B-Zero: National biodiesel mandate fails to achieve objectives

Remember the “national” biodiesel mandate; how it was supposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create new opportunities for farmers and rural communities even though the government’s own Regulatory Impact Analysis...

A film worth watching

As we all know, this industry has witnessed an incredible evolution in engine technology over the past decade. Granted, many of us went into this period of environmental responsibility kicking and screaming.

Putting your best foot forward can help prevent plantar fasciitis

When you first step out of your rig after a long drive, do you ever feel a stabbing pain in your heel?  If so, you may have plantar fasciitis.  

Dealing with septic arthritis

This month, I am going to cover a fairly rare condition called septic arthritis. Although it is rare, I recently saw a case in my practice. Septic arthritis is essentially an infection in a joint. The joint may become infected by an organism...

Don’t set sights too high when striving for better health

Last month I introduced you to my personal doctrine that has improved my health and quality of life on the road. This personal wellness program has three principles: First you have to answer the question, ‘Do I really want to...

It’s up to each of us to break down trucker stereotypes

I quite often get told that I don’t look like a truck driver. I used to think it was because of my youthful good looks, but even I have to accept that the years have taken their toll on me. So, I can only assume that it’s because I...

The path of least resistance

February saw the release of yet another report on Canada’s driver shortage. This one, Understanding the Truck Driver Supply and Demand Gap and Its Implications for the Canadian Economy, is meant to “quantify driver supply...

Collision review committees can look much deeper than a single crash

Every crash site tells a story. Skid marks can be used to calculate vehicle speed, direction, and where the brakes were applied. Gouges in the road, when matched to damaged equipment, help determine the direction and force of impact.

Like a lamb to slaughter: Part 2

THE STORY SO FAR...Mark has put the accident in Ontario behind him and delivered a load of snowmobile parts to Vancouver. Bud gives him a load of livestock from B.C. to Quebec, and a return load back to B.C., to be driven in a convoy with two...

TSQ: Is the industry trending towards a substantial driver shortage?

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – A recently-released report from the Conference Board of Canada surmises that the driver shortage is not only real, it’s dire, with the Canadian trucking industry facing a shortage of up to 33,000 drivers by the...

Ryder’s Oliver Silver set to retire after 40-year career

TORONTO, Ont. – Oliver Silver, one of Ryder Canada's most respected and tenured employees, and well known in supply chain circles for his professionalism, is retiring March 31st after 40 years with the company.

Trailer industry backlogs remain unchanged in February: ACT Research

COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Despite declining from January levels, February commercial orders were strong enough to maintain industry backlogs, according to the latest report from ACT Research.

North American surface trade up 6.2% year-over-year in 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Trade using surface transportation modes between Canada, the US and Mexico increased by 6.2% in 2012 compared to 2011, valued at $960 billion in 2012, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US...

B.C. Trucking Association joins Trucks For Change Network

LANGLEY, B.C. -- The British Columbia Trucking Association (BCTA) has joined forces with the Trucks For Change Network (TFCN), a national non-profit association of member trucking and logistics companies that facilitates transportation services...

Commercial vehicle demand starts year on positive note: ACT

COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Class 8 orders rose above 20,000 units for a fifth consecutive month in February, while a surge in step-van orders pushed new medium-duty demand above the prevailing trend, according to the latest figures from ACT Research....