Fuel-saving differences where the rubber meets the road

Premier Bulk Systems runs on wide-base single tires. Director of fleet operations Derek Varley chose to go with Michelin X-Ones, on both power units and trailers. He opted for the more aggressive XDM2 tread pattern on the drive tires, sacrificing a bit of fuel economy for better traction in the winter months.

Fuel-efficient owner-operators benefit from in-cab coaching

If you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk.” Those words from three-truck owner-operator Jamie Hagen are one of his motivations for using the PedalCoach in-cab coaching system. No one would criticize Hagen’s fuel economy – he’s established a reputation for pushing his Mack Pinnacle to the brink of 10 mpg. However, even experienced drivers can benefit from telematics that provide real-time driving advice, and Hagen isn’t too proud to admit it.

Truck driver onboarding involves more than a toss of the keys

All too often, the process of recruiting a truck driver comes to an abrupt end with a toss of the keys; a passing comment to “be careful”. 

The secrets to keeping your best employees

A good retention strategy is the best recruitment strategy, at least, according to the experts in trucking -- where keeping drivers can be just as important as hiring new ones.

How truck fleets are tapping into shifting demographics

Trucking has a diversity problem that it needs to change, and fast. Only 3% of drivers and technicians are women, despite women being close to half of the nation’s workforce. Only 12% of Canada’s truck drivers are younger than 30 years old, while 46% of the country’s Indigenous population is under 24.

Indigenous truck drivers represent growing labor pool

With the well-documented shortage of qualified drivers in Canada, Indigenous workers are clearly an untapped resource for the trucking industry.

Speedee taps into overseas labor pool

For Daryl Ee, finding and recruiting new drivers shouldn’t be a “speedee” process -- even if that process involves looking overseas.

A beginner’s guide to truck driving in Canada

A little over 10 years ago, I left behind all I knew in the United Kingdom and started my Canadian adventure. It’s been a learning curve ever since.

Truck APUs, batteries, tap into solar power

Some new light has been shed on how to enhance the performance of battery-powered auxiliary power units (APUs), and it was right there above us all along. Using solar panels mounted to the roof fairing of a tractor can produce enough power to extend the operation of a battery-powered HVAC system and hotel load power.

The evolution of active safety systems

Active safety systems have evolved rapidly in recent years, and their uptake has increased at a similarly rapid pace. Many truck manufacturers have made collision mitigation systems standard, and the government has stepped in to mandate the use of electronic stability control.

Understand the ever-changing ELD

Thanks to government mandates in the U.S. and soon Canada, electronic logging devices (ELDs) have been one of the most talked about aspects of the trucking industry for the past several years.

Oil changes should involve more than filling a sump

Oil changes have evolved in many ways, the most obvious probably being the oil drain intervals associated with advances in refining and additives chemistry.

Tap into an oil analysis to spot emerging challenges

An oil analysis doesn't always bring bad news about coming catastrophes. In fact, it might just confirm that your truck is working as it should.

Understand the benefits of CK-4 and FA-4 oil

The latest evolution in engine oil gave birth to a pair of categories – CK-4 and a fuel-efficient FA-4. Each delivers unique features and benefits.

Ten million pounds have hit the road with Trucks for Change

BRAMPTON, Ont. – The Trucks for Change Network has hauled the equivalent of a whole house for Habitat for Humanity. The group picked up its 10 millionth pound of goods hauled for charities, last week. Those goods include a total worth more than $160,000 in donated transportation for Habitat for Humanity and the Habitat ReStore – a total equivalent to the cost of a Habitat home.