SPECIAL REPORT: The early days of mandatory training

TORONTO, ON -- Darryl Robitaille belongs to a rare graduating class, one of the first future truck drivers to study under Ontario's new Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) regime. That means he had to complete at least 103.5 hours of approved training before the Ontario Ministry of Transportation would allow him to take the road test for an AZ licence to drive tractor-trailers. He failed on the first attempt. "The road test I did fine on," says the resident of Caledonia, Ontario, referring to actions like steering and backing. His challenge was with new questions linked to pre-trip inspections. "I was extremely nervous," Robitaille adds. This despite the fact that he personally completed a 200-hour training program, well above the mandated minimum introduced on July 1. But with a little extra studying he passed the test on his second attempt. Now he is looking to secure his first job behind the wheel. Robitaille can take comfort in knowing he wasn't alone.

Kenworth Ontario moves Ottawa-area dealership

OTTAWA, ON - Kenworth Ontario has moved its Ottawa-area dealership to a new 43,000-square-foot facility about 35 kilometers southeast of Parliament Hill.

Swint to lead Travis Body and Trailer

HOUSTON, TX - Truck Bodies and Equipment International (TBEI) has named Stuart Swint as general manager and president of Travis Body and Trailer.

Wabash Canada earns 5-star designation

LAFAYETTE, IN - Wabash Canada is one of just a handful of companies that have been awarded five-star dealer status for 2016.

Consider it Sold: Tips to maximize used vehicle value

If you've spent any time channel surfing, it's impossible to avoid the proliferation of home improvement and house flipping shows. And they all reflect a common theme: preparing a pre-owned item always pays dividends when it comes time to sell.

For self-driving tech, weather is snow easy job

NASHVILLE, TN - Trucking is rolling into the future, and the trucks may be getting there all by themselves. Autonomous trucking was the topic of the moment this week at the 2017 In.Sight user conference and expo in Nashville, with panelists disagreeing on what is possible and in what timeline. Development of autonomous technology still faces a lot of obstacles including, one panel noted, snowbanks.

Run on Less drivers selected

ATLANTA, Ga. – Seven professional drivers have been selected to participate in the first Run on Less fuel economy challenge, organized by Carbon War Room and the North American Council…

PMTC Young Leaders to host seminar Sept. 14

GUELPH, Ont. – The Young Leaders Group of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PTMC) will be hosting a seminar Sept. 14, examining networking, influencing others, and the story…

Canadians named to Peterbilt Parts Council

RENTON, Wash. – Howie Poirier of Cervus Equipment in Stoney Creek, Ont., and Brent Lawrence of Stahl Peterbilt in Edmonton, Alta., have been named to the 2017 Peterbilt Parts Council.

Trailer orders remained strong in July: ACT

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Trailer orders totaled 14,450 units in July, up 43% year-over-year, but 20% off June’s strong pace, according to preliminary data from ACT Research. “We saw continued strong…

Border Barriers: A trucking wish list for NAFTA

OTTAWA, ON -- So it begins. The North American Free Trade Agreement that governs every load of freight crossing the Canada-U.S. border is now formally being renegotiated. In the midst of talk about tariffs and taxes, however, regulators are also looking for ways to streamline the crossings themselves.

Drivewyze expands into North Dakota

EDMONTON, AB - Drivewyze's weigh station bypass service has expanded into North Dakota, including 13 different approaches to seven fixed weigh stations and eight mobile sites.

Speed up truck border crossings: CFIB

OTTAWA, ON - The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is asking the federal government to help speed up border crossings for trucks, as work begins to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Gibson Energy should shed trucks: Investor

LONDON, UK - M&G Investments is calling for a wide array of changes at Gibson Energy, including the exit of all trucking business not linked to core infrastructure assets.

Yako stepping down as BCTA chief

LANGLEY, BC - Louise Yako has announced that by the end of this year she will step down as president and Chief Executive Officer of the British Columbia Trucking Association (BCTA) - a role she has held for six years. She has been a staff member of the province's largest trucking association for two decades. "I am so fortunate to have been able to work at this great organization that represents such a necessary industry. Over the years, I've had the privilege to work with and for knowledgeable, dedicated and supportive members," she said in a written announcement. "BCTA has survived and thrived for more than 100 years. I know that its future will be at least as successful as its past."