Truck World organizers unveil seminar line-up

TORONTO, (March 5, 2004) — Hours-of-service, freight rates, the border and the value of a used truck. These are just a few prevailing issues being covered at the 2004 Truck World show in Toronto.

Here’s a line-up of business seminars, as well as family events carriers and owner-operators can take advatge of when the show kicks off April 22 -24.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, April 22, 23, 24: HighwaySTAR Presents Don Mctavish.

The master of truckin’ tomfoolery, wildly popular highwaySTAR columnist Don McTavish. will be at the HighwaySTAR/Today’s Trucking booth at various times during the show, and he’ll be reading stories from his best-selling books, Big Rig, Comic Tales of a Long Haul Trucker, and its sequel, Big Rig II. Check the schedules posted in the show guide for exact locations and times of Don’s readings.

Thursday, April 22, 1:00 p.m.: A Strategic Look at Hours-of-Service Rules.

Since new hours-of-service rules took effect January 4, it’s been a brand new day for truck drivers and fleet managers operating south of the border. In this panel-session and workshop truckers will learn not just what the rules entail, but what real-world strategies a fleet owner, an operations manager, and a compliance expert are using to put the rules to work for them.

Friday, April 23, 2:00 p.m.: The Windsor Mess — Any Solutions in Sight?

Trucking Insiders offer an honest look at present options for crossing the border between Windsor and Detroit more quickly than you do now. Can your trucks avoid the logjams? Will a new bridge or tunnel make a difference? How soon? This panel session will take an unconventional look at a border that more often seems to be a wall.

Saturday, April 24, 11:00 a.m.: Truck Cosmetics — Shining Up a Winner

Here’s advice from experts, including veterans of the show-and-shine circuit, on how to get ready for your next truck beauty contest. You’ll learn about strategies to please the judges as well as the best waxes and polishes to use. A panel session that’s a must for the competitive truck owner.

Saturday, April 24, 1:00 p.m. (concurrent): My Mother-in-Law Has Moved In — A Humorous Look at HOS

Are new hours-of-service rules having a negative impact on your lifestyle? Are you away so much that your kids think there’s a stranger at the door? This audience participation session allows drivers to share beefs with a panel of experts on HOS.

Saturday, April 24, 1:00 p.m. (concurrent): While You’re Away — Advice for the Stay-at-Home Spouse.

Ellen Voie’s book, ‘Marriage In the Long Run’, has helped more than a few truckers’ wives make it through the night. Once the wife of a long-haul trucker herself, she’s now a truckers’ radio talk-show host, magazine columnist, and Executive Director of Trucker Buddy International. She’ll speak and lead a discussion about the challenges faced by the professional driver’s family. Ellen will cover subjects like: Where to turn for home repairs; Coping with loneliness while your driver’s on the road; Communication options and phone conversations; and Maintaining family traditions in spite of absences.

Saturday, April 24, 2:00 p.m. Turning Iron Into Gold — Getting Value in a Used Truck

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. This seminar will help truckers separate the good deals from the too-good-to-be-true deals. Learn how to conduct a mechanical inspection, what to look for in terms of past repairs, and more. There’s also help with the fine art of lodging a complaint if your used truck doesn’t live up to your expectations. A must-attend event for anyone considering a used truck purchase.

Truck World — presented by Today’s Trucking parent company New Communications Group — is Canada’s largest truck show featuring the latest in product design, technology, specialty equipment, support materials, and services for the trucking industry.