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March 2011 Volume 22, Issue 3

Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com EOBRs for all? US proposes law that would require electronic logs WASHINGTON, D.C. – The US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- ministration (FMCSA) has issued a regulatory proposal that would require virtually all interstate commercial trucking companies to use electronic on-board recorders (EOBRS) to monitor driver hours-of-service. The requirement would include any Canadian trucking company operating in the US. To help sell the proposal, the FMCSA pointed out it would relieve carriers from having to retain documentation such as delivery and better late than never: Nolan Transport v.p. Jim Peacock (left) presents a cheque to former owner/operator Dave toll receipts currently used to veri- Monroe (middle) while co-owner Kelly Nolan looks on. Monroe received a payment of $9,600 following a settlement with fy the number of hours a driver has Canada Revenue Agency involving dozens of carriers and millions of dollars. Photo by James Menzies been behind the wheel. “We cannot protect our road- ways when commercial truck and bus companies exceed hours-of- Canadian carriers take on the taxman service rules,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This pro- Settlement could return up to $15M to owner/operators posal would make our roads safer by ensuring that carriers trav- By James Menzies US between 1991 and 2002. Nolan Transport is one of three elling across state lines are using TORONTO, Ont. – A group of About 35 companies were in- Canadian fleets that has received a EOBRs to track the hours their Canadian trucking companies volved in the November settle- payment from CRA. In November, drivers spend behind the wheel.” has won a landmark settlement ment and the first cheques are Nolan received more than $310,000, The proposed law would affect with Canada Revenue Agency now making their way to own- with much of that destined for own- all interstate carriers that current- (CRA) that will see up to $15 er/operators, many of whom are er/operator pockets. The largest of ly use records of duty logbooks to million distributed to owner/ now retired and caught entirely those cheques is for about $16,000 document hours-of-service com- operators who hauled into the off-guard by the windfall. Continued on page 8 Continued on page 7

A ‘Ritch’ history InsideInside ThisThis Issue...Issue... Mark Dalton O/O • EOBRs 101: So EOBRs are coming. That much is for sure. What will it cost and how do you get started tracking driver hours-of-service electronically? Page 13

• ACTA action: ACTA’s president steps down amid frustration that there’s too much apathy in trucking. Page 14

• Perimeter border: Trucking groups back a proposal that would see a new approach to border security. Page 15

• Best fleets: Winners of this year’s Best Fleets to Drive For contest have been named. Is yours among them? Page 30 Page 36 See pg. 26

Reach us at our Western Canada news bureau To view list of advertisers see pg. 35 E-mail Jim Bray at [email protected] or call 403-453-5558 Careers: 6, 12, 18, 21, 22, 34, 35 PM40069240

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Name: Address: Town/City: Prov: Postal code: Home phone: Bus. phone: Email: Number of years in trucking/commodity hauled: Primary truck and engine: Number of vehicles: Contracted to (if applicable): How do you maximize fuel efficiency?: My choice is based on: Safe driving record H Industry/community involvement H Heroism H Going "Green" Initiatives H Explain:

(Include additional information on separate paper if insufficient space) Nominated by: Phone: Mail completed forms to “AWARD” Truck News/Truck West, Attn: Kathy Penner 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario M3C 4J2 FORM MUST BE FILLED IN COMPLETELY AND NOMINEE MUST HAVE CLEAN DRIVER'S ABSTRACT

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Page 4 TRUCK WEST March 2011

The year 2010 closed on a positive note in Monthly Class 8 Sales - Dec 10 Historical Comparison - Dec 10 Sales terms of Class 8 truck sales. There were 1,832 trucks sold in December, making it one of the OEM This Month Last Year better Decembers of the decade. The figure Freightliner 510 212 was better than the December totals from International 302 411 2000, 2001, 2002, 2007 and, of course, the Kenworth 295 249 disastrous 2009. This continues a trend first Mack 136 106 noticed with October sales and hopefully Peterbilt 181 214 indicates truck buyers are looking towards a Sterling 0 26 sizeable improvement in freight volumes in Volvo 301 74 2011. The sales total is still behind the five-year Western Star 107 88 average for December but that average includes the monster sales years of 2004 to 2006. TOTALS 1832 1380

Class 8 Sales (YTD Dec 10) by Province and OEM Historical Comparison - YTD Dec 10

OEM BC ALTA SASK MAN ONT QUE NB NS PEI NF CDA Freightliner 245 410 181 267 2,103 695 291 157 9 20 4,378 Kenworth 346 1,155 167 223 741 885 130 0 0 0 3,647 Mack 74 109 106 55 606 172 50 25 0 1 1,198 International 232 556 78 188 1,973 1,105 206 113 14 103 4,568 Peterbilt 180 596 155 199 334 509 94 40 0 0 2,107 Sterling 23 42 15 2 8 43 0 0 0 0 133 Volvo 83 105 82 131 1,042 456 103 51 0 11 2,064 Western Star 188 348 46 29 218 183 60 84 3 15 1,174 TOTALS 1,371 3,321 830 1,094 7,025 4,048 934 470 26 150 19 ,269 Thanks to a strong finish, 2010 finished with Class 8 truck sales of 19,269 for the Canadian truck market. That figure slightly exceeded our own forecasted high of 18,912. During the first 10 months of 2010, there were 17,436 trucks sold in the Canadian market. That’s almost a 39% improvement over 2009, however, to retain perspective we need to recall that in 2009 truck sales fell 44% from the previous year. The year 2010 also ended up with stronger truck sales than 2001. And the strong finish also helped in closing the gap between 2010 sales and the five-year average, ending up with sales just about 8,000 units short of the average. 12 - Month Sales Trends Market Share Class 8 – Dec YTD

2,000

1,900

1,800

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0 January February March April May June July August September October November December Sales 1,031 1,149 1,734 1,801 1,574 1,545 1,531 1,536 1,712 1,981 1,887 1,832 There has been considerable jockeying for market share position in 2010 in the Canadian market. International, the only truck manufacturer not to adopt SCR engine technology, once Although sales dropped for two consecutive months after reaching their peak in October, the final again ended up with the market share crown. It’s a bitter sweet victory, however, since its quarter was a strong one in comparison to the rest of the year. Class 8 truck sales came in over 1,800 once commanding market share lead has been whittled down to a percentage point over units for both November and December, marking the second- and third-highest monthly sales totals Freightliner. Back in 2009, International had 29% of the Canadian Class 8 market. Both of the year, respectively. Sixty percent of fleet owners and 27% of owner/operators responding to our Kenworth and Freightliner grew their market share over the course of 2010. annual Equipment Buying Trends Survey indicated they would be purchasing new iron this year. Source: Canadian Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association

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March 2011, Volume 22, Issue 3 Imagine receiving a registered letter things are tough and it makes a dif- Canada Post Canadian Publications out of the blue along with a cheque ference to have this windfall right ISSN 0700-5016 – Truck West (Print) Editorial ISSN 1923-3531 – Truck West (Online) for more than $10,000. Imagine that out of the blue.” Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069240 cheque coming from a carrier you In the meantime, Nolan suggests “Return Postage Guaranteed” Comment once worked for, on behalf of Can- owner/operators who hauled into 12 Concorde Pl., Suite 800, Toronto, Ont., M3C 4J2 James Menzies Sales: 416-510-6892 / Editorial: 416-510-6896 ada Revenue Agency. Sound un- the US between 1991 and 2002 con- Fax: 416-510-5143 likely? tact the carrier they worked for at Truck West, USPS 017-178 is published monthly by BIG Magazines L.P., a div. of Glacier BIG Holdings Unexpected payments from the pocket the payout rather than ex- the time and ask if they were in- Company Ltd., a leading Canadian information taxman are rare, if not unheard of. pend the time and energy in track- volved in the settlement. Most car- company with interests in daily and community newspapers and B-2-B information services. Yet, dozens of carriers will soon be ing down former O/Os. riers weren’t, but a few dozen were. US office of publication: 2424 Niagara Falls Blvd, reaching out to hundreds of own- When I asked lawyer Israel Lud- Those fleets should be receiving Niagara Falls, NY 14304-5709. Periodicals Postage Paid at Niagara Falls, NY. US postmaster: Send er/operators to disperse their share wig for a complete list of carriers payments within the next couple address changes to Truck West, PO Box 1118, of what could amount to some $15 involved in the settlement, he told months if they haven’t already. Niagara Falls, NY 14304. SENIOR PUBLISHER – Rob Wilkins million. me he was unable to furnish such a And while I have faith the carriers ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – Kathy Penner I’m referring of course, to this list due to client confidentiality re- involved will do the right thing and EXECUTIVE EDITOR – James Menzies MANAGING EDITOR – Adam Ledlow month’s cover story that I first post- quirements from the Law Society of pass the funds on to the appropri- CIRCULATION MANAGER – Vesna Moore ed on Trucknews.com Jan. 19 just Upper Canada. ate owner/operators, lawyer Ludwig CIRCULATION ASSISTANT – Anita Singh CREATIVE– Carolyn Brimer, Beverley Richards after the February issue went to So, I’ve filed an Access to Infor- issued this warning when I spoke V.P. PUBLISHING – Alex Papanou press. (It’s always the way, isn’t it?) mation request with CRA and am with him: “If they pocket the mon- PRESIDENT – Bruce Creighton Circulation inquiries: 416-442-5600 ext. 3553 The payouts stem from an inter- patiently awaiting a response. Check ey themselves without the consent Change of address: Please include subscription esting court case that contended back at Trucknews.com to see if the and permission of their owner/opera- number from mailing label. Subscription rates: Canada (Includes GST) – fuel purchased in Canada and con- carrier you were working for at the tors, in my opinion that would be an One year $40.60; U.S. – one year $66.95; sumed in the US should be eligible time that was covered (1991-2002) illegal act.” n foreign – one year $66.95 Send subscription orders, address changes (incl. mailing label for excise tax rebates since it was ul- is included in the settlement. from latest issue) to above address. On occasion, our subscription list is made available to organizations whose products or timately exported before consump- I’m hoping we can play a role in – James Menzies can be reached services may be of interest to readers. If you prefer not to receive such information, please write to us. Please allow tion. Manufacturers receive excise uniting owner/operators with carri- by phone at (416) 510-6896 or by 8 weeks for changes or corrections. tax rebates on product consumed ers – past or present – that may have e-mail at [email protected]. We acknowledge the financial support of the outside Canada, so why shouldn’t received a rebate for their truck. You can also follow him on Twitter Government of Canada, through the Canada Magazine Fund, towards our editorial costs. the same hold true to diesel bought While tracking down the O/Os at Twitter.com/JamesMenzies. We acknowledge the financial support of the here and ‘exported’ into the US that are in line for a payback has Government of Canada, through the Publications within the fuel tanks of a highway been onerous and Assistance Program, towards our mailing costs. tractor? time-consuming, After a lengthy court battle and Nolan Transport co- an eventual settlement, CRA be- owner Kelly Nolan gan dispensing cheques to the first said it’s been a re- Advertising inquiries of several dozen carriers involved warding experience. Kathy Penner (416) 510-6892 Fax: (416) 510-5143 last November. Nolan Transport has “I found one received about $300,000 with the fellow – he was largest owner/operator cheque to- shocked,” Nolan talling about $16,000. told me. “I called The company has gone to great him out of the blue lengths to track down former owner/ and I told him there operators, some who haven’t worked was a bit of money for the company in more than a for him. His wife decade. was dying of can- Rob Wilkins Kathy Penner Publisher Associate Publisher Which raises an interesting ques- cer and things were (416) 510-5123 (416) 510-6892 [email protected] [email protected] tion: Just how committed will other rough. When I told carriers be to tracking down own- him how much mon- er/operators who may have left the ey it was, he was si- company years earlier? lent. He needs the Nolan Transport officials voiced money right now. concern that some fleets would He’s retired and

Brenda Grant Don Besler tion and it was an eye opener. National Account National Account Sales Sales Manager A major concern over automat- (416) 494-3333 (416) 699-6966 ing HoS is the fear that electronic [email protected] [email protected] Do more with less log keeping will result in more rigid Handling the Hours-of-Service schedules and situations where driv- (HoS) available to drivers in the ers run out of hours just as they are most effective and efficient man- The view about to get home or drop off an ner is going to become critical as important load. Yet what fleets us- fleets head into the long-awaited re- with Lou ing e-logs are finding is that the re- covery. It will be a key differentia- Lou Smyrlis verse is true and that drivers enter- tor in the market. The likelihood ing their HoS manually often cheat Doug Copeland Laura Moffatt of stricter Hours-of-Service in the Prior to the recession, driver themselves out of time by round- Regional Account Manager Research (416) 510-6889 Director US, continuing provincial incon- job vacancy rates had increased to ing. Writing down that you start- [email protected] sistencies in Canadian HoS, and a 12.3%. The economic recession and ed at 9:15 instead of 9:11 or 9:05 TRUCK WEST is a proud member of the following pickup in freight activity will com- the freight recession that preceded several times over the course of a trucking associations: bine to make the need for drivers it led to layoffs of company drivers week adds up and it does make a a great one. and to owner/operators throwing in difference. ALTA. MOTOR TRANSPORT ASSN. Yet, the harsh reality fleets will the towel. Will they come back? If The carriers also reported that have to deal with that drivers are they don’t, the driver force numbers having a computerized report that

SASK. TRUCKING ASSN. likely to become an even more will be in even worse shape. And everyone could accept as legitimate MAN. TRUCKING ASSN. B.C. TRUCKING ASSN. scarce resource. Consider that pri- their numbers are also certain to is making it easier to bring up is- The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement and all representations or warranties made in such or to the recession, research con- be depleted by the impact of CSA sues of needless delays at shipping 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 ducted on behalf of the Canadian in the US. and receiving locations with their the fault of the publisher and in such an event the limit of the publisher's Trucking Human Resources Coun- So how can fleets make the most clients. 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 cil found that: out of a bad situation? One key Drivers are a scarce resource and part, without the written permission of the publisher. – Almost 60% of fleets reported strategy should be to become a lot if fleets want to make more efficient From time to time, we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations they were unable to find an ade- more efficient in how they track and use of it, they will need to be open whose product or services may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be quate number of drivers; use the hours available to their driv- to new ways of thinking and to le- made available, please contact our privacy officer via – Among those who face a lack in ers. veraging the efficiencies provided one of the following methods: Phone: 1-800-668-2374 personnel, 42% of fleets said the in- I recently hosted a panel at Shaw by new technology. n Fax: 416-442-2200 E-mail: [email protected] ability to find drivers affected their Tracking’s user conference on au- Mail: Privacy Officer. Business Information Group, 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, Ont., M3C 4J2 ability to move freight; tomating the HoS function through – Lou Smyrlis can be reached by PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40069240 – 73% of them had to refuse or the use of electronic logs. Represen- phone at (416) 510-6881 or by RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES delay the movement of goods; and tatives from three fleets – Kriska, e-mail at lou@TransportationMe- TO CIRCULATION DEPT. – TRUCK NEWS, 12 CONCORDE PL., SUITE 800, – 39% had to delay or cancel ex- Tandet and Concord – shared their dia.ca. You can also follow him on TORONTO, ON M3C 4J2 pansion plans. experiences with going in this direc- Twitter at Twitter.com/LouSmyrlis.

pg 05 tw mar v2.indd 5 17/02/11 10:09 AM Page 6 TRUCK WEST March 2011 in brief Clark Freightways first fleet to join B.C. safety program Manitoba, Sask. COQUITLAM, B.C. – Clark includes company audits. Carriers partner to improve Freightways was recognized Feb. 2 that are accepted into the program for becoming the first B.C. carrier receive WorkSafeBC premium re- flow of goods to join the Certificate of Recogni- bates of up to 15%. tion safety program. Clark Freightways also received WINNIPEG, Man. – The Govern- Minister of Labour Iain Black kudos from Donna Wilson, vice- ments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan was on-hand to mark the occasion president of industry services and have signed a Memorandum of Un- and to recognize the achievement. sustainability for WorkSafeBC. derstanding that focuses on harmoni- “Trucking is the lifeblood of every “Workplace injury rates in zation of regulations and cooperation industry in B.C. and the statistics on trucking are double that of any on transportation issues, in an effort injuries and fatalities in trucking is other industry, and this team has to reduce barriers in interprovincial sobering,” Black said. “This just has decided that this is not accept- first cor fleet: (L-R): MLA for Co- transportation for commercial vehicle to change.” able,” she said. “This means put- quitlam-Burke Mountain, Douglas Horne; operations. Minister of Labour Iain Black; Marcus The Certificate of Recognition is ting more focus on preventing in- Clark, owner/president Clark Freight- Officials say the purpose of the a Trucking Safety Council of B.C. juries, and in particular fatalities.” ways; TSCBC executive director Rob MOU, signed Feb. 11, is to increase ef- program that awards carriers who For more information on the pro- Weston; and v.p. and general manager ficiency and cooperation with respect implement a safety program that gram, visit www.safetydriven.ca. n of Clark Freightways, Greg Rogge. to commercial transport within and between the two provinces. The agreement aims at reducing Yanke team drivers win awards for roadside heroics barriers in several key areas, including harmonization of several spe- SASKATOON, Sask. – A pair of ous onlookers away. Soon, he smelled say because of Woodman’s ability to cial permit conditions such as for Canadian truckers have been named aviation fuel leaking from the tanker control the traffic and onlookers, they turnpike doubles, oversize and over- Highway Angels by the Truckload and realized it was covering the road. were able to pull right in next to the ac- weight loads and maximum gross Carriers Association (TCA). Team Worried that a fire could break out, he cident scene and quickly cut the driver vehicle weight for certain transport drivers Dave Woodman and Tony and several other motorists used five- out of the car. The 77-year-old man truck configurations. Rheault of Saskatoon-based N. Yan- gallon buckets provided by another was rushed to hospital, but later died. “We are delighted to see that ke Transfer were selected for their help trucker to contain the flow. The nurse who arrived on scene there are some important mea- at the scene of a serious accident. Seeing that the driver’s side of the wrote an e-mail praising Rheault and sures that are addressed in this At about noon on Aug. 24, Wood- Explorer was smashed against the Woodman for their assistance: “Please MOU,” says MTA executive di- man was driving along Highway 17 guardrail, Rheault ran to the passen- tell your men to be proud of their ex- rector, Bob Dolyniuk. near Blind River, Ont. while Rheault ger side and helped an adult female cellent emergency response to this “We see this agreement as a slept in his bunk, when a Ford Explor- get out from behind the airbag. She stranger,” she wrote. “I think if your good step towards further inter- er cross the centre line on a curve and was conscious, but in shock, covered men had not been as responsive and provincial harmonization that collided with an oncoming tanker. in blood and deeply concerned about diligent as they were, then the driver will have a positive impact on our Woodman parked the truck and was her husband. By now, other motorists more than likely may not have even members and on our industry. the first one on the scene. He began di- had stopped to help, including a re- made it to the hospital. I believe we Harmonization will create fur- recting traffic around the crash site to tired nurse, who had also witnessed kept him alive long enough to have… ther productivity and efficiency protect the accident victims from pos- the crash. In about 20 minutes, emer- his family around him to comfort him gains for the trucking industry in sible further injury and also kept curi- gency personnel arrived. Officials and say their last goodbyes.” n Manitoba.” n

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Continued from page 1 Since they require human input, effort to make highways safer.” clearly have to be accelerated in Can- pliance. Short-haul carriers that OOIDA argues the devices cannot ada,” said CTA chief David Bradley. CTA says to get use timecards would not be re- accurately detect the actual duty “There are many important issues yet a move on quired to install EOBRs, the cycle of drivers during loading and to be resolved, not the least of which FMCSA announced. unloading times. The Canadian is the all-important enforcement pol- Carriers that violate the pro- OOIDA is also Trucking Alli- icies that will accompany an EOBR posed law would face penalties of worried carriers ‘If we are going to ance (CTA) took rule in the US and in Canada. If we up to US$11,000 for each offense. will misuse EO- build a new sidewalk, the opportunity are going to build a new sidewalk, “This proposal is an impor- BRs by keep- to urge Canadi- we need to build it where people are tant step in our efforts to raise ing close tabs on we need to build it an lawmakers to going to walk.” the safety bar for commercial car- drivers and pres- pick up the pace The US proposal, which would riers and drivers,” said FMCSA suring them to where people are in implementing affect as many as 500,000 carri- Administrator Anne S. Ferro. return to work going to walk.’ an EOBR man- ers, would be fully implemented “We believe broader use of EO- while resting. date of our own. within three years of the final BRs would give carriers and driv- “Companies David Bradley, CTA The CTA has rule coming into force. ers an effective tool to strengthen can and do use been pushing The FMCSA contended in its their HoS compliance.” technology to for a universal rulemaking that the cost of im- The US-based Owner-Operator harass drivers by interrupting rest EOBR mandate in Canada for plementing EOBRs would be off- Independent Drivers Association periods,” Spencer insisted. quite some time and feels Cana- set by the savings resulting from (OOIDA) was not so sure. “They can contact the driver dian legislators should acceler- eliminating paper logbooks and The group, which as traditionally and put on pressure to get back on ate their plans in light of the US through increased efficiencies. been opposed to EOBRs, quick- the road to get the most of his or proposal. You can read the 72-page pro- ly spoke out against the Jan. 31 her on-duty time. This mandate “With the release of the Notice posal from the FMCSA’s Web site announcement. would be a step backward in the of Proposed Rulemaking, work will at www.fmcsa.dot.gov. n Over-priced record keepers “EOBRs are nothing more than over-priced record keepers,” said Todd Spencer, executive vice-president of OOIDA. “This proposal is actually another example of the administration’s determination to wipe ZENVIRONMENT. out small businesses by continuing to crank out overly burdensome regula- CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE. tions that simply run up costs.” OOIDA contends EOBRs cannot accurately and automatically record a driver’s hours of work and duty cycle. N.A. surface trade up 15% y-o-y in November WASHINGTON, D.C. – Trade using surface transportation between Canada, the US and Mexico was 15.5% higher in November than in November 2009, reaching US$68.1 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US Department of Transportation. BTS reported that the value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexi- co fell 3.6% in November from October. The value of US surface Introducing Yokohama’s breakthrough new Zenvironment technology. With a transportation trade with Can- stronger, more resilient rubber compound that resists cuts and chips, it’s ada and Mexico in November revolutionizing the trucking industry. Zenvironment offers a longer original was up 8.2% compared to No- tread life, better retreadability and lower rolling resistance for better fuel vember 2005, and up 36.7% compared to November 2000. economy. And the casing comes with a 7 year limited warranty. Plus it’s Imports in November were up guaranteed to have a cost per kilometre lower than any major competing brand by at least 15%. 29.7% compared to November So join the movement. Ask your dealer about it today. 2000, while exports were up 45.8%. US-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $39.5 billion in November, up 12.6% compared to November 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 11.5% higher in November compared to November 2009, while the value of exports carried by truck was 12.6% higher during this period. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in No- www.Yokohama.ca vember with $4.5 billion. n

pg 01, 07,08,11 tw mar v2.indd 7 17/02/11 10:03 AM

50K

Client: Yokohama Tires Publication: Truck News Date Created: Feb 2, 2011 Trim: 7-7/8 x 10-3/4" Live: 7-1/2 x 10-1/4" Bleed: 8-1/8 x 10-7/8" Colour: CMYK Production Studio: Thursby & Associates 416.863.1499 Production Contact: Greg Shannon [email protected] Media Contact: Challenge Media / Marilou Bédard 514.844.5300 #222 [email protected] Page 8 TRUCK WEST March 2011 canada Owner/ops: Are you entitled to share of $15M settlement?

Continued from page 1 of the economy, and even with- trucking companies would often “Under the Excise Tax Act, if and is going to an owner/operator in the transport industry. As far fill up with fuel in Canada, pay- you are paying excise tax on an who has since retired. back as 1880, he noticed, ships ing the federal excise tax on die- item that is subsequently export- “A lot of the drivers that are leaving England were eligible for sel before crossing the border into ed, you can get that money back,” benefiting from this haven’t been refunds on the tax they paid on the US. Ludwig recalled in an interview with us for a few years,” Kelly No- with Truck West. “These trucks, lan, co-owner of Nolan Transport after filling up with diesel, were told Truck West. “So, I’m calling ‘The question becomes: Is the fuel in the tank driving into the US. So the ques- people in P.E.I., Elmira...people tion becomes: Is the fuel in the I haven’t talked to in years. It’s of your truck an exported item, such that you tank of your truck an exported been kind of sweet.” can claim a rebate on the tax?’ item, such that you can claim a The massive government pay- rebate on the tax?” out stems from a long-running Israel Ludwig, lawyer Not surprisingly, CRA initial- court challenge involving the pay- ly denied the claims, but the case ment of excise fuel taxes on die- was brought all the way to the Su- sel consumed outside Canada. In coal consumed once the ship left Eventually, Babins was able to preme Court of Canada where a the early 1990s, Larry Babins, at the port. He also noticed Cana- bend the ear of Winnipeg, Man.- judge finally ruled in the carri- that time an accountant with Per- dian manufacturers were given re- based lawyer Israel Ludwig, who ers’ favour. In 2003, 117 carriers micom Permit Services and now funds on the excise tax they paid agreed so vehemently that he of- shared a windfall amounting to director of consulting firm Sim- on items destined for consump- fered to take the case on spec’. about $12 million on the excise ple Ace, noticed some discrep- tion outside Canada. Babins felt In 1998, a court challenge was taxes they paid on diesel pur- ancies between how excise taxes the same principles should ap- launched on behalf of more than chased in Canada and consumed were applied in various sectors ply in trucking, where Canadian 100 trucking companies. in the US between 1991 and 2002. The carriers, however, had un- finished business. CRA agreed only to pay the amount claimed for company-owned trucks and would not provide rebates for owner/operators who were working for those same companies. The “They said ‘We’ll pay the money for the trucks owned by the company, but if it’s owned by an own- - -> <- - er/operator, the owner/operator should have filed their own application for a rebate’,” Ludwig says. IS BACK ! “We said ‘no, no, no – that’s not the industry practice. A company always files fuel tax applications on behalf of an owner/operator’.” Jim Peacock, vice-president of Nolan Transport, was involved in the case from the beginning. “CRA’s whole argument was that the owner/operators should be filing on their own, because they’re independent businesses,” he says. “But the fuel is all bought through our fuel tax account.” Nolan, like many trucking companies, would pay the fuel up front and then deduct it from its owner/ operators’ pay – so ultimately the O/O was paying for the fuel. Still, CRA wouldn’t budge. And for a while, it looked like the owner/operators were going to lose out. But then, Ludwig’s position received a boost when the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in an unrelated case that United Parcel Service (UPS) could collect GST overpayments made by its independent contrac- • Industry’s Thickest Composite Wall tors on their behalf. That ruling prompted Ludwig to renew dis- • Snag-Free Wall cussions with senior management at CRA, who this time knew they • Unique Post Design for Easy Panel Replacement were beat. • Exposed Components Galvanized for Maximum “In the end, they eventually agreed that yes, the trucking com- Corrosion Protection panies could file tax returns on behalf of their owner/operators,” Ludwig says. “They have agreed to pay that money, of course with interest, to the companies that were affected and that will flow then to the owner/operators.” How much is at stake? “It’s hard to say, because there’s going to be interest on that,” Ludwig told Truck West. “Maybe as much as $15 million, but we won’t know Maritimes Montreal Quebec Toronto Western Canada until all the money comes in.” www.manac.ca 877 653 7093 800 361 7900 800 463 2615 800 956 2622 877 626 2622 In addition to Nolan, Bison Transport and Penner International Continued on page 11

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Continued from page 8 ing rebates, Ludwig said “I don’t agreed to be test cases. All three think I’m allowed to. I have con- of those companies have now been fidentiality rules I have to respect paid, Ludwig says. Bison Transport from the Law Society.” is in the process of sending regis- For Nolan Transport, there’s tered letters to the last known ad- been no attempt to circumvent the dresses of the owner/operators who ruling by pocketing the refund. In qualified for the rebates. fact, Nolan says that while track- Another 35 or so companies ing down past owner/operators will also receive payments on be- has been difficult (made even half of their owner/operators as more difficult by the acciden- Don’t Fall Short! well in the weeks ahead. tal deletion of all driver files in “Some have to go through fur- 1996), it’s been worth the effort. Avaal Express Dispatch Software ther audits. Those cases will wait “I found one fellow – he was let's you manage your business all in one application! until the audits are complete and shocked,” Nolan says. “I called the audits will determine how him out of the blue and I told him much they’re getting,” Ludwig there was a bit of money for him. Starting a career or business in trucking? Enroll in says. “The other ones, who al- His wife was dying of cancer and ready had audits done in 2003 things were rough. When I told our Trucking Dispatch Specialist Course or 2004, will be getting cheques him how much money it was, he Brampton: Sat-Sun 9am -2pm (2 weekends) • Surrey: Mon-Fri 6pm-10pm (1 week) within the next 60-90 days.” was silent. He needs the money New Batch starts every month The cheques are issued to Lud- right now. He’s retired and things wig, who takes his 35% cut before are tough and it makes a differ- Avaal also specializes in: turning the money over to Babins ence to have this windfall right for distribution to the carrier. You out of the blue.” don’t need to be a math whiz to Dave Monroe was easier to find. realize Ludwig’s share would be He’s a recently retired owner/op- IFTA Filing • IRP Plates • C-TPAT, FAST, PIP, CSA enough for a comfortable retire- erator who had been with Nolan ment, but the trucking companies for about 18 years and was called US & Canada Bonds • ACE • ACI he represented don’t begrudge him. before a panel of CRA lawyers for “It wouldn’t have happened questioning about two years ago. without him,” says Nolan. And Monroe, along with three oth- in most cases, the interest paid er owner/operators and general avaal.com Head Office Surrey Office by CRA is enough to cover Lud- manager Peacock, were grilled by 2 Automatic Road Unit 110 302-17665 66A Avenue wig’s fees. CRA officials who seemingly at- (1-877) 995-1313 Brampton ON L6S 6K8 Surrey BC V3S 2A7 That pay arrangement, how- tempted to trip them up to avoid (905) 595-1313 (604) 579-0200 ever, does raise the concern that payment. some carriers may not pass the “It was intimidating,” Monroe sum along to the owner/operators says. “They tried to screw us up it is intended for, especially con- a little bit. They were asking us sidering it may take some effort questions about what happened to track down those who may not in 1995. How much fuel did you have worked for the company in put in? Where did you buy it? We more than a decade. Peacock says lost pretty much a day out of it, CRA was adamant the funds be but it was worth it.” redistributed to the owner/opera- Monroe received a cheque for tors, but he worries not all carri- $9,600 right before Christmas. ers will comply. But not every owner/operator “I’m sure there are carriers out made out quite so well. In fact, No- there that are going to try to keep lan says in some instances it was the money,” he says, noting many discovered the owner/operators of Nolan’s recipients didn’t even actually owed the company money. know they had it coming. “There are cases where people “I think what’s really important owe us money as a consequence of is to get the word out there,” says this. They were overpaid, but it’s Nolan. “If there are owner/opera- usually small amounts and we’re tors out there that went cross-bor- not going after those,” Nolan says. der between 1991 and 2002, they Payouts range from $500 to A Winning Partnership should be contacting their com- $16,000 at Nolan, depending on pany to see if there’s a fuel tax re- fuel buying patterns during the bate for their truck. It doesn’t hurt affected years. Generally, owner/ Haldex PR Valve - Now Available at Your Local Distributor to ask. If a company doesn’t have operators that bought fuel in Can- Save time, money and eliminate frustrations by installing the Haldex genuine OEM a clue what this is about, they’ll ada and did most of their driving Precision Response (PR) Plus Height Control Valve. Now available at your local say ‘no.’ If a company does know, in the US made out the best. distributor, the PR Valve was designed for your fleet and works with all makes of vehicles and air suspensions and will reduce installation time by enabling accurate and hopefully they’ll do the right thing Unfortunately for O/Os who quick adjustments. and say ‘As a matter of fact, we worked for a company between have received a cheque and we’re 1991 and 2002 that did not par- The PR Valve, a direct replacement for all competitive valves, maintains accurate ride working things out’.” ticipate in the litigation, it’s now height, lowers leakage rate and performs in the toughest conditions. Whether you plan And Ludwig warns that carriers too late to make a claim. The feds to change out your whole fleet to lower operating costs or update to the newest technology by installing a genuine OEM product, the Haldex PR Valve is the only brand that don’t pass along the rebates moved quickly to close the loop- to consider. could face ramifications. hole that allowed the multi-mil- “If they pocket the money lion dollar payouts. Haldex, a leader in developing height control valves for truck, themselves without the consent “When the Government of Can- trailer and industrial vehicles is now offering the genuine PR and permission of their owner/op- ada realized it lost the case after valve at local distributors. Stop by or call your distributor today and start saving time and money by installing the best leveling erators, in my opinion that would the Supreme Court handed down valve on the market...the Haldex PR Valve. be an illegal act,” Ludwig says. the decision (for company-owned “It was raised in the UPS case. trucks in 2003), they immediately (The judge) said that if someone passed legislation that said from 1-800-267-9247 commits a criminal act (by fail- here on in, nobody could make a www.haldex.com ing to pass on the rebate to the claim for excise tax on diesel fuel independent contractor), they that is being transported across will be dealt with by the criminal the border,” Ludwig says. “If you authorities.” haven’t made a claim by Feb. 14, ABS • Air Suspension Control • Air Treatment • Automatic Brake Adjusters • Disc Brakes • Friction • Spring Brakes When asked to furnish a list of 2003, you are barred from filing all the carriers that are receiv- a claim.” n

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Challenger tw.indd 1 09/02/11 3:21 PM March 2011 TRUCK WEST Page 13 feature will depend on whether we have “Even if drivers are histori- to retrofit or whether we can in- cally resistant to electronic on- stall the equipment on new trucks board recording devices, they like and work it into our capital costs.” those tools,” says McLaughlin. As for driver and enforcement Of course, drivers won’t be able Going Digital training, everyone, even carriers, to fudge their logs to get home appears to agree that it doesn’t if they run out of time, McLaugh- take long. lin admits. “But they weren’t Laws mandating the electronic recording of “We had to do some training, supposed to before. And they but definitely not a lot,” says still have time for personal hours-of-service are coming, whether you Jeff Hall, president of J&R Hall conveyance.” Transport. But will drivers, so tradition- like it or not. Here’s what you need to know As for enforcement officers: ally resistant to the whole notion “We can just send them a fax with of ‘Big Brother’ looking over their about getting with the program. the hours-of-service over the pre- shoulders ever willingly adopt a vious 14 days if they prefer that to system that so obviously takes By Ingrid Phaneuf the new FMCSA rule. looking at a screen,” Hall adds. control of hours-of-service re- TORONTO, Ont. – It’s not like The software is already being In fact, on-board electronic cording out of their hands? They the industry didn’t see it coming. used by carriers in Alberta, he hours-of-service monitoring sys- will when they see how electronic But with a minority of small- to says. tems even include training mod- HoS recording gives them more – mid-sized Canadian carriers us- “We’re a safety consultancy ules for drivers en-route, says not less – time to drive, say those ing electronic on-board recorders and we’re already one of 21 cer- Shaw Tracking’s Rahn. in favour. (EOBRs) at all, let alone using tified third-party auditors work- “And we provide a laminated “According to studies, drivers them for hours-of-service tracking with Alberta Transportation,” instruction card on how to check typically save at least 20 minutes ing, the Federal Motor Carrier says Fulgham. hours-of-service electronically per day just on paperwork,” says Safety Administration’s proposed “And we’ve created a software for drivers to present to enforce- McLaughlin. new rule making such devices solution that is really afford- ment officers south of the border. Rahn agrees, adding the fact mandatory south of the border able and easy to use for anyone If they don’t want to use that, they EOBRs record driving time to means EOBR providers are gear- using their own iPhone or iPad can press a button and request a the minute will give drivers more ing up for the biggest shopping handheld communications device fax instead.” time as well. season in their history. – so it’s perfect for the smaller “One of the things we’re finding Driver resistance Carriers, meanwhile, are scram- carriers.” is that, while drivers are initially bling to figure out exactly what Whether CayCan’s application Overall, initial driver resistance resistant to electronic recording they’re going to have to shell out will be accepted under the new is easily overcome when they see because they think they’ll have for equipment and driver training. rule remains to be seen, admits just how much the technology can fewer hours to drive, the oppo- “Historically, we haven’t been Fulgham, “but if it isn’t, we’re help them, say both carriers and site is true. Drivers can actual- in favour of the government perfectly willing to find a way to providers. ly gain 30 minutes to two hours mandating products,” says Brian hook it up to the engine.” Systems can switch automatical- per day, because they don’t have McLaughlin, COO of PeopleNet, In the meantime, Fulgham is ly from one country’s HoS rules to to round their time to the near- a mobile communications and on- among those who fully believes another and on-screen countdown est quarter hour. Never mind the board computing provider. “We in the benefits of electronic track- clocks allow drivers to see exactly fact you don’t actually have to get believe they should sell on their ing for both carriers and drivers. how much driving time they have out a piece of paper and a pen to own merit, based on a defined re- “People needed to find solu- left. write everything down.” n turn on investment.” tions to verify logbooks are filled But it’s not like the rule came out correctly,” he says. “And car- as a surprise to most carriers riers have been paying auditing running south of the border, companies an average $15 to $20 McLaughlin adds. per driver per month to do that, THIS MONTH’S CROSSWORD PUZZLE “We’ve seen penetration for our only to discover that someone is on-board computer and the HoS in violation after a 45-day turn-

application for our module go around. Electronic recording TN-93 Mar © up significantly over the past 18 allows carriers to receive a re- months,” he says. al-time alert prior to a fatigue- “Carriers have been trying related violation, that’s verifiable 2011 M. Jackson to get out in front of the rule, by GPS location.” so we’ve seen demand up 70% Fleets and drivers will also save year-over-year for the last two time and therefore money by not quarters.” having to fill out paper logs manu- Still, there is much that remains ally and process them in the back

to be learned about what kind of office, points out McLaughlin. Answers on page 34 technology the new FMCSA will They will also improve their CSA accept under the new rule, points scores and reduce out-of-service out Kate Rahn, director of oper- violations and citations dramati- ations for Shaw Tracking, anoth- cally, he adds. er well-known telecommunica- “So there is definitely an ROI tions company serving Canadian there – the costs will go down carriers. while the benefits will go up. The “The rule as it stands right now FMCSA couldn’t have brought seems to have a lot of loopholes town this rule if that wasn’t the and that’s a problem,” says Rahn. case.” “EOBRs are not currently widely Affordability used and now we’re talking about and training using them to keep track of hours- of-service. So that’s a whole other Affordability shouldn’t be an is- Across Down ball of wax.” sue, say providers, with options 1. Van-body portion above cab 1. Medium-duty Sterling model So far, the rule seems to indi- like no money down leases. But 4. Shades for glasses-wearing drivers 2. Where the rubber meets the road cate that any device set to elec- carriers counter that affordability 8. Liquid-carrying tanker, a.k.a. ____ bottle 3. Smokeys’ radar guns, slangily tronically record hours-of-service will depend on just how quickly 9. Peterbilt’s ____Cab Sleeper 4. Tire’s basic structure will have to be permanently at- the FMCSA plans to implement 10. Palindromic speeder detector 5. Brand on N-Series low-cab-forward trucks tached to the engine, says Rahn. the new rule. 11. Georgia overdrive 6. Home of former “Keep it Beautiful” plates But that’s a matter that’s up for “We’re still waiting to hear ex- 12. Former flat-front Freightliner 7. Unexpected engine stoppage discussion, according to provid- actly how it’s going to happen and 14. Port city on Washington’s I-5 13. Malodorous city-truck cargo 18. Air-traveler’s baggage type (5,2) 15. Driver-comfort item ers of handheld HoS recording whether Canada follows suit,” 20. Sleeper alternative, perhaps 16. Truck-transmission brand providers such as CayCan Safe- says Bob Halfyard, director of 22. Jake ____ deceleration device 17. Hwy. 401 access lane ty Consulting, based in Alberta. safety and compliance for Chal- 23. Toronto’s Danforth and Eglinton 18. Fills to the max, i.e. ____ out CayCan webmaster Kris lenger Motor Freight. “First, we 24. Accelerate (5,2) 19. Triangular-sign command Fulgham says his company plans need to know exactly what kind 25. Coin substitute at toll booth 21. Rig, in other words to apply to have its handheld of system will qualify. Then, we GPS-based HoS tracking soft- need to know how quickly we’re ware recognized as a means of going to have to phase it in. The Try it online at www.trucknews.com tracking hours-of-service under cost and the return on investment

pg 13 tw mar v2.indd 13 16/02/11 10:37 AM Page 14 TRUCK WEST March 2011 alberta says, “and they’d be paying much legislation will absolutely cripple more as members there than what the industry, and accuses industry Singer steps down from ACTA they’re paying us now – and they members of basically sleepwalk- Construction trucking group looks for new leadership as think we’re gouging them!” ing toward it. He cites EOBRs Singer hopes his resignation (electronic on-board recorders – president resigns over frustration with driver apathy will also help to draw attention kind of a “black box,” like you’d to some issues he thinks are long find on an airliner), saying they’re By Jim Bray while the smaller guy was paying overdue to be addressed by the not only an unnecessary expense CALGARY, Alta. – Ron Singer, $200,” Singer says. “It isn’t fair transportation industry, includ- for a trucker working in the city, long-time mover and shaker with and the members had wanted it ing a flurry of new regulations but are unreliable as well. the Alberta Construction Truck- addressed for years.” Singer says that are on government drawing “It’s hard to make a dollar ers Association (ACTA), has they also tried to lower the dues boards. now,” he says, “without having stepped down from his position the smaller operators paid, “Be- “We’ve got more legislation to shell out for an EOBR. And as president of the industry group. cause they had spent years living coming in the next five years than what happens when it stops work- The move leaves Jennifer Singer with the old schedule, so we gave we’ve had in the trucking industry ing, or gives you false data? The as acting president. them a break of $50 a year and in the last 50,” Singer says. “It’s DoT can pull you over any time it Singer’s resignation was prompt- raised the dues for the big guys. going to be very critical legisla- wants and there might be some- ed in part by his frustration with And boy did they ever jump! And tion and we have to have input thing in the data that isn’t right, the state of the industry today, but I just decided to resign.” into it.” but because it’s in the EOBR, he he says the last straw for him was Singer argues that the new Without that, he says, the non- has to charge you for it anyway.” a kerfuffle over ACTA member- membership fee structure would trucking interests and the large To Singer, the storm of new reg- ship fees that began when the or- have still been a better deal than haulers will have all the input into ulations could be so onerous that, ganization tried to give small car- fleets get elsewhere. such decisions and the construc- before long, no one would want to rier members a break by raising “We went out and researched tion trucking industry will have drive a truck. the fees paid by larger companies. all the other trucking associations to knuckle under to whatever they “One day, they’re going to wake “They (the large carriers) were and found out what (the big car- come up with. up and go to the store and that paying $500 for over 100 trucks riers) would be paying there,” he Singer says some of the pending shelf is going to be bare because 50,000 truck drivers just retired,” Singer warns. “And you think you’re going to get the new guys to put up with cameras in the cab NOTICE TO TRUCKERS 2011 SPRING LOAD RESTRICTIONS and stuff? I don’t think so.” Under the Highway Traffic Act, the province enforces reduced load restrictions on trucks to protect Ontario’s Singer says the industry needs to stand up and have its voice highways during spring thaw, when road damage is most likely to occur. heard, but it isn’t doing so “be- Restriction on permits issued under the Highway Traffic Act: cause they’re only concerned All annual and project permits for moving of heavy vehicle loads, objects or structures, in excess of limits Sunderland; Hwy. 7, from Hwy. 12 to Regional Rd. 7B at Carleton Place; Regional Rd. 7B to Hwy 15; and set out in the Act, unless otherwise specified are not valid on any highways during the months of March Regional Rd. 29 to Arnprior. about their bottom lines and don’t and April, in the southern portion of Ontario, and March, April and May in the northern portion. Single trip permits, for moving of overloads on highways not designated in Schedules 1, 2 and 3, may be care about the industry itself.” For this restriction, the province is divided, west to east, by a line formed by the Severn River to Regional issued, but are subject to axle controls established by the Ministry of Transportation. More input from the drivers is Rd. 169; Regional Rd. 169 from Washago to Hwy. 12; Hwy. 12, from Regional Rd. 169 to Hwy. 7, north of also vital to counteract the non- Reduced load limits will be in effect where and when signs are posted depending on road and weather conditions. trucking special interest groups who lobby governments, Singer SCHEDULE 1 HIGHWAYS MARCH 1 TO APRIL 30, 2011 says, but who know nothing about THERE ARE NO HIGHWAYS IN THIS SCHEDULE HAVING A REDUCED LOAD PERIOD. the trucker’s side of the equation. SCHEDULE 2 HIGHWAYS MARCH 1 TO MAY 31, 2011 “Some of these special interest WHEN SIGNS ARE POSTED, THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS WILL HAVE A REDUCED LOAD LIMIT FOR THEIR ENTIRE LENGTH: groups need to be told they’re out 510 522 524 525 528 528A 529 529A 538 539A 540A 542A 553 554 558 559 560A 563 564 567 568 569 570 571 572 573 of line,” he says, naming specifi- 574 577 579 580 582 585 586 587 591 592 593 595 597 602 603 605 607 607A 609 611 613 615 617 619 621 624 630 636 639 641 642 645 647 650 651 652 665 667 668 670 671 672 673 802 804 805 810 811 7036 7037 7041 7042 cally a group named CRASH – 7044 7048 7057 7059 7069 7072D 7102 7104 7110D 7125 7140 7152 7182 Nungesser Rd. Lac La Croix Rd. (Flanders Road South) which he says is funded by “the WHEN SIGNS ARE POSTED, THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS WILL HAVE A REDUCED LOAD LIMIT FOR THESE LISTED LOCATIONS: railroad” – and who, he says, sen- HWY.# LOCATION HWY.# LOCATION HWY.# LOCATION HWY.# LOCATION 129 16.2 km north of Jct. Hwy. 554 to 48 km 540 Hwy. 540B (west entrance), west to 588 1.6 km south of Hwy. 11/17, west to end of 634 Cloutierville Road at 3.4 km north of Hwy. 11 sationalizes truck wrecks. “All the south of the south Jct. of Hwy. 101 Meldrum Bay Hwy. 588 to its end public knows is the headlines,” he 516 30.2 km north of Jct. 642 north to Hwy. 599 542 Hwy. 6, west to Jct. of Hwys. 540 and 540B 589 9.6 km north of Jct. Hwy. 591, north to end 638 2.5 km north of east Jct. Hwy. 17 north to 518 16 km east of Hwy. 400/69 east to west 546 0.6 km north of Jct. Hwy. 17 north to end of of Hwy. 589 1.3 km east of west Jct. Hwy. 17 says, “and then, when you do your limits of Sprucedale, and east of Kearney to Hwy. 546 594 Hwy. 502, west to Hwy. 17 643 700 m west of Hwy. 584 to end of Hwy. 643 research, you find out the truck the Twp. of Perry/Town of Kearney boundary 548 Maple St. (Hilton Beach) south to southwest 596 1 km north of Hwy. 17A, north to its end 657 0.8 km east of Hwy. 105 east to its end 520 Hwy. 124, north to the Hamlet of Ardbeg limits of Richard’s Landing 599 62 km north of Hwy. 17, northeast to end of 7025 Jct. of Hwy. 60 at Hillcrest Avenue north of driver wasn’t even responsible for 523 Jct. Hwy. 60 at Madawaska south to 551 West Jct. of Hwy. 542 south to Providence Hwy. 599 Wilno, east 0.8 km to Jct. of Hwy. 60 the accident.” Hasting/Nipissing County boundary Bay 600 0.5 km north of Hwy. 11, to Jct. of Hwy. 71 7045 Havilland Shores Drive, west side Hwy. 17, 527 98 km north of Hwy. 11/17 north to end of 556 Hwy. 532 to Hwy. 129 601 1.6 km north of Hwy. 17 (west leg) to 5.0 km 0.3 km from Hwy. 17 west 1.3 km Singer claims CRASH has hun- Hwy. 527 557 2.7 km north of Jct. Hwy. 17 (Jct. of Granary north of Hwy. 17 (east leg) (Dryden Airport) 7045 Havilland Shores Drive, east side Hwy. 17, dreds of thousands of dollars be- 532 6.4 km north of Jct. Hwy. 556 to end of Hwy. Lake Rd.) north to end of Hwy. 557 608 1 km west of Hwy. 61 west to Hwy. 595 from Hwy. 17 east 0.6 km 532 566 2.0 km west of the Montreal River at 612 Muskoka/Parry Sound District boundary, 7045 Macintyre Road, from Hwy. 17 north 1.5 km hind it, and that helps give it clout. 533 Hwy. 656, northwest to Hwy. 63 Matachewan to its end north to Hwy. 69 to Jct. of Trout Lake Road “They (CRASH) are down in 534 Jct. Hwy. 524 north to the Restoule 575 Hwy. 17 to 1 km south of Jct. Hwy. 64 625 0.5 km south of Jct. Hwy. 11, south to end of 7082 Jct. of Hwy. 17 to the Regional Municipality Provincial Park 581 Jct. 7181 north for 6 km to Remi Lake Hwy. 625 of Walden limits (4.6 km) Ottawa meeting with the trans- 535 1.6 km north of Hwy. 17 north to end Provincial Park 632 Muskoka/Parry Sound District boundary, portation minister and telling 539 0.5 km north of Warren, north of Jct. Hwy. 64 583S Town limits, 4.1 km south of Hwy. 11 to its end north to Hwy. 141 at Rosseau them about tired truck drivers SCHEDULE 3 HIGHWAYS/ROADS MARCH 1 TO JUNE 30, 2011 causing wrecks,” he says. “Yet, in WHEN SIGNS ARE POSTED, THE HIGHWAYS/ROADS WITHIN THE FOLLOWING TERRITORIES WILL HAVE A REDUCED LOAD LIMIT: 2009, the trucking industry was NORTH BAY Britt Bayly Marter COCHRANE AREA Galbraith-Morin Hicks Lake Dance Pratt named the safest it has ever been.” AREA Burwash-Hendrie Beauchamp Brower Garden Lake Inwood Ena Lake Red Pine Ridge Ballantyne & Cartier Bourkes Casgrain Gaudette & Hodgins Jacques Engineer Lake Rd. Redditt Despite that, Singer says the Laurier Chiniguchi R. Bryce Coppell/Kendall/Way Goulais Mission Lybster Eton Reef Point industry not only isn’t getting its Bidwell Lake Dawson Cane Departure Lake Havilland S.L.B. Lyon Ghost Lake Rowell Eldee Dill Second Cairo & Alma Twp. Driftwood Hawk Junction Marks Gordon Lake Rugby message out, but the collective ex- Ellsmere Downes Lake Crystal Lake Dunning Horseshoe Bay Mountain Bay Inglis Lake Rush Bay- perience of its drivers isn’t being Laurier Foster Truman Eby Fournier Northland Lake Northern Light Lake Ingolf Woodchuck Bay Lount Fourteen Mile Foleyet Frederickhouse Patton & Montgomery Obonga Lake Kendall Inlet Sherwood Lake heard. Marten Lake Island Gogama Hallebourg Peace Tree Perch Lake Kenricia Southshore Memesa- Harris Lake Henwood Hanlan Red Rock Polly Lake Kingsford Southwatten “Don’t forget that there are gamesing Hess Horwood Hunta Sultan Sibley Laclu Southworth guys out there who’ve been run- Mills & Hardy Kukagami Ingram Indian-Sand Lake Tilley Stirling Manitou Rapids FN Spohn Patterson Lang Lake Lebel (Harvey) Kirkland Kitigan Vankoughnet & Strange McCallum Point Spruce Lake Road ning the highways for more than Phelps Long Lake Lebel (King) Kirkland Nellie Lake (Aurora) Aweres Sunset Lake McConnell Lake Storm Bay 40 years,” he says, “and who’ve Pringle Lost Channel Lorraine Twp. Norembega Vixen Lake Upsala McIntosh Sutherland Tilden Lake Ministic Lake Marquis Tunis Wabos Ware McKenzie Portage Tannis Lake (Gundy got four million miles under their Thorne Onaping Falls Marter West Riverside Wharncliffe White Sand Lake Melgund Lake) Wilson & Red Deer Village Mattagami Twp. SAULT STE. MARIE THUNDER BAY KENORA AREA Minaki Van Horne belts, accident-free. They’re the McConkey Robinson Ossian AREA AREA Aubrey East Mine Centre Wabigoon Redvers safest drivers on the road. But White Pine Rock Lake Otto Aberdeen & McMahon Armstrong Bears Passage Miscampbell West Wyse & Trout Lake N. Pacaud & Catharine Aweres 1 S.L.B. Dawson Rd. - Goldie Big Stone Bay Mutrie Wabigoon South East (regulators) never talk to those Poitras Wallbridge S. Robillard Aweres 2 S.L.B. Devon Blindfold Lake Nanicost Centre Wainwright guys.” Yellowstone Whiskey Lake Savard Devil’s Lake Firehill Britton Nelles War Eagle SUDBURY Willisville Sheraton Devon Landing Forbes Clearwater Lake Nickel Lake Shores West Longbow Lake Further darkening the clouds AREA NEW LISKEARD Star Lake Esher-Como-Healy Fowler Colenso, Redvers E. & Pearson Landing Zealand No. 1 Armstrong AREA Watabeag Fenwick, Pennefather Gorham Wabigoon E. Pellatt No. 2 Zealand No. 3 Singer sees on the trucking indus- Lake Anima Nipissing & Vankoughnet Hardwick Cygnet Lake Rd. Pickerel Lake try’s horizon is the aging popula- ontario.ca/truckloads tion of its most important citizens. “Most of the drivers are over 50 and probably 40% are over the age of 60,” he notes. “How are we

BLEED ever going to replace those guys? We’ve already got a driver short- age problem.” Retirements, whether because

pg 14-15 tw mar v2.indd 14 17/02/11 10:11 AM March 2011 TRUCK WEST Page 15

So far that has worked out for sent the association, but even that them, Singer says, because the as- wasn’t enough. “We want to get to sociation has always been there to Ottawa – that’s where we have to work on their behalf. go – but we can’t get there because “But you know what?” he says. we just don’t have the money,” he “There may not be somebody says. there pretty soon, and it may hap- Singer doesn’t rule out a return pen at the most important time to the ACTA, but isn’t about to that we need somebody to be commit unless there’s a similar there.” commitment from the industry. Does that mean the ACTA’s “All the industry has to do to get very existence is in jeopardy? “I’m my interest back is stand up,” he saying it might,” Singer says, “be- says. “Put your money in the hat cause it’s myself and a few others and give me a minimum of 1,000 that have kept it running for years members and a five-year commit- and if we’re not going to be there, ment and we’ll change the indus- who’s going to step up and do it?” try. And we’ll go to Ottawa and to The other side of the retirement Edmonton and wherever we need coin and its loss of seasoned pro- to go and we’ll stand in front of fessionals is the inexperience and the legislators and we’ll make sure general lack of skills of the new- the legislation has everyone’s in- comers to the industry. This, Sing- put into it and that things are done er says, is leading to drivers who the way they should be done.” don’t have the basic skill sets re- The longtime trucker admits CONSTRUCTION KERFUFFLE: Alberta Construction Trucking Association quired to drive he’s earned a president Ron Singer has called it quits after sparring with members over planned professionally. very good liv- changes to association fees. “ T h e y ’ r e ‘Greed and ing from the in- pushing auto- dustry and feels matic trans- entitlement are the he owes it a lot. of age or from frustration with emblematic of today’s society at missions now “And I want the state of the industry; are large – there appears to be a cul- so you can put driving forces in our to provide for also a contributing factor to the ture of entitlement among the in a guy who industry today’ it,” he says. ACTA’s woes. younger drivers. can’t drive a “The last thing “In the last 10 years, a lot of “It’s because the work has al- truck,” he says. Ron Singer I wanted to companies and owners have re- ways been done for them,” Singer “They’ve got do was resign tired, they’re no longer in the says. “They’ve never been forced trucking com- my position at business,” Singer says. “And to stand up. All the work the asso- panies now where the guy can’t ACTA, but I had to shock the in- most of them were our members. ciations have done over the years, back up to the dock – they have to dustry because it has been taking The old veterans supported the they reap the benefit whether they send a guy over to the shipper to us for granted for 25 plus years associations because they knew belong or not. So why pay to be back the truck into the dock be- and they’re going to have to wake that if they didn’t, certain things a member? They’ve taken it for cause the driver can’t do it. That’s up and smell the coffee real quick wouldn’t get done.” granted. It’s a selfish, ‘What’s in how scary it is.” because I’m telling you what, Now, however – and perhaps it for me?’ attitude.” Singer estimates that across the there’s not much time here.” whole North American trucking Singer not only wants to see the industry, only about 5% pay dues membership ranks swell, but for “to represent their best interest in new blood to help with the actual A new chapter about to be written the industry, to do positive things running of the ACTA. He’s call- for them. It really is a joke.” An ing on truckers to step up to the obviously frustrated Singer says plate and serve at least one term in construction truckers’ history it’s time for the industry to stand on the board, “rather than it hav- up and be counted, to put its mon- ing to count on the same people CALGARY, Alta. – The Alberta per-B, seven-axle truck and full ey where its mouth is, as it were. all the time. It’s everybody’s re- Construction Truckers Associa- quad trailer, and eight-axle tridem “We don’t even need their sponsibility to play a role.” tion (ACTA), formerly the Alber- drive truck and full, quad trail- mouths,” Singer says. “All (the The bottom line, Singer says, is ta Gravel Truckers Association, er). The group also helped get the ACTA) needs is the resources that “Greed and entitlement are was founded in 1983 and changed gross vehicle weight on seven-axle and we’d be there.” Singer claims the driving forces in our industry its name to the current moniker so truck and full quad trailers raised his company, Ron Singer Truck today,” he says. “Our industry is it could provide professional rep- to 55,300 kilograms. Lines Ltd., has spent $50,000- divided and conquered like never resentation to other sectors of the Around the turn of the millen- 75,000 dollars a year to repre- before.” n industry, such as logging, mining, nium, Singer notes, support for the oil field hauling, etc. ACTA from the industry started “It was very well supported and to wane and, by 2005, membership we were very influential with the had dwindled to a level that could provincial government and the no longer sustain the association. various municipal governments Shortly after that, however, the No matter and even the federal government,” ACTA was reborn. recently resigned president Ron “They were starting from which hat Singer says. scratch,” Singer recalls. “They “We’ve been responsible for had to do a lot of improvising, and you wear… most of the positive change to double and triple duty, to get the weights and dimensions, the var- job done of rebuilding all the old ious configurations that are used contacts und connections.” now. In the construction truck- Working against those efforts, There’s ing industry, we’ve been the ma- Singer says, was the fact that the jor representative for western Can- industry had become extremely di- strength in ada for many years.” vided and the new board “could Among its achievements, ACTA see it was going to be a huge chal- numbers. lobbied the provincial govern- lenge to get the association to the ments on non-RTAC trailers re- level it was at pre-2000.” strictions. The ACTA still represents sev- “They were going to be axle eral hundred trucks currently, and weight restricted and phased that means it still has some clout. Whether you’re an owner/operator, an affiliate or a friend out of the industry with a sunset “We certainly do enough that the of the Alberta construction trucking industry, become a clause,” Singer says, “but we’ve provincial government is very in- been able to continue using them terested in talking with us and has member and make your voice heard with ACTA. in Alberta.” consulted us quite a bit,” Singer ACTA also lobbied the federal says. “They know we’re on the To find out more, visit and provincial weights and dimen- map and they utilize our knowl- sions task force for acceptance of edge and experience and we’ve www.myacta.ca three end dump configurations provided the input required. These (affecting eight axle reverse Su- things pay dividends back.” n

pg 14-15 tw mar v2.indd 15 17/02/11 10:12 AM Page 16 TRUCK WEST March 2011 border Trucking associations applaud plans for perimeter security at border OTTAWA, Ont. – The governments enter into a new shared, smart border detect any lessening of US concerns try and in terms of the ability for do- of Canada and the US have an- agreement for some time,” said CTA’s over security, or their view that the mestic loads to move in-transit in ei- nounced plans for a partnership de- president and CEO, David Bradley. border in some ways represents the ther country. signed to accelerate the flow of goods “We are hopeful this process will lead first line of defence. The Department “We’d prefer a modernized ap- between both countries, while also to a better balance between security of Homeland Security (DHS) will no proach to both issues, but so far that strengthening security and economic and trade imperatives, restores a risk doubt continue to be an elephant in has been a hard sell in the United competitiveness. management approach to the border the room.” States. We need to be practical; we The announcement, made Feb. and a meaningful return on invest- However, he said, “that does not need to ensure a level competitive 4 by Canadian Prime Minister Ste- ment in the trusted trader programs. mean that progress cannot be made playing field.” phen Harper and US President Barack “Canada and the United States, in terms of better coordination and co- Finally, Bradley said that while there Obama, included two initiatives: the alone or in partnership, cannot hope operation at the border, both between are those who will decry the negotia- declaration of a shared vision for pe- to compete with the emerging econo- agencies on both sides of the border, tions as a threat to Canadian sover- rimeter security and economic com- mies and/or other trading blocs, unless but also between government depart- eignty, he believes that “most Cana- petitiveness, and the creation of a reg- we have a predictable, reliable and effi- ments on the same side of the border dians understand the importance of ulatory cooperation council (RCC). cient supply chain; the sheer enormity – the so-called single window concept the US marketplace for Canadian eco- The initiatives will have four main pri- and overlap of the measures that have – and in terms of mutual recognition nomic prosperity and jobs.” orities, including addressing threats been imposed on cross-border trade of security programs for identifying “Joint decision-making, better coor- early, trade facilitation, economic over the past decade has not always trusted traders that are essentially the dination and cooperation in terms of growth and job creation, integrated been consistent with that imperative.” same in both countries.” managing our shared border, and syn- cross-border law enforcement and crit- Bradley noted that the trucking in- He also said that Canada needs to chronized infrastructure investment ical infrastructure and cyber-security. dustry and trade community have been look at some of its own border security and construction, leading to a stronger The RCC, comprised of senior regu- promised these things before, only to programs to ensure that they are not economy, enhances our sovereignty, latory and trade government officials, be disappointed with the results. “It even more burdensome than similar it doesn’t denigrate it. Despite what has committed to meet within 90 days will be essential for the governments programs in the US. For example, he some may say, most Canadians get it.” of the announcement to develop the to truly consult with the organiza- said it makes little sense for businesses The American Trucking Associ- Terms of Reference. The RCC will be tions whose members and businesses to have to belong to two programs – ations has also voiced its support of looking at red tape reduction, trans- are living the border problems every Customs Self Assessment (CSA) and the agreement, calling it “a positive parency and ways to increase econom- day. Previous efforts to achieve im- Partners in Protection (PIP) – in order first step to increasing the competi- ic competitiveness by reducing bureau- provements at the border, such as the to gain access to the Free and Secure tiveness of businesses on both sides cracy. “The review of these rules is Security and Prosperity Partnership Trade (FAST) lanes for goods moving of the border.” an exceptional opportunity to break (SPP) were unsuccessful in part be- northbound into Canada, whereas the At the same time that President down regulatory barriers and prevent cause they came at the problems from US only requires participation in one Obama and Prime Minister Harp- new ones from being introduced,” said the 120,000-ft. level instead of where program – Customs-Trade Partner- er were meeting, ATA members and Prime Minister Harper. “The main the rubber meets the road. The func- ship Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) – staff met with US Customs and Border goal is to make it easier for Canadian tioning of the border is a complex pro- in order to gain access to southbound Protection (CBP) Commissioner Alan and American firms to do business on cess; it can’t be fixed by asking people FAST lanes. Bersin to discuss ways to improve both sides of our shared border, lead- what the top two or three things are In addition, he said it is important cross-border trucking operations. ing to more jobs and growth in both that they would like to see changed.” that Canada adopt the same transpon- “We held a very open and positive Canada and the US.” Bradley also said that he does not der technology as the US in adminis- discussion with Commissioner Bersin The RCC is expected to bring for- think it is realistic to expect that the ne- tering what are essentially similar Cus- and other CBP officials to find ways ward an action plan within two years. gotiations will lead to the dismantling toms automation programs. to improve and expedite the move- The Canadian Trucking Alliance measures introduced in the name of He also says in discussing harmoni- ment of freight across the border,” said (CTA) has applauded the joint an- security that have been implemented zation of certain programs that Can- Graves. “We look forward to working nouncement and is calling the RCC’s over the past number of years. ada should be prepared to match US with CBP and other government agen- two-year plan a “very ambitious goal.” “It may be a misnomer to charac- enforcement efforts of who can do cies to define what is needed to have a “We have been calling upon the gov- terize this to be the negotiation of a what in terms of certain point-to-point more secure and efficient process for ernments on both sides of the border to perimeter security agreement; I don’t freight movements in the other coun- cross-border trucking operations.” n Ambassador Bridge prez jailed as border bridge saga continues By Ron Stang bag if, for example, tolls are insuffi- business leaders in the US and Cana- $230-million Gateway project which WINDSOR, Ont. – The initial phase cient to pay back investors. In cash- da who have spoken out on the issue overhauled highway interchanges con- of construction has been completed on strapped Michigan, with among the – cheered the announcement as the necting to the bridge. the Windsor-Essex Parkway connect- highest state unemployment rates in breakthrough to get DRIC moving. Michigan has accused the bridge of ing Hwy. 401 to a new bridge between the US, for several key lawmakers, that Rich Studley, Michigan Chamber of not completing its share of the work Windsor and Detroit. has been a non-starter. Commerce president, hailed the an- including a new truck ramp. Instead, That phase consists of a couple of This was despite an offer from the nouncement as “outstanding” and “a trucks are detoured on a circuitous ramps linking what is now the end of Canadian government last spring of call to action.” route through city streets before con- Hwy. 401 to local provincial and mu- $550 million up front to pay for US But DRIC is not out of the woods necting to freeways. For its part the nicipal roads, but which will not open bridge approach roads and freeway yet. Opsommer, the Michigan House bridge has demanded the state open until the entire parkway is complete connections. The money would be leader, said he wanted “more details” new ramps so that traffic doesn’t in 2014. paid back by Canada assuming Michi- and noted the governor did not have have to use surface streets to enter Meanwhile the consortium chosen gan’s share of toll revenues in the P3. a commitment from Washington in the bridge. Michigan has kept them to build the 11-kilometre route, the As Republican Paul Opsommer, writing. closed in retaliation for the bridge not Windsor Essex Mobility Group led by chair of the Michigan’s House Trans- Most Republicans have also been living up to its work agreement. Spain’s ACS construction giant, will portation Committee, said, “My main opposed to DRIC for ideological rea- Then, in January, a Michigan court begin major excavation of the six-lane goal is making sure that if toll reve- sons; it would use taxpayer money to found bridge management in contempt sunken highway late this summer. nue is not as high as anticipated that unfairly compete with the private Am- for ignoring an earlier ruling to build But while plans are a go on the Ca- we don’t have to pay for that with tax- bassador Bridge. the truck ramp and tear down part of nadian side for the biggest road in- payer dollars.” Meanwhile, for the more than a new mammoth duty free store and frastructure project in Ontario, fears Enter Michigan’s new governor 80-year-old Ambassador, there has gas bar because it infringed on pub- have been increasingly raised that the Rick Snyder. Snyder, also a Republi- been plenty of legal drama in recent lic property. Bridge president Dan $1.4-billion Parkway will be a road to can, was elected in the US midterm months. Stamper was sentenced to jail for sev- nowhere. elections last November. Ambassador owner Manuel (‘Mat- eral hours, until the bridge literally be- The reason? A political stalemate in But unlike Snyder’s Republican col- ty’) Maroun – who would lose tens of gan excavation work. the Michigan legislature to approve a leagues, the new governor, a former millions of dollars, including substan- But the bridge has challenged even public-private partnership (or P3) to hi-tech executive, has given cautious tial truck tolls, should DRIC be built that order, saying its recent purchase finance, build and operate the almost support to DRIC. – earlier last year brought a lawsuit of a local private property alters the $1-billion bridge connecting Canada This was reinforced during Snyder’s challenging the government bridge, dynamics of the work. and the US and to which the Parkway first State of the State address in Janu- claiming it would be “unlawful” com- Throughout, bridge management would connect. The entire project is ary, in which he said he had reached petition. The Ambassador has pro- has been adamant they are in the right. known as the Detroit River Interna- a deal with Washington to leverage posed its own new six-lane bridge and Last month Stamper blamed Michigan tional Partnership, or DRIC. Canada’s $550 million for $2 billion is seeking government permits. officials for “doing everything they can The Republican-dominated Michi- in federal funds for Michigan highway And there have also been suits and to stop our successful 80-year-old pri- gan Senate has blocked legislation to projects. countersuits between the Ambassa- vate sector business from building our approve the P3 because of concerns Observers and bridge supporters dor and state of Michigan over the new bridge with our own money. They taxpayers would be left holding the – which include the vast majority of bridge’s role in the recently-completed will lose.” n

pg 16 tw mar v2.indd 16 17/02/11 12:16 PM Shell Canada.indd 1 11/02/11 9:31 AM Page 18 TRUCK WEST March 2011 opinion Counting down the most important issues facing the industry In my last article I outlined the top trucking industry works. equipment created a significant 10 most important issues facing the The rates they charge often re- oversupply of equipment in the trucking industry in 2011, as I see Constructive flect their ignorance and they trucking marketplace at the worst them. I would talk about them in Dialogue most often cut the market rates time, these new emission stan- detail each month, one by one. This in that sector of the trucking in- dards have made our new trucks month, I would like to discuss what Ron Singer dustry to attract new customers. less fuel-efficient, more costly to I see to be the number one issue The shippers love it. I know of operate, less reliable and durable facing the trucking industry: low ance company’s client until I no- trucking companies that have en- and we have not reduced our en- rates and the economic downturn. tify that insurance company that tered the dry bulk industry in the vironmental footprint, in fact we Deregulation, diversification, I will be soliciting their client? past that have cut their way into have increased it. an oversupplied trucking indus- Well, when I notify that insur- the market. You can buy this equipment try, emission controls and an un- ance company that I will be talk- They are not paying their driv- used for less than 50 cents on the educated trucking industry has ing to their client, I open the door ers, they do not pay them holi- dollar. What is the benefit to the led to where we are today. for the other insurance company day pay, they do not pay them the trucking industry and the envi- Deregulation: Back in the day, to ensure they have done every- wages they said they would pay, ronment? Zero. The environ- when the trucking industry was thing to meet that client’s expec- they pay the drivers a bonus to mental movement, government regulated by the authority to tation, keeping them honest and overload, cheat the logbook and and the hidden agendas are out operate, your rates had to be ensuring their client is happy with they do not pay their suppliers’ of control with this stuff. The only published with the government their services. bills. reason they are able to continue authority. In order for new truck- The onus will then be on them The shipper knows it, the gov- on this destructive course is being companies to be granted to make their client happy. If they ernment knows it and the DoT cause the trucking industry is di- authority to operate, they had to can’t, then the door is now open knows it, but they are still out vided, sitting on their hands and prove there was a need for a new for me to pursue their client with there cutting rates, ripping off letting it happen. trucking company to operate in the expectation that I cannot cut their drivers and not paying their An uneducated trucking indus- that region. the rate they charge their client: bills. They all turn a blind eye to try: The trucking industry needs When the trucking indus- my rate must be more not less it as the reputable, respectable some new grassroots leaders. The try decided to deregulate, rates by law. trucking companies just have to number one requirement should were not required to be posted Does the trucking industry park a few more trucks, lay off be that you must have driven a with the governing authority and need a system like the life insur- a few more drivers that have to truck for at least 20 years. new trucking companies did not ance industry has? I say yes. A go on unemployment insurance They need to be where the need authority to operate. They similar well thought-out system and the trucking company has to chains meet the road, sitting in did not need to prove there was would surely solve a lot of prob- plead with the bank to renegoti- an avalanche line-up, kicking the a need for the services of a new lems as we have an oversupplied ate their future truck payments. sleeping drivers out of the brake trucking company. All that was trucking industry. Obviously these actions are irre- checks and the drivers out of the required was to register with Pro Years of service in each sector sponsible and negatively affect rest areas on their wrong side of Rate and Fuel Tax report, show of the trucking industry, safe- the trucking industry and our im- the road. The DoT should be writ- financial responsibility, demon- ty rating, compliance, employ- age, but it goes on and on and on. ing them up accordingly. strate your trucks and cargo were ee employer relations and need Emission Controls: In 2007 and The driver recruiters need to fully insured, prove a satisfacto- for service would be my guiding 2010, there was a significant over- be watching their drivers get out ry safety rating and away you go principles. buy of equipment before the new of the truck stops to see if their to haul wherever you want. Such Diversification: Diversifica- emission regulations took effect. drivers are doing an en-route was the birth of the free market tion has been a popular solution This created a significant glut walk-around inspection, before enterprise system (Alberta being to the economic downturn for of equipment into the trucking they go into the truck stop for a the leader of this system). the larger trucking companies. marketplace at a time it was not coffee. They need to follow their Has the trucking industry bene- Has the trucking industry bene- required (just before the world drivers in a snowstorm and park- fitted from deregulation? I say no. fited from this process? I say no. economy was about to crash). ing them if they can’t maintain a The shippers sure have. Do we need Why? When trucking companies Where was the oversight? There safe road speed and not being a to re-regulate operating authorities diversify into other sectors of the was none. What were we think- risk to other drivers. They need to and post our rates? I say yes, in a trucking industries they usually ing? Greed, entitlement, a feeding be in the chain-up zones to ensure new well thought-out way. fail to do their homework. frenzy was the order of the day their drivers are putting on their Did you know in the life insur- They usually are not new truck- for a lot of trucking companies. chains when the chain-up signs are ance industry, if I am an insur- ing companies; they are most of- Where were the trucking indus- lit and ensuring their drivers have ance company and I want to so- ten well established trucking com- try experts? They were busy mak- chains and know how to put them licit my services to a client of a panies that should know better. ing deals with the government of on. They need to make sure their competing insurance company, I They usually don’t know or un- the day. drivers are stopping at the brake cannot approach the other insur- derstand how that sector of the Not only has the pre-buy of this checks for obvious reasons. (These are just some of my pet peeves). The industry leaders need to roll up their sleeves and get back to the grassroots of trucking like it was 10 years ago or more. Growth in the trucking industry must be sustainable. Every single trucker needs to open up his wallet, pay his fair share of dues to support a credi- ble trucking association that best represents their issues. The good health of the trucking industry depends on us. What are we waiting for? Let’s get with the program. This will be the subject of my next month’s article, so stay tuned. Well that’s it for this month. Tell me what you think, what’s your opinion? Do I have it right? Or am I just like some of the other industry leaders that can’t see the forest for the trees. See you out there somewhere between Alberta and British Columbia where the chains meet the road. n

– Ron Singer is owner of Ron Sing- er Truck Lines. He can be reached at 403-244-4487 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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TrkNwsTrkWst_FSGenAd-Cauc-March-snipe.indd 1 2/11/11 4:54 PM Firestone.indd 1 14/02/11 10:16 AM March 2011 TRUCK WEST Page 21 technology and maintenance council

while regulators focus on the way Those who watch over the different anti-idling tools can prevent smog, sites would just be influenced by differ- the truck stops might be able to ap- ent things. Fleet managers and drivers pease common complaints from their will be able to use the promise of add- Plug and stay neighbours. “The emission side of it ed business to influence a traditional is important from a regulatory per- truck stop. Decisions about other lo- spective, but the average John Doe is cations are often governed by commu- Boosting interest in electrified parking spaces complaining more about the noise,” nity politics and regulators, complete By John G. Smith Mangano said. with the funding that comes from tax- TAMPA, Fla. – Truckers have tradi- Future electrified sites may not be es and road fees. tionally relied on the power of diesel limited to traditional truck stops that The needs might also change in the when running many of the creature Technical are equipped with service centres, con- years to come. Future connections comforts in today’s sleepers, but one Correspondent venience stores and fuel islands. “Non- could be equipped to deliver 208 or US program hopes that a growing net- traditional” options could include fleet 480 volts to support reefers and spe- work of electrical outlets can silence john G. smith terminals, rest areas, distribution cen- cialty equipment, Gustafson said. the sounds of idling engines. tres, ports of entry and manufacturing The results of the STEP initiative The US Department of Energy is access to electrical connections. Truck facilities, he said. While truck stops itself will be graded pretty quickly. A investing $20.2 million into the Shore- stops are reluctant to build the infra- would want to see additional sales, related report needs to be sent to the power Truck Electrification Project structure until they identify a demand, fleets could equip their own yards in Department of Energy as early as Feb- (STEP), which will install electric while most truckers rely on inverters a bid to use less fuel. Shippers could ruary 2014, and those results will need pedestals in 50 truck stops along se- for power supplies because of a lack of equip loading areas to comply with to be published the following May. By lected interstate corridors. Each site infrastructure. IdleAire Technologies health and safety rules that are de- then, regulators will have a better idea will be equipped with 25 of the elec- – which had promoted its own network signed to limit the impact of exhaust of whether truckers are willing to plug trified parking spots, while funds will of connections – reported just 131 loca- fumes. and stay. n also offset up to 20% of the cost to in- tions before it ceased operations ear- stall 120-volt devices in 5,000 Ameri- lier this year. can trucks. “We know we have to build the Equipment eligible for the rebates sites in order for it to make sense,” says Industry being assaulted: Graves includes devices such as Auxilia- Jeff Kim of Shorepower Technologies, TAMPA, Fla. – Citing a wide array of regulatory challenges and crumbling ry Power Units or battery-powered which is installing STEP’s power ped- infrastructure, ATA president and CEO Bill Graves says that the trucking HVAC systems, as long as they can estals and offering the related payment industry faces nothing less than an “assault” by groups ranging from plug into the shore power supplies. In system. “If you don’t have a place to environmentalists to supporters of other transportation modes. the meantime, some truckers are al- plug in, it doesn’t work.” “There are a number of people who simply don’t get what we do every day,” ready using early installations by run- Electrified parking spots involve he said during a kickoff address at the Technology and Maintenance Council’s ning simple extension cords through more than a series of extension cords annual general meeting. openings in their cab doors or sleeper across a parking lot. Truck stops can Anti-truck groups are cloaking themselves as safety advocates and are oblivi- windows. sacrifice 30% of their parking spaces ous to the impact that their proposed changes would have on the US economy, Access to the Shorepower Technol- to make room for the necessary elec- he added. Other groups that he refers to as “environmental extremists” appear ogies network used in this program trical connections, said Vince Manga- opposed to any mode of transportation that relies on fossil fuel. tends to cost about $11 per night – far no of Integrated Marketing Services, Promoters of other modes of transportation are making their cases “under less than the cost of an idling engine, referring to one reason that the tech- the guise of liveability,” he said. notes Jon Gustafson of Cascade Sier- nology has been slow to arrive. “The Graves even suggested that plans to revisit Hours-of-Service rules – poten- ra Solutions, which is administering larger and more cumbersome the tially affecting everything from time behind the wheel to rest breaks and restart the Department of Energy program. technology, the greater the impact,” provisions – were nothing less than a “political payoff” used to convince Sen. This may be an understatement. Long- he added. “Somehow the packaging Frank Lautenberg to confirm former Baltimore Trucking Association presi- haul truckers typically idle their en- has to be small.” There also needs to dent Anne Ferro as head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. gines between 1,400 and 3,000 hours a be a way to track the way the individ- It isn’t his only concern about government mindsets. While the Bush Admin- year in a bid to power everything from ual tools are being used. “It’s a lot of istration saw new CSA safety ratings as a way to target more trucking compa- HVAC systems to refrigerators and investment to pave a lot and see a lack nies with fewer resources, there has been a key shift in thinking. “Our concern televisions, burning between $4,900 of efficiency.” with the Obama administration is that it will become, ‘Do more with more,’” he and $10,500 of diesel in the process. If STEP’s supporters simply hope said. And while the trucking industry supports the idea of fuel-efficient trucks, not properly managed, idling costs can they will see the returns on these in- there are concerns about the way new standards will be implemented, and how actually add up to 10.5 cents per mile, vestments. Participating truck stops they will influence everything from trucks to trailers. “If it costs us more than with issues like premature engine wear can share the revenue from electric- we benefit in fuel efficiencies, we have a problem with that.” and rebuilds contributing another two ity sales, and could sell the applianc- But he appeared to find a promise in plans to revisit the way fuel tax funds cents per mile to that, he adds. es that truckers could fit into their are invested into the nation’s infrastructure. The federal fuel tax and highway To compound matters, the cost of sleepers. Truckers will enjoy access trust fund was not established to support bike trails, Graves said. “Roads are not fuel has been on a steady rise. The to electricity, the Internet and cable free, and they certainly are not cheap. We need to get our priorities straight.” prices at US pumps have increased TV fed through each pedestal. And about 25% per year over the past two years. “That cost is what needs to be in mind when deciding whether electrification should be part of your equipment strategy,” he said during Owner Operators a presentation to the annual general & Company Drivers meeting of the Technology and Main- tenance Council. The price of fuel is not the only fac- WANTED tor to consider. An increasing number of US jurisdictions are tightening the HEALTH BENEFITS restrictions on idling trucks. Thirty- START IMMEDIATELY one states and 47 local jurisdictions are NO WAITING TIME already limiting idling in one way or another, introducing fines along the PAY IS way. A focus on Truck Stop Electri- fication (TSE) also aligns with other DIRECT DEPOSIT federal initiatives in the US, such as WITHIN 3 BUSINESS DAYS those designed to reduce greenhouse gases and the US dependence on For more information call Curtis foreign oil. 1-800-265-3071 Ext 237 Of course, the concept of “shore Email: [email protected] power” is nothing new. Anyone who Fax: 519-335-4133 has ever docked in a marina, or pulled www.hyndman.ca into an RV park will recognize the systems that typically deliver 120-volt, 60-cycle, 20-amp service. Millions of trucks are already equipped with 120-volt block heaters, observed Skip Yeakel, principal engineer with Volvo Group North America. But trucks generally have limited

pg 21 tw mar v2.indd 21 18/02/11 10:17 AM Page 22 TRUCK WEST March 2011 health Need a boost? Put down the energy drink and go for a walk Last month, I wrote that Vita- friend: physical exercise. your brain’s frontal lobes work mins A, B, C, D and E can help Why? Not just for physical fit- harder, releasing more serotonin, keep your mind functioning well. Preventive ness, but to whip your mind into dopamine and norepinephrine and Outside of eating foods contain- Maintenance shape as well. making you feel happier. ing these, engaging in some other When your cardiovascular sys- During exercise, your brain also practices could give you additional Karen Bowen tem is not working well, it affects sends out brain-derived neuro- short- and long-term benefits. your memory. Studies show that trophic factor (BDNF). Not only Let’s say you need an occasion- anxiety attacks. if you exercise aerobically, you does BDNF improve your mood, al, short-term alertness boost. Us- One unusual side effect of en- significantly increase the amount its main function is to help brain ing caffeine is an option. Caffeine ergy drinks is seizures in people of blood that flows to your brain. cells survive longer. This may ex- works by stimulating the central who have no history of epilepsy. This leads to better memory. plain why exercise appears to slow nervous system, heart, muscles, These seizures may be triggered In a recent study comparing the progression of dementia. and the centres that control blood by either caffeine or taurine (an- the effects of exercise on mental With these facts in mind, should pressure. I’m sure you’ve used an other common ingredient in en- performance, researchers formed you take out a gym membership? occasional strong cup of coffee to ergy drinks). This type of seizure three groups of volunteers, be- Considering a trucker’s sched- wake up. Generally, drinking lim- most often occurs when a person tween 55 and 70 years old. Group ule, it’s probably not feasible. ited amounts of caffeine in bev- is sleep deprived. 1 exercised aerobically by walk- For sure, running, lifting weights, erages, such as coffee, tea or soft As a diuretic, caffeine makes ing three times a week for 45 min- playing sports or taking a fitness drinks is not harmful. your body excrete fluids. High caf- utes. Group 2 did easy calisthen- class on a regular basis would be However, use energy drinks with feine levels can lead to high flu- ics. Group 3 did no exercise. At ideal. But really, anything that caution. Along with their high id loss, resulting in dehydration. first all three groups were similar gets your heart pumping a little proportion of caffeine, they may Consequently, you may feel tired in terms of oxygen consumption, faster will help: washing your rig, also pack a large dose of sugar. So and unable to think clearly, in- level of physical fitness, memory, parking a little farther away from while the caffeine is stimulating, stead of energetic and alert. and mental dexterity. the motel, or even walking around the high sugar content is causing a Instead of looking for a quick However, by the end of the study the block before you check in for sugar spike in your body to which caffeine fix, consider why you feel everything had changed. The oxy- the night. your pancreas reacts with burst tired. You probably are tired. So, gen consumption of the people in The most important point of of insulin, resulting in low blood consider your life situation. Are the aerobics group was consider- exercise is that it’s not enough to sugar and a feeling of tiredness, you under excessive stress? Over- ably higher than that of the other think about it. You have to do it. making you crave another energy worked? Not sleeping well? Eat- two groups. Over a four-month pe- Start out with 10 minutes a day drink. It’s a vicious circle. ing poorly? Addicted to caffeine? riod, the mean scores for the aero- and work yourself up to 30 min- Certainly, habitual consumption A long-term solution cannot be bics group improved in five out of utes a day, three to five times a of caffeine can lead to addiction. bought in a can at the corner store. seven tests for memory and men- week. Then, stick to it. Maybe you’ve felt this yourself. If In fact, if you’ve been running on tal dexterity, while the other two Remember, to keep your mind you miss your usual coffee, you energy drinks, they are probably showed no major change. working well, it’s more than the feel irritable, depressed and may part of your problem. On top of this, exercising makes thought that counts. n even get a headache. Some more Which brings us to a long-term you feel better. Exercise triggers serious common side effects of ex- solution – a change in lifestyle. In your body’s production of en- – Karen Bowen is a profession- cessive caffeine are: cardiac ar- particular, say, ‘goodbye’ to crash- dorphins. These mood-boosting al health and nutrition consul- rhythmias and palpitations; high ing in front of the TV every night chemicals help keep your attitude tant, and she can be reached at blood pressure; insomnia; and and say, ‘Hello’ to your new best on track. Exercise can also make [email protected].

decrease pain. Gentle stretches may also promote healing of the tendon. Achilles tendonitis: Heel pain in truckers However, it is important to per- form the stretches in a slow and con- Heel pain is a common occurrence in the tendon over time. trolled manner in order to avoid re- professional truck drivers. Although There are several risk factors that injury. Orthotic devices such as heel there are several causes of heel pain, I Back behind may increase the chances of devel- lifts may also be utilized to relieve will be concentrating on one specific oping this type of tendonitis. First of the tension on the tendon during condition called Achilles tendonitis. the wheel all, poor flexibility of the calf muscles the healing process. If the injury In order to understand this injury, Dr. Chris Singh and flat arches will decrease the abil- does not respond to these conserva- you must first understand the anat- ity of the Achilles tendon to absorb tive modes of treatment, your doc- omy of the area. The Achilles ten- the tendon is strained from excessive shock. To add to this, not warming tor may explore other possibilities don is a fibrous band of tissue that force or overuse. For truck drivers up before physical activity and wear- such as corticosteroid injections or connects the calf muscles to the heel there are a few common causes of ing inappropriate footwear will also even surgery. bone. This tendon is very important Achilles tendonitis, which include us- increase the likelihood of straining The goal of surgery is to repair for locomotion and is used in many ing improper technique when getting the tendon. damaged tissue and restore function activities such as walking, running in and out of their trucks and jump- The most common symptom of of the foot. and jumping. ing off the back of their trailers. In Achilles tendonitis is pain at the As I always say, prevention is the Achilles tendonitis is simply in- addition, operating the accelerator back of the heel bone that develops best treatment. It is important for flammation of the Achilles tendon. or clutch for many consecutive hours gradually and worsens over time. drivers to use proper footwear which In most cases, this injury occurs when may cause trauma and irritation to Some people experience a dull ache provides adequate cushioning for the in the back of the leg above the heel heel and support for the arch. after participating in physical activ- Also, it is good practice to re- ity. On visual inspection, you may place footwear when it shows signs notice swelling or a lump on the of excessive wear. Next, performing District sales Achilles tendon. a regular stretching routine, which It is important to address this in- includes a few calf muscle stretches Manager jury at its onset in order to avoid de- will improve flexibility and reduce STEMCO Inc., a leader in heavy duty truck wheel-end veloping a more serious condition. the stress on the tendon. components industry is seeking a District Sales Most of the time, a health care pro- Lastly, warming up before per- Manager in the Edmonton Alberta area. fessional will be able to assess and di- forming any physical activity will agnose this condition after taking a loosen up the muscles and tendons Summary: Responsible for the sales and service detailed history of the injury and per- of the legs. activity in the assigned geographic area of forming a thorough physical exami- I recommend that drivers walk responsibility. Conduct product demonstrations nation. Advanced diagnostic testing around their truck five to 10 times as Interested candidates and installation training for area fleets. Work with such as ultrasounds and MRIs may a good warm-up. By following these should send a cover letter distributor’s sales personnel and management to be necessary to identify and confirm simple tips, you will greatly reduce with salary requirements grow share in the assigned market. the diagnosis. your chances of developing Achilles and resume to The treatment of Achilles tendon- tendonitis. [email protected] • Qualified candidates will have a minimum of itis is often very simple. The first line Until next time, drive safely. n 2-4 years sales experience. No phone calls please. of treatment consists of rest and ice • A Bachelor’s degree is preferred. to reduce the inflammation. In ad- – Dr. Christopher H. Singh runs dition, your doctor may recommend Trans Canada Chiropractic at the STEMCO offers a competitive compensation anti-inflammatory medications to 230 Truck Stop in Woodstock, Ont. STEMCO is an EOE. M/F/D/V and benefits package. further reduce inflammation and He can be reached at 519-421-2024.

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TrkNwsTrkWst-Ban-RtrdInstd-March-snipe.indd 1 2/11/11 4:55 PM Bandag.indd 1 14/02/11 10:03 AM March 2011 TRUCK WEST Page 25 over the road It’s time to re-examine pay per mile vs pay per hour At the time of writing this column, I’m ready to take a look at ideas to measure performance provides diesel prices have been on the rise that may put more money in my fertile ground to develop incentive for seven straight weeks and the Over the Road pocket, improve my quality of life, programs for drivers. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- add to a carrier’s bottom line and A study by the Technology and ministration (FMCSA) has newly aid in compliance with the rules Maintenance Council (TMC) of proposed rules for hours-of-ser- Al Goodhall and safety policies that govern our the American Trucking Associa- vice (HoS) and for electronic on- industry. tions established that a truck driv- board recorders (EOBR). productivity bonuses. There is no possible way that I en using poor driving habits can In broad terms, the trucking in- Think of our current pay per can address all the pros and cons consume up to 26% more fuel than dustry’s response has been that all mile model for a moment. It en- of hourly pay versus pay per mile a truck driven using fuel-efficient of the added restrictions will re- courages the driver to run the in a single column, but we need to driving techniques. duce productivity. Drivers have maximum number of miles in the start somewhere and the first thing An hourly rate of pay along with responded with the feeling that shortest period of time, a holdover an hourly rate would do is recog- incentive bonuses is an excellent reduced hours and added restric- from the days of cheap fuel and nize commercial truck drivers as way of tapping into these poten- tions equal reduced miles, which loose or non-existent HoS rules. the professional journeymen that tial savings and it’s win-win. It in turn equals reduced income. But that’s not today’s reality. In they are. The industry now has also speaks to the need of ongo- So in a nutshell we’re looking at today’s world ‘pay per mile’ sand- available to it through the tech- ing driver training, driver recruit- escalating costs, increased regula- wiches the drivers’ need to gener- nology of EOBRs, the ability not ment, and driver retention. tion, and reduced productivity for ate income between the business’s just to enforce rules but to capture The time is ripe for carriers to both carriers and drivers. Not a need to control costs and the en- a vast amount of information that develop and use these new technol- very rosy picture is it? forcement of the HoS rules. Driv- relates to a driver’s performance. ogies to empower their drivers and The business of trucking has ers are stuck between a rock and This technology also captures recognize them as business part- changed but the method of com- a hard place. the inefficiencies in the system ners – not just employees. Maybe pensating drivers for their invest- In a highly competitive market that are beyond the driver’s con- I’m a dreamer, but it is possible. ment of time and effort has not. If where drivers are asked to invest trol such as dock delays. Paying Some people may be of the opin- the movers and shakers within the more of their time in the name a driver for their time on-duty as ion that the golden age of truck- trucking industry are concerned of efficiency but are governed well as driving would motivate car- ing is past, buried by burdensome with an overall loss in productivity, by rules giving them less time in riers to work closer with their cus- regulations and escalating costs. why not pay drivers for their time the name of safety, a pay per mile tomers to eliminate delays at the The freedom and joy we find in plus a bonus for increased produc- method of compensation no longer dock and all the other time wast- trucking down the open road is tivity where it counts – in each and makes sense. ers that have worked their way into still there but the culture is chang- every power unit? I know that pay per mile versus the system over the years. This ing. That’s not easy to deal with. n Perhaps it’s time for a different pay per hour has the potential to would be a big win for the driver paradigm that does away with the be very contentious and I’m not but the argument could be made piece rate form of compensation coming down on one side or the that it would be a huge cost for – Al Goodhall has been a profes- most of us in this industry current- other. But my ‘paid by the mile’ the carrier. sional long-haul driver since 1998. ly live and die by. Trucking as a income has not kept up with the On the contrary, eliminating that He shares his experiences via his whole needs to take a serious look rate of inflation and the HoS de- wasted time puts the driver back on 'Over the Road' blog at http://truck- at paying drivers a fair and equi- bate has shown no sign of being the road keeping the freight mov- ingacrosscanada.blogspot.com. You table hourly rate with the ability resolved since I started driving 12 ing. More importantly, giving carri- can also follow him on Twitter at to earn additional income through years ago. ers the ability to capture hard data Twitter.com/Al_Goodhall.

opinion How the modern truck is killing driver camaraderie

Last issue, I wrote about my love they’re all sitting on their own. er, we’re not talking to drivers for the classic-style truck, but my You say tomato, Back in the good old days, and we don’t pick up useful tips affection for them goes far deep- when you parked the truck for anymore. er than just looks. I believe that I say tomahto the night you used to get out and Most of what I’ve learned over as trucks have changed over the go into the truck stop. You had the last few decades has been years, they have changed us as MARK LEE no choice really, as everyone else handed down to me by my fellow drivers too, and not for the better. was in the same predicament. The drivers and because I’ve got no- As I touched upon briefly last help people out. truck stops were full, so you had body to talk to in the truck stop, month, I spent the first 20 years of But that’s a good thing. Meet- to share a table and you made that knowledge doesn’t get passed my career driving around in Eu- ing other drivers and striking friends. along anymore. rope and beyond. up friendships is very nice, but The next time you saw your Us drivers who have been As a Brit, I was always in a for- I’d much rather not do it on the dinner companion out on the around the block a few times have eign country so it was standard shoulder of the Trans-Canada road, you would have a chat over earned and inherited this knowl- practice to give a wave to any at 30 below with a dead truck. the CB radio, you’d learn where edge and we have a duty to pass British truck I saw on the road. So although it removes a certain Smokey Bear was hiding, whether it on to the new guys. It was also standard practice – element of the days of old, I’d take there were any hold-ups, what the But we won’t if we spend our in Europe at least – to stop and reliability every time. weather was doing and generally off-duty hours sitting in a sleep- offer help to other Brits if they It’s the rest of the modern passed the time of day. Now that er with the curtains closed and had problems. Further afield, you trucks that spoil what we once has all stopped, nobody knows the new guys, because they don’t would stop and help anyone at the had. Years ago a long-haul truck anybody anymore. know any better, will mess the side of the road. was a small day cab with a sleeper You can run from the Pacific to job up. Most of the time the drivers you box attached to the back. To get the Atlantic and the CB will not The guys back in the office will stopped to help were familiar fac- into the bunk, you had to climb make a sound. You see a truck on then have meetings and come up es. Maybe I’d shipped out on a through a small hatch and once the shoulder and instead of stop- with a set of instructions on how ferry with them, or spent a day you’d managed that, all there was ping to help, you move over into to do the job and we lose the best with them at a border or clearing to do in there was sleep. Now we the left lane and blow past. thing that this job has to offer: Customs. have enormous sleeper compart- Now I know trucks have be- our freedom. Maybe it was over a beer or two ments with couches, tables and come more complicated and very We become robots who have to at the end of a hard day’s work, chairs, TVs, DVD players, elec- few people carry tools anymore, do everything the way we’re told whatever the case we all knew tronic games consoles, computers let alone spare parts, but the poor it has to be done. If that’s prog- each other. with Internet access, microwaves, driver stuck on the shoulder may ress, you can keep it. n From what I hear, the same ap- fridges – all the comforts of home. have run out of smokes, he may be plied on this side of the Atlan- Now when we park for the night thirsty or hungry and be grateful – A fourth generation trucker and tic. There was camaraderie be- there is no need to leave the cab for a can of soda, a candy bar or trucking journalist, Mark Lee uses tween drivers, but it seems to have at all except to take a shower and a bag of chips. his 25 years of transcontinental disappeared now and for that I use the restroom. Some don’t even One other important thing trucking in Europe, Asia, North blame the modern truck. Firstly, need to do that, so the truck stops that we don’t do anymore is Africa and now North America to they don’t break down as much, are almost empty. There may be learn. While we’re spending the provide an alternative view of life so you don’t need to pull over to a few drivers having supper, but evening sitting in our huge sleep- on the road.

pg 25 tw mar v2.indd 25 16/02/11 10:39 AM Page 26 TRUCK WEST March 2011 fleet profile

air…If you hit a deer with a Western nice looking truck. Even on the city Star, you put an aftermarket bumper trucks we put the dual stacks. We put on it for $450 and you’re in and out the air cleaners on the outside. For an hour later looking brand new. We the few extra dollars it costs, amor- Winds of lost that Sterling for darned near a tized over seven or eight years, what week. You can use an awful lot of is it really? Does it pay fuel for $10,000.” off with the driv- For a small fleet, L. Ritchie Cart- er? Does he keep age is surprisingly sophisticated the truck cleaner? when it comes to spec’ing equipment. How do you mea- change Rhodes has taken an interest in driv- sure that? But I er health over the years and is very can have a sense particular about ergonomics. The of pride when I’m A small fleet finds success in staying fleet participated in a study on ergonomics with the Work- true to its roots while adapting to an place Safety In- surance Board ever-changing industry (WSIB) and C R E - M S D By James Menzies enough to house just one truck at a (Centre of Re- TORONTO, Ont. – As an admir- time. The trailers are stacked three search Expertise er of the trucks that ply Canadian deep behind the office building and for Musculoskel- highways, I’ve always been intrigued a handful of tractors are parked etal Disorders) by those belonging to L. Ritchie against the fence awaiting service. several years ago, Cartage. Their black and red West- Most, however, were out on the road, which helped de- ern Star tractors – a mixed fleet of which is always a good sign. velop guidelines sleepers and day cabs – can be seen Rhodes provided a brief company for ergonomics in running the Greater Toronto Area history as we walked through the the transportation on any given day. yard. The company was founded industry. Perhaps one of the greatest perks by Lloyd Ritchie in 1954 and in the Part of the study of this job is that an invitation to mid-60s, son Dave took the reins and involved taking a learn more about a trucking compa- transitioned the fleet from straight tape measure to ny is never more than a phone call truck local work to a fleet of trac- various parts of the walking out in the yard and that’s away. And so on a recent cold Feb- tor-trailers running both locally and truck and scrutinizing the layout of important.” ruary morning, I arranged a visit to long-distance. Dave and Rhodes are the seat, dash and other frequently Drivers are welcome to customize the Scarborough facility L. Ritchie partners in the company today, al- used tools. their rides and the company will have Cartage calls home. though Dave admits he at one time “Believe it or not, there are man- its own mechanic handle any instal- President Sylvia Rhodes provided had little interest in taking over the ufacturers out there where the seat lations. Ritchie doesn’t want drivers directions and warned me about the family business. is not aligned with the steering messing with the wiring, which is the guard dogs, Dingo and Tiggurr. They “I actually wanted to be a char- wheel,” Rhodes says. “Some of the cause of most of the fleet’s mainte- wouldn’t attack, she assured me, as tered accountant, but school and I other things we look at are the de- nance-related headaches. long as I didn’t look like a hot dog. didn’t see eye to eye,” he recalls with gree of force required to crank up “Anything a driver wants to put That was a relief. A hamburger, may- a chuckle. “I didn’t think trucking the trailer legs and to open doors and in a truck, we’ll do it in our garage,” be, but not a hot dog. was the job for me, so I had quite to secure the doors on the trailers, Ritchie says. “If he wants a light un- L. Ritchie Cartage is run out of a few other small jobs. When I got whether grab handles are appropri- der the dash, we’ll put the light in a nondescript building on Kenne- back into trucking, I brought a new ately placed for drivers to get into for you.” dy Ave., about midway between the attitude and that was the biggest dif- and out of the tractor.” Other driver-friendly spec’s in- 401 and 407. It’s an easy building to ference. I figured, if this is what I was Having spec’d the most ergonom- clude double-width passenger seats miss, and in fact I did miss it and going to do, I might as well do it to ic equipment possible, the company so city drivers can get some rest when had to turn around. A small wooden the best of my ability.” then trains its drivers on how to safe- they’re waiting to be loaded or un- sign peeked out from a snow bank, For her part, Rhodes grew up ly use it, stressing the importance of loaded. confirming I was at the right place around equipment, namely her older things like maintaining three points “Our city trucks go to warehous- and declaring that the company had brother’s drag racing car, so a career of contact when climbing in and out es and they’ll wait for two or three been in business since 1954. I later in trucking seemed natural. of the cab. The company has also hours and drivers will have a nap in learned the company that started out “I got my start washing parts and been transitioning to automated the truck,” Ritchie reasons. “So we as a single straight truck used to be doing body shop repairs in the garage transmissions, which may seem a pe- ordered city trucks with two-man located on Nugget Ave. and relocat- in the driveway,” she recalls. Rhodes culiar spec’ for a classic truck like a passenger seats so they can stretch ed to its current home about 11 years broke into the trucking industry man- Western Star but are winning fans out and have a sleep. It sounds fool- ago. Sure enough, Dingo and Tig- aging IT, finance and purchasing for among the drivers. ish, giving drivers a place to sleep gurr greeted me with a bark that was an Ontario trucking company. In “Not all the fleet has it, but in a day cab but they’re going to do menacing enough to scare off any in- 1999, she joined L. Ritchie Cartage through attrition we’ve been upgrad- it anyways, so why do you want to truder, and likely a good many truck where she manages those same func- ing the fleet to automatic trucks,” give them two single seats? And un- journalists. tions and then some. Rhodes says. “Initially, with any der that seat as well, there’s a whole Yet, a sharp command from an change there’s resistance and our storage compartment, so it keeps the employee had the dogs licking my Ergonomic spec’ing drivers are no different in that re- truck clean as well.” hands and accepting me as a guest Ritchie and Rhodes share an inter- gard. There was some resistance to It’s perhaps that attention to de- with no ill intentions. I was surprised est in equipment, as well as a spe- changing but in some cases drivers tail that has contributed to very little to see the 40-truck fleet, which also cial affinity for the long-nose clas- who had the opportunity to use the turnover among L. Ritchie’s rank of operates about 160 trailers, sits on sic-styled conventional trucks that automatic transmissions when their seniormost drivers, the longest serv- a small three-acre lot comprise the majority of the fleet. standard transmission units were in ing of whom has been with the com- with a modest They acknowledge L. Ritchie Cart- for repair came back and requested pany for about 40 years. office and a age is a dying breed, a trucking com- a change to an automatic truck. So There’s always some turnover shop big pany that identifies itself with the through exposure and the opportu- among the newer hires, Rhodes ad- long-nose, classic-styled truck even nity to try out the equipment, the ini- mits, although some driver turnover after most fleets have abandoned it tial resistance was overcome rather is healthy. in favour of more fuel-efficient slip- rapidly.” “We stress customers service pery trucks. While they admit the Most of L. Ritchie’s trucks are from the point of the interview. We fleet will likely transition to more company-owned. The fleet has ex- stress timeliness, we stress safety aerodynamic models with the next perimented with owner/operators, and we ask that our drivers conduct round of purchases, they still offer but it struggles to find O/Os who themselves as professional drivers,” valid reasons – besides good taste share the fleet’s high standards for Rhodes says. “Our drivers are exem- – to favour the long-nose. equipment appearance and main- plary. Drivers that don’t fit that mod- “We had a Sterling high- tenance. Almost every truck in the el will generally not fit in with the way truck and we clipped fleet has just one driver, so the driv- other drivers and they will choose to a deer in Pennsylvania,” ers take ownership in the figurative either conform or to leave.” Ritchie recalls. “It end- sense, if not the literal one, and take “The turnover that exists in this ed up being a $10,000 good care of the equipment. company is always at the bottom,” fix because it took out “Appearance is always important,” Ritchie adds. “The long-term driv- all the plastic, the air to Ritchie says. “The Western Star is a ers, we lose them when they retire.”

pg 26-27 tw mar v2.indd 26 17/02/11 12:18 PM March 2011 TRUCK WEST Page 27

The benefits of being small up with the flow of traffic. But, she tomers as fuel prices have spiked in an have been very receptive to hearing As a small fleet, L. Ritchie Cart- says, they’ve learned to adapt just effort to control their costs. But while that feedback,” she says. age has a commitment to safe- fine. we’ve been finding there are challeng- The proof, as they say, is in the ty and compliance that rivals that “I find it interesting that through es out there, there have also been op- pudding. Much of L. Ritchie Cart- of any well-run large carrier. The all the negative comments that have portunities and we’ve enjoyed some of age’s new business comes from cus- been made as those opportunities.” tomers that seek them out. the speed lim- Opportunities? In the wake of ar- “We don’t tend to lose customers, iting was being guably the worst recession since the we tend to add customers,” Rhodes implemented, Great Depression? says. “Often times, we will find that nobody ever “We’ve seen customers that are shippers and receivers that we’ve m e n t i o n e d looking for better levels of service, worked with in the past will change that the speed which is an area we excel in,” Rhodes their employer and then they will limit is actual- continues. “We’ve been able to at- seek us out at their new location. So ly 100 km/h in tract business that way. We’ve seen we do tend to be fortunate. We have Ontario,” she customers that are interested in pre- a lot of that loyalty from our custom- points out. “I’m loading equipment more and work- ers, it tends to follow us.” also aware that ing with their carriers to ensure the in some cases, efficient utilization of resources. A positive pessimist? there are com- Where we can accomplish cost-cut- Still, in this business, which hinges panies that ting for ourselves, we’re happy to so heavily on the overall health of the economy, Rhodes is reluctant to declare herself an optimist. When asked how optimistic she is about the overall health of the industry, Rhodes takes a lengthy pause. “I’m positive, but I’m not sure if I’m optimistic,” she says after some HUMBLE BEGINNINGS: L. Ritchie reflection. “I’m watching the econ- Cartage was founded by Lloyd Ritchie omy as it shifts and I’m looking for and at first consisted of a single the consistencies. We’ve all seen ca- straight truck (pictured). pacity taken out of the industry and at the same time we’ve seen tremen- dous changes across other sectors of fleet does not belong to the Ontar- our economy. Where does it land? io Trucking Association, preferring I’m not sure. Every economist you the representation it receives from hear from has a different perspec- the local Toronto Trucking Associa- tive and this is all they do, study the tion. But when asked about regula- economy. It’d be pretty arrogant of tory requirements like speed limiter me to think I know better than they legislation and the impending re- do when that’s their full-time job.” quirement to track hours-of-service So for now, L. Ritchie Cartage plans via on-board electronics, Rhodes are not speed-limiting equipment. share that with the customer as well, to continue doing what it has always and Ritchie are philosophical – not They’re the ones driving past ours. so working with customers has been done. Hire the right people. Run nice confrontational. But in terms of fuel mileage, it’s a very important.” looking equipment and take good care “If you take a look at what the good thing.” When a customer finds itself in of it. Help its customers solve their government is trying to do, it a bind, Rhodes says the fleet has problems. Get the goods where they’re doesn’t really affect a responsible Problem solvers been able to help it save face with going, legally and on time. company,” Ritchie says. “Limiting Although L. Ritchie serves a mixed its own customers by offering solu- But like any company, L. Ritchie trucks to 105 km/h? Well, we were bag of manufacturing and retail cus- tions that won’t interrupt produc- Cartage will have to adapt to new re- at 67 mph, so it wasn’t that big of tomers, the fleet relies heavily on On- tion and supply. alities, which regrettably may mean a deal. Who’s going to complain tario’s downtrodden manufacturing “Sometimes we’ll work with our cus- the end of those long-nose conven- about it? The guys who are going sector for freight. The recession of tomers to ensure that their customers’ tionals that first caught my atten- 75 mph. If you bring in electronic the last few years has not been kind needs are met,” Rhodes explains. “If tion and prompted me to pick up logbooks, all it’s going to do is level to truckers or to manufacturers. Still, they have a customer that has a short- the phone and shamelessly ask for off the playing field. We can’t com- you won’t find the folks at L. Ritchie age of dock staff available, we may be an invite to their place of business. pete with operators who are going Cartage wallowing in self-pity. In- involved in dropping equipment at “We have looked (at the numbers) to run 70-80 hours a week, so let’s stead, the company is leveraging its their customers’ locations to ensure a and I guess as equipment becomes get rid of these guys.” strengths as a customer-focused ser- cost-effective solution for everybody.” older, we will be looking at the newer Rhodes admits some of the com- vice provider to help solve its custom- And the fleet will also offer sugges- equipment and the benefits it offers,” pany’s drivers initially griped about ers’ problems and become more than tions when it observes inefficiencies admits Rhodes. the 105 law, mostly because they just a freight relocator. at its customers’ operations, say for And Ritchie himself, the name- run heavy and need to get up some “There has been a lot of changes,” instance, a driver notices a lift truck sake of the company and an old- speed at the bottom of hills to keep Rhodes notes. “We’ve seen customers, operator who is too aggressive and school trucker agrees, albeit with a in some cases, moving their production causing damage to equipment while hint of trepidation. to plants that are closer to their cus- loading. “Aerodynamics,” he sighs. “Is that “We have found that customers the way to go? I think that’s our future. I like the look of the long-nose, but I also have a company to run.” n

NICE IRON: Today, L. Ritchie is one of the few fleets running predominantly long-nose, classic-styled tractors on the highway.

pg 26-27 tw mar v2.indd 27 17/02/11 12:19 PM Page 28 TRUCK WEST March 2011 tax talk on time. If the review shows that there are many who are not, the So, you got a letter from the taxman CRA may audit taxpayers within this segment. According to CRA, You may have received a let- past income tax returns and make there are four common ways of ter from the Canada Revenue sure your income and deductions selecting files: Agency recently with information Tax Talk are reported correctly. If you de- Computer-generated lists: The about deductions you claimed on termine that the claims you made on CRA computer system can compare past tax returns. You’re probably your returns are accurate, you don’t selected financial information from wondering whether you’re being Scott taylor need to take any action. taxpayers engaged in similar busi- audited, watched, or should feel If you find that you claimed nesses or occupations. It can easily scared. Well, the answer is you’re described above. some items incorrectly on past identify outliers with audit potential. supposed to be better informed. tax returns, this letter gives you Audit projects: In some cases, Why You? Canada’s tax system is based the opportunity to request an ad- the agency tests the compliance on self-assessment, which means You’re one of the lucky recipients justment. Some letters also notify of a particular group of clients. If that individuals are responsible of an educational letter because taxpayers that the CRA may con- the test results indicate significant for accurately completing and fil- you work in an industry – trucking duct audits in their industry sector. non-compliance within the group, ing their tax returns on time. – where a disproportionate number it may trigger an audit. Am I an In 2010, the CRA began a cam- of people either misunderstand their Leads: This includes informa- audit target? paign that involved sending let- tax obligations or willfully avoid tion from other audits or inves- ters to 37,000 Canadians to edu- paying their taxes altogether. It’s hard to say whether you’re tigations, as well as information cate them about specific claims CRA wants you to have a better more likely to be audited because from outside sources. and, for some, to provide notice understanding about certain types you received an “educational” let- Secondary files: Sometimes of the CRA’s intent to audit.This of claims you’ve made that can re- ter from CRA. The agency regu- CRA will select files for audit campaign is continuing in 2011. sult in confusion or common errors. larly reviews groups of taxpayers because of their association with In January and February, the In sending the letter, CRA’s to determine how many of them other previously selected files. CRA sent 29,000 letters like those expectation is that you’ll review are paying their taxes in full and For example, if you’re in partnership with another person, and he or she has been selected for audit, it’s usually more convenient G E to examine all the records at the T P same time. A Y P O E U What should you do? R R This letter does not mean that the tax returns you filed in the past are in- correct. Like 90% of Canadians, you probably filed an error-free return Western Canada’s Trucking Newspaper and Equipment Buyer’s Guide and paid your taxes on time. You do not need to respond to this letter unless you’re directed to do so. What you should do is take steps to make sure your income and deduction are being reported properly. If you received a letter, follow these suggestions: SUBSCRIBE Review your return: CRA is try- SUBSCRIBE ing to be proactive by supplying information to you to file your tax READING SOMEONE MOVING? return correctly. Take the hint, REQUALIFY! review your returns. Even if a pro- ELSE’S COPY? fessional tax preparer completed Send us your new address your return, you’re responsible for Have your own! in writing on this form. NOW!NOW! the information on it. Company ______If your tax preparer makes a mis- Name ______Title______take or intentionally understates your income or over-claims a re- Address ______fund, you’re the one who will be City ______answering to the CRA and paying Province ______Postal Code______all the taxes plus interest and maybe even penalties that are owed. Telephone: ( ) ______Fax: ( )______Respond quickly: If you want to E-Mail ______change a tax return because you have found errors, you will need to sub- CHANGE OF ADDRESS ONLY 1 1 4 mit a request for an adjustment. Do Serial # from code line on mailing label it within 30 days from the date of the letter to reduce the interest charges Canada USA Foreign Charge Card Cheque Enclosed on any outstanding amounts. $ $ $ Visa No Don’t ignore it: I think it’s important to point out that CRA 1 Year 41.28 99.95 99.95 Mastercard No (38.95 + 2.33 GST) keeps track of who receives these Amex No letters. If they come and audit you 2 Years 65.66 this year or more into the future, (61.95 + 3.71 GST) Expiry Date Signature Date they will expect that you reviewed NB, NS & NF Add 14% HST to Price / Quebec Residents Add QST (7.5%) To Total your return and made sure it’s CLIP and MAIL correct as far as that particular DO YOU WISH PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS issue is concerned. TO RECEIVE OR 1) How many vehicles are based at or controlled from 5) Indicate your PRIMARY type of business by checking The ol’ “I didn’t know” defense this location? Please indicate quantities by type: ONLY ONE of the following: With a) I For Hire/Contract Trucking (hauling for others) (CONTINUE TO — No. of Straight Trucks _____ No. of Trailers will not fly. CRA also may be more _____ No. of Buses b) I Lease/Rental aggressive in these cases with inter- RECEIVE) — No. of Truck-Tractors _____ No. of Off-Road Vehicles c) I Food Production / Distribution / Beverages Payment to d) I Farming 2) Does this location operate, control or administer one est and penalty charges. After all, or more vehicles in any of the following Gross Vehicle e) I Government (Fed., Prov., Local) Weight (GVW) categories? Please check YES or NO: f) I Public Utility (electric, gas, telephone) they told ya, but ya didn’t listen. n 14,969 kg. & over (33,001 lbs. & over)... I YES I NO g) I Construction / Mining / Sand & Gravel 11,794-14,968 kg. (26.001-33,000 lbs.). I YES I NO h) I Petroleum / Dry Bulk / Chemicals / Tank 8,846-11,793 kg. (19,501-26,000 lbs.)... I YES I NO I 12 Concorde Place, – Scott Taylor is vice-president I YES I NO i) Manufacturing / Processing 4,536-8,845 kg. (10,000-19,500 lbs.)..... I YES I NO ji) I Retail Under 4,536 kg. (10,000 lbs.)...... I YES I NO of TFS Group, a Waterloo, Ont., jii) I Wholesale Suite 800, 3) This location operates, controls or administers: k) I Logging / Lumber company that provides account- Diesel powered vehicles...... I YES I NO b) I Bus Transportation Toronto, Ontario Signature Refrigerated vehicles...... I YES I NO ing, fuel tax reporting, and other m) I Other (Please specify) ______Pickups or Utility Vans...... I YES I NO M3C 4J2 business services for truck fleets Propane powered vehicles...... I YES I NO 6) Are you involved in the purchase of equipment or replacement parts? ...... I YES I NO 4) Do you operate maintenance facilities and owner/operators. For infor- at this location? ...... I YES I NO 7) Are you responsible either directly or indirectly mation, visit www.tfsgroup.com Date IF YES, do you employ mechanics?...... I YES I NO for equipment maintenance? . . . . I YES I NO TODAY! or call 800-461-5970.

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MCKTRK_7690_BltPnclSlpr_TNTW.indd 1 2/10/11 1:33 PM Mack Canada.indd 1 10/02/11 2:54 PM Page 30 TRUCK WEST March 2011 fleet news dent contractor selection procedures, training, supervision, accident inves- Four Canadian fleets win TCA safety awards tigation, inspection and maintenance of equipment, and outside activities ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Four Cana- ers that haul 15 to 24.99 million miles field, Mo. “Today, receiving a Nation- including general highway safety. dian carriers have been listed among annually. Groupe Robert of Bouch- al Fleet Safety Award has become a All 18 companies will be recog- the 18 companies selected as division erville, Que. finished in second place highly coveted badge of honour that nized at an awards ceremony to be winners in the Truckload Carriers in the Division V category (50-99.99 recognizes and rewards companies held during TCA’s Annual Conven- Association’s 35th Annual Nation- million miles), while Bison Trans- for working tirelessly to improve tion at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel and al Fleet Safety Awards. The awards port of Winnipeg, Man. placed first their procedures in the safety arena.” San Diego Convention Center in San recognize trucking companies that in Division VI, for carriers that haul All division winners are now eligi- Diego, Calif. March 13-16, as well as demonstrate a superior commitment 100 million or more miles per year. ble to compete for two grand prizes, during TCA’s Safety and Security Di- to safety and accident reduction. “Safety has always been the top one in the ‘less than 25 million annu- vision Annual Meeting at the Em- Brian Kurtz Trucking of Breslau, priority in this industry. TCA devel- al miles’ category and one in the ‘25 bassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel and Ont. topped Division II, for carriers oped these awards 36 years ago to million or more annual miles’ catego- Conference Center in Murfreesboro, that haul five to 14.99 million miles recognize the top performers,” said ry. To win the grand prize, companies Tennessee May 15-17. annually. MacKinnon Transport of Don Lacy, chairman of TCA’s Safety will be judged on their overall safety The two grand prize winning com- Guelph, Ont. also led its category, and Security Division and director programs, both on- and off-highway, panies will be honoured at the same coming first in Division III for carri- of safety for Prime, Inc. in Spring- including employee driver/indepen- two events. n

tions for snow removal, including outsourcing it or paying drivers to Giant Tiger installs Yeti snow removal system clear their own equipment using a and the wind blows the snow from scraper and scaffolding-type setup. on top of the building onto the trail- “(The Yeti) was a big investment, ers. Cherry said it wasn’t uncommon but by the time you pay a driver to do for two- to three-foot snow banks to that and then you have four to five collect on trailer roofs. Because the drivers waiting to do their trucks, it’s trucks hop right onto Hwy. 417, most not going to take long to get your in- of it would still be there when the vestment back,” he says of the alter- trucks entered the highway. native. Cherry is expecting a return While drivers did their best to on investment in two years. clear their equipment of snow and “It’s only going to take a couple ice, Cherry admitted it wasn’t always of years to get a payback or one law- possible to do a proper job. suit avoided from ice going through “You get a night like we had the somebody’s windshield and we’ve other night where it’s cold and snow- got it paid for.” ing and drivers are out there at two So far, the Yeti has been pretty in the morning, what kind of job much problem-free, he says. problem solved: The Yeti system removes snow and ice and then shoots are they going to do?” he reasoned. “It seems to be very well made. We it away from the area. “This is very driver-friendly.” had one issue where a sensor came About 50-60 loads are hauled out loose the second day we had it, but By James Menzies er prevents snow and ice from build- of Giant Tiger’s distribution centre they knew exactly what was wrong OTTAWA, Ont. – Giant Tiger has ing up at the base of the machine. every day for delivery to roughly and we fixed it over the phone. It’s made a sizeable investment in snow “We’re pretty happy with it,” 200 retail stores across the country. well made, there’s nothing flimsy or removal equipment at its Ottawa-ar- Cherry told Truck West. “The driv- Cherry said he explored other op- cheap on it,” Cherry says. n ea distribution centre for its private ers go through and it takes about fleet trucks and third-party carriers. three minutes. It blows the snow The company has invested in the away from where it is, so we don’t Six Canadian fleets among best to drive for Yeti snow removal system, which have to worry about plowing the removes snow and ice from tractor- snow when a bunch of trucks go ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A group a variety of categories, such as total trailers using two augers, a sweep- through.” of Canadian fleets have been listed compensation package – including er and a snow blower all cleverly The system was purchased this among the 2011 Best Fleets to Drive base pay, bonuses, vacation, and sick packaged into one system. The Yeti winter and cost about $80,000 when For, a survey and contest that identi- day allotment; health benefits; pen- may be the only snow removal sys- all was said and done. Snow and ice fies North American for-hire trucking sion plans; professional development tem that effectively removes ice and accumulation has been a big problem companies that provide the best work- opportunities (training, coaching pro- Bill Cherry, transportation specialist at Giant Tiger. The trailers often sit place experiences for their drivers. grams, etc.); career path/advancement with Giant Tiger, says the snow blow- adjacent to the warehouse overnight Out of the 20 winners, six Canadi- opportunities; commitment to employ- an carriers made the cut: Bison Trans- ee personal growth, including work/ port of Winnipeg, Man.; Erb Group life balance, driver family support, and of New Hamburg, Ont.; Brian Kurtz employee-directed charitable contri- Trucking of Breslau, Ont.; MacKin- butions; commitment to continuous non Transport of Guelph, Ont.; Ve- improvement, including dispute reso- MISSING dder Transportation Group of Ab- lution processes and inclusion of driver botsford, B.C.; and Yanke Group of feedback in policymaking; team build- STEPHANIE KOVACEVICH Saskatoon, Sask. Trimac Transporta- ing and driver community develop- tion’s Houston, Texas operations also ment activities; annual driver turnover 5634-V received the nod. rate and efforts to improve; and fleet In addition, five companies have safety record. been identified as “Fleets to Watch” A selection of each fleet’s drivers D.O.B.: October 15, 1993 (honourable mentions) for making was also surveyed, with their feedback Missing since: October 1st, 2008 rapid progress toward an outstanding compared to management’s and incor- driver workplace. Two Canadian fleets porated into the final score. The re- Missing from: Mississauga, Ontario made this list of up-and-comers: Drive sponses were then tallied, resulting in Height: 5' 6" Logistics of Windsor, Ont. and Turk the selection of this year’s 20 winners Enterprises of St. Andrews, Man. and five honourable mentions. Weight: 130 lbs. The nomination process for the “We were pleased to see that for Eyes: Blue/Green third annual contest began in the fall 2011, drivers nominated 30% more of 2010, when company drivers and fleets over last year. Also, fleet par- Hair: Blonde, Shoulder Length owner/operators were asked to nom- ticipation (fleets who agreed to par- inate carriers that operate 10 trucks ticipate in the phone interviews) went Characteristics: Nickname Blondie “Alias” Kim Bailey, faint scar on forehead. Was last seen wearing St. Loyola school uniform – navy blue pants, navy blue short sleeve Loyola shirt with or more. After confirming the valid- up by over 80%”, said Mark Murrell, 2 white stripes on both sleeves and black running shoes. ity of the nominations and the truck- president of CarriersEdge. www.childfind.ca ing companies’ desire to participate, The next phase of the contest will be Anyone with information please contact: All Calls Confidential – No Name Required CarriersEdge interviewed human re- to announce the highest scoring fleets sources representatives and executives from each of two categories: Best of the nominated fleets about their Overall Fleet for Owner/Operators corporate direction, policies, and pro- and Best Overall Fleet for Company CHILD FIND 1-800-387-7962 grams. Nominated fleets were evalu- Drivers. They will be announced at ated against a scoring matrix covering the TCA Convention March 13-16. n

pg 30 tw mar v2.indd 30 17/02/11 10:16 AM Castrol-Wakefield Canada 4/14/10 4:34 PM Page 1 Page 32 TRUCK WEST March 2011 new products opinion lon of diesel. It weighs just 5.7 lbs. For more info, visit a Bergstrom Find a hobby and dealer or go online to www.nite- system.com. stick with it • Ridewell has added a new suspension to its RAR-260 trailers suspension family. The tall- Publisher’s mounting height 25K capacity overslung RAR-260 suspension Dana says it has now upgraded the Comment is now available with weld-on performance and durability of its Rob Wilkins and bolt-on hangers, the compa- entire line of SPL heavy-duty uni- ny announced. The bolt pattern versal joins, after improving its Dear old mom, rest her soul, al- is compatible with industry-stan- Spicer Life Series SPL Model 170 ways made a point of stressing the dard bolt patterns. The line also universal joint assembly. Improve- importance of finding a hobby in includes a new high-travel 30K ments to the SPL-170 include: a new one’s life. Granted, most hobbies overslung design. A tall-mounting bearing package that includes larger require time and that’s not always height 30K weld-on and a full line needle bearings for increased capac possible, especially if you’re a Eaton has come out with a new of 30K bolt-on overslung suspen- ity; a special Viton synthetic seal for long-haul driver. But if you can, brand of drivetrain components sions round out the product line, improved grease retention and ser- there are some real benefits in im- specifically for the aftermarket. Ridewell announced. The RAR- viceability; and a thermoplastic seal mersing yourself into something Dubbed EverTough, the new line 260s are available in mounting guard to keep contaminants away. you enjoy. made its debut with a new line of heights ranging from 15 to 24 It also comes with a new premium When I was a teenager, I always heavy-duty clutches. The compa- inches. For more info, go to www. synthetic lube that extends lube in- wanted to play guitar like Eric ny says pricing will be competi- ridewellcorp.com. tervals to three years or 350,000 Clapton (I still do, but it’s appar- tive, allowing fleet and dealer cus- • miles, the company says. Similar ent it’s not going to happen). tomers to carry a complete line improvements to the SPL Model I discovered in those early years of Eaton’s new and aftermarket 250 were made last August, Dana that I had an 11 on my amp. When clutch products. The EverTough announced. Both the SPL-170 and I’d crank out my version of Lay- clutches feature an aftermarket- SPL-250 are available on all makes la on my Les Paul knock-off, my specific facing and a release sys- of heavy-duty trucks manufactured bedroom windows would shake, tem with dual zerk fittings and in North America. the neighbours would head for dampeners to meet the torsion- the hills and poor old mom would al vibration requirements of the protect me from my unapprecia- aftermarket. Lube intervals are tive sisters. 25,000 miles and they come with a “It’s his hobby,” was all I could one-year, unlimited mileage war- hear from the other side of the ranty. The clutches have torque door. Perfect. Mom’s on my side ratings of up to 2,050 lb.-ft. and and she rules. are available in 14- and 15.5-inch It wasn’t long after both sisters heavy-duty designs for all makes married and moved away that I of trucks. put my guitar down. I suppose I • Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake enjoyed tormenting them more Bergstrom has announced its Ca- has come out with a new double- than actually playing. After they nadian and US dealers will be of- diaphragm spring brake for drum left it wasn’t as much fun. It also fering the Webasto Air Top 2000 brakes that offers, what Bendix TRP Aftermarket Parts has come could have been the fact that I ST auxiliary cab heater, by the claims is the lightest weight in out with a new line of exhaust muf- sucked. end of the first quarter of 2011. the industry along with excellent flers, pipes and clamps. The line My ‘hobby’ didn’t end there. The Webasto heater will be avail- durability and performance. The includes aluminized and chrome- When I moved into my first house able with Bergstrom NITE sys- Bendix EverSure spring brake plated tubes, Y-pipes and stacks as I discovered that my next-door tems through the company’s with no-touch technology is in well as premium flex hoses in a va- neighbour’s son was a drummer. commercial vehicle aftermar- production now in industry-stan- riety of materials and pre-cut siz- I’d often hear him pounding away ket distributors and truck deal- dard dimensions, the company es, the company announced. The on those skins in his basement ers. Bergstrom says the unit is the says. Bendix says the new spring stacks are available in a range of and think ‘Here we go, I’m liv- perfect pairing with its own NITE brake is more than two pounds lengths and configurations, including next to a Neil Peart wannabe. system, to offer all-season perfor- lighter than competitive spring ing straight, west coast, curved and What goes around comes around. mance and comfort. The Air Top brakes. For more info, visit www. monster in both four- and five-inch Chin-up.’ 2000 ST produces 7,000 BTU and foundationbrakes.com. diameters. More info is available at One slightly foggy Friday night can run for 20 hours on one gal- • www.trpparts.com. n I arrived home early in the morning from a St. Patrick’s Day party and found my neighbour’s son had just done the same. Talking in the driveway, I mentioned that I played in high school. Next thing Guess Who Found A New Job? I know, I’m tuning that dusty old Getting a new job is guitar up in his basement and we played until 5:30 in the morning. life-afﬁ rming! (Lucky for us, his parents were Are you stuck in a away that weekend). job, and looking for That night turned into what has become my hobby. We con- something NEW? tinued to play, met other guys that Well, you too can ﬁ nd played, formed a band and I now a job in 2010 on actually get paid to play. A side www.truckops.ca, note, I still suck at playing gui- a job website for tar but discovered long ago that I could master four strings rela- transportation and supply tively well. I play bass and abso- chain professionals. lutely love it. www.truckops.ca The other night we had just finished playing a bar in Barrie. is brought to you by: Our drummer was kind enough www.truckops.ca to compliment me on my playing. “You played great tonight Rob, Attention Employers – Job Postings Are FREE! did you turn up the pacemaker?” Fifty-three and still playing in a Your ad will appear simultaneously band, my mom would be proud. n on three jobs websites: Motortruck – Rob Wilkins is the publisher of www.truckops.ca, www.transportplanet.com and www.hirelogistics.ca FlCANADA’See BUSINESSt Ex MAGAZINEecu FOR FLEETti veOWNER S Truck West and can be reached at 416-510-5123.

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Chevron.indd 1 18/01/11 11:23 AM Page 34 TRUCK WEST March 2011 oem/dealer News Cat says dealer network ready to support new vocational truck

PEORIA, Ill. – Caterpillar says its ers from our 40-plus year history It also means expert consulting Toromont has been hiring truck North American dealer network is of serving the truck industry, es- assistance from dealers when it technicians and mechanics with ready to service and support the pecially with powertrains,” said comes to spec’ing truck options, specialized expertise in chassis, company’s new vocational truck, George Taylor, who has led the so customers order exactly the transmissions, engines and axles. set to launch this spring. CT660’s development. “Cat deal- trucks they want and need for He also noted the Toromont loca- The Class 8 Cat CT660 voca- ers are excited about the new Cat their specific job application and tions are well-equipped to service tional truck will be unveiled at Trucks and thrilled to make them work environment.” the new truck. the Conexpo/ConAgg trade show available to customers. Dealers Glenn Keenan, vice-president “We can actually offer custom- in March. The company says its have also shown extraordinary of power systems for Canadian ers a broader range of services network of 54 Canadian and US dedication to ramping up their chain Toromont, which has 26 because we’ve got great depth in dealerships, including their 400 facilities and expanding sales locations in Ontario, Manitoba, dyno and chassis service capabil- or so service locations and 2,300 and service support capabilities Nunavut and Newfoundland, said ities,” he said. “Basically, we al- service bays have been prepared to meet truck customer needs.” his locations are ready for the new ready work on things on the back to support and service the new “Customers can count on ex- truck. end of the truck that require hy- truck. ceptional product support for “When we committed to going draulics or welding. As we’ve The preparations include “in- the CT660,” added Ed Cullen, down this path, we did a skills’ as- been preparing, we’ve actually tense” training, the company says, manager of strategy and dealer sessment of our technicians. We changed the complexion of our to prepare them for bumper-to- development. “That means ser- were pleasantly surprised at how dealership. And we are in a good bumper support for the new truck. vice support at dealer facilities skilled and prepared our techni- spot to source all-chassis.” “Caterpillar and Cat dealers al- and in the field from Caterpillar, cians already were for servicing Trucknews.com will have updates ready had extensive experience dealer mobile service teams and Cat trucks from bumper-to-bum- from the official launch of the CT660 supporting on-highway custom- the 24/7 Cat Truck Call Center. per,” he said. Keenan also said in Las Vegas on March 20. n Volvo continues fleet safety award. Can Canadian fleets three-peat?

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Canadian fleets are looking to continue their winning streak at the third instalment of the Volvo Trucks Safety Awards, with two Canuck fleets having taken home the prize in the first two years of the award’s existence. Bison Transport and MacKinnon Transport took the top prize in their categories in the first and second years, respectively. The award recognizes two North American fleets per year for their commitment to safety. The honorees will each receive $25,000 to be used in their safety-related activities. Organizers say Michelin will once again sponsor the awards. “Safety has long been a Volvo core value, and a central concern of the entire trucking industry,” said Ron Huibers, senior vice-president of sales and marketing for Volvo Trucks in North America. “The Volvo Trucks Safety Award is a way to recognize the industry’s best for their excellent work and dedication to safety.” “Highway safety starts long before trucks take to the road,” Huibers big entry: Daimler made a big splash when it produced its 1,000th hybrid. added. “Our vehicles feature active safety technologies, like Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology and Volvo Enhanced Cruise, that Daimler celebrates hybrid milestone make the highways safer for all of us. Volvo Trucks and Michelin view this award as an opportunity to support fleets in furthering their own MT. HOLLY, N.C. – Daimler tion by maximizing fuel efficiency commitments to safety.” Trucks North America (DTNA) while also benefiting the environ- The Volvo Trucks Safety Award is open to all US and Canadian is celebrating the production of its ment,” said Mark Lampert, senior fleets operating at least five Class 8 units. Fleets must have at least thousandth hybrid-electric vehicle. vice-president of sales and market- one Volvo tractor in operation to be eligible for the award. Entrants The company brought customers, ing for DTNA. “And it is because will be ranked by their accident frequency rates. Participating fleets partners and employees together re- of the shared dedication between will also be judged on their accident prevention activities. cently to watch its 1,000th hybrid us, our partners and customers that The deadline for entry is June 30. The winners of the award will be roll off the assembly line – a Freight- we were able to reach this important announced during the American Trucking Associations’ Management liner Business Class M2 106. The 1,000th vehicle milestone.” Conference and Exhibition in October. truck was built at Freightliner’s Mt. Last spring, Daimler opened a The two grand prizes will be awarded to the fleets with the best Holly, N.C. plant. Local Hybrid Application Cen- records in two divisions based on annual vehicle miles travelled: less “DTNA has worked closely with ter in Portland, Ore., which will than 20 million miles and more than 20 million miles. Complete rules our partners and customers to deserve as the company’s home for and entry forms can be found at www.volvotruckssafetyaward.com. n velop leading-edge hybrid solu- further hybrid product research and tions that shape future transporta- development. n

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pg 34-35 tw mar v2.indd 34 17/02/11 10:18 AM March 2011 TRUCK WEST Page 35

losing stability, strength or durabil- characteristics of a Volvo,” said ity, the company says. The cast steel Wade Long, Volvo Trucks mar- top plate weighs 165 lbs. keting product manager. “Reduc- “Fifth wheel system designs ing vehicle weight lowers fuel con- have historically been limit- sumption, costs and greenhouse ed by the need to fit on top of gas emissions. We’re committed the frame rails – this innovative to providing customers with the frame-mount design eliminates safest, most fuel-efficient and unnecessary weight without sac- most environmentally-friendly rificing the refined ride and drive trucks on the road.” n

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Alberta Construction Trucking Association ...... 15 weight reduction: Volvo has a new Fontaine fifth wheel that’s integrated into the truck frame, saving about 100 lbs. Arnold Bros. Transport ...... 34 Avaal Technologies ...... 11 Volvo rolls out lightweight, integrated fifth wheel Bison Transport ...... 6 Bandag ...... 24 GREENSBORO, N.C. – Volvo than a conventional fifth wheel sys- Trucks has come out with an inte- tem, the company announced. Bridgestone ...... 2 grated lightweight fifth wheel sys- Volvo worked with Fontaine to Career Opportunities ...... 6,12,18,21,22,34,35 tem, designed in partnership with develop a new lower assembly that Castrol/Wakefield Canada...... 31 Fontaine. The new option is in- supports both the fifth wheel and Caterpillar ...... 40 stalled directly into the truck’s the truck fame, allowing engineers Challenger Motor Freight ...... 12 frame and weighs about 100 lbs less to reconfigure the top plate without Chevron Global Lubricants ...... 4,33 Child Find ...... 30 Crossword ...... 13,34 Freigthliner touts 2010 market share growth Cummins ...... 9 PORTLAND, Ore. – Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has Glasvan Great Dane ...... 39 declared it finished 2010 as the market share leader for the US and Haldex ...... 11 NAFTA regions in the Classes 6-8 and Class 8 markets. Husky Oil ...... 23 The company attributes its market share growth to the acceptance of Hyndman Transport ...... 21 its selective catalytic reduction (SCR) engine emissions technology. Kindersley Transport ...... 18 DTNA’s Classes 6-8 retail sales climbed to 67,800 units in the NAFTA Mack Canada ...... 29 market in 2010, reaching 31.6% market share, a gain of 2% over 2009, Manac ...... 8 according to the company. US sales accounted for 56,900 units and 32.6% of the market. MTO ...... 14 Daimler also scored 32.4% of the Class 8 NAFTA market and 33.9% Natural Resources Canada ...... 10 of the Class 8 US market. Owner/Operator Award ...... 3 Not surprisingly, Freightliner led the way among DTNA brands. The Shell Canada ...... 17 NAFTA market saw 42,800 Class 8 Freightliners sold for 30.3% of the Stemco ...... 22 market share. Western Star also saw retail sales growth over 2009. The Rosedale Group ...... 35 “Our 2010 sales success significantly exceeded our expectations,” said Truck-Ops ...... 32 Martin Daum, president and chief executive officer, DTNA. “While the Truck West/Driverlink ...... 37 total market rose only slightly over 2009, a crisis year for our industry, DTNA benefited from very high customer acceptance of our proven Truck West – Subscription ...... 28 BlueTec emissions technology. We look forward to continued growth, and Volvo Trucks ...... 19 a productive and rewarding year for DTNA and the industry in 2011.” n Yokohama Tire ...... 7

Canadian sales rep wins Arrow’s top award for N.A. OPPORTUNITY TORONTO, Ont. – For the sixth Hiring OWNER OPERATORS time in seven years, a Canadian from our Montreal, Ottawa and Mississauga Terminals sales rep was named tops in North for CDN/US runs America by Arrow Truck Sales. Nous embauchons dans la règioin de Montrèal Even more impressively, it’s been the pour des routes vers les Etats Unîs same salesperson in each of those years. Vikas Gupta has been named We Offer: We Require: top sales representative for Arrow Good home time US Border Experience Truck Sales for 2010. He topped all Ar- Flexibility Clean Abstract/Criminal Search row sales representatives in the US and Paid Fuel Subsidy Must have either FAST Card Canada. New Pay Package or CDN Passport “It’s truly an honour for any of Professional and Safe Attitude our sales representatives to earn this Canada/US Lanes award, but to achieve this level of success on such a consistent basis is even that much more impressive,” said Frank Oliveira, formerly vice-president of Arrow Canada and now vice- president with Volvo Trucks North 14 Terminals Across North America America. Gupta has worked for Ar- row Truck Sales for seven years and $1,500 has repeatedly won the company’s most prestigious awards, including (905) 670-0057 x 4612 Sign-on Bonus being named to the President’s Club 1-877-588-0057 and being named Diamond Level [email protected] www.rosedalegroup.com sales award winner. n

pg 34-35 tw mar v2.indd 35 17/02/11 10:19 AM Part 2 FICTIONFICTION Part 2 Mark Dalton: Owner/Operator Mark Dalton: Owner/Operator AnLicence eye for renewed an eye By Edo van Belkom By Edo van Belkom The story so far… right now, but his birthday’s coming up THEMark STORYis looking SO for aFAR: load. Bud has a intoin a month,his arms and that he’s werescared connected to death of Marksweet oneis headingto California to thatVancouver won’t be tolosing bottles his hunglicence. up That on hangersisn’t going next to whenready forhe agets few adays. call. In One the meantime, of Bud’s tohappen the bed. is it?” There was another tube driversBud asks was Mark attacked to help an while older driver,help- that“Not went if hefrom renews a nozzle his licence.” on the wall ingCharlie a supposedly Knowles, strandedget his licence motorist re- to his“This nose, year?” no doubt providing oxy- onnewed. the highwayCharlie’s ato real Prince character George. and gen“And for everyhim and year making after 65.” breathing Mark agreestakes theto help load, out. but drives to easier“That on doesn’t his cracked seem fair. ribs. He Therehasn’t Vancouver first to drop off his load washad aa problembag hanging in years…in from thefact foothe’s • and visit the driver in the hospital… ofnever the hadbed an so accident Earl wouldn’t in his life.” have to Mark had agreed to help prepare go“That’s through admirable the ordeal sir, of but getting research out Charlie Knowles •for all the tests he ofhas bed shown to relievethat older himself. drivers are more Markneeded knew to complete he’d found in order the right to get hos his- likelyMark to letdevelop out a medicalsigh, seeing conditions that. pitalcommercial when driver’she saw licence the line-up renewed, of ‘Imagine,’that affect hetheir thought, ability ‘havingto drive. to After go rigsbut what parked that onmeant, the Markstreet didn’t out front. have through65, drivers the arepain one-and-a-half and discomfort times of Theya clue. looked Other out than of aplace physical in the every city havingmore likely a catheter to have installed an accident to make than andfew years,took upMark several hadn’t parking been tested spots on lifedrivers easier.’ between 45 and 64.” each,his driving but there’d ability be since more he’d and first more re- InsideShe knew the herroom stuff, and that closer was for to sure. the ofceived them his arriving licence overand thatthe hadnext beenfew bed,And Mark Mark could could concede hear themore fact methat- days.some 15 years ago. How could he pre- chanicalas drivers beeping got older and they ticking, had more as pare someone for something he didn’t health issues. So an eye test and a Inside the hospital, Mark ap- a bunch of tiny machines and com- know anything about? physical were probably a good idea, proached the front desk. But be- puters kept everything on an even Illustration by Glenn McEvoy So he logged onto the Internet and but that didn’t explain the rest of it. “So senior citizen. on Charlie’s face. “Then the price is forechecked he could out the say Ontario a word, Ministry the wom of- keelwhy fordo theyEarl ashave his to body be road-tested struggled “You Mark Dalton?” Charlie asked right,” he said, continuing to stare at anTransportation’s staffing it said, Web “Are site, you but awas truck un- totoo?” heal itself. ganin his the thick account. Scottish “Iaccent. was driving on himMark that through he wasn’t narrowed quite eyes. ready “And to driver?”able to find anything about driver li- ThenShe paused, there were as if thinking.the bandages. “The li- the“You Yellowhead don’t remember Highway me?” just north givewhat up.about He using was 67your for truck cryin’ for outthe cenceMark renewals wondered for commercial if it was written drivers Therecence renewalwere a processcouple has on been his arms, devel- of CBlueharlie River...I looked saw at thishim grey strangely. Buick loud,test? You’ll probably be charging still loved me fordriving. that, I on65 himand somewhereover. Although like Mark a word wasn’t on a probablyoped with thecovering help and cuts consultation or scrapes of pulled“Should over I?” on the side of the road, Keptsuppose?” him busy. Something to do. hiscomputer forehead. genius, “Yes,” he’d used he said.the Internet “I’m hethe gotpeople in inthe the beat industry down, to enhance but it andMark this smiled guy’s andgot relatedthe hood the storyopen, of ExtraAgain, money Mark for thehadn’t grandkids. thought Whatabout- lookingbefore and for…“ could usually find what he wastruck thesafety. one That big includes bandage re-assess- that lookingthe early down days ofat histhe truck engine. driving That’s ca- everwhat reason truck he Charliewas still driving, would it was use. was“Earl looking Purcell?” for, soshe his asked. results were wasment ofwrapped a person’s around driving ability.”his head notreer the when busiest he’d beenof highways recently divorcedso I fig- supposedObviously theto beman his had choice no truck when of histo puzzling.“Yeah, Therethat’s wasright.” a section for driv- andMark half sighed, of his knowing face with he probably blood uredand he’d I’d help let his him personal out...You appearance know, a quit,own andnot wouldthat of have three to thugsrent one on to the do ers“He’s renewing in 302. their Take licences the elevatorover 80, seepingwasn’t going through to get itanywhere that was with most this boostget out or of a hand.ride, maybeHe’d looked a call likeon aa sidethe test. of the Renting road. a truck was a costly and allmake kinds a rightof help when with yourenewing get off.” ex- disconcerting.woman. “You know, a lot of drivers cellbum, phone.” but Charlie had called him a los- endeavour,Mark vowed especially that hewhen would it would do piredMark licences nodded and hisbooking thanks appoint- and have‘Man,’ to rent Mark trucks thought. and trailers ‘They to real take- er.The “Do retelling you remember had winded that?” the man everythingbe for just a hefew could hours. to “I ensure guess I thesecould headedments for fornew the tests, elevators. but nothing When about lytheir did tests, a number costing on them ol’ moneyEarl.’ Some and a- so Charlie’she paused eyes to catch narrowed his breath. as he menlet you paid use myfor truck.”what they did. After hewhat got Mark out on wanted the third to know. floor Markand body...day off work somebody just to keep would their belicence.” held Marklooked waited Mark over. patiently. “Aye, I remember. all,“For for allfree?” Mark knew, it could have turnedwondered right, if he’d he missed was surprised something onto accountable“That’s unfortunate.” for this. You“As were I walked a loser toward then. You the stillguy,” could he justMark as easily didn’t been like thehim word lying free. in that He seethe site,several but todrivers the best milling of his about abilities in “Hello,”“And if aMark driver said, has comingbeen on to the a continued,be. I don’t know “two that other much guys about get you.” out hospitalwas doing bed a favourinstead for of Bud Earl. and that thehe couldn’tlounge area find justanything off the about hallway. the stoproad next40 years to Earl’s without bed a and problem, putting why a of theMark car... had I consideredthought it was thanking strange, the implied“Just so that you Bud know,” would he returnsaid, put the- MTO’sMark licensing didn’t know policy why regarding he knew old- handshould on he the have rail tofencing prove ofhe the can bed. still youman know,for shaking why werehim up they enough waiting to get in tingfavour a somehand day. on Earl’sBut as arm.far as “I’llCharlie do theyer commercial were drivers, drivers. he just knew, drive?“Hi,” That Earl seems responded like age in discrimina a gravel-- thehis lifecar?” back He on paused track, but and it didn’ his shoult seem- whateverwas concer Ined, can the to usesee of these truck wouldguys probablyMark had the hoped same that way the the Web wom site- lytion whisper, to me.” lifting the fingers of his dersthe right hiccupped time for it in now. a sort of shrug. getindeed what be theyfree. deserve.”“Yes,” he said at last. anwould at helpthe informationhim understand desk the reason-knew right“The hand ministry in a regularlykind of wave. reviews the Another“How much pause. you gonna charge “Free.”Earl laughed slightly, then gri- heing drovebehind a the truck policy for, abut living the fact just that by renewal“I got requirements.a call from Bud. If you I’ll have be contak-- me?”Mark didn’t say a word. macedCharlie as nodded. his body “Good. reacted But you to thebet- he couldn’t find anything – even using cerns – as you obviously do – then I “What?” Mark said. He hadn’t ter get a trailer. I can’t exactly drop a looking at him. ing your load over for you.” “When I got to the car, I said, pain that was brought on by his the site’s own search engine – made suggest writing to the Ontario thought to charge anything. As far as trailer on the day of the test if there isn’t The drivers all looked over at him “Good,” he said with obvious re- ‘What’s the problem?’ The guy just laughter. him think that perhaps the program Transport Minister, or your member of he knew he was doing Bud a favour. one attached to the truck now, can I?” aswas he too started new, or down the ministry the hallway, wasn’t lief.provincial “That’s parliament.” good.” While it looked stared“Did Bud at tell me you and you’d said, have ‘You to pay?” guys “What’sSpeaking so of funny?”tests, Mark had been seemingvery proud to of immediately it, or it was justrecognize another as “Writeif a weight a letter?” had been taken off are“He all didn’t,the same.’” but I’ve Earlcalled winced around into interacting“The trucking with Charlieassociations for all putof fiveup himtax-grab as a kinddriver of asprogram well. like Drive his“Yes, chest, sir.” many seemed to remain. pain,the schools maybe and at thesome memory of them or charge may- rewards,minutes and the he cops felt toldlike heme was they’d the oneget Clean.Mark There nodded had atto beeach some of realthem rea in- “TheMark trailer’s hung upa bitthe twitchy…keepphone. ‘So be it,’ it be$3,000... it was and hurting that’s himjust forto abreathe. refresher them,who was and being every tested driver – most who’s of allbeen his turnsons anddrivers without were a required word being to jump ex- aroundthought Mark.a hundred, If there’ anythings a test, thenmore it “Thencourse.” he hit me...Sucker punch left herepatience. told “I’llme make they’re sure,” gonna he sighed help... at changed,through all onesorts of hoopsthe men just pointedbecause andwas she his jobseems to maketo want sure to Charliepull to side“That’ of mys a lotface.” of money.” butlast. you’re the first one I feel might intheir the most direction recent of bir Earl’sthday room. was their He thepassed right.” it. Mark“You bet checked it’s a lot and of money, it was especial- indeed actually“Right then!do something.” Let’s get star ted.”A pause, I headed65th? Mark that wanted way and to know passed what a theypo- “I’ll figure it out,” Mark said. thely when left side I’ve thatbeen was driving wrapped truck uptwice in then, “I don’t know why.” n • licemanwere, so whohe decided may or tomay call not them have up Then, after a long pause, “What bandages.as long as the Bloody snot-nosed bandages. boy who’ll –– Mark Mark Dalton Dalton returns returns next month next in beenand ask. there for Earl, then stopped happened?”Mark met Charlie in the parking lot of be“They teaching all mehit has me been after on that...All the plan- Partmonth 3 of An in Eye Par fort an 3 Eye. of Licence justIt beforetook a thewhile entrance before heto thegot hoscon-- a truckEarl sighed.yard out by the airport. Charlie threeet.” of them. Kicked me too. Next Renewed. pitalnected room. to a human being who could was“If sitting you’re in hisnot pick-up up to atit, the I underfar end- thingMark I know was aware I was of here. the insult, The but doc he- Did you know that there are two full-length answerIt was his quiet questions, in the room,but when except the stand.”of the yard and when Mark pulled in, torscouldn’ tell tmehelp I’ll but recover smile. well Charlie enough was Did you know that there are two full-length forright the woman regular finally beeping came of onsome the maline- he“It’s wasted not that,”no time he getting said. “I’llout oftell his it tosuch drive a character again, .butWho there’s else could no way... insult novels featuring Mark Dalton?: Mark Dalton chineshe was and both the pleasant slight wheeze and profession of Earl- totruck as andmany hopping people into as wantMother to Load.hear I’msomeone done, whoto hell was with doing it!” something “SmartDriver”novels featuring and Mark Mark Dalton?: Dalton “Troubleload.” Mark Dalton drawingal. breath. it,He but scaled it takes the some cab effort.” so easily and niceMark for them?was incensed “Bud asked by mewhat to hedo “SmartDriver”For your free copy and register Mark Dalton with ecoENERGY “Troubleload.” for Mark“How cantook I help a step you?” through the slipped“If it makes in the youopen feel passenger any better, side I heard.this. I wasn’ It wast going bad toenough charge Earl you wasany- ForFleets your (Fleet free Smart)copy register at fleetsmart.gc.ca. with ecoENERGY Both for doorwayMark decided and sawto star Earlt slowly. lying “Yeah, on hearddoor so about effortlessly, it on theMark news.” would have beatenthing.” for no reason, but the inci- areFleets also (Fleet available Smart) in audioat fleetsmart.gc.ca book format. themy dadbed. is There a truck were driver tubes and running he’s 64 neverHe noddedhave guessed his approval, the man then was be a- dentWhat had passed also taken for a something smile appeared from

The continuing adventures of Mark Dalton: Owner/Operator brought to you by MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA (CANADA) INC.

pg 36 tw mar v2.indd 1 16/02/11 10:40 AM March 2011 TRUCK WEST Page 37 safety Formal loss reporting plans will leave nothing to chance Time is a precious commodity, and it of any damage can add a sense of • begins to slip away as soon as a colli- scale if they include a common ob- Once all of this information is col- sion occurs. Marks and skids in the ject such as a $5 bill. The camera can lected, it will need to be filed for fu- road begin to fade away, witnesses Ask the Expert even show where damage does not ture reference. The details around a disappear down the highway and ev- exist, particularly if someone makes collision should be kept for up to two ery detail becomes a little harder to kevin cole a claim about an issue that the driver years, and can include a number of recall. did not see. Always tend to those that documents such as the driver’s quali- They are delays which can carry loss reporting kit in the truck cab can are injured, never take photographs fication file, original log sheets, vehi- a heavy cost. Without all the facts, identify important details that need while injured persons are still pres- cle maintenance and repair records, carriers can be powerless to defend to be collected on site. The simple ent at the loss scene. vehicle registration, pages from the against excessive repair bills to ad- forms include space to record the Be careful about what you share: accident reporting kit and satellite dress “minor” damage, or the sur- time and location of the crash, the While drivers need to answer ques- records. Documented drug and alco- prising claims that can emerge after direction of travel and speed just be- tions from police officers, their fleet hol tests or dispatch records will offer victims have the time to contact a fore the collision, road and weather representatives or insurers, they information about the driver’s condi- personal injury lawyer. conditions, and the presence of any should be wary about sharing details tion, while documents like the bill of But a formal loss reporting plan traffic controls. with anyone else. Always confirm the lading will tell the story of the cargo. will outline all of the steps that Get the numbers: Some details will identity of the person you are speak- After all, this information is a valu- should be followed as soon as a call need to be collected in the hours, ing with. This is not the time to ad- able asset, and it can protect the busi- is made from a crash scene. Consider days or weeks to follow. Facts such mit fault or apologize. The facts will ness for years to come. n these related details that can be of- as licence plates, officer badge num- determine how the situation actually fered to frantic callers: bers, and the contact information for unfolded. – This month’s expert is Kevin Cole. Remain calm: As bad as a sit- any witnesses or third parties will be Protect the evidence: Under a legal Kevin is a senior advisor with Safety uation appears to be, it could be helpful and expedite the investiga- concept known as spoliation, anyone and Training Services for Markel In- worse. Drivers need to be aware tion to come. who fails to preserve evidence can be surance Company of Canada and has of surrounding dangers when leav- Draw the details: A picture can be assumed to be trying to hide their more than 25 years experience in pro- ing the cab, use flashers and flares worth a thousand words, and this is guilt. Something as simple as remov- viding loss control and risk manage- to ensure that other drivers do not particularly true when trying to de- ing debris from the road may hinder ment services to the trucking industry. crash into the stopped vehicles, and scribe important details about a col- the work of an accident reconstruc- Markel Safety and Training Services, call for emergency services such as lision scene. Drivers can complete a tion expert. a division of Markel Insurance Com- an ambulance. Minor spills should simple diagram to show the truck’s Take a break: Drivers face a higher pany of Canada, offers specialized also be contained before they have position before impact, at the point risk of being involved in yet another courses, seminars and consulting to the chance to spread into a sewer or of impact and the final resting point, crash if they resume their trips too fleet owners, safety managers, train- nearby waterway. as well as where other vehicles were quickly. Fleet personnel should have ers and drivers. Markel is the coun- Keep connected: One of the best at each moment in time. the chance to make sure everyone is try’s largest trucking insurer provid- ways to protect the line of commu- Take plenty of pictures: A simple free of injuries, that equipment can ing more than 50 years of continuous nication is to collect the number of digital camera can offer clear de- be safely operated, and that all the service to the transportation indus- the phone that a driver is using. They tails about the scene of the collision details are in hand. It is not accept- try. To read about more industry hot may be calling from a pay phone or as well as any damage to equipment able to attempt to evaluate a driv- topics, visit Markel’s website at www. someone else’s cell phone in the cha- and cargo. Wide shots should show er’s condition over the telephone – a markel.ca and click on the Articles & os of a crash scene. road conditions and where all the ve- proper evaluation completed in per- Essays section. Please provide your Gather the information: A formal hicles are sitting. Close-up pictures son is required. feedback to [email protected]. On-line Recruitment Centre Largest database of POWERED BY Enter your resume directly at www.trucknews.com Driver and Owner Operator This information is entered on an online database which is viewed by companies looking for drivers. Finding the best carrier to work for isn’t easy but maybe we can help. jobs in Canada First Name Last Name Address City Prov/State FREE Postal/Zip E-Mail Home Tel Cell Thank you, I found the job that I was looking for and it pays I I I I Best way to contact me: Home Tel Cell E-Mail Other really well. Your company provides an Work Preferences: I Owner Operator I Hwy Team I Hwy Single/Company Driver I Local I Lease Purchase I Driver Trainer I Moving I Other excellent service! I was surprised when I started to receive calls in Owner Operator? Manufacturer Year/Model Engine/Size 1 week, 6 calls!! Keep up Preferred Trailer Type (check all that apply): Trailer Type Experience (check all that apply) the good work! I Flatbed I Heavy Hauling/Specialized I Moving Van I Flatbed I Heavy Hauling/Specialized I Moving Van I Tanker I Straight Truck I Super B I Reefer I Tanker I Straight Truck I Super B I Reefer Quote from Sam I I I I Van Other Van Other Actual Current Drivers License: Do you have a Commercial License? I Yes I No Driverlink user License # Exp. Date Prov/State Issued Type Has your license ever been suspended? I Yes I No Total Truck Driving Experience /yrs Last Employer Name Company City Prov/State Tel Start/End Date Job Description Reason for Leaving Certification/Training: Apply I Doubles/Triples I Air Brake Adjustment I Over-Size Loads I Hazmat I Air Brake (Drive) I Tankers Name of School Name of Course Completed Today! City Prov/State Start/End Date Can you lift 50lbs? I Yes I No Cross Border Travel: www.driverlink.com I am able to cross the Canada/U.S. border to haul International loads I Yes I No I am willing to cross the border I Yes I I am FAST approved I Yes I No Would you like to contacted by driver agencies? I Yes I No 1.800.263.6149 By filling out and signing this application, I agree to abide by Driverlinks’s terms and conditions and consent to the use of personal information according to the Driverlink privacy policy. CareersCareersOn-Line wwwOn-line.trucknews.com www.trucknews.com Signature Date Driverlink is proud to protect the privacy of your personal information as required under federal privacy laws. If you would like By Mail:By Mail: 6660 6660 Kennedy Kennedy Road, Road, Suite Suite 205, 205, ByBy Phone: Phone: ByBy Fax: Fax: to see a copy of our privacy policy, please go to www.driverlink.com/privacy. If you would like a printed copy of our privacy 800-263-6149 866-837-4837 policy, please call us at 1-800-263-6149 and we will be happy to mail one to you. Mississauga,Mississauga, ON ON L5T L5T 2M9 2M9 800-263-6149 866-837-4837

pg 37 tw mar v2.indd 37 16/02/11 10:41 AM Page 38 TRUCK WEST March 2011 TSQ

BOWMANVILLE, Ont. – The pros- pect of mandatory electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) has been a hotly Truck Stop Is there an acceptable contested topic since the US DoT in- alternative to electronic troduced legislation in January that Question would require all interstate motor car- on-board recorders? riers to use the devices to track driver hours-of-service. adam ledlow While the Federal Motor Carri- ? Duane er Safety Administration claims use since it is an electronic device, which Smith of EOBRs will increase both safety is good,” he said. “There are some bad and efficiency, groups like the Own- parts as well, but law is law, and what- er-Operator Independent Drivers ever comes up you have to follow. I do not need any more of it.” Association call the proposed regu- do not want to break the law. The dis- As for an alternative, Smith says lation “overly burdensome,” arguing patch has to understand these things, companies should be able to trust their that EOBRs cannot accurately and au- and it is the driver’s life out there. drivers to “know when they’re tired or tomatically record a driver’s hours of Sometimes they force us to get the job when they have done a day’s work. work and duty cycle. But is there an Shana done. If dispatch can understand the “I just find the new log system…is acceptable alternative besides preserv- Singh device, then it is really helpful.” kind of screwed up now, so why mess ing the current paper logbook system? • with it more? I found before that we Truck West went to the Fifth Wheel Duane Smith, a driver with Rite- could just split sleep – sleep four hours, Truck Stop in Bowmanville, Ont. to Kitchener, Ont., says there are both Line Transportation out of Flor- then get up and drive some more and get drivers’ opinions of the technology good and bad aspects to the implemen- enceville, N.B., says he doesn’t think do another four hours. That worked as well as suggestions for a substitute. tation of EOBRs. electronic logbooks are necessary well for me, but now you start your • “It is a good law, as they will know for the trucking industry. “They clock at 7 a.m. and are done at 9 p.m., Shana Singh, a driver with Main- if you are in an accident, the speed will ‘tattletale’ on you, and we have and some days you don’t get anywhere. stream Transportation Services out of and where you stop. There are no lies enough of that on the road now; we It’s a waste of a day.” •

And the award goes to...

Stewart Trucknews.com! North

Stewart North, a driver with Power- Winner/Best Video source Transportation out of Griffith, Ind., sums up his opinion of EOBRs ine Publi nl sh in one concise sentence: “They suck.” O in Finalist/Best Overall Web Site g “I think it is an invasion of privacy, n a A and I do not think they are accurate. I i w

d Finalist/Best E-newsletter do not think that the government has a

d a right to sit there and govern what we

s C do, how we do it and when we do it. W We have certain rules that we abide by i n 0 9 and you have people inside the govern- n e r 2 0 ment that are driving computers and not trucks. They think that we don’t know what we’re talking about, and that is caused by the logbook,” he said. North’s suggestion for an EOBR alternative? “Have the government come out here and drive a truck for a while and then sit there and decide af- The Canadian Online ter that. They wanted safety? Put the trucks on one side and the cars on the Publishing Awards, other side, and determine which one is safer.” presented by • Sylvain Mayer, a driver with Ivaco Rolling Mill out of L’Orignal, Ont., MastheadOnline, says truckers operating in Ontario might manage with EOBRs, but driv- recognize excellence ers hauling US-bound freight would likely encounter more difficulty. “For me, it is alright because I al- in online editorial ways do Ontario, so my hours are not too high. If you go in the States, it’s and innovation by hard with the (difference in) hours between that side and this side.” Canadian magazine and Mayer says his EOBR alternative would involve putting more money in the drivers’ pockets. “I think the com- Web site publishers. pany will need to pay the people more because if you follow the logbook like you are supposed to then no-one is going to make money.” n

– Special thanks to @peterpetch for Congratulations coming up with this month’s question. Have an idea in mind for a future Truck Stop Question top- to the trucknews.com team! ic? Send a message via Twitter to @adamledlow or e-mail adam@ transportationmedia.ca.

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