James Menzies
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Managing new generation drivers
It’s often been said that today’s trucker is nothing like the trucker of years gone by. If a 30-year driving veteran breaks down along the side of the highway, he’s likely to get out of the truck, figure out what…
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Desperate times can bring out the worst in people
You would hope, given the hardships currently facing the trucking industry, that those on the front lines would bond together and help each other get through. Instead, there are increasingly worrying reports of diesel thefts from coast-to-coast. The B.C. Forest…
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Drive and Deliver does just that
Navistar has pumped millions of dollars into an unorthodox marketing campaign for its retro-styled LoneStar, which is almost as unique as the truck itself. When the LoneStar was still a mere prototype, the company commissioned Academy Award-nominated director Brett Morgen…
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The stupidity has to end
Ontario’s mandatory yearly re-testing policy for A/Z drivers 65 years of age and older is one of the most asinine rules on the books. It punishes some of the industry’s most experienced and safest drivers for turning 65 and unfortunately…
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Cummins switch puts momentum on SCR’s side
Over the last few months, the 2010 heavy-duty engine landscape has taken on a vastly different look. First, you have Caterpillar announcing it will not build an EPA2010-compliant on-highway engine for the North American market (yet it will partner with…
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And the 2008 Owner/Operator of the Year is…
It never ceases to amaze me. Every year when we solicit entries for the Truck News Owner/Operator of the Year award, we are presented with a full field of deserving candidates. Choosing a winner is never easy, but when the…
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Between the lines: Q2 reports offer a look ahead
As second quarter financial statements continue to trickle in from publicly-traded trucking companies, I can’t help but scan them in search of a glimmer of hope that an industry rebound is just around the corner. Here in Canada, Vitrans filed…
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Speed limiters: A post-mortem
Well, it’s finally happened. After two and a half years of dogged determination, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) has ushered its speed limiter policy through to fruition. It went through the legislative process unamended and is pretty much on the…
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Neil Young aims to “Repower the American Dream”, but not through his music
Neil Young may not be rockin’ the free world as hard as he once did, but he’s still trying to make a difference. However the legendary rocker is using technology rather than music to change the world this time around.…
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Summary of the public hearings on speed limiters: Part 2
This is the continuation of my blog report from the public hearings on speed limiters, held at Queen’s Park June 5. We pick it up with the folks from OOIDA. 10:20 a.m. – Terry Button, OOIDA. First, let me say…
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Summary of the public hearings on speed limiters: Part 1
Just back from the public hearings on Bill 41 at Queen’s Park. It was a fascinating look at the democratic process in motion and I’m pleased to have been there to witness it. I’m surprised it didn’t attract more attention…
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Do speed limiters always mean better mileage, less emissions?
There have been many compelling arguments made both for and against Ontario’s controversial legislation that, if passed, would mechanically limit truck speeds to 105 km/h. We’ve heard them all here at Truck News. Some of them have been absurd (that…
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Quality shippers can be a tough nut to crack
Yesterday I attended Markel’s Let’s Talk seminar on profitability, which provided one of those rare opportunities to hear shippers and carriers voice their concerns under the same roof. Representing shippers during a panel discussion were Allan Kelly, director of logistics…
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Does an Ontario cell phone ban make sense?
The Ontario government has once again suggested it will consider banning handheld cell phones while driving. In fact, it has hinted any legislation will encompass not just phones – but also the use of other gadgets that cause driver distraction…
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Con artists exploiting trucking companies when at their most vulnerable
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Sage old advice that should always be taken into consideration, especially when dealing with unknown vendors or associates. It’s unfortunate to hear about a fuel tax scam that’s been…
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