Features

Private fleets gather to educate and honour

A couple of days in June spent in a country-like setting just north of Toronto paid big dividends for attendees at the annual conference of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC).

We have the technology

In recent years, the Customs and border agencies in both the US and Canada have moved to introduce a more automated approach to commercial border clearance through their respective electronic manifest programs.

Raisins: A healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth

What kind of snack can stay fresh in your cab even during the hot days of summer? Raisins. They don’t need refrigeration and can be easily stored in any air-tight container. They are easy to pack, easy to eat and almost never go bad.

They call this customer service?

I know that in the past I’ve blasted Ma Bell about her service problems. I really hate to sound like a broken record but I’ve had another setback with the grand old lady.

Private fleets hear about benefits of natural gas

KING CITY, Ont. – Natural Gas has come of age as a transportation fuel, offering compelling savings and a competitive advantage, said Allen MacKinnon, a regional field service engineer, with Westport HD.

B.C. truck inspectors throw drivers under the bus

Misguided public perception of trucking is a concern that’s always with us, but when you’re struggling to pay for fuel or driving around in circles looking for a place to park, it’s not always top of mind. Then wham! You learn...

Technology, skilled shunters key to managing a busy yard

Shunting is a precision science. A good shunt operation gets the maximum out of available equipment and space. And a fast-paced shipping environment has an intimate relationship with its shunt trucks. Empty doors can cost time and money.

Canada, through an American trucker’s eyes

Dear Editor:As an American trucker stuck following your regulations while in Ontario, I have in the last 2.5 years formed opinions on many of them. First, your speed limiter law: My first question is, did you have trucks going that fast that...

Limiters can’t help with lane discipline

Dear Editor:(Re: No limit?, Truck News, July)I was interested to read your article on the recent dismissal in an Ontario court of a speed limiter ticket. I agree with Joanne Ritchie’s comment of “this useless law that does...

Still no straight shot at bridge

Dear Editor:(Re: Michigan opens long-delayed bridge truck road, Truck News, July) I noticed an error in this story that I was surprised would slip past and get into print. The item I am referring to is about the new ramps at the Ambassador...

Cameron’s column nailed it

Dear Editor: (Re: Getting an A/Z licence has become far too easy, Truck News, July)Bravo to Bill Cameron for coming out and saying what would solve a few problems. I cannot count the number of new drivers who don’t seem to understand...

Human traffic on the road: Part 2

The story so far:Mark gets a regular run between Toronto and Montreal that gives him two round-trips every three days. He ends up staying overnight at a truck stop near Kingston once every three days and notices the lot lizards working the lot....

TSQ: How concerned are you about sun exposure while driving?

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The various health concerns affecting truck drivers have prompted industry groups to take notice of late, in some cases – like that of the current sleep apnea epidemic – even dedicating entire conferences...

Show season officially underway

BRAMPTON, Ont. – The Road Today Truck Show was back at the Powerade Centre in Brampton for its fourth installment May 26-27, attracting about 6,000 attendees over the course of the weekend.

Reaching my limit with the speed limiter debate

Oh, look what’s back in the news. It’s everyone’s favourite debate topic: speed limiters. I visibly cringed when I first heard about a ruling by an Ontario court in which the Justice of the Peace found the controversial...