This year’s Truck World show will feature several new wrinkles, not the least of which is the first annual National Truck Maintenance and Technology Conference.

Canada’s fleet maintenance professionals are gearing up to attend the inaugural event – a two-day conference on Sept. 26-27.

The morning program will offer attendees an exciting lineup of experts who will speak on topics that matter to industry such as World-Class Shop Management, Single Tires versus Duals, Brake Timing, 121 Brake Timing, the New Engines for 2002, U.S. DoT Compliance and Anti-Lock Brakes.

In the afternoons, those taking part will have the opportunity to observe – and participate in – technical demonstrations taking place on 20,000-square-foot floor space (to say nothing of visiting exhibits on the Truck World show floor).

Internationally renowned fleet maintenance expert, Kelly Walker, will deliver a series of seminars on what it means to run a world-class shop. Walker developed and teaches a university-level masters course in fleet maintenance and shop management.

The conference also features an impressive international roster of well-known experts such as Mark Flick (Air Brakes) and John Woodrooffe (Vehicle Engineering and Dynamics). Dan Provost will speak on bolted fasteners, Mehboob Sumar will address the ’02 engine emissions standards along with various manufacturer representatives.

Other guest speakers include Motortruck columnist Blair Gough, Ontario Provincial Police Senior Constable Cam Woolley and Al Tucker of Canadian Transportation Equipment Association.

To register, go to www.truckworld.ca or contact 416-249-7401 – there’s a toll free number for those of you outside Toronto: 877-682-7569. A detailed conference program and registration information can be downloaded, e-mailed or faxed upon request. The entire conference is $185.

Rolf VanderZwaag, a former Motortruck scribe, is the conference director. He is maintenance adviser to the Ontario Trucking Association and Canadian Trucking Alliance.

As Canadians we are fortunate to now have two such annual and national events.

Let’s not forget about the Canadian Fleet Maintenance Seminars, held every spring at the Inn on the Park in Don Mills. Truck News has been a long time supporter of the event, which has spanned nearly four decades.

People have asked, ‘Is there really room for two?’

Let me answer this way, ‘Is there room in your fleet’s shop for more than one mechanic?’