Truckers’ confab a capital idea

OTTAWA — What’s harder? Brain surgery or being a dump-truck mechanic?

The answer, of course, is b. Doctors have it easier because nobody re-engineers the human body every five years, like they do diesel engines and PTOs.

So for those of us who have to stay technologically savvy in the heavy-duty truck business, life’s a constant learning curve.

Good thing there’re lots of chances to do so.

Next week, members of the Canadian Transportation and Equipment Association (CTEA) will be gathering in the nation’s capital at the 46th annual Manufacturer’s Conference, and this year’s theme, appropriately enough, is "Capitalize on Change."

The three-day event, centered around the Chateau Laurier with one afternoon given over to a road trip to nearby Algonquin College’s heavy-duty technology department, will serve up a wealth of learning and socializing opportunities.

Workshops include everything from "Trailers of the Future" to "Record Keeping for Vocational Trucks."

You can learn about new emission technologies, compliance regulations and find out about how Canadian Products Law affects your company’s liability.

On hand as one of the guest speakers will be somebody who knows about working in the most severe service environments on the planet, Jean-Francoise Carrey, the youngest Canadian to ever summit Everest.

The CTEA was first formed in 1964 to act as the voice for Canada for Canada’s commercial vocational vehicle manufacturers.

Registration for next week’s event has been brisk, but it’s still not too late to sign up.

For more, click here.