Desi Trucking - March April 2025 (National Edition)

Vol.16 - Issue 2, March/April 2025

The Tariffs are Here! The Tariffs are Here! The Tariffs are Here!

Lexus GX 550 - Page 40

PERFECTED FOR THE ROAD AHEAD. The pinnacle of Kenworth’s engineering: the T680, a masterpiece of aerodynamics designed for long-haul efficiency. This tractor combines a high-perfomance PACCAR powertrain with durable, easy-to-maintain components for unparalleled uptime. Enhanced with cutting-edge technology, it offers a driving experience that’s both intuitive and safe, reducing driver fatigue. The cabin, akin to the luxury found in top-tier automobiles, elevates comfort to new heights. Welcome to the next level of trucking with the Kenworth T680.

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NATIONAL MAGAZINE

We keep you moving,

because you can’t stop. vDIAw qknIk nUM cldw r`Kx leI Aqy murMmq dw kMm smyN isr mukwaux leI, quhwnUM loV hY vDIAw tYknISnW dI[ swfy Cummins dy PYktrI srtIPweIf tYknISIAn dIAW syvwvW, pUry au`qrI AmrIkw ‘c s`qy idn 24 GMty auplbD hn Aqy auh sdw hI quhwnUM bhuq hI vDIAw syvwvW Aqy shwieqw dyx leI vcnb`D hn[ sPr c`ldw r`Ko[ swfI vY`bsweIt salesandservice.cummins.com ‘qy jwE jW swnMU 1-800-CUMMINS™ ‘qy &on kro[ NATIONAL MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS

08 tYirP Aw rhy hn! tYirP Aw rhy hn! tYirP Aw rhy hn!

16 Tariffs and the Trucking Industry

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22 Lower costs, competitive businesses — how small fleets can benefit from going electric

24 gRyt fyn ny nvyN eIvIpI Aqy mu~K mnu~KI sroq AiDkwrI dw AYlwn kIqw

26

28

40

Driving Green: Unlock Fuel Savings with BCTA’s CleanBC HDVE Program

32 Amazon Career Choice Trains Employees for Careers in Trucking and Transportation

36 kYnyfw dw pihlw ielYkitRk fMp tr~k ivktorIAw, bI.sI. iv~c vriqAw igAw

44

ADVERTISERS Ace Truck Repairs ................................. 29

Glasvan Great Dane............................. 19

Ocean Trailer ......................................... 15

CBS Parts Ltd. ........................................ 07

Howes Lubricators ............................... 11

Orangebox Media ............................... 38

Cool Heat Truck Parts .......................... 20

Inland Kenworth ................................... 02

Road Safety At Work ........................... 05

Cool-It ........................................................ 13

JD Factors ............................................. 39

Samsara .................................................. 42

Cummins ................................................. 03

JGK Media Inc. .................................... 25

Truckers Together ................................ 23

ESSO - Cenovus Energy ...................... 37

Keystone Law Group .......................... 17

Magnum Trailer & Equipment Inc. .... 35

Ex-Guard ................................................. 31

Loblaw Transport ................................. 48

Velocity Truck Centres ....................... 21

Finactel ..................................................... 46

MTVN ..................................................... 30

Volvo ....................................................... 47

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NATIONAL MAGAZINE

YOUR PEOPLE ARE YOUR

GREATEST ASSET.

Protect them when they drive for work.

Make sure your road safety program helps look after them.

Find out how at RoadSafetyatWork.ca

EDITOR’S NOTE | sMpwdkI

CANADIAN AND PROUD On every news channel, every radio station, the number one topic is TARIFFS. Yes, according to Donald Trump, the tariffs he proposed are now in effect. And in retaliation, the Canadian government has also imposed tariffs on US goods coming into Canada. This is unprecedented; Canada and the USA have been friendly neighbours for as long back as we can remember. And now, because of one arrogant and self-absorbed individual, Donald Trump, the relations between these nations are tarnished.

And who will be hurt the most? The list is long: from cross-border businesses to the average citizen, many many will be affected. Some companies will be forced to close. Others may have to change operating practices. And of course, the citizens in both countries will most likely be paying more for certain goods. Why? Because the leader of USA, who is supposedly is

a smart businessman, needs to make sure his ego stays inflated, even if it negatively affects both countries.

Yes, this topic infuriates me…what infuriates me more is how an individual like Trump could be allowed to do this.

And then you have Vice-President Vance, who is equally just as aloof to world politics and proper etiquette. Unlike these two, our Canadian leaders are steadfast in making sure Canada is united and strong.

The coming months may not be easy as we will all witness changes to services, products and political policies. But we are Canadians, proud Canadians. And we will not give in to the bullying by any US leaders.

So, buy Canadian and support our businesses. Canada is and never will be for sale.

Jag Dhatt Editor-In-Chief Publisher JGK Media Inc. 1-877-598-3374 (Desi) Advertising & Sales Jag Dhatt Art Director Ranjit Singh IT Manager Ranjit Singh Bhamra Cover Design Ranj Bhamra Cover Photo Credit Anadolu Agency / Contributor

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hW, ieh ivSw myrw gu`sw auu~uqy cu`kdw hY ... jo cIz mYƒ vDyry gu~sy krdI hY auh ieh hY ik trMp vrgy ivAkqI ƒ Aijhw krn dI AwigAw ikvyN id~qI jw skdI hY[ Aqy iPr quhwfy kol aup-rwStrpqI vYNs (Vance) hY, jo ivSv rwjnIqI Aqy auic`q iSStwcwr qoN trMp nwloN iblku`l hI Al~g hY[ ienHW dovW dy ault, swfy kYnyfIAn nyqw ieh XkInI bxwaux leI idRV hn ik kYnyfw iekju~t Aqy mzbUq hY[ Awaux vwly mhIny Awswn nhIN ho skdy ikauNik AsIN swry syvwvW, auqpwdW Aqy rwjnIiqk nIqIAW iv~c qbdIlIAW dyKWgy[ pr AsIN kYnyfIAn hW, mwxm`qy kYnyfIAn[ Aqy AsIN iksy vI AmrIkI nyqwvW dI D~kySwhI A~gy nhIN JukWgy[ ies leI, kYnyfw ‘c auqpwd hoeIAW vsqW hI KRIdoo Aqy Awpxy GrylU kwrobwrW dw smRQn kro[ kYnyfw ivkwaU nhIN hY Aqy nw hI iksy vI hwlq ‘c ieh ivkx leI iqAwr hovygw[

Contributing Writers Jag Dhatt; Michael Howe; Pash Brar; Ray Gompf; Ron Dhaliwal; Jimmy Gill; Sanjana Karthik; Staff Reporters Translator Tirath S. Khabra

JAG DHATT Corporate VP, Marketing Cell: 604-767-4433 E: jag@jgkmedia.ca Address: #235 - 8138, 128 Street, Surrey BC V3W 1R1 F: 604-598-9264

All Rights Reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be printed without the written consent of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER: JGK Media Inc. assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for any and all liability for their claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement it may find unfit for publication.

The opinions expressed in articles and features are of the writers and may not be those of the publisher.

THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY KIND.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #42226512

Postmaster if undeliverable Canadian Address to #235 - 8138 128 Street, Surrey BC V3W 1R1

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tYirP Aw gey hn! tYirP Aw gey hn! tYirP Aw gey hn! rwStrpqI tRMp AmrIkw 'c drwmd hox vwlIAW cIzW 'qy tYirP lgw rhy hn[ ieh aus dw ivSyS AiDkwr hY, BwvyN ieh dUjy dySW nUM AmrIkw dIAW sm~isAwvW h~l krn leI aunHW nUM mzbUr krn leI ivhwrk phuMc nhIN, pr ieh ie`k iblkul v~KrI bihs dw ivSw hY[ rwStrpqI tRMp dy Anuswr, kYnyfw smyq hor dySW ny PYNtwnwiel dy inrmwx ƒ rokx iv~c lwprvwhI vrqI hY jo AmrIkw iv~c bhuq v`fI mwqrw ‘c phuMc rhI hY Aqy AmrIkn lokW dI mOq dw kwrn bx rhI hYY[ rwStrpqI tRMp dy Anuswr ieh sp~St 8

MARCH APRIL 2025

hY ik kYnyfw AwpxIAW nyto vcnb~DqwvW ƒ pUrw nhIN kr irhw hYY[ pRDwn mMqrI trUfo dy kwrjkwl dOrwn aunHW dIAW nIqIAW ny swfI POj dy rYNkW ƒ ies h~d q~k qbwh kr id~qw hY ik nvIN BrqI krnI l`gBg AsMBv jwpdI hY[ swfI pRBUs~qw bwry pRDwn mMqrI dw idRStIkox, Kws krky dUr au~qr ‘c, byh`d mwVw irhw hY[ rwStrpqI tRMp v~loN ieh kw&I icMqq ivSy hn Aqy ienHW ƒ jwiez TihrwieAw jw skdw hY pr pRDwn mMqrI trUfo rwStrpqI tRMp dIAW icMqwvW ƒ dUr krn leI h~l kIqy jwx dI bjwey ies ivSy nUM bhuq hI

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q~k T~p kr id`qw jWdw hY jdoN q~k nvIN srkwr dw gTn nhIN ho jWdw Aqy sMsd dw nvW sYSn SurU nhIN ho jWdw[ rwStrpqI tRMp ny ies g~l qoN nwrwz ho ky ikhw ik sMsd ƒ vwps bulwaux qoN pihlW hI tYirP lgw id`qy jwxgy[ smW iek mh~qvpUrx cIz hY Aqy pRDwn mMqrI trUfo ies tYst ivc AsPl rhy hn[ ies leI hux swƒ AmrIkw iv~c dwKl hox vwlI hr cIz 'qy 25٪ dy tYirP dw swhmxw krnw pY irhw hY[ ieh mMinAw jWdw hY ik ieh tYirP l`gx nwl AmrIkn lokW v`loN ^RIdIAW jwx vwlIAW cIzW dIAW kImqW vD jwxgIAW, pr dovW ArQivvsQwvW dy Awps iv~c juVy hox kwrn, kYnyfIAn lokW nUM vI v`D kImq dyxI pvygI Aqy swfy sRoq Kyqr Aqy swfy inrmwx Kyqr ƒ gYr-pRqIXogI bxw dyxgIAW[ ies leI hW, ieh sYNkVy hzwrW lokW nUM byrozgwr krn dw kwrn bxygw, kYnyfw ƒ fUMGI mMdI jW Swied ie~k BwrI mMdI dI KweI iv~c D~k dyvygw[ ieh swfy tr~ikMg audXog ƒ ikvyN pRBwvq krn jw irhw hY? swfy 300,000 tr~kW ivcoN v~fI igxqI srh~d pwr FoAwFuAweI krn ‘c Swml hn, ijvyN hI swfy sRoq Aqy inrmwx Kyqr G~t qoN G~t inrmwx krnw jW iblku`l hI inrmwx T`p krn nwL, tr~ikMg kMpnIAW tr`kW nUM pwrk krnw SurU kr idMdIAW hn, iPr AwpxIAW sMpqIAW Aqy pUMjI dI inlwmI krnI SurU kr idMdIAW hn, Aqy Awpxy kwimAW nUM nOkrI qoN htwaux dw kMm vI iesy smyN dOrwn hI SurU ho jWdw hY[ k`uJ kMpnIAW T`p hI ho

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G. RAY GOMPF, CD

The Tariffs are Here! The Tariffs are Here! The Tariffs are Here!

P

resident Trump is imposing tariffs on goods imported into the USA. That’s his prerogative, whether or not it’s a practical approach in forcing others to solve American problems, but that’s a whole different debate. Canada among others, according to President Trump, have been negligent in preventing the manufacture of fentanyl that has been flooding the United States and killing Americans.

Also, according to President Trump, Canada hasn’t been living up to its 10

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NATO commitments and that is obvious.

During Prime Minister Trudeau’s tenure, his policies have decimated the ranks of our military to the point that recruiting is next to impossible. The Prime Minister’s view of our sovereignty, especially in the far north, has been abysmal at best.

There is considerable concern on President Trump’s part which can be justified but Prime Minister Trudeau, instead of addressing President Trump’s concerns, makes light of them. So, in President Trump’s bombastic manner,

he’s offered what HIS solutions will be, should Prime Minister Trudeau neglect his responsibility as leader of Canada.

Not only does our Prime Minister abandon his responsibility, he tenders his resignation effective when a new leader is chosen and prorogues Parliament so no one can oppose anything, no debate is allowed, just bring the machinations of government to a halt until a new government can be arranged and a new session of parliament can begin. President Trump, highly annoyed said the tariffs, severe in scope, will be imposed before NATIONAL MAGAZINE

parliament can be recalled. Timing is an important thing, and Prime Minister Trudeau failed the test.

So now we’re faced with tariffs of 25% on everything crossing into the USA. Granted, these tariffs will raise prices for Americans but because of the intertwining of the two economies, will raise prices for Canadians plus make our resource sector and our manufacturing sector uncompetitive. So yes, it will cause intensified unemployment by the hundreds of thousands, thrusting Canada into a deep recession or maybe even a colossal depression.

So, how is this going to affect our trucking industry? Of our 300,000 trucks the overwhelming number are involved in cross border transport. As our resource and manufacturing sectors settle into low to no activity, the trucking companies start to park, then auction off capital assets, preceded by the laying off of human assets. Some companies will go out of business never to return to the transport industry. Some companies will pivot and figure out how to make a living

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without crossing the border.

There isn’t even free trade amongst provinces. The federal government claims they have no say constitutionally because interprovincial trade is a provincial responsibility. The federal government could bring the provinces to the same table and in two days, work out a satisfactory deal. That being said, trading internally is not the answer to Canada’s problems.

The answer is to negotiate first the solutions that President Trump is demanding and make them happen.

Further, to negotiate other markets for our resources and manufactured goods and yes increase our ability to over produce food more than our needs. We need to build the proper infrastructure to deliver our resources to markets is needed.

Here again, our federal government has stubbornly said there is no business case.

Our liquid natural gas, of which Canada has virtually an unlimited supply, could earn trillions for our country. Stubbornly, our government choses carbon reduction over survival on the belief that carbon makes life unsustainable, ignoring the

facts that plant life is on the verge of starvation because the carbon levels are being lowered past 400 parts per million.

Without plant life there is no animal life.

Canada needs to get back to being the resource supplier to the world as it once was. Canada needs to learn how to survive as the mouse living in the elephant’s stall. Canada needs to learn not just how to survive but to learn how to thrive again. The tariff situation is a short-term inconvenience, if we can learn that President Trump might just have a point. Canada is no longer going to be tolerated living in the pocket of the USA’s suit, at least not without rent.

Stop fentanyl production, period.

Arrest the makers and sellers of fentanyl and try them for crimes against humanity.

Stop the importation of fentanyl ingredients, period. And elect leaders who are leaders with solid resumes because right now there aren’t too many of them. There’s lots of wannabes but few capable and certainly none in this crop of leadership hopefuls.

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tr~ikMg audXog leI ey AweI (AI) mweIkl hwE AwrtIiPSl ieMtYlIjYNs (AI) dw mu`K mMqv hY ienswnI jIvn nUM sOKw bxwauxw Aqy koeI vI audXog Aijhw nhIN hY jo ik AI qoN pRBwivq nw hoieAw hovy[ AwrtIiPSl ieMtYlIjYNs (AI) tr~ikMg izMdgI ƒ Awswn bxwaux bwry hY Aqy koeI vI kwrobwr Aijhw nhIN hY jo ik AI qoN pRBwvq nw hoieAw hovy[ AwDuink dySW ivc izAwdwqr lok AwpxIAW injI izMdgIAW ‘c vI AI qoN lwB auTw rhIAW hn[ ieh d`sx qoN pihlW ik AI tr~ikMg audXog ƒ pRBwvq ikvyN krygw, ieh smJxw zrUrI hY ik AI Asl iv~c hY kI? IBM dy Anuswr, AwrtIiPSl ieMtYlIjYNs ie~k AijhI qknwlojI hY jo kMipaUtrW Aqy mSInW ƒ mnu~KI is~Kx, smJx, sm~isAw h~l krn, PYsly lYx, isrjxwqmkqw Aqy KudmuKiqAwrI bwry smJx dy Xog bxwauNdI hY[ lwzmI qOr 'qy, ieh kuSlqw Aqy mOky dw ie~k nvW p~Dr pYdw krdI hY[ isrP mnorMjn leI Aqy sMklp dy sbUq leI, Epn AI dI vrqoN ies sUcI ƒ bxwaux leI kIqI geI sI ik ikvyN AwrtIiPSl ieMtYlIjYNs tr~ikMg audXog ƒ lwB phuMcweygI[ ieh g`l not krn vwlI hY ik ies lyKk ny pihlW kdy vI lyK ilKx leI AI dI vrqoN nhIN kIqI hY Aqy nw hI Biv~K dy lyKW leI iesdI vrqoN krygw, pr ies mwmly iv~c - ivSy ƒ dyKdy hoey ieh ie~k idlcsp phuMc jwpdI sI (AI duAwrw isrP sUcI hI iqAwr kIqI geI hY[ jy qusIN "tr~ikMg leI AI" bwry jwxkwrI dI Bwl kr rhy ho, qW ie~Qy ivcwr krn leI ku`J mu~K nukqy hn: 1. srvoqm rUt: AI pRogrwm sB qoN vDIAw rUtW dw suJwA dyx leI tRYiPk pYtrnW Aqy sVk dIAW siQqIAW dw ivSlySx krdI hY[ 12

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2. Biv`K ‘c pY skx vwLyy sMBwvI nuks qoN bcx leI murMmq krvwaux dI cyqwvnI: mSIn lrinMg mwfl vwhn dI dyKBwl dIAW zrUrqW dI Biv~KbwxI krdy hn, fwaUntweIm ƒ Gtwaux dy nwl-nwl murMmq dy KricAW ƒ vI GtwauNdy hn[ 3. frweIvr dI shwieqw: AIPowered pRxwlIAW frweIvrW ƒ rIAltweIm PIfbYk pRdwn krdIAW hn, sur~iKAw ƒ vDwauNdIAW hn Aqy hwdisAW ƒ GtwauNdIAW hn[ 4. inXmW Anuswr v`D q`oN v`D Bwr l`dx ‘c mdd krnI: AI Bwr inXmW dI pwlxw ƒ XkInI bxwauNdy hoey kwrgo lof ƒ v~D qoN v~D krn iv~c shwieqw krdw hY[ 5. qyl ^pq ‘c suDwr: AI tUl frweIivMg AwdqW Aqy vwhn dI kwrguzwrI dw ivSlySx krdy hn qW jo bwlx dI AwriQkqw iv~c suDwr krn vwly AiBAwsW dy suJwA id`qy jw skx[ 6. splweI cyn pRbMDn: AI mMg dI Biv~KbwxI krky Aqy vsqU p~DrW ƒ AnukUl bxw ky lOijsitks ƒ vDwauNdI hY[ 7. svY-cwilq vwhn: AI svY-fRweIivMg tr~kW dy ivkws ivc iek pRmu~K qknwlojI hY, ijs dw audyS ikrq lwgqW ƒ Gtwauxw Aqy sur~iKAw ivc suDwr krnw hY[ 8. PlIt pRbMDn: AI h~l PlIt dy sMcwln ƒ sucwrU bxwauNdy hn, vwhn sQwnW Aqy pRdrSn mYitRks ƒ trYk krdy hn.

9. gwhk syvw: AI cYtbOt Aqy vrcuAl shwiek tr~ikMg kMpnIAW leI sMcwr Aqy syvw iv~c suDwr krdy hn[ 10. fYtw ivSlySx: AI bhuq v`fI mwqrw ‘c fYtw ie`kqr krky ausdw ivslySx krdw hY tr~ikMg kwrjW iv~c shI PYsly lYx ƒ clwaux vwlI sUJ pRdwn krn leI v~fI mwqrw iv~c fYtw dw ivSlySx krdw hY[

ijvyN ik koeI AI duAwrw iqAwr kIqI sUcI dI jWc krdw hY Aqy iPr vyKdw hY ik AI ny hor audXogW ƒ ikvyN pRBwvq kIqw hY[ AI dy lwB dI kuMjI kuSlqw vDwaux Aqy kwrjW ƒ AnukUl bxwaux dy kMm AwauNdI hY, ijs dy nqIjy vjoN is~Dy qOr 'qy lwgq dI b~cq Aqy au~c sMBwivq munwPw huMdw hY[ rUt AOptImweIjySn qoN, jo smyN dI b`cq krdw hY, G`t qyl Kpq jo pYsy dI b`cq krdw hY, AI nwl juVIAW qknwlojIAW ƒ auh krn leI iqAwr kIqw igAw hY jo hr fRweIvr Aqy hr kMpnI krnw cwhuMdI hY - sB qoN v~D lwgq pRBwvSwlI Aqy sur~iKAq qrIky nwl sB qoN v~D pYsw kmwauxw[ AI aus tIcy ƒ pRwpq krn iv~c mdd krdI hY[ AI dy Awly-duAwly dIAW icMqwvW ivcoN iek ieh hY ik ies dw nOkrIAW 'qy Asr pY skdw hY[ ie`k g`l hor AI ƒ kuSlqw iv~c suDwr krn leI iqAwr kIqw igAw hY[ Aqy hwlWik iesdy nqIjy vjoN kuJ Kws nOkrI SRyxI dw nukswn ho skdw hY, ieh koeI nvIN g~l nhIN hY[ pUry ieiqhws iv~c qknwlojI ny kwrj sQwn iv~c qbdIlI ƒ mjbUr kIqw hY, pr iesdw mqlb ieh nhIN hY ik nOkrI dw zbrI nukswn hovy[ PlIt mYnyjrW, frweIvrW, tYknISIAnW, fOk vrkrW Aqy hor bhuq kuJ ƒ Ajy vI AI duAwrw bxweIAW kuSlqwvW dw pRbMDn, sMcwln Aqy ivAwiKAw krn dI zrUrq hoeygI[ AI nwl sPl hox dI kuMjI AI nwl vDxw hY - AI dw ivroD krn nwl isrP iksy ie~k ivAkqI leI nkwrwqmk nqIjy hoxgy Aqy iesdy nqIjy vjoN vDIAw pRwpq krn dI bjwey ip~Cy rih skdw hY[ NATIONAL MAGAZINE

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MARCH APRIL 2025

13

BY MICHAEL HOWE

AI for Trucking

A

rtificial Intelligence (AI) is all about making life easier, and there is not an industry unaffected by AI, and even most personal lives in modern countries are benefiting from AI. Before diving into how AI will impact the trucking industry, what exactly is AI? Artificial intelligence, according to IBM, is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy. Essentially, it creates a new level of efficiency and opportunity.

Just for fun, and proof of concept, Open AI was utilized to create this list of how Artificial Intelligence will benefit the trucking industry. Note, this writer has not utilized AI to write prior articles, and won’t use it for future articles, but in this case – given the topic – it seemed liked an interesting approach (only the list is AI generated): If you're looking for insights on "AI for trucking," here are some key points to consider: 1. Route Optimization: AI algorithms analyze traffic patterns and road conditions to suggest the most efficient routes.

2. Predictive Maintenance: Machine 14

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learning models predict vehicle maintenance needs, reducing downtime and repair costs.

3. Driver Assistance: AI-powered systems provide real-time feedback to drivers, enhancing safety and reducing accidents.

4. Load Optimization: AI helps in maximizing cargo loads while ensuring compliance with weight regulations.

5. Fuel Efficiency: AI tools analyze driving habits and vehicle performance to recommend practices that improve fuel economy.

6. upply Chain Management: AI enhances logistics by predicting demand and optimizing inventory levels.

7. Autonomous Vehicles: AI is a key technology in the development of selfdriving trucks, aiming to reduce labor costs and improve safety.

8. Fleet Management: AI solutions streamline fleet operations, tracking vehicle locations and performance metrics.

9. Customer Service: AI chatbots and virtual assistants improve communication and service for trucking companies.

10. Data Analytics: AI analyzes vast amounts of data to provide insights that drive strategic decision-making in trucking operations.

As one examines the AI generated list

and then looks at how AI has impacted other industries, the key to the benefit of AI comes down to enhancing efficiency and optimizing operations, which then directly results in cost savings and higher potential profits. From route optimization, which saves time, to fuel efficiency which saves money, the technologies associated with AI are designed to do what every driver and every company wants to do – make the most money in the most cost effective and safest manner. AI helps achieve that goal.

One of the concerns surrounding AI is the impact it might have on jobs. Again, AI is designed to improve efficiency, and while that may result in some specific job category loss, this is nothing new.

Throughout history technology has forced change in the workplace, but that does not have to mean forced job loss.

Fleet managers, drivers, technicians, dock workers, and more will still be needed to manage, operate, and interpret efficiencies created by AI. The key to succeed with AI is to grow with AI – resisting AI will only have negative results for any one person and could result in falling behind instead of gaining the upper hand.

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MARCH APRIL 2025

15

Tariffs and the Trucking Industry

A

s I’m writing this article in early February, there is uncertainty with the relationship between Canada and United States. There are threats of tariffs and retaliation with counter tariffs. Removing US products from shelves and the promotion of Canada only products, is very sad to watch. I went grocery shopping and looked for made in Canada labels, something I’ve never done. On February 3rd the Canadian government announced that the tariffs were being paused 30 days.

I can see the relief people felt. Being uncertain of the future for a formerly very strong relationship with the United States, has put a very real strain on how people feel. I had always looked at the USA as our big brother, and now feel violated. Will tariffs and threats make America great again?

As I deal with American flat bed trailers, one of the manufacturers I deal with buys aluminum from BC. The last time there were tariffs put on aluminum, those trailers rose in price by over $2,500 USD. Who did that help?

American and Canadians trickers both had to pay that extra $2,500 and the prices never went down again once the tariffs were removed.

I hear Trump saying that Canadian goods are not needed. With the recent devastating fires in California, there will be a huge rebuild needed. I started researching lumber in the USA and they don’t have much. Where will they get the lumber? Start clear cutting national forests? The most logical place for lumber would be Canada. So, if America buys our lumber to rebuild, 16

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PASH BRAR

that lumber might come with a hefty tariff. They also must pay our trucking fees to transport it down, which I’m sure will come with a levy. Canada is in a situation where there will be no choice but to buy the lumber from us, and truck it from us. So, who will be paying more?

The innocent American people who lost their homes will have to pay a lot more to rebuild. I will also mention that Canada selflessly sent fire fighters and aircraft to help the California fire effort, even though we were being threatened by the USA with tariffs. Threats is how we are repaid.

women from trucking and mill workers were sitting at home out of work for months. I don’t have to look it up, I saw it firsthand growing up in Mission, BC, a town filled with sawmills at that time.

It destroyed the industry. Innocent men and women who were trying to provide for their families experienced the impact firsthand because they lost their jobs. Who did that tariff help? The Americans still need our lumber and I deal with many truckers transporting it on flat deck trailers to the US every day.

They can pay more for our lumber, and we benefit.

One of the biggest issues with the California wildfires of January 2025 was lack of water. I have been studying the lack of water in the USA for a few years. One of my previous articles referenced the lack of water in Arizona.

To entice buying a house, often a year of water is offered. You must pay to have water trucked in. The places the water is being trucked in from are also running out of water, so it’s becoming a big issue. Luckily Canada has the largest fresh water supply in the world, and lucky we have a law banning the export of that water. Water is power. I can see the USA requesting water in the future, and I also see hefty tariffs if it is even going to happen, which is unlikely.

So, Canada again is in a power position.

We will continue trucking our water across only our nation for us, and only for us to consume.

I’m seeing “pending tariff information” being written on quotes for equipment. Equipment is already priced high, so high, that truckers can barely afford the payments as it is. As everyone has been upset by threats from our neighbours of the south, alternatives need to be found. There are many possibilities of other trade options with eager nations, and many products that Canada has, such as critical minerals, that cannot be bought elsewhere. Poor Tesla needs some of those minerals for their vehicles and it will cost them big. These natural resources hold the key to the economic health of Canada.

Fortunately for truckers, these products will have to be brought to ports for export from all over the country. It will create more jobs mining and extracting as well. Mining contracts are being fast tracked at record speed by the government. So, the trucking industry can benefit through domestic loads. Will America gain the greatness they seek? It doesn’t look like it…but Canada will sure be great.

Donald Trump is apparently a large admirer of Ronald Reagan. I remember the devastation of the tariffs to the softwood lumber industry in BC during the 1980’s under Reagan. Men and

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NATIONAL MAGAZINE

MARCH APRIL 2025

17

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kI tYirP Aqy DmkIAW AmrIkw ƒ dubwrw mhwn bxw dyxgIAW? ijvyN ik mYN AmrIkI PlYt bY~f tRylrW nwl sbMiDq kMm krdI hW aunHW ‘coN ie`k inrmwqw ijs nwl mYN kMm krdI hW bI sI qoN AYlUmInIAm KRIddw hY[ ipClI vwr jdoN AYlUmInIAm 'qy tYirP lgwey gey sn, qW aunHW tRylrW dI kImq iv~c $2,500 fwlr pRqI tRylr qoN vI v~D dw vwDw hoieAw sI[ iesdw Pwiedw iks nMU hoieAw? AmrIkI Aqy kYnyfIAn tr`kW vwilAW dovW ƒ hI $ 2500 dw vwDU Bugqwn krnw ipAw Aqy jdoN tYirP htw vI id`qw igAw qW vI vDIAW hoeIAW kImqW dubwrw kdy G~t nhIN hoeIAW[ mYN tRMp ƒ ieh kihMdy suixAw hY ik aunHW nUM kYnyfIAn cIzW dI loV nhIN hY[ kYlIPornIAw iv`c hwl hI ‘c l~gI iBAwnk A~g dy nwl, ie`k v~fy punr inrmwx dI zrUrq hoeygI[ mYN AmrIkw iv~c l~kV dI Koj SurU kIqI Aqy ies is`ty

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‘qy phuMcI ik aunHW kol bhuqI l`kV nhIN hY[ aunHW ƒ l~kV ik~QoN imlygI? kI rwStrI jMglW dI ktweI krnI SurU krngy? l~kV leI sB qoN Fu`kvIN jgHw kYnyfw hovygI[ ies leI, jy AmrIkw dubwrw inrmwx leI swfI l~kV KrIddw hY, qW auh l~kV BwrI tYirP dy nwl Aw skdI hY[ aunHW ƒ ies ƒ hyTW iljwx leI swfI tr~ikMg PIs dw Bugqwn vI krnw cwhIdw hY, jo mYƒ XkIn hY ik tYks dy nwl Awvygw[ kYnyfw AijhI siQqI iv~c hY ij~Qy swfy koloN l~kV KrIdx Aqy swfy koloN tr~kW rwhIN AmrIkw ‘c phuMcwx qoN ielwvw hor koeI cwrw nhIN hovygw[ ies leI, kOx vDyry Bugqwn krygw? Awpxy Gr guAwaux vwly inrdoS AmrIkI lokW ƒ muV inrmwx leI bhuq izAwdw Bugqwn krnw pvygw[ mYN ieh vI izkr krWgI ik kYnyfw ny kYlIPornIAw ‘c l`gI A`g nUM buJwaux leI inrsvwrQ qOr 'qy Pwier PweItr Aqy jhwz Byj ky mdd kIqI geI, jdoN ik swƒ AmrIkw duAwrw tYirP dIAW DmkIAW NATIONAL MAGAZINE

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Awpxy pwxI dI FoAw-FuAweI jwrI r~KWgy, Aqy isrP swfI AwpxI Kpq leI hI[

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21

Lower costs, competitive businesses — how small fleets can benefit from going electric

C

anada’s trucking industry has long been powered by hardworking entrepreneurs.

From owner-operators and family-run businesses, small fleet owners play a vital role in keeping goods moving across the country. But as electric vehicle sales grow worldwide, many small fleet owners find themselves at a crossroads — the transportation industry is changing fast and fleet operators need to decide how best to navigate new technologies and rising costs. While electric passenger cars are becoming more common, the transition for commercial vehicles – vans, trucks and buses – remains sluggish. By the end of 2023, only two per cent of these vehicles sold in Canada were electric.

While large corporations can invest in electrification, small fleet operators — whether running a delivery service, a catering business or an electrical contracting business — face unique financial and operational hurdles.

Many lack reliable information on the benefits of electric vehicles and worry whether electric trucks and vans can handle the demands of their business, especially over long distances or in harsh Canadian winters. Access to charging infrastructure and the upfront cost of electric vehicles adds to the uncertainty.

At the same time, the reasons to consider transitioning are becoming stronger. Fuel costs remain unpredictable, while the long-term savings from lower fuel and maintenance 22 MARCH APRIL 2025

costs are getting clearer.

Government incentives that help with affordability are shifting, and rebate programs may not be extended – so for fleet owners considering an electric vehicle, exploring available supports now could help them make the most of current opportunities. Meanwhile, major companies are increasingly requiring lower-emission transportation from their logistics partners. For independent truckers and small business owners looking to build long-term success, understanding the opportunities and challenges of electric vehicles is more and more important.

stands to benefit, creating well-paying jobs. Meanwhile, reducing air pollution from vehicle emissions will lead to healthier communities, particularly in areas with high truck traffic.

To better understand these challenges, the Pembina Institute spoke with 25 small fleet operators across Canada. Their insights helped shape Moving to Electric, a new resource designed to help small fleet owners make informed decisions. This guide provides practical tools and advice to help businesses navigate the transition, including testimonials from fleets already making the change.

For fleet operators looking to stay competitive, now is the time to explore electric options. With the right information and support, businesses can take advantage of opportunities while reducing costs and preparing for the future. Moving to Electric is a resource fleet owners can reference to make the transition with more confidence, ensuring their businesses stay resilient and adaptable for future generations.

Beyond individual business benefits, the transition to electric vehicles presents a broader economic and health opportunity. As demand grows, Canada’s truck, van and bus manufacturing sector

Adam Thorn is the director of the Pembina Institute's transportation program and is based in Toronto.

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MARCH APRIL 2025 23

Great Dane Announces New EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer “Rob has a wealth of experience growing businesses that place people at the center of an organization’s strategy. He’s a passionate and authentic leader and I’m excited about the new dimension he brings to Great Dane,” said Rick Mullininx, President and COO of Great Dane. “We want to continue to attract and retain the best and brightest talent and Rob will help build a strategy that meets the needs of our growing business while supporting the family culture that makes Great Dane a place where people are proud to work.”

Great Dane announced Robert P. France as the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for the brand.

In this role, Rob will partner with Great Dane's leadership to shape a talent strategy that supports the company’s growing business while strengthening the company’s core values and family-focused culture.

Before joining Great Dane, Rob worked in leadership roles at Corning Incorporated for twenty-three years.

Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), where he was responsible for leading the global Human Resources function across five businesses, with employees in 44 countries, including more than seventy global manufacturing plants. During his tenure, he helped grow Corning’s global workforce from 25,000 to 63,000 employees, the fastest and most

successful expansion in the company’s 170-year history.

In addition to his experience at Corning, Rob previously held Human Resources leadership positions with global manufacturing companies Appleton Papers, Harley-Davidson, Pepsi-Cola, and Smithfield Foods.

“Great Dane has a 125-year history of innovation and I’m looking forward to helping create the next chapter of the company’s story. Great Dane’s belief that the employee is the center of everything and its commitment to growth through greatness is what drew me to the company.

I believe I can help Great Dane achieve something very special in its next phase,” said Rob France, CHRO of Great Dane.

Rob earned his bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College and a master’s degree in industrial and labor relations from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).

gRyt fyn ny nvyN eIvIpI Aqy mu~K mnu~KI sroq AiDkwrI dw AYlwn kIqw gRyt fyn ny rObrt pI PrWs ƒ bRWf leI kwrjkwrI aup pRDwn Aqy mu~K mnu~KI sroq AiDkwrI (CHRO) vjoN GoiSq kIqw[ ies BUimkw iv~c, rob ie~k pRiqBw dI rxnIqI ƒ Awkwr dyx leI gRyt fyn dI AgvweI nwl sWJydwrI krygw jo kMpnI dy mu~K mu~lW Aqy pirvwr-kyNidRq s~iBAwcwr ƒ mzbUq krdy hoey kMpnI dy vD rhy kwrobwr dw smrQn krdI hY[ "rob kol kwrobwrW ƒ vDwaux dw bhuq qzrbw hY jo lokW ƒ sMgTn dI rxnIqI dy kyNdr iv~c r~Kdw hY[ auh ie~k Bwvuk Aqy pRmwixk nyqw hY Aqy mYN gRyt fyn iv~c aus duAwrw ilAwey gey nvyN pihlU ƒ lY ky auqSwihq hW, ”gRyt fyn dy pRDwn Aqy CEO irk muilinMks ny ikhw[ "AsIN sB qoN vDIAw Aqy cmkdwr pRiqBw ƒ AwkriSq krnw Aqy brkrwr r~Kxw cwhuMdy hW Aqy rob ie~k rxnIqI bxwaux iv~c mdd krygw jo swfy vD 24 MARCH APRIL 2025

rhy kwrobwr dIAW loVW ƒ pUrw krdw hY Aqy pirvwrk s~iBAwcwr dw smrQn krdw hY jo gRyt fyn ƒ ie~k AijhI QW bxwauNdw hY ij~Qy lok kMm krn iv~c mwx mihsUs krdy hn[" gRyt fyn iv~c Swml hox qoN pihlW, rob ny 23 swlW leI kwrinMg ienkwrporyitf iv~c lIfriSp BUimkwvW iv~c kMm kIqw[ hwl hI iv~c, ausny sInIAr vweIs pRYzIfYNt Aqy cIP ihaUmn irsorsz APsr (CHRO) dy qOr 'qy syvw kIqI, ij~Qy auh s~qr qoN v~D globl mYnUPYkcirMg plWtW smyq 44 dySW iv~c krmcwrIAW dy nwl, pMj kwrobwrW iv~c globl mnu~KI sroq PMkSn dI AgvweI krn leI izMmyvwr sI[ Awpxy kwrjkwl dOrwn, ausny kwrinMg dy globl krmcwrIAW ƒ 25,000 qoN 63,000 krmcwrIAW q~k vDwaux iv~c mdd kIqI, jo ik kMpnI dy 170 swlW dy ieiqhws iv~c sB qoN qyz Aqy sB qoN sPl ivsqwr hY[

kwrinMg iv~c Awpxy qzrby qoN ielwvw, rob ny pihlW globl inrmwx kMpnIAW AYpltn pyprz, hwrly-fyivfsn, pYpsIkolw, Aqy simQPIlf PUfz nwl mnu~KI sroq lIfriSp AhuidAW 'qy kMm kIqw sI[ “gRyt fyn dw nvInqw dw 125 swlW dw ieiqhws hY Aqy mYN kMpnI dI khwxI dw Aglw AiDAwey bxwaux iv~c mdd krn dI aumId kr irhw hW[ gRyt fyn dw ivSvws ik krmcwrI hr cIz dw kyNdr hY Aqy mhwnqw duAwrw ivkws leI iesdI vcnb~Dqw ny mYƒ kMpnI v~l iK~icAw[ mYƒ ivSvws hY ik mYN gRyt fyn ƒ iesdy Agly pVwA iv~c kuJ Kws pRwpq krn iv~c mdd kr skdw hW, ”gRyt fyn dy CHRO rOb PrWs ny ikhw[ rOb ny AYilzwbYQtwaUn kwlj qoN bYclr dI ifgrI Aqy ieMfIAwnw XUnIvristI AwP pYnislvynIAw (IUP) qoN audXoigk Aqy mzdUr sbMDW iv~c mwstr dI ifgrI hwsl kIqI[ NATIONAL MAGAZINE

MEDIA GROUP 1 877 724 8976 I info@jgkmedia.ca I www.jgkmedia.ca

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MARCH APRIL 2025 25

Defending Against Costly Repairs in Canada

O

perating a commercial vehicle in Canada comes with significant maintenance and repair costs, averaging between CAD $20,000 and $27,000 annually. When considering preventive maintenance, most people focus on belts, tires, hoses, batteries, and oil changes. However, one crucial aspect often overlooked is fuel system maintenance. Neglecting this can lead to increased repair costs and reduced fuel efficiency.

Since 2006, Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) has been the norm in Canada and also since 2006, it has presented challenges due to its lack of natural lubricity. Sulfur, which was previously a key lubricant in diesel fuel, was removed to meet emissions regulations, leaving engines vulnerable to premature fuel pump failure and injector wear.

Without proper lubrication, fuel system 26 MARCH APRIL 2025

components experience excessive friction, leading to costly breakdowns.

Another major issue with ULSD is its tendency to cause injector deposits in modern engines. These deposits disrupt the fuel injection process, preventing proper atomization. Diesel fuel needs to be converted into a fine mist to ignite efficiently, but when deposits form, combustion becomes incomplete. As a result, unburned fuel is wasted and expelled through the exhaust, decreasing fuel economy and increasing costs.

ULSD is a leading cause of fuel system damage and inefficiency. If left untreated, it can result in expensive repairs and higher fuel consumption.

One of the most effective ways to prevent these issues is by using a high-quality diesel fuel additive, such as Howes Diesel Defender®, at every fill-up.

Howes Diesel Defender provides superior protection against ULSDrelated problems. It enhances lubricity up to 2.5 times more than other Howes additives, reducing wear on fuel system components. Additionally, its advanced IDX4® Detergent formula eliminates existing deposits and prevents future buildup, ensuring injectors operate at peak efficiency.

With diesel prices on the rise in Canada, maximizing fuel efficiency is essential. Diesel Defender guarantees a minimum 5% increase in fuel economy, helping you save money while keeping your vehicle on the road longer. Less time in the shop means more time earning. Protect your vehicle, protect your wallet—choose Howes Diesel Defender.

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kYnyfw iv~c mihMgI murMmq ƒ GtwE kYnyfw iv~c vpwrk vwhn clwaux leI mh~qvpUrn r~K-rKwA Aqy murMmq dy Krcy AwauNdy hn, AOsq CAD $20,000 Aqy $27,000 slwnw ivckwr[ rokQwm dy r~KrKwA 'qy ivcwr krdy smyN, izAwdwqr lok bYltW, twierW, hozW, bYtrIAW Aqy qyl dIAW qbdIlIAW 'qy iDAwn idMdy hn[ hwlWik, ie~k mh~qvpUrx pihlU ƒ Aksr nzrAMdwz kIqw jWdw hY auh hY eINDn pRxwlI dw r~KrKwA[ ies ƒ nzrAMdwz krn nwl murMmq dI lwgq vD skdI hY Aqy bwlx kuSlqw Gt skdI hY[ 2006 qoN, Altrw lo slPr fIzl (ULSD) kYnyfw iv~c AwdrS irhw hY Aqy 2006 qoN, iesny kudrqI lubrIistI dI Gwt kwrn cuxOqIAW pyS kIqIAW hn[ gMDk, jo ik pihlW fIzl bwlx iv~c ie~k mu~K lubrIkYNt sI, ƒ inkwsI inXmW ƒ pUrw krn leI htw id~qw igAw sI, ijs nwl ieMjxW ƒ smyN qoN pihlW eINDn pMp dI AsPlqw Aqy ieMjYktr dy Krwb hox dw Kqrw bixAw rihMdw sI[ shI lubrIkySn dy ibnW, eINDn pRxwlI dy ih~sy bhuq izAwdw rgV dw AnuBv NATIONAL MAGAZINE

krdy hn, ijs nwl mihMgy tu~tx dw kwrn bxdw hY[

ULSD nwl ie~k hor pRmu~K mu~dw AwDuink ieMjxW iv~c ieMjYktr jmHW hox dw kwrn hY[ ieh ifpwizt iPaUl ieMjYkSn pRikirAw ƒ ivgwVdy hn, shI AYtomweIzySn ƒ rokdy hn[ fIzl eINDn ƒ kuSlqw nwl A~g lgwaux leI ie~k vDIAw DuMd iv~c bdlx dI loV huMdI hY, pr jdoN jmHW ho jWdy hn, qW bln ADUrw ho jWdw hY[ nqIjy vjoN, nw swiVAw hoieAw eINDn brbwd ho jWdw hY Aqy inkws duAwrw k~iFAw jWdw hY, eINDn dI AwriQkqw GtdI hY Aqy lwgq vDdI hY[ ULSD bwlx pRxwlI dy nukswn Aqy AXogqw dw ie~k pRmu~K kwrn hY[ jykr ielwj nw kIqw jwvy, qW ieh mihMgI murMmq Aqy v~D bwlx dI Kpq dw nqIjw ho skdw hY[ iehnW mu~idAW ƒ rokx dy sB qoN pRBwvSwlI qrIikAW iv~coN ie~k au~c-guxv~qw vwly fIzl iPaUl AYifitv dI vrqoN krnw hY, ijvyN ik Howes iDesel Defender®, hr

Brn vyly[

Howes iDesel Defender®, ULSDsbMDq sm~isAwvW dy ivru~D au~qm sur~iKAw pRdwn krdw hY[ ieh hor hovz AYifitvz nwloN 2.5 guxw q~k lubrIistI vDwauNdw hY, bwlx isstm dy ih~isAW 'qy pihnx ƒ GtwauNdw hY[ ies qoN ielwvw, iesdw au~nq IDX4® iftrjYNt PwrmUlw mOjUdw ifpwizt ƒ Kqm krdw hY Aqy Biv~K dy inrmwx ƒ rokdw hY, ieh XkInI bxwauNdw hY ik ieMjYktr isKr dI kuSlqw 'qy kMm krdy hn[ kYnyfw iv~c fIzl dIAW kImqW vDx dy nwl, v~D qoN v~D bwlx kuSlqw zrUrI hY[ iDesel Defender®, bwlx dI AwriQkqw iv~c G~to-G~t 5% vwDy dI gwrMtI idMdw hY, quhwfy vwhn ƒ sVk 'qy lMby smyN q~k r~Kdy hoey pYsy bcwaux iv~c quhwfI mdd krdw hY[ dukwn ivc G~t smW dw mqlb hY izAwdw smW kmwauxw[ Awpxy vwhn dI r~iKAw kro, Awpxy btUey dI r~iKAw kro— Howes iDesel Defender®, dI cox kro[ MARCH APRIL 2025 27

Driving Green: Unlock Fuel Savings with BCTA’s CleanBC HDVE Program

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or BC’s motor carriers, fuel efficiency isn’t just about cost savings— it’s about staying competitive in an evolving industry.

That’s where the CleanBC Heavy-Duty Vehicle Efficiency (HDVE) Program comes in. Administered by the BC Trucking Association (BCTA) and funded by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, the program has been helping trucking companies slash fuel costs and emissions since 2019.

With up to $15,000 per truck or $50,000 per fleet in rebates available, now is the time for eligible BC carriers to invest in fuel-saving technology.

Why This Program Delivers the Best ROI When it comes to cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the HDVE Program is one of the most cost-effective solutions in BC. Compared to other rebate programs, it delivers 20 times more emissions reductions per dollar spent. 1 Between 2020 and 2022, BC invested nearly $200 million in light-duty vehicle program spending to achieve a reduction of about 325,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂). In contrast, the HDVE 28 MARCH APRIL 2025

Program achieved the same emissions cuts with under $10 million in funding.

That’s efficiency trucking companies can appreciate.

With 5,000 commercial vehicles in BC benefitting from the program in 2024 alone, demand has never been higher.

The program has helped fleets invest in game-changing technologies, including: • Electric auxiliary power units to reduce idling • Aerodynamic upgrades for improved fuel efficiency • Hydrogen fuel enhancements to lower diesel consumption • Zero-emission refrigeration units for temperature-sensitive cargo Why More Funding is Critical The HDVE Program is delivering results now, with a fuel savings return on investment of $18.49 for every $1 spent. 2 However, in 2024, the provincial government slashed funding by 75% — just as more fleets are looking to adopt efficiency technologies.

BCTA is calling on the BC government to reinstate annual funding to $3.5 million. Expanding the program will:

• Help more fleets reduce operating costs • Support a cleaner, more sustainable trucking industry • Keep BC’s economy moving while lowering emissions Take Advantage of HDVE Rebates NOW If you’re a BC carrier looking to lower fuel costs and future-proof your fleet, now is the time to apply for HDVE Program rebates. Up to $15,000 per truck and $50,000 per fleet is available for eligible carriers. Don’t leave money on the table—invest in fuel-saving technology today: BCTrucking.com/ cleanbc-hdve-program Let’s drive progress together.

1.

The cost per tonne of CO₂ reduced for the light-duty vehicle program is approximately $615, while the HDVE Program’s cost is about $31 per tonne, demonstrating the HDVE Program’s 20-fold cost efficiency.

2.

For every $1 invested, participants save 113 liters of diesel, valued at $203.4 million in cumulative savings since 2019.

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gRIn frweIivMg: BCTA dy CleanBC HDVE pRogrwm nwl qyl dI Kpq iv~c b~cq krn dy nvyN qrIky ApxwE bI sI dy motr kYrIArW leI, qyl ^pq isrP lwgq dI b~cq bwry hI nhIN hY - ieh ie~k ivksq audXog iv~c AwpxI pihcwx bxweI r`Kx leI sMGrS krdy rihx bwry vI hY[ ies nUM kwmXwb krn leI CleanBC hYvI-ifaUtI vwhn kuSlqw (HDVE) pRogrwm iesdI shwieqw krdw hY[ ies nUM FoAwFuAweI Aqy AwvwjweI mMqrwly duAwrw PMifMg pRwpq bIsI tr~ikMg AYsosIeySn (BCTA) ies nUM mYnyj krdI hY Aqy, ieh pRogrwm tr~ikMg kMpnIAW ƒ 2019 qoN qyl dI lwgq Aqy DUMeyN dyy inkws ƒ Gtwaux iv~c shwieqw kr irhw hY[ pRqI tr~k $15,000 jW pRqI PlIt $50,000 q~k dI Cot auplbD hox krky, hux Xog bIsI kYrIArW leI qyl-b~cq krn vwlI qknwlojI iv~c invyS krn dw smW hY[ ieh pRogrwm sB qoN vDIAw ROI ikauN pRdwn krdw hY? jdoN gRInhwaus gYs (GHC) dy inkws iv~c ktOqI krn dI g~l AwauNdI hY, qW HDVE pRogrwm BC iv~c sB qoN v~D lwgqpRBwvSwlI msilAW dy h~lW iv~coN ie~k hY[ hor Cot pRogrwmW dI qulnw iv~c, ieh Krc kIqy gey pRqI fwlr inkws iv~c 20 guxw vDyry ktOqI pRdwn krdw hY[ 2020 Aqy 2022 dy ivckwr, BC ny lgBg 325,000 tn kwrbn fweIAwksweIf (CO₂) dI kmI pRwpq krn leI lweItifaUtI vwhn pRogrwm ‘qy Awaux vwlI lwgq ‘c lgBg $200 imlIAn dw invyS kIqw[ ies dy ault, HDVE pRogrwm ny $10 imlIAn qoN vI G`t PMifMg invyS krky hI aus dy brwbr inkws ktOqI pRwpq krn ‘c kwmXwbI hwsl kIqI[ ieh auh kuSlqw hY ijs dI pRSMsw tr~ikMg kMpnIAW kr skdIAW hn[ isrP 2024 vrHy ‘c hI BC ‘c 5,000 vpwrk vwhnW ƒ ies pRogrwm qoN lwB hoieAw hY, iesdI mMg kdy vI ieMnI izAwdw nhIN hoeI[ pRogrwm ny PlItW ƒ bdlx vwlIAW hor qknwlojIAW iv~c invyS krn ‘c mdd kIqI hY, ijs iv~c Swml hn: • AweIfilMg ƒ Gtwaux leI ielYkitRk shwiek pwvr XUint NATIONAL MAGAZINE

hux I.C.B.C jwx dI loV nhIN klym nMbr ilAwE

bwkI swfy qy C`fo!

• ibhqr qyl ^pq leI AYrofwienwimk ApgRyf • fIzl dI Kpq ƒ Gtwaux leI hweIfRojn iPaUl dI vrqoN ‘c vwDw • qwpmwn-sMvydnSIl kwrgo leI zIroinkws rYPirjrySn XUint vDyry PMifMg mh~qvpUrn ikauN hY HDVE pRogrwm hux nqIjy dy irhw hY, ijs iv~c $18.49 dy invyS krn ‘qy Krcy gey hryk $1 leI qyl b~cq dI vwpsI huMdI hY[ hwlWik, 2024 iv~c, sUbweI srkwr ny PMifMg iv~c 75٪ dI ktOqI kIqI - ijvyN ik hor PlIt kuSlqw qknwlojIAW ƒ Apxwaux dI koiSS kr rhy hn[ HDVE v`loN BC srkwr ƒ 3.5 imlIAn fwlr q`k swlwnw PMifMg bhwl krn dI mMg kr irhw hY[ pRogrwm dw ivsQwr hox nwl; • vDyry PlItW ƒ EpryitMg lwgqW Gtwaux iv~c mdd imlygI • ie~k swP suQry, vDyry itkwaU tr~ikMg audXog dw smrQn krnw • inkws ƒ GtwauNdy hoey BC dI AwriQkqw ‘c ivkws hux HDVE rIbyt lYx dw lwB auTwE jy qusIN ie~k BC kYrIAr ho jo iPaUl dI lwgq ƒ G~t krnw cwhuMdy hn Aqy Awpxy PlIt ƒ Biv~K-pRUP (Future-Proof) bxwauxw cwhuMdy ho, qW hux HDVE pRogrwm rIbytW leI ArzI dyx dw smW hY[ ieh rIbyt Xog kYrIArW leI pRqI tr~k $15,000 Aqy pRqI PlIt $50,000 q~k auplbD hY[ ies pYsy nUM AjWeI hI h`QoN nw iKskx idE A~j hI iPaUl -b~cq qknwlojI iv~c invyS BCTrucikng.com/cleanbc-hdvekro: program AwE swry iml ky qr~kI krIey[ 1. lweIt-ifaUtI vwhn pRogrwm leI GtweI geI pRqI tn kwrbn fweIAwksweIf dI lwgq lgBg $ 615 hY, jdoN ik HDVE pRogrwm dI lwgq lgBg $31 pRqI tn hY, jo HDVE pRogrwm dI 20 guxw G`t lwgq kuSlqw ƒ drswauNdI hY[ 2. hryk $1 invyS leI, BwgIdwr 113 lItr fIzl dI bcq krdy hn, ijsdI kImq 2019 qoN ku~l b~cq dw $203.4 imlIAn hY[

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Oct. 2nd, 2025 Aria Banquet & convention centre 6pm to 9pm Mark Your Calendar, and Stay Tuned for more info. Ph: 604-767-4433; 604-724-8976 Info@jgkmedia.ca

30 MARCH APRIL 2025

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INTRODUCING...

A NEW EX-GUARD FOR A NEW CASCADIA! ®

®

Call Your Ex-Guard Account Manager Today! (888) 651-1218 Ex-Guard is proud to add to its flagship XG series of guards the new XG150 model for Fifth Generation Cascadia. Ex-Guard is currently the only brand offering full-coverage, road-tested front-end protection for the new Cascadia. Get extreme-duty full protection for bumper, grille, radiator, collision mitigation radar sensors, hood, and headlights. Most importantly, this new design protects the collision mitigation sensors below the headlights. Order yours today.

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MARCH APRIL 2025

31

Amazon Career Choice Trains Employees for Careers in Trucking and Transportation

W

ith the Canadian trucking industry still facing significant labour and gender gaps, some of the country’s largest employers are stepping up by funding in-house upskilling and job training programs targeted to transportation and logistics. Amazon is just one example, and Career Choice – its pre-paid education benefit – is coming off its 10th anniversary with a strong track record of training employees – including women – for careers in the industry.

Transportation is Amazon’s most popular Career Choice program in Canada, with more than half of total participants pursuing truck-driving training programs that unlock new career opportunities in supply chain and logistics. Career Choice offers a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) course that teaches employees the skills needed to become truck drivers, including long-haul and freight drivers, in partnership with schools like Ancora Education.

More than 8,000 frontline Amazon employees have participated in Career Choice since the program launched in Canada in 2014. Amazon pre-pays up to 95% of tuition and fees towards a certificate or diploma in qualified fields of study, in partnership with more than 20 leading educational institutions.

The Canadian transportation industry is facing a significant labour shortage: according to Transport Canada, the country has projected a labour shortfall of between 25,000 to 55,600 trucking industry workers by 2023-2035.

“Amazon is a great place to grow a long-term career, and Career Choice has a proud legacy of helping employees build new skills and explore new opportunities for career advancement,” said Tammy Thieman, Global Program Director, Amazon Career Choice. “As we mark 10 years of Career Choice in Canada, we’re also celebrating the program’s ability to bolster the Canadian labour force, particularly in industries facing labour and gender gaps.”

32 MARCH APRIL 2025

Trucking also faces significant gender diversity gaps: according to 2021 Census data, women account for just over 4% of Canada’s truck drivers. Programs like Amazon Career Choice have helped encourage more women to get their CDL while attracting new people to the industry.

Jaspreet Aujla has been working at Amazon in Calgary for almost four years. She completed her CDL training through Career Choice in May 2024, with the goal of a future promotion within

Amazon's transportation department.

As one of only two female truck drivers at her site, the CDL training has helped Jaspreet become more confident and knowledgeable in her current role.

"Career Choice opened doors for me that I hadn’t considered before. It’s not just about the job I have now—it’s about the long-term career potential in transportation, whether that’s with Amazon or beyond,” she said. “My family was so proud when I earned my commercial driver’s license. Being one of the few female truck drivers at my site has been empowering, and I’m grateful for their encouragement every step of the way."

Graduates of the Career Choice Transportation program not only finish with a CDL, but are also prepared to move into a new career in truck driving through extensive training and a job network. Graduates are able to find new career opportunities both internally with Amazon transportation teams, smallbusiness trucking company owners through the Amazon Freight Partner program, as well as in the broader transportation industry.

To learn more about Amazon Career Choice, visit the program web site.

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‘AYmwzOn kYrIAr cOies’ krmcwrIAW ƒ tr~ikMg Aqy AwvwjweI kYrIAr leI isKlweI idMdw hYY

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AMqr dw swhmxw kr rhy audXogW ‘c[ tRWsportySn kYnyfw iv~c AYmwzOn dw sB qoN pRis~D kYrIAr cOies pRogrwm hY, ijsdy ku~l BwgIdwrW ‘coN A~Dy qoN v~D tr~k-fRweIivMg isKlweI pRogrwmW ‘c mdd krdy hn jo splweI cyn Aqy lOijsitks iv~c nvyN kYrIAr dy mOikAW ƒ KolHdy hn[ kYrIAr cOies ie~k vpwrk frweIvr lwiesYNs (CDL) kors dI pySkS krdw hY jo krmcwrIAW ƒ AYNkorw AYjUkySn vrgy skUlW nwl BweIvwlI iv~c lMbI dUrI Aqy mwl g~fIAW smyq tr~k frweIvr bxn leI loVINdy hunr isKwauNdw hY[ kYnyfIAn AwvwjweI audXog bhuq v`fy p`Dr ‘qy kwimAW dI Gwt dw swhmxw kr irhw hY; trWsport kYnyfw dy Anuswr, dyS ny 2023-2035 q~k tr~ikMg audXog 25,000 qoN 55,600 dy ivckwr lybr kwimAW dI kmI dw Anumwn lgwieAw hY[ tr~ikMg ƒ ilMg iviBMnqw (AOrq qy mrd ‘c Prk) dy mh~qvpUrn AMqrW dw vI swhmxw krnw pYNdw hY[ 2021 dI mrdmSumwrI dy AMkiVAW Anuswr, kYnyfw dy tr~k frweIvrW iv~c AOrqW dI ih~sydwrI isrP 4٪ qoN QoVHI hI v~D hY[ AYmwzOn kYrIAr cOies vrgy pRogrwmW ny, audXog iv~c nvyN lokW ƒ AwkriSq krdy hoey vDyry AOrqW ƒ Awpxw CDL pRwpq krn leI auqSwhq krn iv~c mdd kIqI hY[ jspRIq AOjlw lgBg cwr swlW qoN kYlgrI iv~c AYmwzOn iv~c kMm kr rhI hY[ ausny AYmwzOn dy AwvwjweI ivBwg dy AMdr Biv~K dI qr~kI dy tIcy nwl, meI

2024 iv~c kYrIAr cOies rwhIN AwpxI CDL dI isKlweI pUrI kIqI[ AwpxI sweIt 'qy isrP do mihlw tr~k frweIvrW iv~coN ie~k hox dy nwqy, CDL isKlweI ny jspRIq ƒ AwpxI mOjUdw BUimkw iv~c vDyry AwqmivSvwsI Aqy igAwnvwn bxn iv~c shwieqw kIqI [ aus ny ikhw, "kYrIAr cOies ny myry leI auh drvwzy KolH id~qy ijnHW bwry mYN pihlW kdy ivcwr vI nhIN kIqw sI[ ieh isrP aus nOkrI bwry nhIN hY jo hux myry kol hY - ieh AwvwjweI ivc lMby smyN dy kYrIAr dI sMBwvnw bwry hY, cwhy auh AYmwzOn nwl hovy jW ies qoN Al`g[” A`gy c`l ky aus ny d`isAw, "jdoN mYN Awpxw vpwrk frweIvr lwiesYNs pRwpq kIqw qW myry pirvwr ƒ bhuq mwx sI[ myrI sweIt 'qy ku`J mihlw tr~k frweIvrW iv`coN iek hoxw SkqISwlI irhw hY, Aqy mYN hr kdm 'qy aunHW dy auqSwh leI DMnvwdI hW”[ kYrIAr cOies tRWsportySn pRogrwm dy gRYjUeyt nw isrP CDL nwl Kqm huMdy hn, blik ivAwpk isKlweI Aqy nOkrI nY`tvrk rwhIN tr~k frweIivMg dy ie`k nvyN kYrIAr ivc jwx leI vI iqAwr hn[ gRYjUeyt AYmwzOn AwvwjweI tImW, AYmwzOn Pryt pwrtnr pRogrwm rwhIN Coty kwrobwrI tr~ikMg kMpnI dy mwlkW dy nwl-nwl ivAwpk AwvwjweI audXog iv~c AMdrUnI qOr 'qy nvyN kYrIAr dy mOky l~Bx dy Xog hn[ Amazon Career Chioce bwry hor jwxn leI, pRogrwm vY~bsweIt 'qy jwE[ MARCH APRIL 2025 33

G. RAY GOMPF, CD

Some Tips for Winter – It’s Not Over Yet Spring is coming. It’s been a different winter right across the country than in the past few years but soon the snow will be gone, and different challenges will present themselves. However, it’s still important to remember that winter’s fury might still bite you.

The cold is an issue too often overlooked. Make sure your fuel remains a liquid and doesn’t gel up either in the tank or the fuel lines leading to the injectors.

Once that fuel gels, it can take days inside a nice warm garage before what’s supposed to be liquid is again liquid. This is especially important for those that run south into summer. There may be a chance of getting summer fuel and not having it all burned out before getting winter fuel where it’s still needed. On the subject of fuel, make sure to keep the tanks topped off with winter grade fuel as much as possible.

It’s time to check out those chains.

Undoubtedly, you’ve used them more this

winter than the last few. Check them out for wear and spots that could wear through and break apart under use. There’s no point having that extra weight if they’re going to let you down when you absolutely must use them. They’re not just something you have because the rules say you have to have. They’re one of those safety items you use because they solve problems.

Tires! It doesn’t hurt to examine each tire and make sure the wear patterns are consistent with normal wear and tear.

Ensure tire pressures are all to specification and check them cold. And this goes without saying but run proper tires for each season.

Recheck all fluid levels. That’s from the engine to the differential. As part of the fluid check, check the pressure cap on the radiator. That cap does a lot of work, and its failure could cause considerable grief.

It’s not expensive to replace but must work as required. In winter, it’s these little things, the inexpensive things, that can bite you and cause a breakdown.

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34 MARCH APRIL 2025

twier! hryk twier dI jWc krnw Aqy ieh XkInI bxwauxw koeI nukswn nhIN phuMcwauNdw hY ik pihnx dy pYtrn Awm pihnx Aqy A~QrU nwl iekswr hn[ XkInI bxwE ik twier pRYSr inrDwrn Anuswr hn Aqy auhnW ƒ TMfw cY~k kro[ Aqy ieh ibnW khy pr hr sIzn leI shI twier clwE[ swry qrl p~DrW dI muV jWc kro[ ieh ieMjx qoN lY ky ifPrYNSIAl q~k hY[ qrl jWc dy ih~sy vjoN, ryfIeytr 'qy pRYSr kYp dI jWc kro[ auh kYp bhuq swrw kMm krdI hY, Aqy iesdI AsPlqw kw&I sog dw kwrn bx skdI hY[ iesƒ bdlxw mihMgw nhIN hY pr loV Anuswr kMm krnw cwhIdw hY[ srdIAW iv~c, ieh CotIAW cIzW hn, ssqIAW cIzW, jo quhwƒ k~t skdIAW hn Aqy tu~tx dw kwrn bx skdIAW hn[ auh swry srdIAW dy k~pVy jo qusIN Awpxy tr~k iv~c lY jw rhy ho ies aumId

All those winter clothes you’re carrying in your truck hoping you’ll never have to use. Take them out of your truck, wash them and repack them back in your truck. This will do two things: first, it will have you feeling better because those clothes have picked up a winter’s worth of odours and now they’ll be clean; and secondly, it’ll give you a chance to check them out for not having fallen victim to small rodents enjoying your hospitality without paying rent.

Most of the tips this late in the season may seem a bit redundant but safe trucking is made safer with reminders. When you find yourself creeping up on that vehicle in front of you, determine if you’re creeping up because you are planning on passing or just traveling too fast. If you are planning on passing, take your time, especially on snow packed roads. Safety is more about self-checking your own behaviour on the spot and correcting it if needed. There’s snow, there’s whiteouts, there’s being tired when you shouldn’t be tired. And there’s even distractions. But it’s up to you to check your own behaviour and drive as if there’s a Ministry of Transport examiner riding you at all times. Safe driving!

iv~c ik quhwƒ kdy vI vrqx dI loV nhIN pvygI[ auhnW ƒ Awpxy tr~k iv~coN bwhr k~Fo, auhnW ƒ Dovo Aqy auhnW ƒ Awpxy tr~k iv~c dubwrw pYk kro[ ies sIzn dy AKIr iv~c izAwdwqr suJwA QoVHy byloVy l~g skdy hn pr irmweINfrW nwl sur~iKAq tr~ikMg ƒ sur~iKAq bxwieAw jWdw hY[ jdoN qusIN Awpxy Awp ƒ Awpxy swhmxy aus vwhn 'qy ryNgdy hoey pwauNdy ho, qW ieh inrDwrq kro ik kI qusIN bhuq qyzI nwl lMGx dI Xojnw bxw rhy ho jW bhuq qyzI nwl Xwqrw kr rhy ho[ jykr qusIN lMGx dI Xojnw bxw rhy ho, qW Awpxw smW k~Fo, Kws krky br& nwl BrIAW sVkW 'qy[ sur~iKAw mOky 'qy Awpxy Kud dy ivvhwr dI svY-jWc krn Aqy loV pYx 'qy ies ƒ TIk krn bwry vDyry hY[ ie~Qy br& hY, s&Yd hn, Q~ikAw hoieAw hY jdoN quhwƒ Q~ikAw nhIN hoxw cwhIdw hY[ Aqy Btkxw vI hY. pr ieh quhwfy au~qy inrBr krdw hY ik qusIN Awpxy Kud dy ivvhwr dI jWc kro Aqy ies qrHW g~fI clwE ijvyN ik koeI tRWsport prIiKAk hr smyN quhwfI svwrI kr irhw hovy[ sur~iKAq frweIivMg! NATIONAL MAGAZINE

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MARCH APRIL 2025 35

Canada's First Electric Dump Truck Deployed in Victoria, BC waves with its mediumduty electric trucks. Their appeal? Car-like handling, powerful electric motors, low operating costs, and a winning combination of practical range and fast charging – a tough act to beat in the class 4-6 cabover segment.

Forget politics – for commercial fleets, total cost of ownership reigns supreme. Proof of this? Canada just deployed its first class 4 medium-duty battery electric dump truck in Victoria, BC. Daimler-backed RIZON is making

This resonates with companies like Villamar Construction, a leading custom home builder in Victoria, BC. "Investing in Canada's first RIZON EV dump truck reflects Villamar's commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility," says JT Brown, sales manager. "Canada's 2032 net-zero target inspires us to lead in both construction and sustainability."

RIZON offers four models in Canada (15,995-18,850 lbs GVWR) with ranges up to 257 km (160 miles) for L variants.

Canadian models boast superior coldweather performance, including an electric preconditioning feature for cabin and battery warming.

While some dismiss environmental concerns in trucking, fleet managers prioritize efficiency and cost reduction regardless of political views. Simply put, better and cheaper wins. Better and cheaper? They'll buy two. Electric power is consistently proving its value across a wider range of applications compared to diesel.

Expect a surge in commercial EVs as the financial benefits become undeniable and real-world case studies accumulate.

kYnyfw dw pihlw ielYkitRk fMp tr~k ivktorIAw, bI.sI. iv~c vriqAw igAw rwjnIqI ƒ Bu~l jwE - vpwrk PlItW leI, mlkIAq dI ku~l lwgq sB qoN v~D hY[ ies dw sbUq? kYnyfw ny huxy hI ivktorIAw, bI.sI. iv~c Awpxw pihlw drjw 4 mIfIAm-ifaUtI bYtrI vwlw ielYkitRk fMp tr~k qwienwq kIqw hY[ fYmlr-bYkf irzon Awpxy m~Dm-ifaUtI ielYkitRk tr~kW nwl lihrW bxw irhw hY[ aunHW dI ApIl? kwr vrgI hYNfilMg, SkqISwlI ielYkitRk motrW, G~t EpryitMg lwgqW, Aqy ivhwrk ryNj Aqy qyz cwrijMg dw ie~k jyqU sumyl - klws 4-6 kYbovr ih~sy iv~c hrwaux leI ie~k s^q kwrj[ ieh ivktorIAw, bI.sI. iv~c ie~k pRmu~K 36 MARCH APRIL 2025

kstm hom iblfr, ivlwmr kMstRkSn vrgIAW kMpnIAW nwl gUMjdw hY[ "kYnyfw dy pihly RIZON EV fMp tr~k iv~c invyS krnw ivlwmr dI nvInqw Aqy vwqwvrx dI izMmyvwrI pRqI vcnb~Dqw ƒ drswauNdw hY," jytI bRwaUn, sylz mYnyjr kihMdw hY[ "kYnyfw dw 2032 dw Su~D-zIro tIcw swƒ inrmwx Aqy siQrqw dovW iv~c AgvweI krn leI pRyirq krdw hY[" RIZON kYnyfw iv~c cwr mwflW (15,995-18,850 lbs GVWR) L vyrIAYNts leI 257 iklomItr (160 mIl) q~k dI ryNj dy nwl pyS krdw hY[ kYnyfIAn mwfl vDIAw TMfy-mOsm dI kwrguzwrI dw mwx krdy hn, ijs iv~c kYibn Aqy bYtrI

vwrimMg leI ie~k ielYkitRk pRI-kMfISinMg ivSySqw Swml hY[ jdoN ik kuJ tr~ikMg iv~c vwqwvrx sMbMDI icMqwvW ƒ Kwrj krdy hn, PlIt pRbMDk isAwsI ivcwrW dI prvwh kIqy ibnW kuSlqw Aqy lwgq Gtwaux ƒ qrjIh idMdy hn[ bs pwE, ibhqr Aqy ssqIAW ij~qW[ ibhqr Aqy ssqw? auh do KrId lYxgy[ ielYkitRk pwvr fIzl dy mukwbly AYplIkySnW dI ie~k ivSwl SRyxI iv~c lgwqwr Awpxw mu~l swbq kr rhI hY[ vpwrk eIvIz iv~c vwDy dI aumId kro ikauNik iv~qI lwB AsvIkwrnXog bx jWdy hn Aqy Asl-sMswr kys AiDAYn iek~Ty huMdy hn[ NATIONAL MAGAZINE

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MARCH APRIL 2025 37

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MY RIDE

2024 Lexus GX 550 Totally Refreshed and Totally Awesome JAG DHATT

W

hen thinking of off-road, capable SUV’s, Lexus may not be the first name that comes to mind. Jeep, Toyota, Land Rover, and the Mercedes G-Wagen are usually top contenders in this category, given their heritage and simply that they are tried and tested. With Land Rover and Mercedes being the only luxury options, Lexus now throws its name in the hat. How does it do? Let’s find out.

The third generation Lexus GX was totally redesigned, inside and out, for the 2024 model year. Gone is the polarizing Lexus spindle grille. Gone are the soft, smooth lines and corners.

And gone is the boring, bland look of the outgoing GX. And that’s just the 40 MARCH APRIL 2025

outside.

Now most people will ask the obvious question – isn’t it a dressedup Toyota Land Cruiser? Well, yes and no. Yes, it’s built on the same platform as the Land Cruiser and shares some similarities. But the GX is the luxury brand, and you can feel it in every aspect of the vehicle.

In my opinion, on sheer looks, the 2024 GX is eye candy, as many turned their heads to take a look. It’s big, bold, and brash while still maintaining an aspect of luxury. I never took notice of the outgoing model and compared to that generation; this one is gorgeous. Our Luxury trim tester, coated in beautiful

Incognito paint, was anything but incognito. LED lamps front and back, sharp corners, auto-leveling headlamps, and 22” tires and wheels really make this SUV stand out. It’s safe to say that the GX is the best-looking SUV in the manufacturer’s lineup.

There are six trim levels available, starting with the Signature and topping out at the Executive. I think the best bang for the buck is definitely the Luxury trim which we tested. If it’s too much, and you’d like more off-road capability and a tad less luxury, then the Overtrail would be your cup of tea. And yes, depending on your trim of choice, a 7-passenger is available.

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MY RIDE

I first experienced this powertrain in the refreshed Toyota Tundra and absolutely loved it. The same can be said in the GX. Power delivery is smooth and quiet without seeming overbearing. It’s punchy when you need it and smooth when you want to cruise. All of this power is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which can be used with four pre-set and one custom driving modes.

So how does the twin-turbo feel on the road? It feels perfect. There’s enough low-end torque and little turbo lag.

When you punch the GX, it takes off, moving through the gears without major jolts or hiccups. Toyota really deserves a pat on the back for the powertrain and transmission.

The cabin of the new GX is quite appealing. Even though our tester was the Luxury trim, it wasn’t uber luxurious. There’s no leather on the dash or door panels like you see on the new Infiniti QX80 or the Range Rover.

But here’s the thing – this interior works for the Lexus as it matches the rugged, tough looking interior. There’s a lot of soft materials where on the touchable areas and harder materials on lower portions of the door panels and sills. There’s brushed aluminum on the dash and thank God, very very minimal piano black!

Toyota/Lexus SUVs are generally on the narrower side and it’s the same with the new GX. That being said, the NATIONAL MAGAZINE

higher roof line makes it look balanced.

The seats are comfortable and up front, they heated and vented and have massage. The rear seats are heated only.

Lower trims have a moonroof and higher trims have a fixed panoramic roof. The reason for this simple. The GX is a body on frame SUV that is meant to go off-roading, and the fixed glass roof offers more rigidity over one that would open. And since I usually don’t open my sunroofs, it works for me.

Lexus only offers one powertrain for the GX, and she’s a beauty: a 3.4-litre, twin turbo V6 that pushes out 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

The GX550 is a joy to drive on almost every road. I say almost because it on some broken roads, it can feel ever so slightly jarring. But then again, just don’t drive over the potholes. Unlike the Overtrail edition, other GX550 trims do not have the eDKSS system, which gives two more inches of wheel travel, and the sway bar can be disconnected if needed. Will this matter to most buyers?

Probably not as most GX500’s won’t see more than the casual dirt road.

As I stated earlier, because of the narrow body, the GX550 is perfectly suited for city driving. With the help of the numerous cameras, the GX can navigate narrow streets, constructions diversions, and park easily in cramped lots.

When I first drove the GX550, I MARCH APRIL 2025

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thought the steering would have lots of play; most SUVs, except performance ones, don’t have that spot on steering feel. The Lexus GX fairs better than most: it doesn’t wander and gives good road feedback.

So given all of the good of the GX550, it’s only fair to talk about places where it falls short. Let’s start off with comparing the interior to its refreshed rival, the Infiniti QX80. Even though I like the interior of the GX550 Luxury as it mirrors its rugged exterior, it falls short when comparing it the QX80, which is absolutely stunning. It also falls short in terms of leg room and cargo capacity.

Another shortcoming of the GX550, and quite odd to be honest, is the heated 42 MARCH APRIL 2025

seats and steering wheel. Not only do they take a long time to heat up, they don’t heat up that much. Now for me, this isn’t an issue as I like my seat heating to be mild; but I can see others complaining that the seats and steering wheel just don’t get warm enough. In the same breath, Lexus didn’t make the massage option easy to use. Rather than have a simple button on the dash or the door panels, Lexus thought it would be better to have the occupant press a minimum of 3 times on the touchscreen to activate this feature. That’s no bueno Lexus.

Finally, we need to talk about fuel economy, or lack of. Yes, don’t expect fuel economy to fair well, and considering this Lexus takes premium fuel and the high prices of fuel in

British Columbia, it’s going to hurt the wallet. The boxy square look, although appealing to the eyes, don’t help the GX in sipping fuel. I averaged 15.8 L/100 km in combined city and highway driving.

All things said and done, the refreshed 2024 Lexus GX550 is a beautiful chariot. It has morphed from a bland looking vehicle to one looks amazing on and off road. The shortcomings are minor; there’s a lot to like in this vehicle. I was never a fan of the outgoing GX460, but I’ll gladly park this one in my driveway any day.

The best bang for the buck has to be the Luxury trim for those not wanting to venture much off road. It is still very capable but adds all the amenities one expects in a Lexus vehicle.

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MARCH APRIL 2025 43

Mack Trucks to Launch New Flagship Semi in 2025

M

ack Trucks is gearing up to launch a new flagship on-highway semi-truck in 2025, as announced on November 14th.

While details remain somewhat unclear, Mack Trucks President Stephen Roy has strongly hinted that this new vehicle will be a significant departure from the current Anthem model, potentially even a completely new design. Roy described it as an "industry disrupter," suggesting that the truck will offer substantial advancements that will allow Mack to compete in a larger segment of the market, specifically aiming for the premium segment that currently represents 70% of the market. This suggests the new truck will likely feature advanced technology, improved efficiency, and potentially a more luxurious or driver-centric design.

Mack anticipates that this new flagship truck, combined with an 44 MARCH APRIL 2025

expansion of Volvo Group's North American truck production capacity (Volvo being Mack's parent company) and the resolution of ongoing supply chain challenges, will significantly boost their market share. Their stated goal is to triple their long-haul market share and surpass the 10% market share threshold for Class 8 trucks by 2030. Currently, Mack holds approximately 6.5% of the Class 8 market.

The current Mack on-highway lineup includes the Anthem, launched in 2017, and the Pinnacle. The Anthem offers various configurations, including 70-inch stand-up sleepers, 48-inch flat-top sleepers, and day cabs. Engine options for the Anthem include 11-liter MP7, 13-liter MP8, and MP 8HE diesel engines, as well as a Cummins ISX-12N natural gas engine option for certain cab configurations. Axle options range from

4x2 to 8x6. The Pinnacle is available in similar cab configurations as the Anthem and offers a variety of MP8 engine options.

In addition to their heavy-duty trucks, Mack has recently re-entered the medium-duty market after a hiatus since 2002. They now offer the MD6 and MD7 models, with production beginning in July 2020 and a refresh launched in August 2024. This re-entry has been successful for Mack, achieving a 5% market share in the mediumduty segment. Notably, Mack has also embraced electrification, introducing its first medium-duty electric vehicle, the MD Electric, in March 2023.

This followed the launch of the Mack LR Electric for refuse applications in December 2021, marking Mack's commitment to electric vehicles in different sectors.

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mYk tr~k 2025 iv~c nvW PlYgiSp sYmI lWc krngy 14 nvMbr ƒ AYlwn kIqy Anuswr, mYk tr~k 2025 iv~c ie~k nvW PlYgiSp AOn-hweIvyA sYmI-tr~k lWc krn dI iqAwrI kr irhw hY[ hwlWik fIlr kuJ AspSt hn, mYk tr~k dy pRDwn stIPn rwey ny zordwr ieSwrw kIqw hY ik ieh nvW vwhn mOjUdw AYNQm mwfl, sMBwvI qOr 'qy ie~k pUrI qrHW nvyN ifzweIn qoN ie~k mh~qvpUrn rvwngI hovygw[ rwey ny iesƒ "audXog ivGn pwaux vwly" vjoN drswieAw, suJwA id~qw ik tr~k mh~qvpUrn qr~kI dI pySkS krygw jo mYk ƒ mwrkIt dy ie~k v~fy ih~sy iv~c mukwblw krn dI iejwzq dyvygw, Kws qOr 'qy pRImIAm ih~sy leI tIcw jo vrqmwn iv~c mwrkIt dy 70% ƒ drswauNdw hY[ ieh suJwA idMdw hY ik nvW tr~k sMBwvq qOr 'qy au~nq qknwlojI, suDwrI kuSlqw, Aqy sMBwvq qOr 'qy vDyry AwlISwn jW frweIvr-kyNidRq ifzweIn dI ivSySqw krygw[ mYk ny Anumwn lgwieAw hY ik volvo gru~p dI au~qrI AmrIkI tr~k auqpwdn NATIONAL MAGAZINE

smr~Qw (volvo mYk dI mUl kMpnI hY) dy ivsqwr Aqy c~l rhI splweI cyn cuxOqIAW dy h~l dy nwl iml ky ieh nvW PlYgiSp tr~k, auhnW dI mwrkIt ih~sydwrI iv~c mh~qvpUrn vwDw krygw[ auhnW dw d~isAw igAw tIcw 2030 q~k AwpxI lMbI dUrI dI mwrkIt ih~sydwrI ƒ iqMn guxw krnw Aqy klws 8 tr~kW leI 10% mwrkIt SyAr QRYSholf ƒ pwr krnw hY[ vrqmwn iv~c, mYk kol klws 8 dI mwrkIt dw lgBg 6.5% hY[ mOjUdw mYk Awn-hweIvy lweInA~p iv~c 2017 iv~c lWc kIqy gey AYNQm, Aqy ipnYkl Swml hn[ AYNQm v~K-v~K sMrcnwvW dI pySkS krdw hY, ijs iv~c 70-ieMc stYNfA~p slIpr, 48-ieMc PlYt-twp slIpr, Aqy fy kYb Swml hn[ AYNQm leI ieMjx ivklpW iv~c 11-lItr MP7, 13-lItr MP8, Aqy MP 8HE fIzl ieMjx, Aqy nwl hI kuJ kYb sMrcnwvW leI ie~k kimMs ISX-12N kudrqI gYs ieMjx ivklp Swml hn[ AYksl ivklp 4x2 qoN 8x6 q~k huMdy

hn[ ipnYkl AYNQm dy smwn kYb sMrcnwvW iv~c auplbD hY Aqy keI qrHW dy MP8 ieMjx ivklpW dI pySkS krdw hY[ Awpxy hYvI-ifaUtI tr~kW qoN ielwvw, mYk ny hwl hI iv~c 2002 qoN bwAd m~DmifaUtI mwrkIt iv~c muV pRvyS kIqw hY[ auh hux MD6 Aqy MD7 mwflW dI pySkS krdy hn, ijs dw auqpwdn julweI 2020 iv~c SurU huMdw hY Aqy Agsq 2024 iv~c ie~k irPrYS SurU huMdw hY[ ieh muV-pRvyS mYk leI sPl irhw hY, ijs nwl mwrkIt iv~c %5 dI ih~sydwrI hY[ Kws qOr 'qy, mYk ny mwrc 2023 iv~c AwpxI pihlI m~DmifaUtI ielYkitRk vwhn, MD ielYkitRk, ƒ pyS krdy hoey ielYktRIiPkySn ƒ vI Apxw ilAw hY[ ieh dsMbr 2021 iv~c r~d ArzIAW leI mYk LR ielYkitRk dI SurUAwq qoN bwAd, v~K-v~K KyqrW iv~c ielYkitRk vwhnW leI mYk dI vcnb~Dqw ƒ drswauNdw hY[

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JOIN OUR ELITE FLEET!

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