Blogs
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Speed limiters: post-mortem – a different view
James and I really do get along – but not when it comes to the issue of speed limiters. If you’ve been following our blogs over the past while you know James doesn’t think they’re such a good idea while…
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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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Speed limiters: What “could” or “would” happen versus what “did” happen
Since coming out in favor of speed limiters I’ve been overwhelmed by calls and e-mails from drivers and owner/operators with dire warnings about what “could” or “would” happen should such legislation be passed in Ontario. I thought I would respond…
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Is this what you wanted to hear about speed limiters?
Truckers beware! We have learned of a secret plot by nefarious Communists (or perhaps it’s dastardly Nazis) to take over the Ontario Legislature. The plot, our undercover sources tell us, involves setting up the Ontario transport minister as Supreme Leader…
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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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100% of fuel tax windfall should go towards infrastructure
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has launched its tenth annual Gas Tax Honesty Campaign, aimed at reminding us all how much we are taxed at the pump – like we need a reminder! The federation is warning that the threat…
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The real costs of rising fuel prices
Whether it be local dump truck drivers, long-haul owner/operators or soccer moms – everyone’s been griping about the cost of fuel lately. And for good reason, it’s costing all of us more money – at the pumps and now even…
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Mudslinging over speed-limiter debate has gone too far
What has been most disappointing during the past couple of years is seeing the discussion about speed limiters become polarized and degenerate to mudslinging. How else can I categorize last month’s remarks from Joanne Ritchie, head of the Owner-Operators Business…
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Rolling protests are not the answer
As I write this, hundreds of dump truck operators are planning rolling protests throughout the GTA. They plan to slow down traffic on well-travelled routes to bring attention to their concerns: stagnant rates; dangerous working conditions; and escalating costs. While…