakes, or other safety meas- panies can survive during this tight In Alberta, the economy is still went up $1,200.” ures.As well, dependable employees economic period with escalating booming, but the past-president of Orlick says the company’s freight that prefer a guaranteed salary fuel prices is to apply a fuel sur- the Alberta Motor Transport Asso- volumes are down. Even relations might start looking elsewhere. charge on a weekly basis, according ciation indicates that the trucking with long-time brokers and other Unfortunately, Orlick says the to Dolyniuk. market is going through an ex- carriers that pass on freight business smaller, poorly run companies may “There is not a trucking company tremely competitive period, due to have been strained, due to current not even be able to attract a buyer in Canada that can survive if they the fuel situation. Gene Orlick of conditions. when the financial constraints indi- are not adjusting their rates, whether Orlick Transport says many fleets “We’re not always getting the cor- cate that it’s time to sell. The bigger it is straight through the rate mecha- are “discounting” the fuel sur- rect rate, because the way I treat fleets aren’t necessarily interested in nism or the fuel surcharge. If they charges to maintain market share, or brokers is that they’re your sales- a struggling operation. are not adjusting their rates for the to capture additional market share. men and they’re getting a commis- “All these guys – I know them, cost of the fuel, they wouldn’t be in Instead of charging 47%, which is sion to provide you a sale. So I factor and I’ve talked to them,” says the business today and they won’t be in what Orlick charges as a fuel sur- that in to the situation. But now the AMTA past-president. “I see what business tomorrow if they don’t con- charge, he says some companies are brokers are still trying to get the fuel they do, and I watch the companies tinue to do so. It’s as simple as that,” increasing their base rate, and charg- surcharge based on what it was 35 that they buy. They buy good man- he insisted. ing as low as 10 or 20% for the sur- cents a litre ago.We can’t live on that agement. They buy companies that It’s now a matter of survival for charge.“So optics become your new anymore.We can’t provide that serv- fit, what they’re looking to make a many fleets, added Dolyniuk, who way of selling freight,” he said. ice,” Orlick explained. model of. They buy companies that indicates that the volatile economic Orlick is also concerned that Orlick has concerns about the make money. They’re not gong to landscape has caused some trucking some of the bigger customers are weaker transport companies, which gobble up little companies that companies to consider other mar- “pushing back,” or negotiating hard, may be unable to make the most im- aren’t profitable. They’re not inter- kets or commodities, and seek busi- and in some cases, refusing to pay portant payment of the month: the ested in them.” ness elsewhere, sometimes on other the going rate. fuel bill. It’s an inflexible expense Orlick says the present economic truckers’ turf. “My answer is ‘Then I will have to and a vital part of the operation. situation has him concerned about “You have companies moving park my truck up against the fence.’ “One of the realities with fuel, is it his own livelihood. into different marketplaces and cre- That is my option. I am not in the has to be paid in that 30 days,” says “It is an interesting problem. I am ating the over-capacity we have to- business to lose money,” he said. Orlick. “You can’t stretch them to not enjoying going through it. I am day,” he said. “We provide an excellent service. 60. It just doesn’t happen. Where all not looking forward to what’s going Despite the economic roller- It’s on time, damage-free.This is the the other trade payables tend to to happen over the next year.” ■ coaster that truckers must contend rate today.It’s competitive and com- have the ability to go to 45 or 60 @ARTICLECATEGORY:3361; pg 1, 5-9 tw aug v2 7/16/08 1:37 PM Page 8

Page 8 TRUCK WEST August 2008 SHOW SPECIAL Just-in-time arrival

■ Continued from page 1 plan that included a payment Danylchuk’s truck is long and low to arrangement, overseen by the patri- the ground, with a design that he arch fleet owner of E.B.D. Enter- calls “half old-school, half new- prises, who demanded full payment school.” for the truck before his son could The colour scheme is candy plum “dress it up.” that appears dark at night, yet glows Danylchuk credits his father’s me- bright purple under sunlight. The chanic, Randy Viskup, for rebuilding fenders are bright orange during the the truck, and Derrick’s Sandblast- day, but look copper in the dark, a ing and Painting, located in Win- stylish effect that may have ap- nipeg, for the exterior transforma- pealed to the show judges. tion. “They did a lot of work on it.” “I think that was the big kicker,” He says the interior is a throw- he says.“It’s the paint job that is the back to the 1980s, and done in “but- one thing everyone likes.” ton tuck.” Other exterior changes in- The young truck driver has been clude the visor and the grille, which at the wheel since he was 18, a the proud owner says, looks like a dream job that he aimed for since he bowtie, anchored by eight-inch was a child. His father gave him the stacks. While the young trucker is trucknews.com Peterbilt when he was 15, but a new to the show scene, he does un- friend drove it until Danylchuk had derstand what impresses the judges. A_CVL.BUY.304.4C.TNT.04 4/7/08 1:48 PM Page 1 all the credentials. It was a family He won Best-in-Show at the recent Winnipeg Truck Show, after once

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o took the inaugural “Wowtrucks 365” 0 x 2 x ______© E award with his 2007 Peterbilt 379. Account“New Manager this year to Wowtrucks is a nation-wide competition to get into ______Canada’s Big Rig Showpiece,” says Long live your engine. photographer and proprietor of ProductionWowtrucks, Manager David Benjatschek. Available through Esso branded distributors from coast to coast. ______“Three winners at the four major Find your local distributor at http://map.essolubes.ca/. For Show’n’Shines across the country: more information, call 1-800-968-3776 or visit www.delvac.ca McGillthe Fergus Truck Show, Rodeo du ______CamionMZ and Pro-Trucker Maga- zine’s Alberta and British Columbia www.essolubes.ca ® Big Rig Weekends, will all qualify for a spot in the calendar.” The next selection will be made at the Fergus Truck Show. ■ pg 1, 5-9 tw aug v2 7/16/08 11:55 AM Page 9

August 2008 TRUCK WEST Page 9

B.C. Big Rig Weekend kicks off western show circuit

By Jan Westell The People’s Choice award CHILLIWACK, B.C. – A little bit went to Ron Ruddick for his 2004 of rain didn’t dampen the spirits green Peterbilt 357 working grav- of the proud owners of more than el truck. 100 trucks featured at this year’s He also won best lights for grav- B.C. Big Rig weekend held here el and best-in show for gravel, all July 5-6. a big a surprise for the Mission The B.C. Big Rig weekend, held trucker. at Chilliwack’s Heritage Park and “I was pretty surprised,” he operated by Pro Trucker maga- said. “That People’s Choice is zine, was considered a resounding quite an award to win. They all success, with more than 70 tro- are. They are all equally import. phies awarded. To have the public approve, it’s Chicky Drouillard, of Drouil- really something lard Trucking, was the top winner The best-in-show (US) award for his blue 1987 Peterbilt 379 went to Joe Cramer of Belling- EXH. ham, Washington, for his 1951 The owner/operator from burgundy GMC 950 flatbed. Kelowna won first prize for best TOP CANADIAN: Chicky Drouillard won Best-in-Show (Canada) among working The B.C. Big Rig Weekend is trucks during the B.C. Big Rig Weekend in Chilliwack. paint, first prize for truck/trailer sponsored by Pro Trucker maga- combo, as well as Best-in-Show sion is a “shrunk-down” version of shaved down” and put on a small- zine, and is promoted as the only (Canada) for a working truck as its former image, which had a fuller chassis, going from a pick-up Canadian show’n’shine that has a well as the Dale Feechuck memo- sized hood, which has “all been chassis, to a 3-tonne chassis. US award category. ■ rial trophy. The Dale Feechuck memorial award is dedicated to a custom truck aficionado, who is now de- ceased, and the original inspira- tion behind the Big Rig Weekend: A Trucker’s Dream. Drouillard, who has owned the truck for six years, says he’s done many conversions: with a custom sleeper; a custom hydraulic system; and upgrades to parts and the interior. The 1987 truck went up against much newer models, which provided a close match says Drouil- lard, considering its age and substantial mileage at 1,762,000 km. The truck is a restorative tribute to the original design, or “old school,” according to the owner. “It’s looking like it just came out of the factory, within the last year or so,” added Drouillard, who worked the truck when it was brand new, and his offer-to-bid was granted by special invitation from the original owner, another badge-of-honour for a truck the owner is passionate about. “It’s awesome,” says Drouillard, who hauls course sand and gravel Friday, for golf course development, and an Okanagan nursery. “It’s got a October 3rd 425 Cat - it pulls like a bear.” Dave Carrie also won a slew of 11:00 am - 9:00 pm awards for his non-working 1968 burgundy and chrome Kenworth W900A hook truck, with best-in- Saturday, show (Canada), as well as first place for show truck, and first for October 4th best engine. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm The truck also earned two second place trophies for best interi- or and best paint. While the Coquitlam independ- ent owner/operator couldn’t at- tend the Chilliwack event, instead associate Rick Rolls of North- Lang Diesel picked up the haul of trophies for his client. It was a fitting gesture for a Langley mechanic who shared the same pride in this collaborative project. “It feels pretty good,” said TRADEX, Rolls, who admits that business Abbotsford Airport was buzzing since the show, with Abbotsford, BC many queries from other truckers, about pricing.“It makes a guy feel HOSTED BY BRITISH COLUMBIA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION pretty good, after slugging away on it for three years,” he adds. Visit our web site at www.truxpo.com The Kenworth’s custom conver- pg 10 tw aug v2 7/16/08 9:13 AM Page 10

Page 10 TRUCK WEST August 2008 SHOW SPECIAL

to the coating. But that sticky cover- ing protects the truck’s aluminum, Wheel polishing A polishing primer stainless steel and chrome throughout the harshest season. TORONTO, Ont. – Polishing. “It looks terrible,” he says. “But It’s one of the most tedious when I clean it off in the spring, it tasks involved in getting a show looks really good. It saves the truck ready to be judged. chrome. It saves sandblasting, (be- Especially when it comes to cause) they use lots of sand on the wheels, which aren’t likely going roads here in the winter.” to stay clean for very long, In the spring, the truck is treated anyway. with a pressure wash to remove the The frustration of trying to grease, before application of keep wheels looking brand new “Jeweler’s Rouge” a polishing paste is exacerbated when they’re on for metals like chrome, aluminum an everyday working truck. and stainless steel, which comes in However, Steven Motta, prod- various strengths. uct manager with VIS Polish, Watts and Seabrook follow a two- says more O/Os and image-con- step process, first with the Jeweler’s scious fleets are beginning to let Rouge “brown” bar which cuts the this increasingly popular ma- oxidation that occurs during the chine do the dirty work for winter months, and then they apply them. a “green” bar. The bar is placed on “The techniques used to pol- MOST WORK IN SHOW?: Polishing a dump truck for a show’n’shine competi- an electric polishing buffer, which ish (by VIS Polish) are not sig- tion is a daunting task, as Glen Watts, owner of these trucks, can attest. eventually imbeds itself into the nificantly different than what wheel and spreads for greater cover- you’d do by hand,” Motta By Jan Westell Seabrook, hav a preference for age. Finally, they apply California claims. “The machine follows BEAVERTON, Ont. – Of any com- Meguiare’s paint cleaner and Custom “Purple” metal polish for the exact same process, but be- mercial motor vehicle, the gravel Meguiare’s wax. Watts is an exclu- optimum shine. Another polishing cause it’s a machine, it can apply truck has the most grueling work en- sive client of Seabrook’s, who used and cleaning product that Watts more force and it never gets vironment, with regular exposure to to have his own polishing company favours is “Autosol,” a German im- tired.” grit, dirt and grease, not only from that he now runs as a hobby. port. He also uses fine sand paper, VIS Polish can shine up a the material it’s carrying but also Seabrook developed an affinity for 600- or 800-grit, to smooth out the wheel in half an hour to an hour, from the road itself. the polishing business after working nicks in the aluminum, which are un- depending on the condition of Those harsh environmental chal- on some company trucks that were avoidable in his line of business. It’s the wheel, Motta explains. lenges are even more extreme dur- looking dull, and were transformed an aggressive metal treatment that The machine has been around ing a Canadian winter, when sand by his touch. Watts was initially skeptical of. for about three years and there and salt are regularly applied to icy “It kind of snowballed from “I was pretty scared when I first are over 100 installed through- roads. Yet those hazards don’t stop there,” he says. used it, but it looks great when it’s out North America (about 10 in some owners from taking pride in Even the dump box is dressed up done,” he says. Canada). their dump trucks, especially at for the show, which takes about 100 In preparation for a show, Watts Motta says there’s no risk of truck shows. hours to polish, according to Watts, and Seabrook step up the polishing damaging the wheel, because Glen Watts, of Watts Haulage lo- who credits Seabrook with guiding process about a month ahead of the the machine is able to detect cated in Beaverton, Ont., has always him to his show’n’shine success. event.They put a great deal of effort when too much force is being had a neat-and-tidy nature, and that “He taught me a lot,” he says. into cleaning and polishing until applied. Currently, it’s designed also goes for his 2006 Peterbilt and The polishing treatment begins they apply the finishing touches, only to work with aluminum the other trucks in his fleet. with an electric buffer, before the about 24 hours before show day. wheels. Even if you’re not a He shows the trucks any chance more laborious and time-consuming It’s a team operation that also show-goer, Motta said truck that he can get, most recently win- hand-polishing, which is the key to involves Watts’ company driver, owners should shine their ning at the Burl’s Creek Truck Show, show’n’shine success, according to Brent Speedie, who works on the wheels at least once a year. located just northeast of Barrie, Ont. Watts. company’s 2007 Peterbilt tractor. “We suggest that when you “We won Best Gravel Truck, and “Time is the big thing. The more “It usually takes a full day to change the rubber on the truck, we won Best-in-Show,” he says of a time you put into it, the better pretty much go over everything,” that’s an ideal time to get your vehicle that hauls 43 tonnes, and the results.” says Watts, noting that the last wheels polished,” he says, works 12-15 hours a day,mainly on a For winter protection, Watts says show’n’shine resulted in a sleep-de- adding the machine can polish gravel roads. he covers his truck’s exposed metal prived schedule. “I started at 5 a.m. wheels with or without the For the main truck body, Watts in grease.It’s rather unsightly,he ad- and finished at 2 a.m. the day of the tires on. ■ and his professional polisher, Jamie mits,particularly when the grit sticks show.” ■

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1. Western Star ad tagline (7,6) 1. Traction-enhancing tire-tread slit e r

8. Conical trafﬁc diverter 2. “If I Had a Million Dollars” car s o

9. Province with “Wild Rose Country” plates 3. O/O component n p

10. OPEC unit of measure 4. Unexpected engine stoppages a g

11. Side-impact collision type (1,4) 5. Truckmakers’ sales incentives, sometimes e 6. Semitrailer contents 2 13. Carrier’s cargo-delivery promise (2,4) 9 7. Item carried by trucker, perhaps (5,3) 15. Ford SUV for getaway-car driver 12. Extra illumination for coastal areas (3,5) 18. Applied oil or grease 14. A certain sleeper (3,4) 20. Given name of 15th Prime Minister 16. Chromed item on cab (3,4) 23. Mack vocational model 17. Word followed by limiter 24. Truck-technician’s investment 19. Truck’s foot-control

25. Slangy handle for Manitoba city (3,3) 21. “Do Not ____ ,” one-way-street sign ©

22. Used-truck sale stipulation, sometimes 2 26. Name seen on armoured truck 0 0

(2,2) 8 M . J a c k s o TRY IT ONLINE AT WWW.TRUCKNEWS.COM n pg 11 tw aug v2 7/16/08 9:16 AM Page 11

August 2008 TRUCK WEST Page 11 FEATURE

because they don’t know the language and they don’t know the issues.And a lot of drivers don’t want Breaking down barriers to cross the border because their English skills are not too good. Indian Trucking Association hopes to create culture of understanding We can help them with that, too,” he says. The best way to gain acceptance is to work hard, Iqbal says. But under- On-road standing the lingo is also key. Editor “That way they’re able to approach the job with more confi- Harry dence and gain skills more quickly,” Rudolfs he says. Iqbal suggests that the ITA can also help members running a small MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Being business, and provide information around the trucking business a few about health and safety and issues decades has given me an opportuni- like sexual harassment. ty to watch waves of immigrants and “Driving a truck here is not like new Canadians take their place in driving one in India,” he adds. the workforce. Once the domain of He also feels strongly about get- the descendants of white European ting rid of the negative elements settlers, today’s professional drivers plaguing the industry. are as ethnically diverse as the “It’s best for every community to United Nations. Scots, Brits, clean up its own dirty laundry and Filipinos, Poles, Portuguese, Italians, take responsibility for itself. That’s Jamaicans, Russians and Chinese why we say no to drug smuggling, no have taken their turn behind the to organized crime, no to fly-by- wheel. And they’re still coming: night driving schools, no to fly-by- NAJIB IQBAL Somalis,West Africans and Koreans night companies that don’t pay for are among the newest arrivals. weeks at a time. We’re looking for a But the most tenacious and Secretary General Najib Iqbal has festivals and admits he grew up high standard of professionalism. resilient group has to be the East a role of 700-plus members and watching the Dukes of Hazzard and Our association is working to make Indians. Despite blatant racism, he’s hoping to attract more recruits Leave it to Beaver. our drivers decent, respectful, hon- language and cultural barriers, and at their first annual Great Canadian “My mother worked at Tonka ourable Canadian citizens.” subtle forms of discrimination, truck Indian Truck Show at the Powerade Toys on Airport Road in The ITA has already been in- drivers from the subcontinent Centre in Brampton, Ont. Mississauga, and my day care on volved in meetings with the OTA have clawed their way into the August 30. Dixie Road was right next to a and other industry stakeholders. mainstream. “The Indian Trucking Association trucking company.”As well, many of “We’re a grassroots organization It’s not surprising then, to see a vi- is open to anyone,” says Iqbal, “but his Indian neighbours in Brampton and we want to work under the oth- brant trucking association springing it’s primarily made up of members were getting into the trucking indus- er associations out there, such as the out of this community.And even less of the Indian community, both East try at that time in the early 80s. OTA and CTA,” says Iqbal. surprising to hear they have and West. Most of us have some “Trucking is part of our business The Great Canadian Indian Truck no problem attracting members. connection to India, Pakistan, and lifestyle,” he says. “And we’re show promises to be a memorable Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan or proud of it.” event with lots of exhibits, trucks, a New shows Sri Lanka.” The genesis of the Indian Trucking Show’n’Shine competition, and sem- The association is also thinking of Association started a few years ago inars. They’re also going to be offer- announced for opening a chapter in Surrey or with a small group meeting to dis- ing Indian food, music and dance Abbotsford, B.C., two cities that cuss problems encountered by the performances. Indian truckers have large south Asian communities South Asian drivers and ways to get “Like it or not, we’re going and lots of trucking activity. their voices heard. This group now through an evolution right now. BRAMPTON, Ont. – The About 12 years ago I wrote a story forms the backbone of the organiza- What we’re trying to do is spread a Indian Trucking Association will for Truck West exploring industry at- tion with many of those original little goodness in an industry that be hosting its first truck show titudes and perceptions towards people sitting on the executive some would say, is in dire straits,” Aug. 16. The Indian Truck Show truckers of colour. One Sikh driver, board. says Iqbal. “Either you change with will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 who spoke flawless Canadian Iqbal sees the ITA as an educa- the times or you go extinct like p.m. at the Powerade Centre in English, told me he had talked on tional resource. dinosaurs.” ■ Brampton. the phone to a personnel agent of a “So many people run into problems @ARTICLECATEGORY:863; The event is set to showcase large Ontario trucking company the tastes and sounds of Punjab, who invited him to fill out an appli- with exotic food service and en- cation. But when he arrived at the tertainment from traditional terminal he was promptly told: “No Punjabi Bhangra dancers.The jobs here.” show will also provide the net- His hunch was that they had an Tel: 877-526-7728 working opportunities for indus- unwritten “no turban” rule. try professionals and host This was a major Ontario carrier free trucking-related seminars that today has several south Asian Dallas Show throughout the day. drivers. But acceptance by some Booth # 9000 For more information call 905- companies and some drivers has 672-1374 or visit www.indi- been an uphill battle that continues antruckshow.com. to this day. Just listen to the CB Meanwhile, Road Today, a radio when traffic is snarled around trucking magazine which focus- Toronto; racially denigrating comes on the South Asian communi- ments are not unusual. ty, will be launching the Road But Iqbal has a different take on Today Truck Show in May 2009. the issue. The event will be organized “Racism is everywhere in the at the Powerade Centre in world. It’s not just white on black, it Brampton May 30-31. works the other way too,” he says. The event, which will take place “There is still racism in the industry, during South Asian Heritage but in my seven years with J.D. Month, will be a “true reflection Smith, I’m proud to say I’ve never of the changing face of the truck- heard the ‘P’ or ‘N’ word once. But Increase Fuel Economy Increase Horsepower ing industry with an ideal blend of there’s not much you can do about Decrease Emissions cultural extravaganza,” according 1% of the world’s population that to organizers. doesn’t like someone because of AVAILABLE AT: For more information visit their skin colour.” DIESEL PLUS LTD. HARRINGTON DIESEL TRUCKS UNLIMITED www.roadtodaytruckshow.com. ■ Iqbal himself, doesn’t fit any Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Calgary, Alberta Steinbach, Manitoba stereotype. He goes to bluegrass pg 12 tw aug v2 7/15/08 4:48 PM Page 12

Page 12 TRUCK WEST August 2008 GRAPHICS Best fleet graphics rewarded by PMTC

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. – The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) and 3M Canada celebrated some of the most eye-catching truck and trailer graphics at the annual PMTC conference in late June. It’s the 23rd year the annual awards, which are open to all private and for-hire carriers, have been held. The awards presentation is always a highlight of the PMTC conference. Prizes were presented to the winners in seven categories: Tractor Trailer Combination; Straight Truck; Special Events/Promotion; Night- Time Safety, Light-Duty Commercial Truck; Human Interest and SPECIAL EVENTS/PROMOTION Identity Fleet Graphics. Here are the winners (with the graphic house in brackets): Tractor-Trailer Combination: Meyers Transport (Turbo Images); Dairy Farmers of Ontario (Toronto Digital Imaging);and an honourable mention to Buckley Cartage. Straight Truck: Cardinal Kitchens (International Name Plate); Weston Bakeries (Turbo);an honourable mention for Sleeman Breweries. Special Events/Promotion: T.O.B. Enterprises (All Graphic Supplies); Hbc Logistics (National Graphic Solutions); an honourable mention to Segal Communications. Night-Time Safety: Molson Canada (TDI); 4Refuel Canada (Chroma Studios); honourable mention to Thomson Terminals. Light-Duty Commercial Truck: Magtec Products (Turbo); Bare (Twin City Graphics); honourable mention to Taylors Recycled Plastic. Identity Fleet Graphics: 4Refuel Canada (Chroma); Bruce R. Smith (Turbo);honourable mention to Molson. Human Interest: Waste Management (Twin City); the City of Cambridge (Speedpro Imaging TGT); honourable mention to the Canadian Trucking Alliance. ■ TRACTOR-TRAILER COMBINATION

IDENTITY FLEET

HUMAN INTEREST

NIGHT-TIME SAFETY STRAIGHT TRUCK LIGHT-DUTY Advances in digital imaging keep costs down

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The art of process provides vibrant, high-reso- tics, as well as an added value for “With the advent of digital tech- vehicle decals has come a long way lution, realistic images that are es- advertising, since the graphics are nology, it has allowed smaller fleets in the past few decades, since the sential to effectively promote the visible at night. to take advantage of advertising graphic industry first introduced name and the brand identity of com- Toronto Digital Imaging (TDI) options,” says Weiss. stock designs like racing stripes, panies, onto moving vehicles such as has also enjoyed the growth in digi- When he’s driving down the high- body accents, and hood and wind- semi-trailers and trucks, turning tal imaging, as a result of the ad- way, Weiss can’t avoid viewing vari- shield decals.The industry now relies them into mobile billboards. vancement in technology, which has ous truck and trailer combinations. on digital imaging printing, a con- “In today’s world, consumers and allowed the design process to Whenever he sees a blank trailer, venient process that allows the mar- clients have a wider range of media become more creative, with design without a printed display promoting keting team to design an exclusive options, making it extremely difficult options that are available on a more the company or fleet’s product, he graphic on a computer, then send for many companies’ advertise- competitive platform, according to wonders about the lost opportunity that initial design to the customer ments to reach the targeted mar- TDI account executive, Eddie Weiss. and the lack of advertising potential, for approval or tweaking and finally, kets,” she says.“Mobile advertising is “As technology grew, so did the such as a full wrap, or a smaller vinyl have the product reproduced on a the perfect way to get the message image quality improve, the durabili- decal. Weiss also admires the trailer wide-format graphics printer, before out, on the streets, and to the ty,and the pricing,” he says. graphics that stand out above the installation on a vehicle. consumers/clients.” About 20 years ago, the price for pack. He is particularly fond of one According to Esther Morissette, Aside from digital imaging, adds full-wrap or even vinyl decal prints, oversized design: a brilliant image of the vice-president of marketing and Morisssette, the Neon Graphik was considered prohibitive for a husked corn cob, an image so real- public relations for Turbo Images, Concept, which is exclusive to Turbo smaller fleets. But like cell phones istic that whets his appetite. digitally printed graphics are gaining Images, provides a safety feature and other electronics, those prices “You really want to have a popularity due to the fact that this with its highly reflective characteris- have dropped in recent years. corn roast.” ■ pg 13 tw aug 7/16/08 9:55 AM Page 1

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Page 14 TRUCK WEST August 2008 TAXTALK GST/HST office or call the CRA Business Window at 800-959-5525. When you decide to close your busi- Hanging up the keys ness, you no longer need to be regis- Payroll tered for GST/HST.File all outstand- There are four steps to wrapping ing GST/HST returns and pay any What to do when going out up your obligations as an amounts owing up to and including employer: the day your business ends. of business is the only option 1. Remit all CPP contributions, The complicated part is the EI premiums, and income tax handling of your truck, trailer, or Tax withheld within seven days of the other equipment on these final re- I’ve written columns to help you day your business ends; turns. When you own capital prop- build your business and columns Talk 2. Include a short note that erty at the time of closing a to help you plan for retirement. states your Business Number and GST/HST account, CRA deems But with high fuel costs and Scott that you are closing your business; you to have sold the equipment on a slowing economy, more own- Taylor 3. Prepare and give a Record your final return and expects you to er/operators are deciding that of Employment to each former pay the GST/HST. neither success nor retirement is employee; Capital property includes land, Contact the CRA in the cards. They’re going out of 4. Complete and file the neces- buildings, vehicles, and computers. business. Whether you’re a sole You need to tell the Canada sary T4 slips and summaries within As a result, CRA has “change of proprietor, partnership, or corpo- Revenue Agency (CRA) to close 30 days of the day your business use” rules that may apply. ration, there are deliberate steps your Business Number and all re- ends. Distribute copies of the T4 For example, say you have a you should take to properly close lated accounts for payroll, or T4A slips to your former service vehicle on your books and your business. Your accountant GST/HST, and corporate income employees. claimed GST/HST refunds when can guide you through the tax.You can do this by completing Also, you may want to confirm you purchased it. process but I’ll list some Form RC145, Request to close with your provincial labour stan- When you close the business of the major points for you to business number accounts. Send it dards agency to ensure that you you have to pay GST/HST on the consider. to your local CRA tax services have met their requirements. fair market value of the vehicle because you’re changing the use from commercial to non-commercial. You have to pay the GST/HST just as if you bought it from the company. There is a way to manage at least part of this mess: CRA Form GST44, Election Concerning the Acquisition of a Business or Part of a Business. You can use this form when you are selling your business assets to another person. To qualify, the buyer must purchase all or substantially all (at least 90% or more) ownership, posses- sion, or use of the seller’s property necessary to carry on the business. In a one-truck operation, selling the truck represents 100% of the property,so this election is applicable. File the election form together with the GST/HST return for the reporting period in which the sale was made. You should also keep a copy of this election form in your records. Corporate income tax Send an application for dissolution to the government body that gov- erns the affairs of your corporation. You should also file a final tax return and send CRA a copy of the articles of dissolution. Otherwise, CRA will consider that the company still exists and it will continue to ex- pect tax filings each year. If you decide to give up being an owner/operator, I hope you come out of the experience alright. Trucking is a cyclical business and owner/operators are like an elastic band, stretching and contracting with available capacity. I’ve seen many former owner/operators get back into it. Hopefully,you will too. The next time the elastic stretches out, and there are more owner/operators on the road, everyone needs to be diligent about making as much money as possible to enjoy the next wave of good fortune and stay afloat when times get tough. ■ @ARTICLECATEGORY:1604; 3361;

– Scott Taylor is vice-president of TFS Group, a Waterloo, Ont., company that provides account- ing, fuel tax reporting, and other business services for truck fleets and owner/operators. For information, visit www.tfsgroup.com or call 800-461-5970. Beaver Truck Centre 7/15/08 9:25 AM Page 1

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3rd Annual Truck News/Chevron Charity Golf Event a Huge Success!

Truck News and Chevron would like to thank everyone who participated in our 3rd annual charity golf event at Wooden Sticks on June 17th. Once again, thanks to our friends in the industry, our event was sold out! This year, we raised more than $8,000 for the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness, an organization established to assist those affected by abuse, to educate the public and to lobby government to enact legislation to protect people from abuse. Although the rain stopped and started all day, a good time was had by all. A special thanks goes out to our generous sponsors and prize donors. We couldn't have done it without you. See you next year!

Our generous sponsors: Golf Spread 2008 7/15/08 9:31 AM Page 2 pg 18 tw aug 7/15/08 3:34 PM Page 18

Page 18 TRUCK WEST August 2008 BRITISH COLUMBIA

Rob Penner, vice-president of op- BCTA honours best in west erations for Bison Transport;Gene Orlick, president of Orlick’s KELOWNA, B.C. – The BC Carrier Industry’ was the theme of Transport; and Sharon Banks, Trucking Association’s (BCTA’s) the recent convention, and the topic CEO of Cascade Sierra Solutions – 95th Management Conference and of a panel discussion about how a US non-profit group providing AGM profiled industry members both business practices and selected support on emissions reduction to who have invested in new “green” fuel-saving technologies can reduce the industry along the Interstate 5 technologies to showcase successful fuel consumption and improve effi- corridor of Washington, Oregon, fuel-saving strategies. ciency. and California through outreach ‘The Greening of the Motor A three-member panel featured: and incentives. The BCTA says that fuel prices DRIVER OF THE YEAR: Lorne are “sky high and rising; the carbon Rasmussen was recognized at the tax is upon us and the economy is BCTA convention, where he was slowing,” but there is still hope for named 2008 Driver of the Year. the trucking industry “if it is willing Driver of the Year to adopt new strategies, find ways to invest in new equipment and green The 2008 BCTA Driver of the Year its fleets.” was presented to Lorne Rasmussen of Arrow Transportation Systems. Service to the Industry Rasmussen has worked in the trans- The BCTA’s 2008 Service to the portation industry for 56 years and Industry award was presented to has driven 5.8 million miles, accord- Hanne Madsen, the president of ing to the BCTA. DanFoss Couriers and Freight. Starting at Arrow Transportation Madsen is a long-time member of Systems in 1972, Rasmussen worked the BCTA board of directors, infra- full-time until trying retirement in structure development and insur- the summer of 2000. During the first ance committees, and was previously 28 years with the company, he oper- on the BCTA executive committee, ated daily without involvement in a the human resources task force and preventable motor vehicle collision, the conference committee. nor lost time due to personal injury. Madsen began work at DanFoss Returning a few months after the of- Couriers and Freight in 1987 after an ficial retirement date, Rasmussen at initial period as a sales representa- 71, continues to drive three days a tive with Kraft Foods. week in the Kamloops wood fibre trucknews.com At DanFoss Couriers and Freight, division. Madsen first held different positions To date, he has provided 36 years in sales and assistant management, of dedicated service at Arrow, in- then eventually moved on to be- cluding participation on committees, come general manager, and is now as a mentor for new drivers and at president. truck rodeos. ■

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August 2008 TRUCK WEST Page 19

BECAUSE KING OF THE SERVICE BAY JUST DOESN’T SOUND RIGHT.

VISIT US AT FERGUS OUTDOOR BOOTH #L1 Fleets are built to run, and run, and run. Problem is, they’re often running into the service bay. That’s why Hypuron S is uniquely engineered with a high Total Base Number and low ash content. So you can safely extend your fleet’s drains beyond normal intervals, keeping profits high and costs low. It’s time to make your regularly scheduled oil drains less regular. Call 1-888-CASTROL for more info. Or check out castrol.com/hypuronad IT’S MORE THAN JUST OIL. IT’S LIQUID ENGINEERING.TM TM Alberta Government 7/15/08 1:14 PM Page 1

6OUJM DMPOJOH JT 5IF MBCPVS TIPSUBHF JT B SFBMJUZ JO "MCFSUB 4P JT UIF OFFE UP SFDSVJU CFZPOE PVS CPSEFST 5IF 1SPWJODJBM /PNJOFF 1SPHSBN DBO IFMQ :PVS OFX IJSFT XJMM IBWF UIFJS QFSNBOFOU SFTJEFODZ QFSGFDUFE UIFSF±T UIF QBQFST JO IBOE TJHOJ¹DBOUMZ GBTUFS UIBOLT UP PVS GBTUUSBDLFE QSPHSBN &WFSZPOF CFOF¹UT :PVS OFX XPSLFST DBO QSPVEMZ DBMM UIFNTFMWFT "MCFSUBOT BOE ZPV OP MPOHFS IBWF UP SFMZ PO 1SPWJODJBM /PNJOFF B UFNQPSBSZ XPSLGPSDF -FBSO NPSF BU BMCFSUBDBOBEBDPNJNNJHSBUJPO 1SPHSBN pg 21 tw aug 7/15/08 1:23 PM Page 21

August 2008 TRUCK WEST Page 21 OPINION

highways may lead to an increase of limited trucks are relegated to the Hate to say we told you so passing maneuvers onto the oppos- inside lanes on highways of three or ing traffic lane. The possibility for more lanes. For my money, that Although I’m still slogging my way increased unsafe passing maneuvers should be enough to halt this fool- through the Transport Canada stud- Voice of poses special safety challenges ishness in its tracks. One life put at ies on the implications of mandato- the O/O where trucks are subject to a maxi- risk by this policy is one life too ry speed limiters, I have yet to read a mum speed set by limiters for two- many.So we’re left with the environ- single compelling argument for any Joanne lane undivided rural highways.” mental benefits of good speed man- jurisdiction go down the road of Ritchie While the authors of that study agement, which seems to be the only mandating speed limiters. Indeed, recommend further examination bright spot the Minister could find. the long-awaited studies suggest before any definitive conclusions But a trip to the fuel pump should there are as many risks associated vehicles per hour per lane), “more can be drawn, Ontario’s own safety give the Minister a clue: smart fleets with speed limiters as benefits. vehicle interactions take place and statistics show that 85% of car/truck and O/Os are already reducing Transport Canada made the six this leads to a reduction in safety collisions in the province take place speed, and using other best prac- studies public late in the afternoon especially for those segments with on those types of highways. tices, to lower fuel consumption and July 4; it’s the oldest trick in the me- increased merging and lane-change These findings are also consistent maintenance costs. And for those dia relations playbook – release the activity, such as, on- and off-ramp with experience in the United still on a learning curve, incentive bad news when nobody’s looking. segments. In these instances the Kingdom and Sweden, as reported programs – reward rather than pun- The feds alluded to possible envi- introduction of truck speed limiters in the international study.The study ishment – would be a far more effec- ronmental gains claimed by one can actually reduce the level of notes that overseas officials are con- tive use of government resources. ■ study and took the opportunity safety when compared to the cerned with speed-limited trucks @ARTICLECATEGORY:863; to encourage provinces to get non-limiter case.” passing each other on divided high- on-board and support a “national Of greater concern, because of the ways and causing traffic backlogs. – Joanne Ritchie is executive director approach” to greenhouse gas reduc- large number of rural non-divided Other road safety issues identified of OBAC. How would you reward tion. Interestingly, the press release highways in Canada, the study says in the U.K.include convoys of trucks the politicians? E-mail her at accompanying the unveiling of the that “implementation of mandatory blocking the on- and off-ramps on [email protected] or call toll-free studies mentioned only potential en- speed limiters on rural two-lane highways. Under U.K.law,all speed- 888-794-9990. vironmental gains. Transport Minister Lawrence G E Cannon’s announcement contained T not a word about the now-quanti- P A Y fied safety risks or the difficulties P O E U and expense likely to be incurred R R enforcing the law. The studies bear out what we’ve been saying all along: there is no ev- idence to show that safety is well- served by government-mandated Western Canada’s Trucking Newspaper and Equipment Buyer’s Guide speed limiters, and indeed, safety can be compromised in a number of situations; there are significant issues with tampering, trade, and com- petitiveness; enforcement costs are high and relatively ineffective; and truck and engine manufacturers are cautioning against government in- SUBSCRIBESUBSCRIBE terference. In fact – and one of the studies says as much – the only real MOVING? benefactors of mandatory speed READING SOMEONE limiters are the fleets. ELSE’S COPY? REQUALIFY! They gain from 3-11% lower fuel Send us your new address consumption, lower maintenance Have your own! in writing on this form. costs (tires, brakes, engine), and on NOW!NOW! reduced insurance premiums. That Company ______bit comes from an assessment done Name ______Title______by the European Commission. I’m not sure when fleet profitabil- Address ______ity became a government priority, City ______but it seems that Transport Canada Province ______Postal Code______and the Ministries of Transport in Quebec and Ontario have given Telephone: ( ) ______Fax: ( )______themselves a new mandate. E-Mail ______The safety implications must re- CHANGE OF ADDRESS ONLY main first and foremost in this dis- 1 1 4 cussion. Originally,safety was touted Serial # from code line on mailing label as one of the benefits of restricting Canada USA Foreign Charge Card Cheque Enclosed truck speed to 105 km/h. Transport $ $ $ Canada contracted the University of Visa No Waterloo to conduct a computer- 41.28 99.95 99.95 1 Year Mastercard No based traffic modeling study which (38.95 + 2.33 GST) used real-world data to create a Amex No 2 Years 65.66 model of how traffic moves along a (61.95 + 3.71 GST) Expiry Date section of highway. Technicians Signature Date modified the simulated speeds of NB, NS & NF Add 14% HST to Price / Quebec Residents Add QST (7.5%) To Total certain vehicles within the flow of CLIP and MAIL traffic to show what impact speed- DO YOU WISH PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS limited trucks would have on the TO RECEIVE OR 1) How many vehicles are based at or controlled from 5) Indicate your PRIMARY type of business by checking this location? Please indicate quantities by type: ONLY ONE of the following: With a) ■ For Hire/Contract Trucking (hauling for others) potential risk of a collision. (CONTINUE TO — No. of Straight Trucks _____ No. of Trailers ■ The results showed limiting truck _____ No. of Buses b) Lease/Rental RECEIVE) — No. of Truck-Tractors _____ No. of Off-Road Vehicles c) ■ Food Production / Distribution / Beverages Payment to d) ■ Farming speeds to 105 km/h had a positive 2) Does this location operate, control or administer one or more vehicles in any of the following Gross Vehicle e) ■ Government (Fed., Prov., Local) impact on safety on straight, rural Weight (GVW) categories? Please check YES or NO: f) ■ Public Utility (electric, gas, telephone) stretches of divided highway. But as 14,969 kg. & over (33,001 lbs. & over)... ■ YES ■ NO g) ■ Construction / Mining / Sand & Gravel 11,794-14,968 kg. (26.001-33,000 lbs.). ■ YES ■ NO h) ■ Petroleum / Dry Bulk / Chemicals / Tank traffic volumes and the percentage 8,846-11,793 kg. (19,501-26,000 lbs.)... ■ YES ■ NO i) ■ Manufacturing / Processing 12 Concorde Place, ■ YES ■ NO ■ ■ 4,536-8,845 kg. (10,000-19,500 lbs.)..... YES NO ji) ■ Retail of trucks within the traffic flow are Under 4,536 kg. (10,000 lbs.)...... ■ YES ■ NO Suite 800, jii) ■ Wholesale increased,“the safety gains associat- 3) This location operates, controls or administers: k) ■ Logging / Lumber ■ ■ Toronto, Ontario Diesel powered vehicles...... YES NO b) ■ Bus Transportation ed with mandatory limiters set at Signature Refrigerated vehicles...... ■ YES ■ NO m) ■ Other (Please specify) ______105 km/h become less pronounced.” Pickups or Utility Vans...... ■ YES ■ NO M3C 4J2 Propane powered vehicles...... ■ YES ■ NO 6) Are you involved in the purchase of equipment or replacement parts? ...... ■ YES ■ NO And in tighter quarters, such 4) Do you operate maintenance facilities as busy sections of the QEW, as at this location? ...... ■ YES ■ NO 7) Are you responsible either directly or indirectly Date IF YES, do you employ mechanics?...... ■ YES ■ NO for equipment maintenance? . . . . ■ YES ■ NO TODAY! traffic volume nears capacity (2,000 pg 22-23 tw aug 7/16/08 8:47 AM Page 22

Page 22 TRUCK WEST August 2008 ROAD TEST

By James Menzies Sharpe’s responsibilities in- TORONTO, Ont. – Today’s truck clude training new drivers on the cab has all the complexity of an The Eaton UltraShift operation of the UltraShift. It’s a airliner cockpit, complete with lot easier to operate than a manu- navigation systems, busy driver al transmission, but there are displays and a seemingly endless ‘To some, shifting is an art form. some fundamental differences array of rocker switches and that drivers need to understand. gauges. To me, it’s a burden.’ Before pulling out of So I find it refreshing when Purolator’s head office and hop- I climb into a cab and find the ping onto the ever-congested comparably simple interface of first, but then they will tell you one I was driving, and its tradi- Hwy. 401, Sharpe provided me an Eaton UltraShift automated they get to like them,” Rudolfs tional manual transmissions. with an abbreviated version of the transmission, with its intuitive told me. However, he’s confident that fuel training session. The core of the push-button console. “Pinning to trailers can be savings are being realized. He’s UltraShift is Eaton’s standard What can be simpler than tricky, as the tractor rolls away un- also anticipating a substantial sav- gearbox, featuring a centrifugal selecting ‘D’ for drive and then less you’ve got just the right throt- ings in maintenance costs. clutch that engages as the engine’s stepping on the gas? tle applied. I have to two-foot or I “You can’t abuse the system as RPM increases, providing a “natu- That’s not to say it’s a simple hit the pin too hard. Another fac- much as you could a manual ral engagement.” piece of equipment. The Eaton tor is ramp and cornering speeds transmission, so we’re looking for Starting out is as simple as UltraShift is actually highly- since I’ve always been conscious an overall lower maintenance cost selecting ‘D’ for drive and then sophisticated. of what gear I’m in and how many as well,” Viola said. “We haven’t applying the throttle. It has its own electronic control RPMs. Unless you shift the trans- validated that, but that’s what The UltraShift generally starts module (ECM) and the ability to missions manually you’re not we’re looking for.” out in second gear and then works precisely read the engine’s RPM aware of this and a couple of And ironically, now that initial its way smoothly through each and hit the perfect shift point times I caught myself taking a resistance from drivers has sub- gear. Since I was driving a 10- every single time. I’m not too turn a little too fast. But once I sided, the company is finding the speed version of the transmission, proud to admit, it shifts much made the leap to thinking ‘auto- UltraShift is actually helping it in skip-shifting really wasn’t neces- more accurately – and thus more matic’ this was no longer a prob- its driver recruiting and retention sary. I wasn’t pulling a trailer, but fuel-efficiently – than I do. lem, it’s actually less effort and efforts. I’ve pulled loaded trailers behind But that’s not to say everyone just as smooth.” “Like everybody else, we’re trucks equipped with previous will realize substantial fuel sav- Mike Sharpe, territory manager having a driver shortage issue. generations of the UltraShift, and ings from the use of an automated with Roadranger marketing, ad- With newer equipment, better it’s as smooth and reliable with transmission. Seasoned veterans mitted the UltraShift takes a bit spec’d equipment and easier to weight behind it as it is while bob- can come pretty close to matching of getting used to, but no more drive equipment, we’re finding it tailing. the pinpoint accuracy of the than any other piece of unfamiliar easier to recruit drivers,” said The precision and smoothness UltraShift. equipment. Viola. “We absolutely use it as a of each upshift is a thing of beauty, But where the automated trans- “As with anything that’s new, recruiting tool.” and could only be matched by the mission thrives is its ability to take you have to adjust to it and under- Joining me for my drive was most seasoned driver. I don’t pre- the less experienced drivers, and stand how it works,” Sharpe ex- Roadranger’s Sharpe, part of the tend to fall into this category, so I by taking shifting responsibilities plained. “After operating it a few UltraShift’s field support team. welcomed the assistance, especial- out of their hands, allow them to times (when backing), it becomes He’s the guy that Purolator calls ly when starting from a standstill attain the same fuel-efficiency second nature.” when there’s a problem with the at a red light and then soon after achieved by a fleet’s most skilled Purolator was gracious enough transmission. when merging onto the 401. drivers. to allow me take its brand new Where I really came to appreci- This philosophy has become an UltraShift-equipped ate the UltraShift was when integral component of Purolator International 9200i with downshifting in city traffic along Courier’s quest to optimize fuel Eagle trim out for a Derry Rd. When approaching a mileage.The UltraShift alone isn’t quick spin around its red light, I slowed the a cure-all solution, but it’s an Mississauga head- Eagle down and then important part of Purolator’s fuel quarters. when the light turned management program – and is It was a miserable green, I simply stepped now a standard spec’ for the fleet, day for driving, with back on the gas; the which operates some 500 trucks icy rain and gusting UltraShift selected the across Canada. winds providing a ideal gear on the fly and al- Serge Viola, national fleet man- late April reminder lowed me to continue with- ager with Purolator, explained his that winter is never out scrambling to find the ap- company’s reasons for making the far away in these propriate gear. switch to the UltraShift. parts. In addition to Drive mode, “Fuel today is a hot topic with But ghastly weather which I used almost exclusively everybody,” he said.“Anything we provides the perfect op- on my test run, there were two can do to save a little bit of fuel, portunity to experience other modes at my disposal: we’re going to investigate incor- the UltraShift – its user- Manual and Lower (in addition porating that into our program – friendliness is most welcome to the obvious, Reverse and one being the UltraShift transmis- when the weather is lousy and Fortunately, support calls are Neutral). sion.” driving conditions require your rare – but when they do occur, his Manual mode is handy when Purolator has 30 such units in full attention. ability to promptly trace and cor- you think you know better than place today and has 45 more on While Purolator’s main mo- rect any performance issues has the UltraShift. It allows a driver order. Viola admitted there was tivation for adopting the been one of Purolator’s main rea- to override the UltraShift’s gear initially some resistance from UltraShift was fuel economy, safe- sons for choosing Eaton’s selection. You may want to select drivers. ty is an equally-important benefit UltraShift. Viola recalled an inci- Manual mode if you’d rather start “Initially, they weren’t too hap- of the automated transmission. dent a couple years ago where out in first gear rather than sec- py about losing their stick shift, Purolator’s drivers spend much of drivers were complaining about a ond or to hold a certain gear. but I think after they drove it for their time navigating city streets, shift point of the transmission. He It’s a nice option to have, but I a while they were really im- where taking your eyes off the placed a call to Roadranger sup- can’t think of too many times pressed,” recalled Viola, adding road to check the tach for even a port, who responded immediately. you’d really need to use it. I think some driver training with Eaton split-second can be a hazard. “We called Eaton for support it provides peace of mind for driv- field reps was also required. Inner-city routes are also where and they were here within a cou- ers who are not entirely comfort- Truck West on-road editor Purolator is achieving its most sig- ple of days. They did a little train- able with the idea of relinquishing Harry Rudolfs is a full-time com- nificant fuel mileage increases, ac- ing class, they found the issue was the task of shifting.To some, shift- pany driver with Purolator. cording to Viola. a software update and then they ing is an art form.To me, it’s a bur- Like many of his peers, he had “Some of the runs we have went back and updated all the ve- den. his reservations when Purolator them on are the long-distance hicles,” Viola recalled. “We were Lower mode is great for scrub- first decided to automate its fleet. highway runs, and you won’t see a back up and running and we did- bing off speed when approaching However, even a grizzled ol’ pro lot of difference there,”Viola said. n’t notice a blip in our service. a red light or stop sign.This mode like Harry has grown to accept “It’s in the city where you see the That’s what’s important to us, how increases the downshift RPMs the change, when his slip-seat job variance.” fast you react.They’re mechanical and ‘whoas’ the truck down in a requires him to drive one of the Viola admitted it’s still too early trucks, they’re going to have is- hurry. It can also be handy when company’s UltraShift-equipped to provide concrete fuel mileage sues. It’s how fast you react and dropping a trailer or hooking up Internationals. comparisons between the 10- how fast you correct it – that’s to one in the yard, especially in “Most drivers don’t like them at speed UltraShift LST such as the what we need.” the snow or mud where traction pg 22-23 tw aug 7/16/08 8:48 AM Page 23

August 2008 TRUCK WEST Page 23

is lacking. 110,000 lbs and the LHP seems to Because the centrifugal clutch is be the answer.We’re also selling a dependent on engine RPM, the lot of the 10-speeds.” truck wants to roll back when on Most Canadian customers ap- an incline. Most drivers perform a preciate the 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque two-footed maneuver to avoid offered by the LHP (a multi- rolling back, holding the brake torque version capable of 1,750 with the left foot and then apply- lb.-ft. of torque is also available). ing the throttle with the right. It I would suspect that the takes a little bit of getting used to, UltraShift would also offer some but it’s no more difficult than benefits come resale time. starting from a standstill using a Purolator’s Viola couldn’t confirm manual transmission. this – his company hangs onto its The UltraShift is also remark- trucks for 10 years. ably resistant to abuse, another “Resale is not top of mind for reason why Purolator’s Viola likes us, but it would probably help a it so much. little bit. If you replace your vehi- “It has a very low exposure in cles every four to five years, it’d be terms of any kind of damage,” a bigger issue,” Viola said. Sharpe said. While the value proposition be- The most likely damage-incur- hind the UltraShift generally cen- ring scenario would be wrecking a ters around fuel and maintenance clutch by holding it halfway open, READY TO ROLL: The author, James Menzies (left) and Roadranger’s Mike savings, the bottom line is that it causing it to overheat. Sharpe get ready to take Purolator’s newest truck for a spin along the 401 and makes driving a lot less stressful. But it’s not a common problem Derry Rd. in Mississauga. Today’s drivers have a lot to wor- and such incidents can be logged ry about out there, and an increas- in the transmission’s ECM, identi- figured specifically for the make can handle weights of up to ing number of in-cab distractions fied by a technician and if neces- of engine it will be paired with. 110,000 lbs; and the 10-speed LST, to contend with. sary, driver behaviour can be cor- All told, there are more than 40 Purolator’s preference and the Where the UltraShift really ex- rected through further training. different configurations available, model that I drove. cels, is in its ability to simplify the Beyond that, the UltraShift’s and the transmission works equal- There are also 18-speed, three- task of driving, allowing the driver electronics protect it from most ly well with whichever engine it’s pedal vocational offerings avail- to keep two hands on the wheel other types of abuse, and failures matched with, Sharpe said. able for more rigorous applica- and his eyes on the road. are rare – especially with the third There are three linehaul models tions. In Canada, most fleets A safer, happier and less stress- generation version that I was driv- of the UltraShift available: the 13- opt for the LHP or LST, Sharpe ful driving day? It’s hard to put a ing, Sharpe pointed out. speed LEP,rated at 80,000 lbs and said.“It’s application-specific,” he price on that. ■ The beauty of the UltraShift is configured for maximum fuel explained.“We have a lot of auto- @ARTICLECATEGORY:855; its versatility. Each model is con- mileage; the 13-speed LHP, which motive (fleets) that run 80,000- @COMPANYINARTICLE:029937052; 024648290; Sterling Bullet looking for a title shot TORONTO, Ont. – There’s a new sized fold-out two-cup holder light-middleweight in town On-road (very important) And the basic punching above its weight class. Editor comfort level is sufficient: a tilt The Sterling Bullet has just en- steering wheel and two bucket tered the arena and announced it- Harry seats in the front with six-way ad- self as a contender in the Class 4/5 Rudolfs justment and a fold-down seat be- division. This newcomer fills the tween them. Some storage space hole in Sterling’s lineup and gives is available under the rear seat in it a full range of truck models with the lines and components the Quad cab. Mine came with the from Class 3 to 8. running along the underside mak- complete power package: win- The CONV 5500 Bullet I drove ing up-fitting fairly simple. dows, mirrors, keyless entry. But if was equipped with a “landscape” Sterling claims that the all- you want to go nuts you can order package: low-sided tipper box around disc brakes inside the big one Bluetooth-enabled with navi- running on an aggressive set of wheels will “increase braking gation radio and GPS. The NEW CONTENDER: The Sterling Goodyear rear dualies. power (and) extend lining life.” CD/MP3 player and electric plug- Bullet is a functional work truck that Lots of snow on the ground in As well, the exhaust brake (sup- in is standard. offers a comfortable ride and more February and my ride had no plied by Jacob) should also result The instrument layout is not than enough power to get the job problem tearing through the snow in less wear on the brake parts. fancy, but the six dials are well- done. drifts in Mississauga parking lots. The Bullet rolls off the same positioned. The cruise control It was equally as comfortable and line as the Dodge Ram 4500 and switches are mounted on the But perhaps the best reason to responsive on the highway, en- 5500 series, in Saltillo, Mexico. But steering wheel. go with a Sterling is more peace of hanced by the throaty Cummins the difference is more than just a The engine brake is a nice mind. You’re buying a Class 4/5 6.7-litre engine. This is a work- swapped grille and different in- touch, another feature that makes truck so you might as well buy it horse diesel that delivers 610 ft.- signia. The Bullet comes with a you feel like you’re riding in a big from a truck dealer. lb. torque at 1,600 RPM, and runs standard PTO package which can truck. The Sterling Bullet also Getting your service done by on ultra low-sulfur diesel, or B5 drive a medley of tools from a comes with a seven-way tow plug. Sterling people means you’re biodiesel. generator to a pump to a jack- A 16-foot box can easily be more likely to find a mechanic The 305 horses should provide hammer, either remotely, station- mounted on the rails for light and parts specialist in your corner plenty of muscle for most applica- ary or on the move. And the land- P&D work. who knows diesels and Cummins. tions. Standard equipment in- scape unit I drove could easily be Otherwise, it’s fully-adaptable And a commercial truck dealer’s cludes an ultra-low gear to help adapted seasonally by adding a to anything from a tow truck to service department stays open lat- launch heavy loads – and an en- plow or sander. small crane to service truck to er and should be more sensitive to gine brake to help stop those My Bullet had an automatic emergency services vehicle. the needs of a truck owner with a heavy loads. Aisin six-speed transmission and With the landscape box, I could business to run. The CONV 5500 grosses 19,500 ran on a 4.88 rear end. The auto- easily see a contractor picking up The light- and medium-duty lb (a payload of about six tonnes), matic transmission was fine, but if a load of patio brick and a few truck market is an important com- and can haul a trailer with a com- I were doing some off-road stuff skids of sod, along with four work- mercial sector. Up to now the bined GVW of 26,000 lbs. The I’d prefer the standard-issue ers, and delivering them to the light-middleweight division has Class 4 CONV 4500 has a slightly Mercedes-Benz manual six-speed. job-site. A tree cutter, on the oth- been dominated by Ford, GM and lighter rear axle. The Bullet is offered as a regular er hand, might use it to tow a chip- even some imports. But the Bullet Just stepping into the Bullet on cab in four wheelbases or as a per and load up the logs from the has just entered the ring, and al- its 19.5-inch wheels, you know Quad cab in two wheelbases. It dead oak he’s just felled, then de- though it’s too early for a deci- you’re getting into something se- also can be had in two- and four- liver the firewood to a customer sion, it looks like this is one prize- rious.The front-end may resemble wheel drive packages with option- across town. Later, he can take the fighter who will have long career a pick-up truck but it’s more than al plow and towing attachments. wife and kids out grocery shop- and win many championships. ■ that. It’s a formidable chassis-cab Was it a luxurious cab? No, this ping and still fit through a fast- @ARTICLECATEGORY:843; on a durable 50,000-psi frame, is not an SUV.But it has a decent- food drive-through. @COMPANYINARTICLE:023593595; pg 24 tw aug 7/16/08 8:52 AM Page 24

Page 24 TRUCK WEST August 2008 SAFETY

Perhaps one of the greatest Fuel-efficiency and safety closely linked tools for reducing the thirst for fuel will emerge when you down- load information from an engine’s With the price of diesel pushing Even the selection of equip- Electronic Control Module. The above $1.30 per litre in many Ask the ment can have an impact on data that identifies activities such areas of the country, there should Expert fuel economy and safety alike. as hard brake applications will of- be little surprise that fleets are Companies that haul 40,000-lb fer a clear indication of a wasteful placing an increasing emphasis on David loads through Saskatchewan are and dangerous driving habit. their fuel-efficiency. Goruk unlikely to require 550 hp and an Even the details about extended The fuel-saving strategies may 18-speed transmission. In addition idling time could help to address even be more valuable than they to burning more fuel, the drivers safety issues, since an unattended first appear. conditions, and that is particularly of this equipment may be tempted vehicle with a running engine is While reduced speeds, im- important when you consider how to use the extra power at their dis- surely a target for thieves. proved maintenance practices and a tractor-trailer that travels at posal. When these practices and tools better spec’ing decisions are able highway speeds will need more But it’s important to remember are embraced, you can be confi- to reduce the number of trips to than 600 feet to come to a com- that under-spec’ing can create its dent that you will have an answer the fuel island, they can also have plete stop. own challenges. Those who want for today’s fuel-related chal- a direct impact on safety records. Drivers may balk at the idea to haul heavy over-dimensional lenges. Consider the impact of speed that they can maintain this loads need to be wary of the speed And you can be confident that alone. A typical truck that travels distance in heavy traffic, but it’s differentials that can emerge with you will become even safer in the at a maximum speed of 105 km/h important to remember that any under-sized engines. The drivers process. ■ rather than 110 km/h will save lost space is quickly reclaimed. of this under-powered equipment about 3,200 litres of fuel per year. A motorist who cuts into the are even likely to drop gears and – This month’s expert is David And the heavy use of an accelera- all-important space in front of a hold the accelerator to the floor Goruk. David joined Markel in tor certainly affects highway safe- truck will likely continue to weave to maintain their speeds. 2003 at the Guelph training centre, ty. Traffic collision statistics in in and out of traffic, giving back The choice of specific compo- and has been an advisor in the B.C. have indicated that speed is a any of the room that they steal. nents can make a difference as Safety and Training Services depart- factor in almost 12% of all colli- But the connection between well. An automated transmission, ment since 2004. Prior to joining sions. fuel-efficiency and safety does not for example, will ensure the truck Markel, he had accumulated 18 Quite simply, higher speeds lead begin and end with the control of travels in the most fuel-efficient years of experience in the trucking to shorter reaction times and in- the throttle. The condition of gear while allowing users to industry as a commercial driver and creased stopping distances. equipment can also make a differ- concentrate on the road ahead. safety trainer, operating A-trains for The cushion of space around ence. Cruise control can also help to one of North America’s largest LTL the truck will make a difference of A 20 psi drop in tire air pres- save fuel, but it should only be carriers. Send your questions, feed- its own. By preserving an eight- sure, for example, could lead to used when a truck is travelling the back and comments about this second following distance, drivers a 2.5% drop in fuel-efficiency, open highway across flat terrain column to [email protected]. Markel will be able to maintain the vehi- according to Natural Resources and in good weather. If the cruise Safety and Training Services, a cle’s momentum rather than burn- Canada. In contrast, a poorly suddenly decides to apply more division of Markel Insurance ing additional fuel in their repeat- maintained tire could lead to a throttle when the truck is travel- Company, offers specialized cours- ed efforts to rebuild lost speed. blow-out that strands a vehicle in ling on a slick surface, the rear es, seminars and consulting to fleet In the process, they will retain the middle of nowhere, creates a wheels could lose traction, creat- owners, safety managers, trainers enough room to react to changing road hazard or leads to a collision. ing a dangerous situation. and drivers. pg 25 tw aug 7/15/08 4:50 PM Page 1

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Load restrictions on single tires vary by province. Consult the provincial departments of transportation for details. *Comparing the 445/50R22.5 X One® XDA and the X One® XTA to the 275/80R22.5 XDA Energy and XT-1. pg 26 tw aug v2 7/15/08 4:54 PM Page 26

Mark Dalton

FICTION PART 3

By Edo van Belkom comic book hero. He decided instead to different e-mail addresses. When he was door, he checked one last time on the The story so far... head into the restaurant and see what satisfied he had enough addresses, he bandit. The man was busy buying anoth- After a long day on the road, Mark turns in for was going on. As he walked across the brought out his phone and a cable that er round for the table. the night. Since it’s cold that evening, he turns lot, Mark made sure he had his cell connected the phone to one of the com- Must be nice to be able to afford a few on his auxiliary power unit to keep his cab phone with him, and that it was fully puter's USB ports. rounds, Mark thought. Then again, if warm. In the morning, he finds his fuel tanks charged since a clear picture of the But before he did anything further, he you're not paying for fuel what's the empty and realizes he’d been robbed during the man's face might be a good thing to got up from his seat and walked over to price of a few beers? That made Mark night. To comfort himself, Mark has a breakfast have. the entrance of the restaurant to make even angrier, and as he headed out to- of chocolate chip pancakes and spends some The restaurant was half full with pa- sure the bandit was still swapping stories ward the bandit's truck, sugar in his fuel time watching "stupid trucker" videos on trons scattered about the room one or with his buddies and wouldn't be getting tank suddenly wasn't enough anymore. YouTube, then he heads back out on the road. two to a table. However there was one up for a while. When the waitress Surely he could think of something better The next night, Mark goes to bed without the table that held six men, the bandit brought the men a new round of beers, – or worse – that would punish the man assistance of his APU. Nevertheless he wakes among them. Mark sat down at an emp- Mark smiled knowing he'd have more and the not the truck he was driving. up in the night to the sound of something ty table next to the men so that he was sit- humming nearby. He checks it out and discovers ting directly across from the bandit. a huge, tattooed biker type pumping fuel from "What'll you have?" asked the wait- his tanks. Rather than confront the man, Mark ress before Mark was settled in. captures his image on his cell phone, then makes "Huh?' some noise inside the cab to scare the bandit She smiled at him and repeated the away… words as if they'd been prerecorded • and played a hundred times a day. Mark pulled in for the night at a "What'll you have?" truck stop outside Swift Current, "Oh, how about an empty fuel tank." Saskatchewan. He had a couple more Now it was the waitress's turn to say, days to reach the port of Vancouver so "Huh?" there was no reason to push his mileage Mark smiled, glanced at the menu and and hours of service to get there. said, "Steak sandwich and salad." Besides, this stop was one of the better She poured Mark a cup of coffee and ones along the route with all the modern was gone. conveniences and Mark could sure use As Mark stirred sugar and cream into a shower before dinner. his coffee, he studied the other men sit- But as he pulled into the lot, he was ting around the table with the bandit. If struck by a familiar sight. At the far end, he'd had hopes of catching the man and parked in the wrong direction right next turning him into police before, those to a Hunt truck was the light green and thoughts were gone now. While the blue "Dobb and Ithaca" trailer of the bandit was a mean looking piece of bandit. work on his own, every other guy at the than enough time to get things done. Then, as he walked past the fuel "We meet again," Mark said under table had either fewer teeth or more He returned to the computer, keyed in pumps, it came to him. This truck stop, his breath as he guided Mother Load tattoos than he did. the first address, then began typing: like most others in rural areas on the toward that end of the lot. And they all seemed to be good Dear Sir/Madam; Prairies, sold two kinds of fuel – regular From the way the bandit was parked, friends, laughing and slapping each I'm writing to inform you about... diesel for trucks, and coloured diesel for it wasn't too difficult to figure out what other on the back as if it were old-home It took Mark over an hour to write to use in agricultural vehicles. was going on. Obviously, the bandit week. If Mark approached the bandit everyone on his list, but when he signed Instead of heading for the bandit's was stealing fuel again, and some here, in front of all his buddies, he'd like- off the last e-mail with: truck, Mark went to Mother Load and anonymous owner/operator was going ly get his ass kicked...or worse. No, this Yours truly, used his key to open up a storage com- to be ripped off and have trouble mak- was a situation that required more A Concerned Trucker. partment on the outside of the cab. In it ing next month's payments. "Not if I can thought and cunning. He felt as if he'd done a full day's was a Jerry can he kept for filling reefer help it," thought Mark. The prospect of a challenge brought a work. tanks, and for added insurance when he He parked opposite the bandit so he smile to Mark's face. In fact, he had an Still, the day was not over yet. On travelled to unfamiliar destinations. He'd could have a clear view of the space be- idea. Mark's way out he stopped by the cash never used the Jerry can to exact revenge tween the two trucks. Hopefully, if the When the waitress returned with his to pick up a mint, but before he could on a fellow trucker, but there was always light was good, Mark might be able to sandwich and salad, Mark asked if he pick one up he noticed there was a a first time for everything. Mark walked get another bit of footage of the bandit could have them to go. Then he got out stand next to the cash where they kept all the Jerry can over to the fuel pumps and stealing fuel, but as he eased Mother his phone and pretended to make a call. the fixin’s for coffees to go. Instinctively, filled it up. The can was heavy on the Load into position it was clear that the But instead of punching in phone num- he picked up a few napkins since you way back, but Mark bore the burden bandit had already done his business. bers, Mark held the phone in front of him could never have too many of those, but gladly. He also didn't mind stopping off There were several wet spots on the and pressed a button the moment the it wasn't long before his attention shifted at the bandit's rig before continuing on pavement between the trucks where fuel camera had put the proper image onto to the sugar. Sugar, he thought. Does ter- toward Mother Load. It delayed Mark's had been spilled. And since the stains the screen. That done, he met the wait- rible things to an engine once it gets into departure from the truck stop a few min- still looked fresh, there was a chance ress at the cash and paid for his dinner. the tanks. But how does sugar get into utes, but he considered it time well spent that the bandit himself would be inside Then went to the truck stop's Internet cafe fuel tanks in the first place? Well, some- since the little pit stop would probably en- the truck stop for a while. to enjoy his sandwich and spend a little one had to put it there...someone like, sure that the bandit's days of thieving If that were true, then maybe Mark time on the Web. well, Mark Dalton. would soon be over for good. ■ could catch the man and bring him to The first site Mark visited was Google, A quick look left and right, and Mark justice. Mark shook his head at that, the Internet's biggest and best search en- jammed two handfuls of sugar into his - Mark Dalton returns next month in the thinking it made him sound like some gine, which he used to find a half-dozen pockets. Then, as he headed for the conclusion of Dalton and the Bandit

The continuing adventures of Mark Dalton: Owner/Operator brought to you by MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA (CANADA) INC. pg 27 tw aug 7/16/08 8:53 AM Page 27

August 2008 TRUCK WEST Page 27 OPINION Times are tough, but try to take a break this summer

Summer is finally here. Backyard barbecues, cold beer and with any Publisher’s luck, a well-deserved vacation and Comment a break from your daily routine. With business conditions the Rob way they are, that well-deserved Wilkins vacation may be but a distant speck on the horizon. If indeed it is, you’re not alone. we’ll be presenting the 2008 Instead of tossing a line in the wa- Owner/Operator of the Year ter, the only line many will see this award on behalf of our sponsors, summer is to the left of their rig as Freightliner, Goodyear and they roll down the 401. Markel Insurance. See you at the It’s a sign of the times. show! ■ Everyone’s margins are being @ARTICLECATEGORY:862; squeezed, not just yours. It seems the only way to increase the – Rob Wilkins is the publisher of bottom line these days is to Truck West and he can be reached at trucknews.com reduce expenses. 416-510-5123. Thankfully, technology is ad- vancing at a pace that allows us to do just that. Saving that one-quarter or one- half per cent on operating expenses annually can add up to some big bucks. Glenncoe Transport is looking for experienced U.S. capable Drivers That being said, in order to in- based in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, or the B.C. Interior to vest in that cool new technology you need to have something move truckload freight. called cash (what colour is it these days, anyway)? Calculating the payback time on any investment is key, so before you jump in, please do your homework. Glenncoe Transport is a truckload carrier serving Sooner or later, the economy British Columbia, Alberta and the US Pacific Northwest. will get better. Rates will increase and we will Glenncoe Transport, based in Kelowna, curently operates 160 trucks, see better times. 550 trailers and employs more than 200 people. I’ve said it before: If you feel Glenncoe can...because we’re people driven! that you’re not maximizing your bottom line, find yourself a good business consultant that special- izes in trucking. Glenncoe Offers: You Offer: Talk to other truckers and keep ■ Late model assigned tractors ■ 2 years of professional driving experience an open mind. Just because you ■ $0.41 per mile base rate (effective January 1, 2008) ■ No preventable accidents in the last 12 months are a great driver doesn’t mean ■ ■ you’ll be a successful owner/oper- Company paid benefits Mountain experience ator. ■ A safe and secure career opportunity Now, saying all that, let’s get ■ Plenty of miles without sacrificing safety or home time back to that vacation. If you can’t get a full week, squeeze in a few long weekends. That extra day can make a huge difference. Plan on taking in the Fergus Truck Show. If you haven’t been before, it’s the largest owner/operator show in the country. Being held July 24-27 in Fergus (go figure) it’s a great time and there is something for the entire family. Don’t leave without trying a back bacon on a bun. There are several vendors who offer this delicacy. Every year, my choles- terol takes a beating during this weekend, and I love it! Friday night at 8 p.m., please drop by the main stage. Just before April Wine cranks it up, For more information on GlenncoeFor more Transpor informationt, please on visit Letters to the editor wwwGlenncoe.glenncoetransport.com Transport, please visit Have you got a complaint, com- www.glenncoetransport.com pliment, criticism or question? We’d like to hear about it. Send your letters to the editor to Truck West, 12 Concorde Join the strongest and most successful Contact Driver Services Place,Toronto, Ontario, M3C 4J2. trucking network in Western Canada! 1.800.663.4009 Or you can e-mail jmenzies@ [email protected] trucknews.com. ■ pg 28-29 tw aug 7/16/08 8:58 AM Page 28

Page 28 TRUCK WEST August 2008 OEM/DEALER NEWS International to hike prices due to rising materials costs Volvo to develop WARRENVILLE, Ill. – Navistar steel, aluminum, copper and pre- customers are currently facing and has announced that rising commodi- cious metals have all become more have been working diligently to ab- lightweight ty costs are forcing the company to expensive in recent months. For in- sorb as much of these costs as possi- increase the prices of International stance, since the beginning of 2008, ble,” said James L.Hebe, senior vice- composite sleepers trucks. The price increases, which steel prices have climbed 100%, alu- president, North American Dealer will vary by model and reach up to minum 22%, platinum 32% and Operations, Navistar. “However, GREENSBORO, N.C. – Volvo US$1,600 per truck, will take effect copper 23%, according to Navistar. global commodity spikes are affect- says it will begin developing immediately. “We are acutely aware of the ing all manufacturing and we finally, lightweight composite sleeper Raw materials such as crude oil, financial constraints that many truck regretfully, must now share those cabs to reduce overall vehicle additional costs with the customer.” weight and fuel consumption. He went on to say Navistar is The company will develop the doing everything it can to mitigate sleeper cabs along with the US the higher commodity prices by Army, and has secured some improving efficiencies and trimming federal funding to help with the operational costs. ■ development. Volvo says the composite materials that will be LoneStar welcomed used will provide for better corrosion-resistance, improved into SmartWay insulation and should also offer a quieter sleeping environment. WARRENVILLE, Ill. – The “This project allows Volvo to International LoneStar is the latest explore the benefits of advanced Class 8 truck to receive EPA materials and manufacturing SmartWay certification. techniques for military vehicles Navistar claims its International and commercial freight opera- LoneStar is the first classic-styled tions,” said Scott Kress, Volvo Class 8 truck to receive the designa- senior vice-president, sales and tion. SmartWay is a voluntary pro- marketing. gram that encourages the adoption As part of the project, the of environmentally-friendly equip- company will build three sleeper ment and strategies. cabs, the first of which will be de- To qualify as a SmartWay-ap- livered in late 2009.The cabs will proved vehicle, a truck must meet a consist of three pieces: a one- number of criteria set by the EPA. piece composite sleeper; a com- Some of the design characteristics of posite roof; and Volvo’s steel the LoneStar which have helped it cab, which will be modified to achieve its SmartWay certification accommodate the new compos- include: a shaped bumper for im- ite sleeper.Volvo says it will con- proved aerodynamics; a hood that duct shaker testing to ensure it splits the air and sends most of it can stand up to the rigors of the down the side of the truck; a wind- road. ■ shield that is angled by five extra de- grees compared to the International 9200; external air cleaners that are DTNA to offer specially designed to minimize drag; and chassis skirts which integrate Cummins in 2010 the fuel tank. In addition to aerody- PORTLAND, Ore. – Daimler namic improvements, a SmartWay- Trucks North America (DTNA) approved LoneStar will also be will have both an SCR and a non- equipped with the MaxxPower APU SCR engine option available for and an EPA07 engine. Navistar is customers in 2010. offering, for a limited time, a The company announced re- MAXXimum MPG version of the cently that it will offer Cummins ProStar and LoneStar which opti- ISX power, as well as the Detroit mizes fuel economy and includes a Diesel DD15, on its line of Class 8 $1,000 customer incentive. ■ Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star trucks. Daimler’s own DD15 will use urea-based Selective Catalytic 6920 Pacific Circle Reduction (SCR) to meet Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1N8 EPA2010 emissions standards CANADA INC. while Cummins has said it will www.paicanada.com not require SCR. The Cummins ISX will be available in the Differentials Transmission Engine Kits Freightliner Cascadia in an & Components EPA07 configuration, with deliv- eries to commence in January, 2009. “This decision will complement our current successful and pro- prietary product line of Detroit Diesel and Mercedes-Benz engines. It will expand and • MACK strengthen the range of choices • FULLER for our customers, and establish MACK • 2 Valve Heads Cummins as a full range vendor Overhaul Kits Overhaul Kits & Components • 4 Valve heads engine partner,” said Chris & Components • Camshafts Patterson, president and chief • Crankshafts executive officer of DTNA. “This • MACK QUALITY SERVICE PARTS DETROIT DIESEL • Crankshafts action was a result of many months of carefully considered • EATON NAVISTAR • Crankshafts FOR planning and consulting with our • Engine Components • ROCKWELL MACK • EATON • FULLER • CUMMINS • key customers to determine en- ROCKWELL • NAVISTAR CUMMINS • Crankshafts gine needs and preferences. We Dealer Inquiries Welcome • Engine Components are convinced that expanded en- CATERPILLAR • Crankshafts gine options will offer the best To Order Call: 1-800-567-5916 • Fax: (905) 795-0699 suite of solutions on the market, bar none.” ■ pg 28-29 tw aug 7/16/08 8:59 AM Page 29

August 2008 TRUCK WEST Page 29 Eaton’s HLA hydraulic hybrid makes Canadian debut we don’t have to force one solution er trucks or those working in tight that may not be the best,” explained spaces with fewer starts and stops. Duray. “Our viewpoint is, let the Inside the cab, a small display market decide (which technology is shows the driver the state of charge best).” as well as fault codes and service Eaton’s HLA system will be avail- lights. able in two modes: performance and Maintenance is simple, Duray economy. Performance mode is in- said, since servicing requirements tended for applications where the have been synched up with general vehicle can take advantage of the preventive maintenance schedules. extra power during frequent starts. The HLA system is designed to last In performance mode, vehicle accel- 10 years, which is the typical life- eration is improved by 26%. cycle of a refuse truck. In economy mode, engine torque Peterbilt announced availability is limited so even greater fuel sav- of its low cab-forward Model 320 ings are attained, Eaton officials with the HLA system at this year’s claim.This would be ideal for small- Mid-America Trucking Show. ■

This month’s CANADIAN DEBUT: Eaton’s hydraulic hybrid system was demonstrated at the City of Toronto’s Green Fleet Expo recently. Photo by James Menzies CROSSWORD By James Menzies brings the truck to a complete stop TORONTO, Ont. – Eaton’s by applying the brake pedal. As a SOLUTION Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA) result, brake life is extended at least hybrid system was on display in 250%, Duray said. The system also is brought to you by Canada for the first time recently at improves fuel mileage by 20-30% by the City of Toronto’s Green Fleet assisting the diesel engine during Expo. A Peterbilt Model 320 launches, and it allows trash collec- refuse truck decked out in Waste tors to pick up more bins per day Management livery was on display thanks to the instantaneous power at the show, where it attracted much transfer at starts. attention from municipal fleet man- Even without government incen- agers in attendance. The HLA hy- tives, Duray said a payback period brid system will go into production of three to five years is expected in later this year on Peterbilt trucks. refuse applications. Eaton designed the HLA system The hybrid components are which, like its hybrid-electric system, mounted on the frame rail under- generates power under braking. neath the body. They collectively TRY IT ONLINE AT WWW.TRUCKNEWS.COM However it does not require an weigh about 1,200 lbs, but Eaton is electric motor or battery pack. still working on reducing some of Regenerative braking occurs when that weight. It’s a parallel system, the driver takes their foot off the gas. meaning the truck can still be oper- “As it’s slowing down, the pump is ated if the HLA system is off line. engaged,”Vincent Duray,chief engi- Eaton’s HLA hybrid system is neer, hydraulic hybrids with Eaton ideal for stop-and-go applications told Truck West. “It’s pressurizing such as refuse. Its hybrid-electric sys- the accumulator and through that tem is better suited for applications increasing pressure you’re actually where the electric motor can be used slowing the vehicle down.When you to power auxiliary devices such as a step back on the gas, that energy is man lift. re-applied back to the drivetrain.” “We are going to let the applica- The regenerative braking process tion decide which is best for that slows the truck to 2 mph.The driver particular service and application so MISSING DARLENE TUCKER 5443-SR D.O.B.: October 19, 1966 When Last Seen: Height: 5'2" Weight: 110 lbs. Eye Colour: Hazel/green Hair Colour: Brown Characteristics: Scar over right eye, space between front teeth Missing Since: Summer, 1983 From: Oakville, Ontario

Anyone with information please contact: All Calls Confidential – No Name Required CHILD FIND 1-800-387-7962 pg 30 tw aug 7/16/08 9:00 AM Page 30

Page 30 TRUCK WEST August 2008 TSQ

BOWMANVILLE, Ont. – With can make the fuel bonus, but my fuel prices rising to unreasonable Truck Stop truck won’t make 6.1, so hammer heights, drivers worldwide have Question How is your company down. The newer trucks, they’re had to find ways to cope with the getting about 7.1. Maybe if I was price at the pump. Some truckers coping with the high driving a newer truck I could slow have the luxury of a well-financed Jared Lindzon down a couple kilometres and still company ready to help their em- Special to Truck News price of fuel? make my fuel bonus, that’s my ployees with incentive programs theory. It’s $150 for fuel bonus and updated equipment. Others and $150 for safety bonus, so if I have had a much more difficult don’t crash then I’ll get the safety time coping with the high price of bonus.” fuel, fearing the worst may come employees to drive slower by of- • as a result of this massive blow to fering incentives and bonuses. But the trucking industry. Truck West a new truck would help, he says. stopped by the Fifth Wheel Truck “They give you a constant re- Stop in Bowmanville, Ont. to find minder, like ‘Don’t let your truck out how drivers are managing at sit around’,” he told Truck West. the pump. “It’s always in the shop, you know, • getting maintenance, and they’re Ricky Douthwrought, a driver for Michael always sending me messages on Fillmore Trucking, has found a Reed how I can save fuel. Jim simple solution to help offset the “They say ‘no idling,’ and try Anderson fuel prices, however feels that and get me to drive slower, but my there really isn’t much you can truck doesn’t get good fuel do.“Now I slow down a lot more,” Michael Reed is a company driver mileage so I don’t bother. See, he said, “and I never idle.” based out of New Brunswick. He there’s a fuel bonus and a safety According to Jim Anderson of • says his fleet has encouraged its bonus. If you make 6.1 mpg you MacKinnon Transport, his em- ployers are trying to take down his speed mechanically. “They wanna roll back the speed limiters. We’re at 65 right now they wanna roll it back to 62, but they haven’t offered any incentives as of yet. So far that’s all they’re doing.” • Barry Tripp, who runs his own trucking company out of Ottawa, feels like there’s nothing he can really do about the rising price of fuel. “Well, we only have a couple trucks so it’s not really a big thing. We’re driving slower and we’re always conscious, but there’s only so much you can do. There are no incentives.” •

CCKKSS TTRRUU SSEEDD ERRSS && UU AAIILLE NNEEWW DD TTRR UUSSEE WW && NNEE Carl Reed

Carl Reed is fortunate enough to BUYING? have a fuel cap from his employ- ers at Kriska Transportation,how- Browse by make, ever he fears for the safety of his model and year. job in light of the rising price of With the click of a button fuel. you’ll have access to “We’ve got a fuel cap at our some of the best deals place, so for the moment we’re in the country. alright,” said Reed. “I’m running 60 miles an hour now and it seems to be increasing the fuel mileage on the truck itself so it’s helping. What else can you do, right? It’s ridiculous. I feel bad for the guys who have got to pay for the full pump price, but what can you do? The economy is not very good, I’m still working but who knows? SELLING? It’s one of those things where you’ve got a job one day and you For just $99 (plus GST) might not the next.” ■ we’ll list your truck or @ARTICLECATEGORY:862; trailer including a full description and picture. – Jared Lindzon is enrolled in media studies at the University of Western ForFor moremore informationinformation contactcontact Ontario and will be working as RobRob WilkinsWilkins 416-510-5123416-510-5123 a summer intern at Business Information Group. He can be reached at [email protected]. BS_CompAd_TNW.qxd:LayoutBridgestone 7/15/08 1:25 1 PM1/15/07 Page 112:12 PM Page 1

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