John G Smith
John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - editorial, and the editorial director of its trucking publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.
Paccar’s proprietary 12-speed transmission
MT VERNON, WA - Paccar has unveiled a 12-speed automated transmission, rounding out a proprietary powertrain with the promise of better fuel economy and smoother shifts along the way. Developed over three years in a partnership with Eaton, the transmission will be released into the market this October. "The Paccar automated transmission is engineered to work seamlessly with Paccar MX engines and Paccar axles," says Landon Sproull, Paccar vice president. It will support linehaul applications with Gross Vehicle Weights up to 110,000 pounds, and engines delivering up to 510 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque. The first units will be an option with MX-13 engines.
Helpful Moves: Trucks come to the rescue in BC and beyond
British Columbia residents were still fleeing the path of wildfires in mid-July when Shane Reynolds took stock of the supplies on hand. "We're storing 5,000 cots, 5,000 blankets, and other material," said the operations manager at Landtran Logistics' facility in Prince George. "We'll be helping with local delivery of supplies when the Red Cross tells us what has to be done." Having grown up in B.C., then working around Fort McMurray, Alberta, Reynolds knows the devastation that wildfires can bring. With a job in trucking, he understands the challenge of moving relief supplies. He was even part of a team that set up distribution centers after Hurricane Katrina slammed into the U.S. in 2005. When disaster strikes, there are always goods to move and a need for trucks to move them.
SPECIAL REPORT: The early days of mandatory training
TORONTO, ON -- Darryl Robitaille belongs to a rare graduating class, one of the first future truck drivers to study under Ontario's new Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) regime. That means he had to complete at least 103.5 hours of approved training before the Ontario Ministry of Transportation would allow him to take the road test for an AZ licence to drive tractor-trailers. He failed on the first attempt. "The road test I did fine on," says the resident of Caledonia, Ontario, referring to actions like steering and backing. His challenge was with new questions linked to pre-trip inspections. "I was extremely nervous," Robitaille adds. This despite the fact that he personally completed a 200-hour training program, well above the mandated minimum introduced on July 1. But with a little extra studying he passed the test on his second attempt. Now he is looking to secure his first job behind the wheel. Robitaille can take comfort in knowing he wasn't alone.
