CALGARY, Alta. – Truck West editor James Menzies recently addressed The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada’s (FERIC) three Eastern Canadian transportation conferences for log haulers on the performance of the 2002 engines and future emissions standards.

On Apr. 13-14 the forestry group held a two-day conference in Timmins, Ont. entitled: Keeping costs in check from the forest to the mill.

There, Menzies hosted a session on Fuel Awareness. Other sessions over the course of the conference included: Truck Performance; Safety in Trucking; Logistics in Transportation; as well as a round-table discussion on Ontario Vehicle Weight and Dimensions reforms.

On Apr. 22-23, a French conference was held in Dolbeau-Mistassini, Qubec.

At this conference Jan Michaelsen, a senior researcher with FERIC delivered Menzies’ presentation in French on his behalf.

Other topics included: road issues, haul operations, and fiber quality with specialists in each field presenting timely information.

On Apr. 27-28, the third of FERIC’s eastern transportation conferences was held in Truro, N.S.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road was a joint venture between FERIC and Canadian Woodlands Forum. Sessions included: Fuel Awareness; Truck Performance; Spec’ing; and Looking Down the Road.

Last fall, FERIC’s western division hosted transportation seminars in Grande Prairie, Alta. and Kamloops, B.C.

Menzies also has two entries in the finals of the prestigious Kenneth R. Wilson editorial award.

The final selection of the winners will take place in early June at a Canadian Business Press awards dinner.

James’ feature on mountain trucking basics and another feature on the benefits of concrete in road building captured the judges’ eye.

Truck West’s sister publication, Motortruck, also had a feature article selected for the finals.

The feature, Straight talk on synthetics, written by contributing editor Paul Stasny, is an insightful look at the issues of synthetic lubricants.