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.

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Canadian equipment prices to rise with emission rules

OTTAWA, ON - The federal government has published its plans for new Greenhouse Gas limits that will apply to 2018-29 Model Year equipment, effectively mirroring changes introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The required upgrades will cost Canada's trucking industry an extra $4.1 billion, but save $10.3 billion in fuel, according to the Department of the Environment. When considering the overall lifespan of the affected vehicles, net benefits are expected to reach $8.8 billion between 2018 and 2050. The upgrades are projected to add 8% to the cost of a typical 2027 Model Year tractor, or $11,322. Vocational vehicles in the same model year will cost an extra 4%, or $4,369. Trailers - introduced in emissions standards for the first time beginning with the 2018 Model Year - will see an average 4% price bump on 2027 models. That will be up $1,237. Heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans, meanwhile, will see price tags increase an average of 3% or $1,324 per vehicle.

FAST crossings come to Fort Erie, upgrade in BC

FORT ERIE, ON - Border crossings in Fort Erie, Ontario could become a little faster for selected carriers. The Canada Border Services Agency has installed a dedicated lane and inspection booth at the international Peace Bridge for those that participate in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program. That builds on similar lanes in Windsor and Sarnia, Ontario, as well as the Pacific Highway crossing in British Columbia. Trucks can use FAST lanes when the driver is a member of FAST or Commercial Driver Registration programs; the carrier and importer are approved under Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) and Partners in Protection (PIP); and all cargo includes CSA-eligible goods from the U.S. or Mexico.

Leaders stress balance, mentorship at HR summit

TORONTO, ON - The career paths to leadership roles don't always take straight lines. Kelli Saunders, president of Morai Logistics, began by answering the ad for a telemarketing rep at a logistics company. Anne McKee, Chief Operating Officer at Trailer Wizards, began studying earth sciences. Michelle Arseneau, Managing Partner GX Transportation, was still in high school when she joined her sister at a fleet office job that paid better than local retailers. "I don't know if I believe in career paths," McKee adds. "Meanderings used to work very well for me." Despite the varied career paths, they share many similar career philosophies - and offered them up during Trucking HR Canada's recent Women with Drive summit in Toronto.