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.
Diesel hit hard in Federal Excise Tax changes
TORONTO, ON - Planned changes to the Federal Excise Tax (FET) on diesel fuel would eliminate exemptions for Temperature Control Units like reefers, Auxiliary Power Units, bunk heaters, and Power Take-Off units. And that threatens annual refunds of $800 to $1,000 per tractor-trailer as of July 1, according to the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). "I am extremely disappointed," says chairman Gene Orlick. "The decision to drop this rebate is because another industry [airlines] abused the system, making unique claims for lighting and other electricity in their operations." When the Federal Excise Tax was first added to diesel in 1982, it was only meant to be applied to transportation fuel, according to a CTA briefing note about new language in the federal budget's Notice of Ways and Means Motion.
Canada Cartage delivering water to homeless
TORONTO, ON - Canada Cartage employees are joining together to deliver four trailers loaded with Nestle Waters Canada to the Bargains Group in Toronto, supporting the 17th annual Project Water. Beginning Wednesday, they will supply more than 150 social service agencies, outreach providers and homeless shelters with 300,000 water bottles and 3,000 summer survival kits to help the homeless during the extreme heat of summer.
39 fleets recognized as top employers
OTTAWA, ON - Trucking HR Canada has recognized 39 fleets under its third-annual Top Fleet Employers program - rating organizations on issues including employee recognition, compensation, lifestyle, employee engagement, wellness, professional development, recruiting and retention.
Top 10 legal issues for 2016: Devine
KING CITY, ON - Evolving technology and changing regulations alike are contributing to legal challenges for Canadian carriers. And Heather Devine of Isaacs and Co. Barristers and Solicitors has even identified a Top 10 list that will make its presence known in the coming year. From MELT to marijuana, to ELDs and cross-border databases, click below to check out what you need to know.
U.S. private fleets report productivity spike, aging drivers
KING CITY, ON - Private fleets in the U.S. appear to be in an enviable position. Productivity is up, driver turnover is low, and a growing number of operations are investing in safety-related tools. But initial results from the National Private Truck Council's annual benchmarking survey also show there are still challenges to overcome, particularly when it comes to an aging driver population.
Phase 2 GHG rules threaten Canadian equipment options
KING CITY, ON - A second round of U.S. rules designed to further reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions is threatening access to equipment spec'd to meet Canadian operating needs, says Yves Provencher of PIT Group, which runs third-party equipment tests.
Bradley receives MTO partnership award
TORONTO, ON - David Bradley, CEO of the Ontario Trucking Association and Canadian Trucking Alliance, has received the Assistant Deputy Minister's Partnership Award from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation - recognizing his contributions for keeping "Ontario's roads amongst the safest in North America."
Women discuss ways to advance transportation careers
TORONTO, ON - Female executives from Canada's transportation industry -- and even the former president of Home Depot Canada -- joined together at a Toronto Transportation Club luncheon on June 14 to discuss ways that women can move forward in their careers. But the messages about networking and standing up to be counted were seen to be just as important for businesses as the individual employees.
Canadian places first in SuperRigs Classic Division
JOPLIN, MO - Two Canadians have placed in Shell Rotella's famed SuperRigs show and shine competition, which attracted 89 trucks. Billy Baker of St. Catharines, Ontario placed first in the 34th annual event's Classic Division, with his 2000 Kenworth W900L. Andre Bellemare of Berthierville, Quebec placed second in the Tractor-Trailer Division with a 1995 Freightliner. Best of Show honors went to Jake Lindamood of Irving, Texas, for his 1988 Peterbilt 379, earning him $10,000 from Shell Rotella and $5,000 from MAC trailer. "We won Best of Show and got picked for the SuperRigs calendar which was super exciting," said Lindamood. "Winning Best of Show was huge and we are just beyond thrilled about it." About $25,000 in cash and prizes were handed out overall.