Summer 2023 ATA

Call us: 1-902-452-0345

E-mail us: rob@autoatlantic.com

Mail us:

608 - 56 Jacob Lane Bedford, NS B3M 0H5 Canada

auto & trucking

PUBLISHER

Robert Alfers rob@autoatlantic.com

EDITOR Carter Hammett carter@autoatlantic.com

IT MANAGER

Tyler Graves tyler@autoatlantic.com

DEPARTMENTS

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EDITOR’S LETTER: Michelin some Good News For N.S. Michelin’s $140 million upgrade to its Bridgewater plant is good news for N.S.

TALK OF THE TOWN – Life is a Roundabout Life used to be a highway but the rules have changed says contributor Sean Maddox.

WOMEN AND WHEELS – Mindful Driving: Keeping Your Mind on the Road Mindfulness helps you focus and be aware of your surroundings…so how does it help you on the road? Viveca Steer shines a light on the subject

WOMEN AND WHEELS REDUX – Queen Bee Syndrome

According to Ellen Voie, Queen Bee Syndrome is a derogatory term applied to women who have achieved success in traditionally male-dominated fields and that stings!

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NEWS OF THE WEIRD . . .

Would you believe a license plate with the letter ‘R’ on it sold for 4.3 million? No, neither can we! Compiled and edited by Alexander Johnson.

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THE ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT

Newfoundland disagrees with the Federal Clean Fuel regulations and seeks clarity on how this will impact fuel prices.

FEATURES: APP ATTACK!

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STUCK LOOKING FOR A PARKING SPOT? - Or a charger for your EV?

Carter Hammett says not to worry: we gotcha covered with a round up of the year’s best auto and trucking apps.

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TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY – That is the Question . . . asks Alexander Johnson. Tips and tricks for facilitating the decision-making process.

TO BUY NEW OR USED? Our very own mindful trucking veteran looks at the pros and cons of buying new and used trucks. By Dana Smith.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Contributor Paul D’adamo dessects our attachment to everything inventory.

MUSTANG LOVE - Jay Larue finds himself crowning a pair of princesses with the ardent support of a group of classic car lovers.

ABOVE AND BEYOND The thing about NAPA Carbonear N.L. is the top-notch customer service…every time, writes Kristen Lipscombe.

‘PART OF THE COMMUNITY’ - First NOVUS Glass in Nova Scotia opens its doors to the heart of Hants County – with expansion plans down the road.

MICHELIN SOME GOOD NEWS FOR NOVA SCOTIA . . .

By Carter Hammett

MICHELIN, CANADA INVESTMENT GOOD NEWS FOR NOVA SCOTIA AND ATLANTIC REGION

It was a good news day for Nova Scotia on March 14th as Michelin announced a multimillion dollar investment in its Canadian operations to help meet the global demand for EV tires.

Michelin reports that it plans to spend up to $140 million to upgrade and modernize its plant in Bridgewater N.S.

In addition to securing jobs at the plant, these monies will also help create 70 new positions.

“Michelin is committed to developing the mobility of goods and people and doing so in a cleaner and more sustainable way,” said Alexis Garcin, president and chief executive officer of Michelin North America, Inc. “With these investments, we will do exactly that: continue to add capacity in the most strategic segments of

the tire market to support the transition to electric vehicles and to energy efficient freight transportation, while further reducing the environmental footprint of our products and our plants.”

As part of the deal, the feds are investing up to $44.3 million in federal dollars towards Michelin’s expansion, once a final deal has been reached.

The venerable tire manufacturer will also get a $61.3 million tax credit over five years through the N.S. Capital Investment Tax Credit.

Michelin claims to be the largest private employer in N.S. and that’s most likely accurate since the company employs about 4,000 people in Canada, most of who live in Nova Scotia. There’s also 170

marketing and sales staff across the country in customer service, sales and field support, as well as a further 360 workers living in Ontario and Quebec, employed under the Camso brand.

There’s currently three Michelin plants in Nova Scotia and with the fresh investment, new technologies and equipment will flow into all three production facilities. The monies will enable the firm to produce more energy-efficient tires, including those for EVs.

The announcement followed a tour of the Bridgewater plant that included Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston.

“Nova Scotia is an amazing place to do business and Michelin’s decision to modernize and expand its operations here speaks volumes about our business environment,” said Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston.

“Michelin’s strong commitment to greening their operations aligns with our government’s plan for a clean and green economy, where the environment and Nova Scotians can thrive, and no one is left behind.” “Companies understand the excellence of Canada’s workers and auto sector –and today’s announcement is a testament to that,” Trudeau said in an announcement. “Here in Nova Scotia, we are once again seeing that when we invest in our workers, we build communities and an economy that works for everyone, while leaving a stronger, healthier future for our kids.”

Not to mention the fact that the Atlantic region seems to be making strides when it comes to picking up the EV baton and running with it.

With rapidly growing companies like Upcycle Green Technology Auto Shop in Stratford, P.E.I., which last year built a light truck from a Toyota Corolla, making it completely electric, Maritimers seem to sense that the beat of the future is green and should be proud to be marching in time with it.

APP OUR BEST AUTO & TRUCKING APPS!

ATTACK

A THOROUGHLY UNBIASED LIST OF THE BEST AUTO AND TRUCKING APPS YOU JUST GOTTA HAVE!

By Carter Hammett

I’VE SAID IT BEFORE AND I’LL SAY IT AGAIN: YOUR CAR IS ESSENTIALLY A SMARTPHONE ON WHEELS. AND WITH THAT ARE YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS AS A DRIVER. WE UNDERSTAND YOU WANT TO CUSTOMIZE THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE TO SUIT THOSE UNIQUE NEEDS.

Maybe you want to check the weather or traffic or download some of your favourite music? Stuck for parking? There’s an app for that.

Our list of apps has become an annual tradition here at Auto and Trucking Atlantic.

We’ve tried to do some of the heavy lifting here for you and spare some of the stress ploughing through apps. Some you will recognize and others you won’t.

We’ve tried to avoid apps from specific companies promoting their brands and mixed in automotive with trucking as one app can often benefit the other.

Finally, all of the apps here are available at either low-cost or no cost on both Iphone or Android.

We always have fun compiling this list but the bottom line is that “the chosen ones” have to benefit you the driver.

So, with any further ado, here’s our list of the best apps for 2023 thus far!

1. WAZE

Topping the list once more is Waze. For the uninitiated, Waze uses real-time data from other drivers to offer you the optimal route. It’s frequently updated so you can monitor accidents, traffic jams and can interact with your calendar to give you the 411 on traffic prior to your trip!

Because it uses crowdsourced information, it allows you to make informed decisions while on the road. If there’s a downside it’s that it’s not equipped to provide you with any lane guidance options in its configuration. Aside from that it’s a must-have for most drivers.

2. GAS BUDDY

Making yet another appearance on this year’s list is Gas Buddy. This free app allows you to save money on gas—especially critical these days—and you can search for the nearest gas stations online and compare pricing while also reading reviews from other drivers.

One caveat is that because this info is again crowdsourced you might come across errors if there’s not a lot of people in your area using the program.

This is a small price to pay however for the popularity of this app and its overall accuracy.

3. TURO

One of the criteria for inclusion this year is apps available in Canada and earlier this year Canada’s largest car sharing company expanded to P.E.I. just before the tourism rush

Turo lets drivers rent out their vehicles via an app on their phones. Again, this is a timely service given the difficulties with available car rentals last summer.

Rental hosts in Calgary and Vancouver generated an average monthly income of $1,100 during summer.

4. MIND BEACON

After receiving mixed reviews in its earlier in-car-nation - see what we did there? - MindBeacon relaunched to provide Candians with customized digital mental health care support.

For a number of years, we here at Auto and Trucking Atlantic have been mindful of the trials and stressors faced by longdistance truckers, including the havoc generated by Covid, so we’re always on the lookout for apps that support some of our loneliest drivers.

Interaction with this Canadian app begins with a simple question: How are you feeling today? From there the app launches into a wide range of supports including crisis counselling, access to Kids Help Phone, and other supports best suited to their needs.

The app is best suited for helping people over 16 years old who are experiencing mental health symptoms including panic, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, PTSD, depression and insomnia, among others. It offers therapist-assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy among a range of options.

5. PLUGSHARE

With the increase in sales of electric vehicles, the range of charging stations is gradually expanding into a super network across the country. This free app is a great start for those new to EVs and a reliable reference for charging stations closest to you.

6. MILEIQ

Grade 10 Math was the best three years of my life. And that’s one of the reasons we’re glad to see this new addition to our list this year. MileIQ is great for drivers who find themselves traversing the great expanse of land we call Canada, especially for business purposes, this app helps you to monitor mileage. It uses your

phone’s clock and GPS to track each journey and even records start and stop times in addition to the per kilometer reimbursement rate as well as total kms driven. No more futzing around

offers which may assist you with obtaining the best price.

8. PARKOPEDIA

Back again for another year is Parkopedia, which features parking spots in cities not included by other apps, while also providing data about hours, rates and availability.

with calculations and math, let this app help you give you ease of mind!

7. CARS.COM

It’s difficult to argue with the track record of an app like cars. com Billing itself as the largest car buying site in Canada—and with the shortage of available vehicles out there, this is one app that’s truly needed-- the app offers a plethora of features that enable you to compare prices, survey car dealerships near you and help you identify your needs.

The app is quite user-friendly and allows you to contact dealers directly through the app. There’s tons of useful features including a payment calculator but perhaps the best aspect of it is that it enables you to view dozens of new and used vehicles at local dealerships.

There’s a plethora of offerings on it, but one of our fave features is a tool called On the Lot, which allows you to scope out the inventory of competing local dealers along with their special

And when we give praise to including cities not covered elsewhere, we mean 60 million of ‘em in over 8,000 cities worldwide. There’s no in-app payment feature, and while that’s tough to whine about the sheer volume of info more than compensates for that absence.

9. GOOGLE MAPS

This unique app offers a satellite view that enables you to see a location from overhead. This is great for being able to observe any obstructions among other data that might be useful for drivers. The app also also permits you to see views from a 360 degree perspective, which is similar to what you would see driving a vehicle. Add to that the voice assistance feature, real time traffic updates as well as notifications which businesses are closed and open, it’s tough to be this one.

10. AND FINALLY….THE WEATHER CHANNEL APP

This one’s a bit tricky as that weather guy’s always wrong but for drivers of all stripes making long-distance trips, we like this app because it forecasts weather two weeks in advance. That’s great when plotting routes. The app also provides updates on the weather wherever you happen to be at any given time. And there you have it for another year. We hope this list provides drivers with some useful information about what’s hot and useful. We realize this list is also far from exhaustive so we invite you to share your own favourites. We’re always on the lookout for new and interesting ways of assisting drivers and that includes you.

Safe driving people.

TRUCKING HR CANADA RELEASES LATEST LABOUR MARKET SNAPSHOT

TRUCKING HR CANADA (THRC) RELEASED ITS QUARTERLY LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION SNAPSHOT JUNE 29 WITH THE LATEST DATA SHOWING THAT THE TRUCKING AND LOGISTICS INDUSTRY MAY BE HEADED BACK INTO A TIGHTER LABOUR MARKET, ESPECIALLY FOR DRIVERS.

This full report can be accessed at: https://truckinghr.com/wp-content/up -

loads/2023/06/THRC-LMI-Report-June2023-EN.pdf

HERE ARE SOME KEY FINDINGS FROM THE REPORT:

Employment in trucking and logistics decreased by 4.8% in 2023 compared to 2022 and employment continued to decline from February to April, but increased by 18,200 jobs in May.

Unemployment in trucking and logistics fell from 4.6% in March to 4.1% in May.

Transport Truck driver employment increased steadily over the first five months of 2023, with a total employment of 305,000 by May.

Unemployment among Transport Truck drivers increased to 6.5% in April, but it decreased in May with 3,100 fewer job seekers.

THRC has launched an employer survey to identify the challenges faced by trucking and logistics companies, and support the industry in addressing both ongoing and emerging labour market issues. The English survey can be accessed at: https://survey.alchemer-ca. com/s3/50190508/dd426c0b8f59?utm_ source=QR_Code&utm_medium=spark_ advocacy&utm_campaign=THRC

LIFE IS A ROUNDABOUT . . .

By Sean Maddox

O YOU FEEL ROUNDABOUTS (ROTARIES) ARE THE SOLUTION TO ATLANTIC CANADA’S INTERSECTION ISSUES?

Seems the planners and designers are too young to remember the BrysonLysnes’ chart topper from 1982, the Mic Mac Rotary Blues. It sold 3,000 vinyl copies. People were done with the Mic Mac Rotary. Done. Its legacy captured in song and verse.

The Mic Mac Rotary is just a memory now. I drive that area every day to-andfrom work. No sign of where thousands sat, spewing exhaust, listening to the radio and dreaming of different ways around Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and other towns of the day. I should say I cruise to work; there’s rarely a wait. As noted, the rotary long gone, gone along with Penhorn Mall and other places of my youth. So why all the new roundabouts across Atlantic Canada?

Driving the highway to Charlottetown with the city on the horizon, fields of green around, suddenly l must gear down, and figure out which exit to use. Why? I had

Dentered another of Prince Edward Island’s roundabouts. Fourteen and growing is what the local papers have reported. Why all these roundabouts? P.E.I. is not alone in bringing back the roundabout. From Amherst to Pictou, Calais to Edmunston, and many other areas you will find them popping up. Some like the one at Wake Up Hill in Marriot’s Cove, N.S. are fun and beautiful to drive. This being one roundabout where I do recommend taking the posted speed seriously. It’s not just roundabouts for cars and trucks either: bike and pedestrian roundabouts are being used in Atlantic Canada too.

I started thinking about these changes when the first idea for a story this issue popped into my head. I was researching where the worst intersections in the Atlantic provinces were located. People shared a few locations, including my mother’s favourite: Halifax’s Willow Tree. Hampton N.B. made the list due to the dangers presented at the intersection of William Bell Drive, Highway 100 and Lakeside Road for years, as did Dartmouth’s FiveCorners; but not enough to turn out a 500 word column. Then I realized that many of those traditionally dangerous intersections from the past had been replaced by bridges, and more recently, roundabouts.

What we all take for granted as a safe, effective roundabout has gone through decades of trial- and-error. The first recognized use of roundabouts is the Circus in

Bath, England built back in 1768; based on architectural considerations not for traffic flows leading to congestion. One of the first in roundabouts in North America is the Columbus Circle in Manhattan, N.Y.C.: Beautiful views of historic Manhattan all around. The world’s largest, measuring a whopping 3.5 km, is the Persian Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah or Putrajaya Roundabout as it is known, in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The Putrajaya Roundabout has a whopping 15 entry /exit points.

Since its rebirth in the 1960s to help address North America’s high rates of traffic and collisions, the modern roundabout has proven effective. The modern roundabout, started improving when engineers and other planners started improving the design for current traffic loads and city planning. The versions today have evolved to improve both safety and traffic flow. Some are critical for the flow of millions of cars, trucks and people every day.

The question that comes to most Canadians minds when the discussion of rotaries pops up is how to drive them correctly. Remember back when it was normal in N.S. for drivers to take turns entering the rotary? I do. It was crazy; even captured in movies, documentaries and television shows. Many accidents caused when drivers expecting to have the right of way once in the loop, crashed into a car thinking it had the go.

Oh, the memories.

SINCE BEING REINTRODUCED IN THE 1960S ROUNDABOUTS HAVE BEEN A BOON FOR PLANNERS A BANE FOR DRIVERS. SEAN MADDOX REFLECTS ON THE EVOLUTION OF A TRAFFIC CONTROL INSTRUMENT THAT DIVIDES DRIVERS LIKE NO OTHER.

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY . . . THAT IS THE QUESTION

THE SUPPLY CHAIN FIASCO HAD AN INDELIBLE IMPACT ON THE AVAILA-

By Alexander Johnson

ARE YOU THINKING OF BUYING A DIFFERENT CAR AND WONDERING

WHETHER A NEW OR USED CAR IS YOUR BEST OPTION?

The two options are not simply if you liked your sibling’s hand-me-down jeans. A used car will be good for you, and if you like new gadgets, a new car is better for you. There’s a lot more than that. From overall costs to selections, there is a significant difference between the two.

The price of used cars may have gone up since the pandemic, but that has not stopped their popularity due to their significantly lower cost. A new car depreciates by 20% in its first year of use and 10% per year afterwards. Seeing as the car has passed its heaviest days of depreciation may make it a much more attractive purchase. However, according to a sales manager at Erin Mills Acura in Mississauga, O.N., the buyer should ensure that there is a large enough price keif the price difference isn’t significant, it may be a better investment to buy a new car.

Remember the disappointment as a child when that limited edition toy was no longer being sold? Well, one of the benefits of choosing from used cars is being able to find those discontinued models. Whether you think that the new line is ugly, or you just wanted the 2019 version more, you can be like Cher and Turn Back Time.

Even better, whatever car you purchase comes with everything in it for no

extra money. So, whether it may be heated seats or an upgraded speaker to blast your favourite song as you celebrate your new purchase, you’ll get it all.

New cars may depreciate immediately, but they come with many benefits that can keep you smiling. New cars are considered “perfect”. When buying them you will be getting something that no one has sneezed in, spilled coffee in, or left sweaty hockey equipment in yet. A lack of history on the streets means a longer life for the car and less immediate maintenance costs. Unlike used cars (which rarely have warranties or have one created by the original owner) you are buying the warranty for the new car, allowing you to make decisions on what you would and would not like to be part of the package.

and a new look, many elements of new cars are fully customizable at purchase. From interior colours and materials, to exterior sunroofs; a Honda Civic could be a Batmobile. Remember that customizing may be expensive though, as some things can cost north of $5000.

The difficult decision between used and new cars often leaves car shoppers stuck, but if you love the past and are willing to take what you can get to enjoy the fact that depreciation has taken place, a used car is for you. If you like the reliability element and the customization as well as chosen warranty and new model features than a new car is for you. A final thought: the average Canadian buys a different vehicle every 11 years. With the information that you now have, I ask you:

Searching for the car that contains all your desired accessories will not be necessary when buying a new vehicle. Along with the newest safety features, software,

BILITY OF USED CARS, MAKING THEM AS RARE TO FIND AS AN EFFICIENT CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. OUR CONTRIBUTOR LOOKS AT THE PROS AND CONS OF BUYING NEW VS. USED VEHICLES!

MINDFUL DRIVING - KEEPING YOUR MIND ON THE ROAD

OUR CONTRIBUTOR SHOWS US HOW MINDFULNESS CAN HELP TURN THOSE TERRIBLE STATISTICS AROUND.

By Vivica Steer

ACCORDING TO TRANS -

PORT CAN -

ADA’S NATIONAL COLLISION DATABASE, DISTRACTED DRIVING CONTRIBUTED TO OVER 20% OF CANADA’S FATAL AUTO ACCIDENTS AND NEARLY 30% OF SERIOUS INJURY COLLISIONS IN A SINGLE RECENT YEAR.

Driving can be quite tedious and exhausting particularly when a driver has to spend many hours behind the wheel over long distances. Being alert and mindful as one drives is not only essential but can help to save lives. Driving mindfully is a strategy that drivers can engage to help with improving health and safety practices when having to drive long distances.

Spending days, weeks, and even months on the open road is practically the life of long-haul truckers. Their vehicle is not only their source of income, but serves as a temporary home as well.

“Find a job you enjoy doing and you will never work a day in your life” –Mark Twain.

Many who engage in the occupation of driving love and enjoy it. The nature of the job, however, can be characterized by loneliness, social isolation, depression, occupational stress, substance misuse,

and health-related issues among others. Driving mindfully is a practice that can help to bring some joy to the occupation.

The Center for Health and Communication at the Harvard School of Public Health, published an article on practicing mindful driving. The writers mentioned studies have shown that when a driver’s mind is focused on non -driving related activities, the driver’s brain may not react to what the eyes see on the road ahead. In essence, a distracted driver may be looking straight ahead but fails to see what is in direct view. The article refers to this as “inattention blindness.”

As a driver, there have been countless times when travelling a familiar stretch of road that I did not realize I had passed particular landmarks until quite a distance ahead and at that point wondering when did I get here, or asking myself, at what point did I pass a particular place? This typically happens when the mind is not where the body is at the same point in time. It’s therefore imperative that a driver seeks to be present as much as possible, and mindful driving can help in that regard.

Mindful driving is being present, alert, and aware during the process of operating a vehicle. The following is a guide to help a driver practice mindful driving.

1. START BY TAKING FIVE DEEP BREATHS

Notice the rhythm of your breath as you breathe at a normal pace

2. FOCUS ON WHAT IS ON YOUR MIND

Give yourself permission to set

aside any thoughts

3. NOTICE THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU

Glance at whatever vehicle is behind you too

4. NOTICE THE SPEED AT WHICH YOU ARE DRIVING

5. SHIFT YOUR BODY GENTLY IN YOUR SEAT

Notice sensations from the vibration of the vehicle in your hands and feet. Check in with sensations in your shoulders, back, stomach, thighs etc., and relax each

6. CHECK REARVIEW MIRRORS

7. NOTICE VEHICLE(S) IF ANY, THAT PASS BY YOU

8. NOTICE THE TERRAIN AS IT PASSES YOU BY

9. NOTICE THE RHYTHM OF YOUR BREATH

Repeat and continue this process as necessary particularly if you are feeling weary and fatigued.

Mindfulness helps you to be more focused and aware of your surroundings and what is happening within your body. It helps with relaxation and stress reduction, and can be quite helpful for drivers who have to spend lengthy periods on the road. So, choose safety always, be cautious and minimize risks. Be mindful during your travels because the job you do is important to us all.

Reference: Feldscher, A. K. G. (2022, May 3). Heads-up for safety: Practice mindful driving. Center for Health Communication.

Vivica Steer, in partnership with Spectrum Therapeutic Solutions, holds an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, NB and a B.A. in guidance and Counselling – minor; Applied Behaviour Analysis, from Jamaica Theological Seminary, Kingston, Jamaica.

BRAKE SAFETY WEEK AUGUST 20-26

THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETY ALLIANCE BRAKE SAFETY WEEK WILL FOCUS ON BRAKE LINING/PAD VIOLATIONS AND IS SET FOR AUG. 20-26, 2023.

During Brake Safety Week, commercial motor vehicle inspectors highlight the importance of brake systems by conducting inspections of their components and removing trucks with brake-related out-of-service violations from roadways until those violations are corrected. Throughout Brake Safety Week, CVSA-certified inspectors will conduct their usual inspections. In addition, they will be reporting brake-related inspection and violation data to CVSA.

Check CVSA’s vehicle inspection checklist for details on the brake portion of a Level I and Level V Inspection.

Download the 2023 Brake Safety Week flyer for 10 tips on keeping your brake lining/ pad healthy.

• View the inspection procedures.

• View previous brake-safety

• campaign results.

• Check the latest inspection bulletins.

Currently, there are eight in the brakes category. Inspection bulletins provide important information to augment the existing inspection program.

Brake Safety Week is part of CVSA’s Operation Airbrake Program. The goal is to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems on commercial motor vehicles by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, owner-operators, and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance, and operation.

TO BUY NEW OR USED?

A TRUCKING VETERAN LOOKS AT THE PROS AND CONS OF BUYING A NEW OR USED TRUCK AND ADVISES ACCORDINGLY.

By Dana Smith

BECOMING AN OWNEROPERATOR

SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING EVERY NEW PROFESSIONAL DRIVER DREAMS ABOUT AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. BEING AN OWNER SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT THING. THE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP IS SECOND TO NONE.

However, there are a lot of things to think about before you do. Getting experience is the first thing that needs to be done before anything. There is nothing

like real life experience. The “been theredone that” scenario. This will prepare you for ownership down the road.

As a company driver, you have the ability to keep track of the expenses and costs of the truck you operate. This will be a huge eye opener for you. This will give you real time costs and usages of what a truck can cost if you own it. You will experience breakdowns, and understand how those breakdowns affect your bottom line. When your truck breaks down, find out why, and what was done to fix the issue. Then research how much that would cost to repair it. You will find a wealth of knowledge by using the internet and/ or asking owners themselves. They are pretty forthcoming about costs.

There is a saying out there to keep in mind, “you are either earning or learning”. Use this time to learn everything you can.

So, now you have been driving for five years and have been learning all you can about trucking and the costs associated with it. Now you have decided to become an owner-operator. Remember that you will now transition from a company driver to being a business owner/driver. You must think as a business owner-driver in order to be successful. This requires you to think differently. Obviously you need the equipment to do the job, along with setting up your business, and also need to find work for the truck you plan to purchase.

Make sure the work you are planning on doing is the work you actually like doing. Otherwise you may not last long at it. If you are doing work you don’t like, it will become very stressful to continue that work. Because you are leased to a carrier, you either will have no choice to

continue, or leave for another carrier. This will add costs to your business every time you jump ship. Not only physically, but mentally as well.

Finding work is the easy part these days, as every company out there is looking for drivers and/or owners. But beware, not all deals are the same, or are good for your business. Do your due diligence and research. Ask a lot of questions.

Moving forward, you have found work for a truck. Now that you know what type of work you will be doing, you will be able to spec out the right truck you need, and can make the decision as to whether to buy new, or used. This is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Most people want the big flashy truck that looks and sounds nice, but remember, you aren’t out there to be cool and flashy. You are out there to make money, and have a successful business for years to come.

There is a trade off when deciding to buy a new or used truck. Here are a few of the pros and cons of both:

PROS & CONS OF BUYING NEW:

Typically when buying new, you can get a lower interest rate and a full war-

ranty. / It is expected that because the truck is new, you will not have any issues with it for a while (This couldn’t be farther from the truth). / You can usually negotiate a maintenance program for the deal, so the dealer will look after the smaller things for you for a period of time. / You will typically need a larger down payment on a new truck. / You can spec the truck exactly for what you need it to do.

Newer trucks are way more expensive than a used one. A new truck can depreciate as much as 40% after the initial purchase. Can you afford to buy a new truck? Your new truck will get a better mpg rating, which will put more money in your pocket. There is the depreciation tax deduction to consider to offset taxes.

PROS & CONS OF BUYING USED:

You could be buying someone else’s problems. / You will get a less expensive truck, and have lower start up costs. / Easier to get into the business buying used. / You may not have any warranty on the truck. / Breakdowns will be more frequent and costly. / Your insurance costs are typically lower with a used truck. / Trucking companies typically will only

take trucks that are no older than 7 years old when starting out. / The truck you buy could be worn out, and worth nothing by the time you pay for it.

Remember when starting out as an owner, make sure you have a cash reserve of at least $15-20 thousand on hand in case something unexpected happens, and/or to pay yourself a wage for the first month of operation. Otherwise you could find yourself stuck in a pinch.

Of course there are many other things to do before you start your own trucking company, such as setting up and registering your business with the government, registering for HST, and having an accountant and banker at your disposal in case anything goes wrong. For repairs and maintenance on your truck, you will need a trusted mechanic, unless you’re mechanically inclined and can do the work yourself.

So at the end of the day, if you’re deciding to become an owner-operator, please make sure you do your research into buying new or used before you get into a hole you can’t get out of.

To read more of Dana’s stories, visit: themindfultrucker.com.

EV EXPERIENCE TOUR

PRINCE EDWARD ISLANDERS CAN TRY OUT AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE THIS SUMMER IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE PROVINCE.

WITH THE HELP OF SAFE DRIVERS PEI, STAFF WITH THE PROVINCE’S NET ZERO OFFICE WILL BE OFFERING INFORMATION ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES, FINANCIAL INCENTIVES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO DRIVE ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN JULY AND AUGUST.

Anyone signing up for an EV driving training session can choose to enter a draw to win an e-bike (valued at approximately $1,500)

Register for your drive in advance through Safe Drivers PEI. You can stop by the events for information and to chat with staff.

• August 4 – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. -

Canadian Center for Climate Change and Adaptation St. Peter’s Bay

• August 12 – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. –Access PEI on Riverside Drive in Charlottetown

• August 25 – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. –Access PEI in Summerside

What are the benefits of driving an EV? There are environmental, health and economic benefits to driving an EV.  Burning fossil fuels (like gas or diesel) produces GHG emissions and impacts our air quality.  Driving an EV is one way to reduce GHG emissions from transportation and, at the same time, improve our air quality.

It is cheaper to charge an EV battery compared to purchasing a tank of gasoline or diesel.

EVs also have less maintenance requirements than vehicles with gas powered engines.  For example, EV’s don’t require oil changes and EVs only have around 20 moving parts compared to about 2,000 in a gas powered vehicle.

It is also free to register an EV in Prince Edward Island, a cost savings of $100 annually, and the province offers half-price registration for hybrid vehicles.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE INCENTIVE

Government of Prince Edward Island is offering the most generous electric vehicle (EV) incentive in Canada by providing $5,000 to Islanders who purchase a new or used EV. Government is also offering $2,500 to those who buy a plug-in hybrid.

Questions about the Universal Electric Vehicle Incentive? Visit the electric vehicle incentive page or email evincentive@gov.

pe.ca (link sends e-mail )

WHERE CAN I CHARGE AN EV ON PEI?

Most people who own EVs will usually charge their vehicle at home through the night.  If you need to charge your vehicle elsewhere, there are charging stations located across PEI.  Some of these stations are located at public spaces while others are at businesses.  Through the Natural Resource Canada’s Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, six level 3 (fast charging) stations were installed across PEI.  These stations are located in:

• O’Leary

• Summerside

• Borden-Carleton

• Charlottetown

• Wood Islands

• Souris

Plugshare maintains a map of charging stations around the world. Visit Plugshare (link is external) to see where you can charge in PEI. [Disclaimer: this PlugShare link is provided for information purposes only – this information is not the responsibility of the Government of Prince Edward Island but rather the third party noted in the link above].

QUEEN BEE SYNDROME

By Ellen Voie

SIXTEEN

YEARS AGO, WHEN WOMEN IN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION WAS FORMED, THE RESPONSE FROM THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY WAS POSITIVE.

They were more interested in using an untapped resource (women) to fill seats (both board seats and truck seats) than hiring women in particular but increasing the ranks of women was a welcome solution.

The typical comment from carriers was that they just hired the best person, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity.

However, they weren’t as sensitive to how the trucking industry environment didn’t embrace the challenges women faced when they tried to fit into a male populated workplace.

In the past, trucks were designed for men, showers and truck stop facilities were designed for men, and even the uniforms were meant to fit men.

Women were eager to adapt to the workforce and wore the men’s shirts, asked a friend to monitor the shower and used pillows on the seat in order to see over the dash in the truck.

Without power steering or power brakes, the job was strenuous, but women were up to the challenge.

Some of the women who entered the trucking industry decades ago were tough and deflected any harassment from their male counterparts.

These women worked hard to fit in and to not receive any attention for being a woman in trucking.

In fact, their goal was to do their job and to not be noticed.

Some of them have turned into Queen Bees.    They clearly do not support or accept the women who are entering the industry today.  In fact, they are resentful of the changes this generation has worked for to make trucking a more gender diverse industry.

For example, one of our Image Team members was advocating for healthier food options at truck stops and convenience stores.  Some of the more seasoned

female drivers gave her a hard time for being concerned with something they felt was insignificant.

However, if our drivers (both men and women) want healthier food choices, then they should feel free to voice their opinion.

So, what is a Queen Bee and why are they detrimental to the trucking industry?  According to Wikipedia, a Queen Bee is, “a derogatory term applied to women who have achieved success in traditionally male-dominated fields.

These women often take on “masculine” traits and distance themselves from other women in the workplace to succeed.

They may also view or treat subordinates more critically if they are female and refuse to help other women rise up the ranks as a form of self-preservation.”

Why is this important to the trucking industry?  When we approach seasoned drivers and ask them to consider joining the Women In Trucking Association, the

response I get from these women is typically, “You weren’t here for me when I started in this industry, why should I support you?”

My response is always to acknowledge their contribution to the industry and to ask them to share their wisdom with the women entering the industry for the first time.  This usually works, as they want to be acknowledged for their efforts.

The take-away is that we need to honour and elevate the women who have been in the trucking industry for decades. They were trailblazers and should be recognized for their efforts.

As more women enter the trucking industry it will change and the pioneers who paved the way for today’s female drivers should be thanked and appreciated.

To all of the Queen Bees in the trucking industry, we are grateful and ask for your insight in making the environment better for the next generation of female drivers.

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

BITS AND BYTES OF THE BIZARRE AND STRANGE GATHERED FROM AROUND THE WEB SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . . YER WELCOME!

Compiled and edited by Alexander Johnson

BUILD YOUR OWN SMALLEST CAR IN THE WORLD WITH THIS DIY KIT

If you’re old enough to have watched the old version of Top Gear, you might remember the episode where Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond made automotive history as they featured the world’s smallest production car, the Peel P50. In that short film, Clarkson took the tiny three-wheeler inside the BBC headquarters in London, England and even managed to go into an elevator, while driving the Isle of Manmade microcar.

Originally built in the early 1960s and marketed as having space for, “one adult and one shopping bag,” the Peel P50 measured 54 inches (137 cm) long and 39 in (99 cm) wide. Only 47 were ever produced with less than 30 surviving today.

In the early 2010s, two businessmen revived the company and started offering hand-built replicas of the original, fitting them with either gasoline or electric power sources. Prices start at £10,379 ($12,700) for the base do-it-yourself kit that comes with a 2 kW motor, a battery that provides up to 50 miles of range, and everything else you need for a working, drivable, street-legal vehicle.

There’s also a Turbo version of the electric P.50, which comes with a slightly more powerful, 5.76 kW motor that ups the top speed from 30 miles per hour to 50 mph. The gasoline variant can be equipped with engines ranging from 49 cubic centimeters (cc) to 125 cc, but the company is advising customers to stick to smaller-sized engines so that the microcars can be registered and used as mopeds or light motorcycles.

Building a P.50 at home takes about 50 hours and you only need basic hand tools, as it’s a simple vehicle with few components. Enthusiasts that don’t want to get their hands dirty can order a factory-built unit, but the price goes up accordingly, with an MSRP of £13,972 ($17,000) for a base electric P.50

We know catalytic converter theft is completely out of control, especially for Prius owners in Los Angeles, but to

THIEVES STEAL OSCAR MEYER WIENERMOBILE CATALYTIC CONVERTER

hear that someone stole one off the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile is just a little too much. What’s next, sawing the batwings off the Batmobile? It’s just not right. Leave the Wienermobile alone.

Coming in at 27 feet-long and looking like a giant hot dog, the Wienermobile attracts a lot of attention. Unfortunately, as it was parked in a hotel lot overnight in Las Vegas on February 10, 2023, that attention left someone with the opportunity to hack off part of the wiener.

This wiener assault highlights the heartlessness of catalytic converter thieves. Considering the vehicle has a nice tall ride height and plenty of ground clearance, getting under it to use a Sawzall for some surgery would be temptingly easy.

Whoever did this crime was an absolute butcher. They didn’t just take the catalytic converter, they chopped off sensors and other bits from the Wienermobile’s exhaust system, making replacing everything more difficult and costly.

Catalytic converter thieves don’t seem to care who they hurt. In search of easy money as they chop converters off vehicles and sell them on the black market for big money, they have become a problem in many cities; although some have it worse than others.

There are all kinds of security devices sold on the aftermarket with the aim of deterring or slowing down anyone who wants to cut off a vehicle’s catalytic converter.

We can’t endorse any of them because we don’t know how well they actually work. One thing we do know, is a lot of people are frustrated about this crime

spree, including Oscar Meyer.

APPARENTLY THERE ARE CHEVY SSR BARN FINDS NOW

There’s no doubt that the Chevy SSR was one of the strangest and most unique vehicles made in modern times. While we can debate all day long about whether it’s a sports car, truck, or modern hotrod, what would you say about seeing it in a dusty barn find-condition listed for sale on eBay?

According to the listing, a 2005 Chevy SSR in Slingshot Yellow is a “time capsule.” Apparently now cars which rolled off the assembly line just 18 years ago qualify for this so very overused term. Things get even weirder when the listing mentions this SSR has only been driven 950 miles with documentation to back that odometer reading up. Keep in mind the breakin period for these things is 500 miles, so this thing has clearly past this limit.

The Chevy may be dirty, but the body looks about as perfect as can be. Same goes for the interior. So if you’re really into the SSR and want one that’s pretty much like they were straight off the dealer lot, this one might have been your best bet.

Of course, getting something with such low miles was going to cost you. The listing price was a steep $49,875.

In case you don’t know, SSRs typically don’t fetch a hefty price on the market, but then again most have far more miles than this one. The auction of the dusty, low mileage vehicle lasted just 12 Days, so if you were looking for a 2005 Chevy SSR in Slingshot Yellow, sorry but the farm-found vehicle is gone.

A LICENCE PLATE WITH ONLY THE LETTER ‘R’ ON IT JUST SOLD FOR $4.3 MILLION

To most, registering for a car license plate is a swift and relatively inexpensive process. In Hong Kong, a licence plate that only has the letter “R” was sold for about $25.5 million HKD or $4.3 million CAD at a Lunar New Year auction organized by the Hong Kong Transport Department on February 12, 2023 according to an announcement by the agency.

The winning bid for the plate was 5,100 times the reserve price which was around $5,000 HKD and represented more than 80% of the total auction.

Citing registration plate dealers who spoke to the media prior to the auction, the South China Morning Post reported that the license plate “R” was expected to net at least $10 million HKD. The dealers attributed the large sum to the association of the letter with racing cars and a lucky number in Chinese fortune-telling.

Surprisingly, this bid is not the record high in the city. On February 11, 2023, transport secretary, Lam Sai-hung, shared the rankings of the most expensive license plates auction in Hong Kong. The list showed a license plate with a “W” sold for $4.4 million CAD in 2021. He added that the sale of personalized license plates had gotten the government almost $104 million CAD since 2006. The quest for novelty car plates is not limited to Hong Kong though. According to Luxe Digital, a rare California license plate with the letters “MM” became the most expensive novelty car plate sold in the world at a price of $32.8 million CAD in 2021

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

A SHORT STORY ABOUT EMOTIONAL TIES WITH OUR INVENTORY

By Paul D’Adamo

way as to support your Part Evaluation Report, which lists your most valuable parts in priority order.

I am amazed at how many yards I visit where you have to climb over parts on the floor between the shelves to try and retrieve a part. The same holds true for your employees, which might explain all the MIAs you get when a part is sold, but it can’t be found.

Between what I have seen with my eyes and what I have seen doing deep dives on customer inventory records, we are clearly sitting on some old stock, which is, in many cases, duplicates, triplicates, and beyond, taking up valuable space for decades!

“It’s gonna sell someday” is a refrain I often hear. One gentleman told me, “We

Suppose motors and transmissions account for 40-50% of your sales. In that case, you should have the equivalent amount of space dedicated to those part types and keep a revolving audit on those shelves to divest yourself of the dead wood regularly. One habit that should be eliminated immediately is stocking shelves with parts that have been returned. I understand the temptation to shelve the part since the vehicle may be gone, but I would pay close attention to your sales history as I think

sell those older parts all the time.” In this case, he was sitting on over 1,000 parts that had been in inventory for over ten years. He might sell a few of the older parts, but he isn’t selling the older parts like he thinks he is. What is the equivalent in years for parts in stock for 9,999 days? Answer 27 years. Keep this in mind, our days in inventory meter only has four digits, so the clock likely stopped meaning the parts have probably been on the shelf a lot longer than that.

Why am I making such a big deal of this situation? Because I visit many yards and when someone tells me they don’t have any space. . .I literally want to cry. Remember, my crew and I, cleaned out Bill’s Auto Parts, and there were parts in the building for 40 years. I’m still hacking up dust from 1940. Been there, done that, and I barely got a t-shirt. Space is the ultimate commodity in our business. No one has an unlimited supply of it, but it should be lean and organized in such a

you might be better off without that part.

I hate to mention the “H” word, but hoarding has been, and probably always will be, a part of this industry. It’s just so hard to ditch something we have so much invested in. “I love you darling and will never give you up . . .never, ever, never said the counterman to the front wiper motor from the 1960 Belair. We will be together for life”. All laughs aside; we need to purge!! We also need to stock parts that have quick and consistent turns, and we need to do this now.

For the parts hoarders out there, Happy Anniversary!

I am not a core expert, but a recycler working at a core company. This has advantages because I have become the recycler’s “inside guy”. Let’s put a laser focus on your inventory in 2023.

How Can You Improve Your Core Program? Contact me at pdadamo@coresupply.com or call my cell # 401-458-9080. Let’s make change together.

I’M CURIOUS TO KNOW HOW POPULAR PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS WERE IN THE 80S; WE MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER DRAWING ONE UP WITH OUR INVENTORY.

THE ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT

NEWS AND VIEWS COLLECTED FROM AROUND THE ATLANTIC REGION SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

NEW BRUNSWICK Annual traffic safety awareness campaign underway

With construction season now underway, the provincial government and its industry partners are reminding motorists to slow down, heed posted speed limits, and exercise caution when driving in and around construction zones.

“New Brunswick highways are especially busy in the summer months with people travelling across the province.” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Jeff Carr. “By following road and speed reduction signs in construction zones, motorists can ensure their own safety as well as that of our workers.”

The annual campaign includes the New Brunswick Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, WorksafeNB and the New Brunswick Construction Safety Association.

“Everyone has a role to play when it comes to safety,” said Tom McGinn, executive director of the New Brunswick Road

Builders and Heavy Construction Association. “This campaign is an important annual reminder to the travelling public to respect our construction zones and construction workers. By obeying construction signage and reducing their speed, motorists can assure they are not putting someone’s life at risk.”

The campaign will include messages distributed through social media and on the radio.

Each year, hundreds of people work at summer construction projects on provincial roads. For safety reasons, speed limits are lowered in constructions zones. Drivers in New Brunswick are reminded if they get caught speeding in highway construction zones they face double the minimum fine.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR Provincial Government Disagrees with Federal Clean Fuel Regulations

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has significant concerns

that the Government of Canada’s proposed clean fuel regulations, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, fail to address the province’s unique geography and economy and will disproportionately cause economic harm to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and the Atlantic region as a whole.

Consequently, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is requesting that the Government of Canada delay implementation of the clean fuel regulations until a plan can be developed to address the disproportionate impact of the regulations on Atlantic Canadians, as expressed by the Council of Atlantic Premiers on May 25, 2023 and reiterated on June 12, 2023 and again on June 23, 2023.

The Provincial Government is calling on the Government of Canada to provide clarity as to how the clean fuel regulations will impact the price of gasoline and diesel. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has found that these regulations will result in increased costs for Newfoundlanders and

Labradorians by up to 17 cents per litre for gasoline and 16 cents per litre for diesel by 2030. This is on top of the federal carbon tax imposed on a number of products including gasoline, diesel, and home heating fuel.

While the Provincial Government is aligned with the Government of Canada’s commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change and becoming net-zero carbon emitting by 2050, imposing clean fuel regulations will further burden residents and businesses experiencing the pressures of a higher cost of living. These regulations will require suppliers to lower the carbon intensity of gasoline and diesel fuels, resulting in increased costs for consumers.

The fundamental issues in Newfoundland and Labrador include its geography and associated logistical challenges, energy security constraints, and limited transportation options. When the current renewable fuels regulations came into force (now being replaced by the clean fuel regulations), the Government of Canada acknowledged the province’s unique situation and exempted it from those regulations. The reasons for this original exemp-

lower greenhouse gas emissions, as outlined in the backgrounder below.

“While the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to support measures and progress toward net zero carbon emissions, we are concerned with the cumulative cost impacts and investment uncertainty associated with introducing multiple federal regulations and measures at the same time. Marine Atlantic, for example, could see an impact of up to $8 million a year in additional costs resulting from the implementation of both carbon tax and clean fuel regulations, which will result in increased costs for customers and commercial traffic,” said the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

NOVA SCOTIA Government Supports Public Transportation Across Province

People across Nova Scotia will have better service to get where they need to go, when they need to go there, with provincial funding for public transportation services.

The government is investing more than $5.1 million to help municipalities

nity activities.

Twenty-nine municipalities and community organizations across the province will receive funding this fiscal year.

“Pictou County Transit returned to service after a 25-year hiatus thanks to capital and operational grants from the Province of Nova Scotia, and support from the towns of Stellarton and New Glasgow. The service is proving extremely popular, and we are also looking at possible expansion to other communities. This support will help ensure Pictou County Transit is able to operate sustainably well into the future,” said Danny MacGillivray, Executive Director, CHAD Transit.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Off-highway vehicle access expands in Evangeline

The off-highway vehicle pilot project is expanding in the Evangeline region to improve safe travel between designated trails.

ATVs will have access to more portions of provincial highways to link sections of the PEI ATV Federation’s trail system in Evangeline.

“This additional 32 kilometers of access in Evangeline is another step to helping ATV riders travel safely through their designated trail system. I am pleased to collaborate with the PEI ATV Federation on safe and legal trail access. We are also examining the Federation’s proposal on annual ATV registrations.”

- Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Ernie Hudson

The pilot project to allow ATVs on low traffic, unpaved roads started in 2021 with the intent to use these sections of roads as connectors to current and future ATV trails across the province.

The PEI ATV Federation makes recommendations on which roads to allow ATV riders to connect to their existing trails. The roads are then assessed by government to ensure there are no environmental, maintenance or safety concerns.

tion have not changed.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has addressed its concerns repeatedly with the Government of Canada. Information regarding the Government of Canada’s clean fuel regulations, established under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, are available here.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to addressing climate change, and has implemented a number of climate change initiatives to

and community organizations purchase vehicles, support operations and planning and make transportation more accessible.

Public transit and community transportation organizations provide an invaluable service by bringing people together and making our communities better places to live said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “Our job to make sure they have what they need to provide Nova Scotians with the options they need to get to work, attend medical appointments, get groceries, go to school or participate in commu-

Adding the 32 kilometers of access in Evangeline brings the total road access to 46 kilometers. New signage will identify the portion of the highway that permits off-highway vehicles. ATV access will be allowed when the new routes are published in the Royal Gazette on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

In the pilot road areas, off-highway vehicles must follow the same rules as cars, trucks and other motorized vehicles as set out in the Highway Traffic Act and its regulations, unless otherwise stated in the Off-Highway Vehicle Act regulations.

MUSTANG LOVE

TROUBLED TWINS REBOUND AS PARADE PRINCESSES AFTER LIFE-SAVING SURGERY AND ARDENT SUPPORT FROM A GANG OF COMMUNITY CLASSIC CAR LOVERS

By Jay Larue

WHEN YOU REALLY GET DOWN TO IT DOESN’T EVERYONE, ON SOME LEVEL, OR ANOTHER, LOVE A FORD MUSTANG?

This iconic car, owing very largely to the insight and forward thinking of one time Ford Motor Company executive Lee Iacocca, has been a consistent and ongoing flagship of Ford, since the birth of the Mustang in 1964. And interest has never waned. In fact, the mystique and love of Mustangs is well represented from the young to the young at heart! They’ve been around for 59 years and counting, so it’s no wonder the Ford Mustang has been so widely received and impacted all cultures and eras.

And when I speak of young persons loving Ford Mustangs I’m talking as young

as 10 years old! Twins Sophia and Kaleigh Kendall are two very special little ladies. Born on July 4th, 2013, these identical twins were born completely incapable of breathing. Sophia, actually went 45 minutes without breathing. Kaleigh, 18 minutes.

LET THAT SINK IN FOR A MINUTE.

According to their mother, a type of “webbing” that was approximately four mm in thickness was fused to their vocal cords, impeding their ability to breathe. This was a birth defect that almost cost the girls their lives. An emergency tracheotomy was performed on each girl. This is the only reason they are alive today. And the fact that they survived is nothing shy of a mind boggling! Today, the girls are trachdependent. Each twin has a trach device over their throat, which acts as a kind of voice box. The girls speak very softly (almost like a whisper) and one must really

listen intently to understand what they are saying. Trach-dependent living does offer a bit of adversity for the girls and their parents, even to this day. For example, before each girl naps, or sleeps, it is necessary to have them connected to a heart monitor so that their parents can monitor their pulse and breathing.

Despite an unfathomably stressful beginning for the twins’ family, the girls are thriving! Just one short month ago, they were freed from the feeding tubes that were necessary for their nourishment and are now eating on their own. They are doing well in school and are about to enter grade four in September. Their social development is very active and according to their mother, each girl has even experienced their first crush!

And both girls are car fans, particularly Mustangs and Lamborghini models. It is with this in mind that their parents posted on a local community group, ask-

MUSTANG BANDITS, L-R. KAREN LERUE, JAY LERUE, SOPHIA KENDALL, BILL KENDALL, ASHER KENDALL AND KALEIGH KENDAL

ing if anyone with either a Mustang or a Lamborghini would be willing to pay the girls a visit, on, or near their birthday, July fourth. So, as I was outside, puttering around with my own Mustang, my wife Karen approached me and insisted I read the post that Sophia and Kaleigh’s mother Asher, had made. I read the posting and reached out to her immediately.

Let me introduce you to my FB Mustang group. We are Mustang Bandits. We formed in June 2023 and we have a simple credo at heart: Have fun, enjoy life and do good for others, when and where possible. We heard back from the twins’ mother and because the Mustang Bandits were taking part in the Canada Day Pa-

rade through Sackville, we asked if we could make them a part of this occasion. We got a resounding, “YES!” Plans went into effect immediately between myself and parade marshall Lester Strong (also a Mustang owner and Bandit member). In no time at all, a clear plan was made to feature the little twin sisters in our portion of the parade.

Mustang Bandits Administrator Jeff Quigley had an awesome idea! He said to me, “Why don’t we have the girls each sitting on the backs of two convertibles, up front in our group?” This was a “no brainer” and we set out to do this, right then and there.

Canada Day, Saturday, July 1st, was

A PARADE FIT FOR TWO PRINCESSES. KALEIGH ADORNS HER TIARA, AS SHE CRUISES THE CANADA DAY PARADE, WITH THE MUSTANG BANDITS

an overcast and foggy day, just as all the days for the week prior had been. But for the first time in several days the rain held off and we set out onto Sackville Drive amongst several floats and other local interest groups, like a Corvette club, motorcycle club and of course, a full brass and percussion band! The day may have been damp, but our spirits were not. Kaleigh and Sophia were up front, in full vigor, waving away amongst an array of loud noise, bright lights and enough bubbles from a huge industrial bubble machine to emulate a snow storm! They had a blast and the Mustang Bandits had just as much fun, as the two girls did! They were procession royalty and it is fair to say they stole the show and our collective hearts, with no effort, at all.

It was incredibly heartwarming to see the girls, one on the back of (Admin) Jeff’s white convertible, the other on the back of Bandit member Skye’s beautiful yellow convertible, side-by-side at the front of the line. And this really resonated with Skye, as she stated, “If owning a Mustang is a dream for the girls, it was great to have them up front. It was nice for them to see that a lady-owned Mustang is within their reach!”

I think the Mustang Bandits gained two amazing little mascots on Canada Day. We will include these little warriors again. And, I reiterate, the Mustang Bandits are comprised of good people doing good deeds, for good causes. We were more than happy to lend our name and our Mustangs to this event. This was our first outing and we put it on, in fine style.

And we’d like to broaden our membership numbers. If you have a Mustang, have a desire to do good, charitable work for communities around Nova Scotia and would like to join our stampede, look us up on FB and join for free. We want to hear from you!

Sophie and Kaleigh’s parents. Bill and Asher cannot thank the doctors and surgeons at the IWK enough for their overwhelming abilities and selfless acts that they do every day. “They are absolute heroes,” they agreed. “They should be wearing capes!

Without them, this would have been a very sad story, but thanks to their skills and fast decision making, we get to experience complete parenthood,” said Asher. And so, it would appear that miracles do in fact happen. And sometimes, they happen in the face of overwhelming odds.

The twins, Kaleigh and Sophia remain living testaments to the power of hope and an inspiration as well.

TWIN SISTER , SOPHIA LOOKS ON.

ABOVE AND BEYOND . . .

NAPA CARBONEAR TEAM WORKS TOGETHER TO ENSURE TOP-NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE – EVERY TIME

By Kristen Lipscombe

THE HUMBLE

OWNER

AND

OF THE NAPA AUTO PARTS STORE NES -

MANAGER

TLED IN THE TINY COMMUNITY OF CARBONEAR, N.L., IS QUICK TO POINT TO HIS EMPLOYEES AS BEING THE TRUE HEARTBEAT OF HIS QUICKLY GROWING BUSINESS.

“I definitely need to express gratitude for the team that I have, and the hard work that they do,” Kris Lomond, who

assumed full ownership of the Carbonear location April 1, said of his eight loyal eight staff members, who have “followed me through this newest venture with the ownership.”

“I appreciate what they do every day to make it successful,” said Lomond, who despite acknowledging the dedication of the positive community he’s helped create at his NAPA location, doesn’t as easily highlight his own accomplishments, which include a boatload of experience and expertise in the business – two decades worth, in fact.

“It was a long time coming,” Lomond said of gaining full ownership of the Carbonear shop, which offers both Auto Pro and Auto Care banner programs under NAPA. “This is my 20th year and I worked in the St. John’s location for eight years, and I always wanted a store of my own.”

“The store in Carbonear, the original owner was retiring and wanted to sell, so working with the VP of the corporation, we slowly took over that store – it’s called progressive ownership, like a partnership, until it was time to buy it out,” Lomond explained.

And that’s exactly what the ambitious owner-operator did over a period of 11 years, while creating a committed workforce in the Carbonear store, which now operates under the company name E. & K. Lomond Auto Solutions, Inc. The E represents his daughter, Emma, and the K recognizes his son, Kole, another testament to the new NAPA owner’s appreciation for the people who inspire him both professionally and personally. That includes his partner, Dusty Mortensen. She has been his moral support through the many long hours and late evenings to help Lomond achieve his NAPA career goal.

Lomond is proud to represent NAPA in Carbonear, a tight-knit community with a population of about 5,000 people, located on the Avalon Peninsula and overlooking the west side of Conception Bay.

“Carbonear, the community, they call it the hub of the bay,” Lomond explained, “and it’s got all the major infrastructure for the area, so it brings a lot of traffic, and there’s a decent population from the neighbouring communities to draw from.”

With that knowledge in mind, and

his natural ability to build and maintain strong relationships, Lomond does everything he can to connect with the community, visiting customers to ensure they know that his NAPA store will do whatever it takes to get the parts and supplies they need to keep their own automotive businesses running smoothly.

“I have good relationships with all of my customers, and build on that,” Lomond said. “We’re known for solving problems.”

“They know that they can count on us, especially for things that are out of the ordinary,” he said. “We get the job done.”

According to the NAPA website, E & K. Lomond Auto Solutions, Inc., located at 64 Powell Dr., “stocks everything you need to repair or maintain your car or truck.

“Take advantage of our large selection of brake pads and rotors, batteries, alternators, starters and 50,000 other quality parts,” the description reads. “We get all you need to do the job including tools and equipment, heavy duty, marine and farming parts or equipment.

Come see us in store to chat with our knowledgeable experts or reserve your parts online.”

Lomond does everything he can to keep those promises to his customers; “whatever is required,” whether it’s working front-of-shop, networking within surrounding communities, and of course, managing all of the ins, outs, comings and goings of the shop.

“I can do just about anything that

KRIS LOMOND

ASHLEY ADAMS

needs to be done. I’ve been doing it a long time, so I’m familiar with all aspects of the business,” said Lomond, who also worked in the automotive section at Sears based in Toronto for several years, but knew he wanted to raise his family back home in Newfoundland.

His employees couldn’t agree more with Lomond’s abilities, and his attitude toward creating a welcoming and warm workplace for staff members and customers alike.

Ashley Adams, a sales representative at NAPA Carbonear who has worked there for nine years and does everything from delivery to office management, told Auto and Trucking Atlantic that Lomond “couldn’t get any better” as a boss, adding she’s “pretty stoked” that he’s become full owner of the NAPA Auto Parts Store.

“Everyone who works there are all good team players; they’re easy to get along with,” Adams said. “The customers are amazing, and all of our garages are really supportive.”

What sets the NAPA location apart from other shops, Adams said, is the quality of customer service that they offer to their customers. “We go above and beyond to try and help anybody in any situation that’s needed.”

Katrina Bradbury, another sales specialist who spends a lot of time in the storefront and has been at the NAPA store

for five years, concurs “It’s a great place to work,” with the right combination of fast-paced challenges among a team that works together to get the job done.

“We’re like a family there,” Bradbury said. “We carry on with each other and we support each other, too, when we need the extra help. Everyone pulls their own weight.”

Bradbury said NAPA Carbonear customers know exactly what to expect when they walk through the store doors.

She, too, is excited for Lomond. “He deserves it,” Bradbury said, echoing her colleague. “He’s a great boss. He goes above and beyond for everyone.”

Lomond has instilled that work ethic in all of his employees, she said, a get-itdone attitude that has quickly become the shop’s underlying philosophy.

“We don’t say ‘no,’” Bradbury said. “If we can’t find it, we’re going to find a way to get it.”

“We put in the work, and we give you service with a smile,” she said.

And that’s exactly the workplace culture that Lomond has worked hard to instill among his small but mighty NAPA team.

“One of the things that we’ve done here over the years is increase the inventory levels much more than our competitors so that we have the right part, at the right place at the right time,” Lomond said, pointing to a traditional NAPA slogan.

“We’re here to solve problems and we’ll never say ‘no,’” Lomond said, adding despite the fact that it takes more time to get parts shipped from NAPA’s warehouse in Moncton to Newfoundland and Labrador, “we don’t back down from a challenge.”

“Whatever they may need, we will find it for them,” Lomond said. “And the staff, the team, are all dialled in with that philosophy.”

“Our regular customers know that they can just call us, and we’ll do the leg work, and we’ll find what they’re looking for, every time.”

ANDREW BARRON

REILEY BALDWIN

SCOTT BURDEN

KATRINA BRADBURY

MULTISERVE PETROLEUM EQUIPMENT: FUELING EXCELLENCE SINCE 1997

IN THE FAST-PACED WORLD OF PETROLEUM EQUIPMENT, WHERE EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY REIGN SUPREME, ONE NAME STANDS OUT: MULTISERVE.

With a history spanning several decades, they have become synonymous with quality and unrivaled customer service. Multiserve was founded in 1997 with a passion for fueling solutions and the company’s humble beginnings can be traced back to a garage, where the founder poured their expertise into supplying the finest petroleum equipment. From the outset, Multiserve aimed to redefine industry standards by delivering products that were superior in quality and built to withstand the test of time.

As the years passed, Multiserve’s commitment to excellence gained recognition, and its customer base expanded rapidly. Today, they proudly serve a diverse range

of industries, catering to automotive dealerships, agriculture, logging, fuel and oil companies, retail businesses, and endusers alike. Its widespread reach enables them to fuel operations across various sectors, from small businesses to largescale enterprises.

When it comes to services, Multiserve leaves no stone unturned. The company provides comprehensive solutions tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. From equipment installation, maintenance, and repairs to fuel management systems and environmental compliance, Multiserve is a trusted partner that ensures seamless operations and peace of mind. Their team of experts works closely with customers, offering invaluable guidance and technical support at every step.

At the core of Multiserve’s success lies its unparalleled selection and availability of cutting-edge equipment. Their inventory boasts a wide range of tanks, pumps, nozzles, reels, and accessories that cater to the diverse fueling requirements of in-

dustries. Whether it’s gasoline, diesel, motor oil, grease, windshield washer fluid, DEF, water, or air, Multiserve has the right equipment to handle it all.

Beyond its exceptional products and services, Multiserve prides itself on building lasting relationships with its customers. The team understands that every client has unique requirements and aims to surpass expectations through personalized attention and unmatched customer support.

With Multiserve, customers receive more than just equipment; they gain a trusted partner committed to their success. As they look ahead to the future, the company remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence. It continues to innovate, adapt, and expand its offerings to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Multiserve’s unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as a leading provider of petroleum equipment, serving industries across the Atlantic provinces.

’PART OF THE COMMUNITY’

FIRST NOVUS GLASS IN NOVA SCOTIA OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE HEART OF HANTS COUNTY – WITH EXPANSION PLANS DOWN THE ROAD

By Kristen Lipscombe

FOR NOVUS GLASS IN ELMSDALE, NOVA SCOTIA, PEOPLE ALWAYS COME FIRST.

“That’s what drives us,” manager Bill Conrod said during the shop’s July open house, as new customers and staff members alike mingled to celebrate the freshly minted shop nestled in the heart of Hants County.

“We want to be people’s first choice for glass and automotive accessories, and we can’t do that unless we provide exceptional customer service,” Conrod told Auto and Trucking Atlantic on site, lead techni-

cian Tyson Marshall at his side. “We have really high standards as far as what we want to do for windshield repair, and if it’s not to our satisfaction we won’t charge you.”

That was the case for a recent customer, who the NOVUS team members credited with a windshield replacement because they weren’t satisfied with the repair job at the end of the day. After all, “glass is a big part of the structure integral if your car, so there are safety concerns.”

Windshields also pose an environ-

mental risk, he pointed out, as the glass isn’t recyclable and ends up in landfills.

“We’re one of the few companies that

DONAVAN LAVIGNE, TYSON MARSHALL, JENN O’NEIL AND BILL CONROD. (PHOTO BY KL)

ANDREW AND KATIE MACDONALD. (PHOTO BY ERIN FALKENHAM)

will actually attempt crack repairs and the reason for that is we are a global franchise,” Conrod explained.

“We have our own chemist on staff that actually develops resins that are unique to the Canadian climate, so we’re able to do crack repairs that other glass companies may not even bother to attempt, so the motto is that we want to try to repair first and replace second.”

Windshield repair over replacement also saves customers and insurance companies money, so that philosophy, like the company’s focus on people, just makes

“It’s kind of a nice fit because if someone comes in for a glass repair, they’re likely going to need wiper blades,” Conrod said as an example. “We’re dealing specially with glass… but we can do anything related to automotive.”

He also pointed out that “a lot of your active safety systems are built into the windshield now. So, it’s not just replacing the windshield, in a lot of cases calibration is required, and that’s a big part of the structural integrity of the car.”That’s why it was so important that owner Andrew MacDonald recruit only the best to get

rod said.

The vision for Elmsdale Industrial Park is to create a complex that meets all of the automotive needs of customers along the corridor between Dartmouth and Truro.

Staff members like Conrod and Marshall are pivotal to building trust with customers through exceptional service standards and making expansion happen, MacDonald emphasized. The owner reached out to manager Conrod to lead the start-up of NOVUS Glass Elmsdale as the two Portapique property neighbours became closer following the tragic events

sense. All of the new location’s technicians went through extensive training at NOVUS Glass Canada, the company’s headquarters in Milton, Ont., in order to get certified before the shop first opened its doors to customers in March, Conrod said, adding that certification has to be updated regularly.

“It’s an ongoing process, the certification,” he said. “They’ll come back on an annual basis and recertify us because there’s always new developing technology.”

From windshields to sunroofs, and anything in between, the staff on site at NOVUS Glass Elmsdale are ready to help fix customers up right. Or, if customers would prefer, the franchise has a mobile van they can drive out to homes to make repair and replacement even more convenient.

This particular NOVUS shop isn’t just about glass, though, with services including inspections, headlight installation, and “all the accessories you can imagine for your car,” with more expected to be offered in the near future.

the NOVUS Glass franchise up and running, which is why he secured staff members like Conrod, who has 35 years in the automotive industry under his belt, and Marshall, who has clocked in more than a decade and a half in his own successful career. “We’re really fortunate to have a really strong staff,” Conrod said.

NOVUS Glass plans to keep adding to its rosters of professional excellence to help create “a legacy piece” by hiring good people from the area. “We’re definitely part of the community now, and we want to hire young folks and give them a career path. We don’t just have NOVUS, we have other avenues where they can develop.”

MacDonald owns a suite of automotive businesses that fall under the reliability and dependability of the Fix Auto brand, including several auto and repair shops across the province, so there’s plenty of room for staff members to move up and around.

“We’re starting here with NOVUS in Elmsdale, but we’d like to pursue opening up another two stores as well,” Con-

in April 2020. “We’re really fortunate to have a really strong staff, between Bill, Tyson, technician Donavan Lavigne and Jenn O’Neil up front,” MacDonald said. “I don’t know how we got them, but we did, and we’re lucky to have them.”

“We want to empower our staff to the best they can be,” he added, “and we want to have strong respect between our staff and our customers – those two are symbiotic in our success.” For MacDonald, his new business in Elmsdale is truly a family affair. Not only are staff members very much like family, but his wife Katie MacDonald is an equal partner in the business.

“I’m excited to learn and grow and work with our great staff,” she said of helping run the new NOVUS Glass location, although she’s off now on maternity leave, caring for the couple’s newborn and toddler daughters. “Elmsdale has been really great so far,” she said. “Everybody we’ve met here has been really welcoming and supportive, and it seems like a great place to run our business and raise our family.”

THE NOVUS GLASS ELMSDALE MOBILE UNIT FOR ON-THE-ROAD GLASS REPAIRS. (PHOTO BY KL)