There actually is a free lunch with fuel economy

It’s a mystery to me why saving fuel is still a perplexing prospect for so many folks. It may not be easy, especially after you’ve picked all the low hanging fruit like aerodynamics, limiting speed, and idle-reduction technologies,...

Don’t be caught flat-footed

This month I am going to discuss a common medical condition called pes planus, or flat feet. As I am sure you have noticed, feet come in all shapes and sizes.

Trigger finger a risk for steering wheel grippers

Have you ever bent your finger and then been unable to straighten it? Have you needed to use your other hand to straighten a bent finger? Yes? You may have trigger finger.

Surprise! It’s in the contract

As an accountant, I spend a lot of time looking at fine print. Hey, someone has to do it. Most people are put off by legal gobbledegook on a page (probably the writer’s intent all along).

Becoming a Best Fleet to Drive For

Have you seen this logo? It’s coming to a Facebook page, recruiting ad or trailer wrap near you. On March 5, at the annual Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) convention in Las Vegas, we were very proud to recognize our 2013 Best Fleets...

Human resources practices play a key role in safety programs

Attracting and retaining qualified employees can be a challenge at the best of times, and there is little hope the situation will improve anytime soon. A recent study by the Conference Board of Canada concludes our industry might be short more...

Power plays

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The next generation of trucks built with the promise of cleaner exhaust will also deliver better fuel economy, and most available engine models will be certified to meet related standards a year ahead of schedule.That...

Improving shop productivity

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – How do you boost shop productivity? Darry Stuart, owner of DWS Fleet Management suggests employing a management style he dubbed MBWA, or: Management By Wandering Around.

Flat rate vs hourly pay

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Is a truck repair facility better off paying its technicians hourly, or a flat rate per job? And what is the preference of technicians and customers?

Big gains, super trucks

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – At a time when a truck’s typical fuel economy floats around 6 mpg (39 litres/100 kms), the promise of 10 mpg (23.5 litres/100 kms) may seem like a pipe dream. But the dream may be closer to reality than you think.

Is trucking in your DNA?

I had the most interesting conversation the other day with an old friend of mine. He recently signed up for DNA testing and his results had just come in.

Like a lamb to slaughter: Part 3

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: What are your thoughts on the newer generation of engines?

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Our cover story from last issue, ‘Dirty players,’ revealed that tampering of emissions controls for truck engines is both widespread and easily attainable. The so-called DPF Delete process is a booming...

Trailer Wizards celebrating half-century with customer appreciation events

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Trailer Wizards will be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary with customer appreciation events across Canada this spring. The company started with a single Can-Car trailer purchased in British Columbia on April 30, 1963...

EXCLUSIVE: GTA truck dealer pleads guilty to rolling back odometers

BRAMPTON, Ont. -- A Brampton used truck dealership has pled guilty to fraud after rolling back the odometer readings on some 21 trucks sold within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).