New air brake learning modules, tests come to Ontario

Ontario introduces its new air brake learning module today (Sept. 1), replacing in-person air brake knowledge tests that truck drivers had to complete when renewing Z…

Trucking groups cite Ontario speed limiter success in bid for U.S. mandate

Several trucking associations are voicing their support for a proposed truck speed limiter mandate in the U.S. as legislators attempt to block such rules. They’re even using Ontario data to…

Applications open for Ontario towing certificates

Applications for Ontario’s new certification program for tow operators, tow truck drivers, and vehicle storage operations are now officially open. The regime — including training, insurance, vehicle safety, and criminal…

Ontario considering changes to air brake endorsement renewal

Ontario’s proposal to introduce learning modules for drivers to maintain their air brake (Z) endorsement prior to renewing their driving licences is generating opposing views among trucking organizations. The Ontario…

Enforcement of SPIF override rules to be delayed

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation will once again delay enforcement of the rules for emergency lift axle override controls in Safe, Productive, Infrastructure-Friendly (SPIF) equipment configurations. Such controls allow self-steering…

5 tips to avoid wildlife collisions

Truck drivers have a good reason to be wary where the wild things are. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) says there are about 12,000 wildlife-related collisions per year, causing…

Ontario driver argues against lower point thresholds for senior truckers

Currently retired after serving 34 years in the military, Francois Juneau describes himself as an occasional trucker. He has always loved trucks and over the last 30 years has maintained…

Ontario joins Alberta with diesel tax relief

Alberta and Ontario will each offer some relief at the pumps in the face of rising fuel prices linked to factors including higher demand and global economic sanctions against Russia.

Ontario proposes police powers to block future border protests

Ontario’s provincial government has unveiled proposed regulations that would give police more powers when responding to protests that block international border crossings, such as the “Freedom Convoy” supporters who shut…

Embrace the technology that targets truck inspections

Time is money, and nobody welcomes delays at a roadside scale. Drivers can find themselves breaking into a sweat no matter how confident they are about the state of a…

Ontario officers begin ELD training, bus operators getting one-year reprieve

Ontario Ministry of Transportation personnel are now in the midst of lessons about electronic logging devices (ELDs) as they prepare to enforce related rules beginning June 12, 2022. “We’re going…

Ontario government agenda includes washroom access for drivers, ELDs

Ontario is expected to become the first North American jurisdiction that will require businesses to provide washroom access to truck drivers, building on a series of government initiatives taken during…

Ontario to require ELDs for provincially regulated carriers

Ontario plans to mandate electronic logging devices (ELDs) for inter- and intra-provincial carriers effective June 12, 2022, building on a mandate that already applies to federally regulated carriers. “This will…

Ontario delays enforcement on lift axle switch

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is once again delaying a requirement for emergency lift axle override controls within Safe, Productive, Infrastructure-Friendly (SPIF) vehicle configurations. “In response to an in-cab emergency…

5 ways pandemic responses led to positive changes in trucking

Canada’s trucking industry had to scramble in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Rest areas, truck stops, and shipper facilities were closed to drivers. Safety managers were left searching…