John G. Smith is the editorial director of Newcom Media's trucking and supply chain publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, TruckTech, Transport Routier, and Road Today. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.
Equipment manufacturers grapple with ‘new normal’ in trade
TORONTO, Ont. – Rona Ambrose didn’t have many comforting words for members of the Canadian Transportation Equipment Association (CTEA). Offering a keynote address during the association’s annual meeting, the advisor in recent NAFTA negotiations promised more trade uncertainty to come.
Drivers face tougher tests with legal marijuana
MILTON, Ont. – Cross-border truck drivers who already face drug screening are not the only ones who face restrictions under Canada’s new framework for legalized recreational marijuana. Impaired driving rules have been refined at federal and provincial levels, said Alex Bugeya of Frontline Commercial Vehicle Solutions, during a presentation hosted by the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC).
On-road charges, enforcement practices changing
MILTON, Ont. -- The rules of engagement have changed when it comes to the charges Ontario drivers can face – as have the people who might lay the charges in the first place. As of last week, Ontario Ministry of Transportation enforcement teams expanded their focus beyond speed limiters to include charges for outright speeding, Frontline Commercial Vehicle Solutions’ Alex Bugeya told fleet managers during a presentation hosted by the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC).
Aftermarket continues to be healthy, Vipar conference hears
MARCO ISLAND, Fla -- Times are good everywhere in the trucking industry and Chris Baer, president and CEO of Vipar Heavy Duty, confirmed that this applies to the aftermarket segment as well. “It’s a good time to be in the truck parts business these days,” he said during the company’s annual conference in Marco Island, Fla.