Motor carriers are going to have to fix the capacity mess on their own

by Lou Smyrlis

Attending Scotia Capital’s transportation and logistics night this week I picked up on a valuable piece of insight I think all motor carrier executives, and the shippers who deal with…

Cautious Optimism

by Ray Haight

Hello folks, I hope all are well. I just returned from Truck World in Toronto a couple weeks ago and I must admit to feeling somewhat optimistic about the…

Power to the People

by David Benjatschek

I finally figured out why they call our parliament the "House of Commons". Its always seemed an ironic name to me. Watch even 20 minutes of Parliament on TV and you'll soon realize our political parties share very little in common. But I've finally figured it out...

Why Mark Seymour believes it’s time to take the initiative on rates

by Lou Smyrlis

Over the past few weeks I’ve had the good fortune to interview some of the most respected leaders in the motor carrier industry. I discussed with them the impact of…

Treat Your Children Well

by Harry Rudolfs

I ran across this personal essay by Linda Duffus and thought it was pertinent to our profession. Although I’m not hauling long distance these days, I can personally attest that…

LCV drivers: Show them the money!

by James Menzies

I’ve written quite favourably about Ontario’s LCV program and in doing so, I’ve invited some criticism from drivers and engaged in some interesting debates. As I see it, drivers stand…

Don’t waste a good recession

by Lou Smyrlis

This is a tense time for our industry. It seems we’re stuck in a prolonged in-between phase with the recession technically over (the economy is growing again) but with the…

The Sun and a Clean Shave: A Great Principle for Leaders and Managers.

by David Benjatschek

Many of you have heard that Alberta is introducing a "Distracted Driver" law this fall. It will fine people who are distracted while driving. What "distraction" means is at the judgment call of the officer watching you. It may be for talking on your hand held cellphone. It could also be for flossing your teeth or trying to balance a Wendy's Combo Meal on your lap while also navigating the road. This past week I would have been guilty as charged! The culprit: My new electric shaver.

conjectures from the side of the road

by Harry Rudolfs

You heard it here. I’m calling the recession over, trucking-wise, at least. Volumes appear to be up everywhere and companies are hiring drivers again. I’m not too worried about a…

RAY’s Rules Continued

by Ray Haight

RAY’s Rules Continued April 2010 Some of you may recall that in the February entry to this blog I wrote a piece I called Ray’s rules which was a…

Putting Freight Where it Belongs

by David Benjatschek

I wish two things for you this year: 1) More Cargo in your Truck 2) Less Cargo in your Head You know what cargo in your truck looks like. So what is cargo in your head?

Get Organized!

by David Benjatschek

Maybe this is one of your New Year's Resolutions. That something you've always wanted to improve on but have struggled with. Been there done that. You want to a place to start: Forget filing, Forget buying a PDA or a Daytimer.. all good things but the best place to start is to:

It’s time to start exploring “the undiscovered country”

by Lou Smyrlis

Shakespeare called the future “the undiscovered country“. While that may make for a clever turn of phrase, it’s not something any business, and particularly one as sensitive to market volatility…

Driver’s dream job?

by James Menzies

Okay, I don’t know if I’m completely gullible and took this hook, line and sinker or whether this job posting is legit. Either way, a reader forwarded the following…

Opportunity in 2010 starts with education

by Lou Smyrlis

Self examination…Transition…Survival…These are the words that come to mind as I consider this transitional year. And one more word, which after survival is the most important: Opportunity. Despite all…