Understanding and managing your insurance costs

In an article in the May issue, Truck News brought to light a number of challenges that owner/operators are facing when it comes to securing insurance at reasonable rates. After reading that article, we felt that it was important to try to...

Regular performance reviews enhance driver behaviours

Every driver’s seat offers the promise of an open road, but it can still be an isolated workplace. Ask any long-haul trucker who leaves a fleet yard for weeks at a time, receiving little or no feedback other than e-mails, text messages...

Incorporation: A tale of two circles

Whenever I’m asked to explain what a corporation is, I start by drawing two circles on my notepad. In one circle, I write the person’s name, in the other, I write “corp.” It’s a simple way to illustrate the point...

Reloaded

LISLE, Ill. – Navistar International has started a new chapter in its long history, rolling out the very first MaxxForce 13 engines with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in its best-selling ProStar tractor.

A new alternative

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Driving along I-80 just outside Sacramento, I’ve got the window down and my ears strained. I’m in a Volvo VNL day cab belonging to Texas-based Martin Transport with a D13 engine under the hood, mated to an...

New study shows heavy trucks boast better safety record than medium-duty trucks

ARLINGTON, Va. -- A new report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) suggests that combining medium- and heavy-duty truck crash statistics drags down the true safety record of the US heavy truck fleet.

More on Shipper-Carrier Collaboration and Freight Bids

In last week’s blog, I shared some ideas from the recent SCL – CITA annual conference on how to improve shipper- carrier collaboration. Various suggestions were proposed by a panel…

Shipper-Carrier Collaboration – How do you make the RFP Process work for Both Parties?

The subject of Shipper-Carrier Collaboration and Freight Bids came up in at least three tracks at this week’s Supply Chain Canada Annual Conference, presented by SCL and Canadian Industrial Transportation…

Schneider National reduces cargo theft rates for sixth straight year

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Schneider National has reported declines in cargo theft rates for the sixth consecutive year. The company’s 2012 security results – including a 40% decline in full-truckload thefts and a 50% reduction in total...

MTO gives 18-month extension for transition to new safety standard

TORONTO, Ont. -- The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has extended the transition period for carriers to comply with National Safety Code Standard 11B "Periodic Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections" until Jan. 1, 2015, the Ontario Trucking...

Up in the air

WHITBY, Ont. – Single-truck owner/operators, particularly those serving niche markets, are finding it more difficult – and much more expensive – to find insurance, thanks to a rapidly changing insurance landscape that’s...

Exploring a dynamic Quebec highway map

MONTREAL, Que. – Old maps get some people cross-eyed with excitement, but dynamic maps, like the one Transports Quebec has on its Web site, are where it’s at for jacked-in truckers. Its route map, updated on March 15, is the most...

The importance of having a support network

So you found that deep desire to make a lifestyle change, then you took it one step further and put a plan together to tackle that change. Doing this filled you with energy and motivation for the first month but you’re discovering that...

Trying to maintain a positive outlook

Taking my own advice, I’m going to be positive this month, so I apologize in advance for any disappointment this may cause.First up, a shout-out to Bison Transport, for listening to their drivers. A friend of mine works there and came...

Important days for private trucking

One of, if not the most important benefits of membership with the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada is the readily available opportunities that such membership provides to learn from experts in a wide variety of fields and from the...