Truck News

Thermo King unveils Precedent line of EPA-compliant reefer engines

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Thermo King is looking to set a “precedent” with its new trailer temperature control program, going as far as to say it has “staked (its) legacy” on the reefer unit’s performance. The new...

Working trucks get their due at Working Chrome truck show

WINNIPEG, Man. – I’ve visited all the major truck shows in the past couple of years. I enjoy spending time visiting the trade shows and seeing all the new products on display, but each and every time, my first port of call is the...

London’s embracing of trucks was my Olympic moment

Like most people on the planet for a couple of weeks this past August during the London 2012 Olympics I became a fan of sports that normally I wouldn’t pay any heed too. (I am basically a hockey guy with a bit of baseball thrown in to get...

Creating memories that last

Now that we are in 2012’s post-Olympic Games phase and a beautiful summer is beginning to edge toward autumn, there can be a tendency to feel just a little let down, a little mellowed out as it were.

Applying the Smith System for defensive driving to everyday life

Sometimes you just need to step back and view the world through a different lens. I was reading over The Smith System for defensive driving and started thinking about how we can apply those proper visual habits to the issues we face in our...

Why are small fleets viewed as the scourge of the industry?

I see my role here as a Truck News contributor as quite simple. Once a month, I climb up on my newsprint soapbox and offer an opinion on an industry-related subject, while periodically mixing in a little useful information. My only firm...

Technology replacing truck drivers with steering wheel attendants

I read last month’s issue of this magazine on my smartphone. It’s amazing how technology has allowed me to read a magazine at the touch of a button. Well, not even at the touch of a button – I just touched an icon on my screen...

Wheels moving on Canada’s EOBR mandate

KING CITY, Ont. – The federal government is currently looking at the development of a Canadian standard for the use of electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) that would also apply in the North American context.

Going green for your health

For many years now, going green has been promoted as a way of conserving a healthy planet. On a personal note, going green is also a way of maintaining a healthy body. Complementing your meal with a bowl of salad can add many important...

Coping with corns and calluses

Due to the work demands of the professional truck driver, corns and calluses can become a significant issue. Although in most cases they are not a serious medical condition, corns and calluses can become very irritating and painful, making life...

Learn how to use CRA’s online services

Last month I referenced situations where owner/operators were lied to by their accountants and tax preparers. I mean, when you get a letter from Canada Revenue Agency requesting your latest GST/HST return, how many times do you have to hear...

The age of character

I recently read your coverage about how the Ontario government was planning to change the discriminatory licence renewal practice for senior drivers. Due to the protracted driver shortage that has plagued this industry for years now, this news...

Trucker Ghost Stories

A UFO abduction at Deacon’s Corner Truck Stop in Winnipeg and a female trucker gets French-kissed by a ghost in her Peterbilt bunk.  A trainee and his over-the-road mentor on a driving test run hit a mother and her baby, but...

On sidelines of NHL lockout

As I write this month’s column, the NHL owners and the players are miles apart on a new agreement. Yet again, the only real loser in this tug-of-war is going to be you and me.

Trailer repair ship’s invention looks to prevent trailer-top tumbles

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Trailer roof repairs are a common practice in truck and trailer yards, but a simple misstep can spell disaster for both the company and the technician. To avoid the injury-related – and, ultimately, legal –...