Stephen Laskowski

Ontario extends 60-foot trailer trial

TORONTO, ON – The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is extending a trial of 60-foot trailers beyond the retail sector. Permits are now based on Commercial Vehicle Operator Record (CVOR) rather than a semitrailer’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the Ontario Trucking Association reports. But the permits – one for each semitrailer -- will list all VINs included in the trial. Participating carriers are limited to eight permits, and just four in the first year of a trial.

More long-haul infrastructure needed to reduce carbon emissions: CTA

OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Trucking Alliance says infrastructure and fuel technology has not kept pace with the trucking industry’s desire to reduce its carbon footprint. Submitting its comments on the upcoming federal Clean Fuel Standard regulation to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the group said the increasing environmental policies would have to address some of the implementation and infrastructure challenges faced by long-haul fleets, which consume the bulk of the fuel used by trucks.

Kriska gives young hero a truck

TORONTO, ON - The smoke pouring into the truck was thick and there were just moments to act when Ickroop Mangat, just 23-years-old, and his trainer Dave* were involved in a multi-vehicle collision during a sudden, zero-viability snowstorm outside Montreal last Winter. The new driver for Kriska Transportation acted in a heartbeat, kicking in the driver's side window and crawling out of the cab before helping his instructor out behind him. Panicked and on fire, the instructor ran from the truck, but Mangat tackled him to the ground, practicing the 'stop, drop, and roll' method to put out the flames and save the man's life. His actions on that day earned Mangat the Bridgestone-Ontario Trucking Association Truck Hero Award at their annual conference last week, but Mangat says he's no hero.