STONEY CREEK, Ont. — Question: "Why do truckers need to know that the Hamilton-area dealership and service center called Metro Freightliner is moving from its Barton Street location to 475 Seaman Street June 1?"

The answer, according to Metro’s congenial sales rep Dan Kowalyshyn: "Our thousands of customers have to know where to go so they can find out everything they need to know about 2010 trucks." He was only partly joking.

Fact is, time is running out for anybody who wants to either buy trucks before they’re equipped with SCR engines. Engines produced after Jan. 1 will have to be built according to EPA 2010 guidelines. You want to be pre-high-tech trucks, now’s the time.

(He’s not alone. The President of Volvo Trucks North America Pers Carlsson told a press conference last week that time’s running out. "If you would like to buy the current technology, you can’t wait that much longer to place an order because the availability will be limited. Twenty 10 is taking over."

But back to Stoney Creek. Kowalyshyn says customers have to know where the dealers are because going to a dealership is a really great way to learn which emission-control system is right for you.

"You’ve got seven months to figure it out, man," he says.

— Editor’s note (and shameless self-promotion): The only known better way to stay abreast of technological changes that affect your business is to read Today’s Trucking Magazine and this website —

Kowalyshyn’s been at the 30-year-old Freightliner dealer for almost a decade and a half. The new location will be upping the shop space from about 27,000 to approximately 40,000 (it’s a 24/7 operation with 27 technicians). There will be nine 120-ft drive-through bays.

Still, Kowalyshyn says the center will have the same easy access to the QEW. "It’s called Seaman Street but it’s really the South Service Road," Kowalyshyn says.

The phone number (1-800-207-5568) and great personnel will remain the same, he adds.