Eastern Canada’s Trucking Newspaper Since 1981
July 2019
Delivering daily news at trucknews.com
Volume 39, Issue 6
Page 12
Page 17
Page 23
Page 25
Showing their pride
Secrets to retention
Turning 50
Extra protection
Pride-inspired trucks are out on the road to support LGBTQ truckers.
Why retaining professional drivers begins before they’re hired in the first place.
Bison Transport found a creative way to mark its 50th anniversary and thank its employees.
Front-end protection devices are evolving as much as the trucks they protect.
Erb driver makes Mother’s Day memorable
RET ADVERTAIL ISING P AGES 35 -
40
By James Menzies OTTAWA, ONTARIO Professional truck drivers may take for granted the view through the windshield from the seat of a big rig, but for an Ottawa woman, riding along in a semi was a lifelong dream. That dream became a reality thanks to Erb Transport, and its Ottawa, Ont.-based driver Lyoness Woodstock, who hosted 86-yearold Shirley Barkell for a 75-kilometer journey on May 11. The trip was a surprise for Barkell, arranged by her daughter, and timed to coincide with Mother’s Day Weekend. Barkell said riding in a big rig was on her bucket list. “She was so excited about this, she was like a kid in a toy store,” Woodstock told Truck News. “Erb was good enough to allow me to use the truck and the trailer and we did a Mother’s Day ride for her. They said, ‘Absolutely, do this.’” When Barkell arrived at Erb’s Ottawa terminal, she still didn’t Continued on page 15
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Careers: 21-33 Ad Index: 43
Speedy Transport promotes the industry, and its brand, through its Toronto Raptors-inspired graffiti trailer.
In the game Raptors-inspired graffiti trailer turning heads in Toronto TORONTO, ONTARIO As much of Canada gets wrapped up in supporting the Toronto Raptors during their first-ever championship series, a Toronto trucking firm is taking advantage of the hype to promote its own brand. Speedy Transport has a Toronto tribute trailer, which features the Raptors logo and its “We The North” slogan, which has been dispatched through the city. It tours downtown on game days and has received a lot of attention. “This trailer is a tribute to Toronto, the Raptors, and Speedy Transport, a carrier that was originally established downtown in 1941,” said Jared Martin, Speedy’s managing director. “We were working on this prior to the playoff run, but required warmer weather to complete the project.” The trailer is dispatched downtown during home game days, where it is often photographed by fans and shared via social media. “Feedback from the public has been overwhelming, bringing positive attention to our industry, which is the
goal,” Martin said. “These are large billboards that keep specific brands top of mind. We’re an edgy carrier that enjoys combining art and transportation.” The trailer art was designed by Toronto graffiti artist Jessey Paccho. It marks the second graffiti trailer Speedy has rolled out. “We’re working on the third trailer, as the feedback internally and externally has been positive,” Martin said. “Speedy has 10 specialized trailers on the roadways, which is a combination of wraps and graffiti, with more to come.” The Raptors graffiti trailer is pulled by owner-operator Craig Babin, while the original graffiti trailer is running Newmarket, Ont., behind owner-operator CJ Singh. “Whenever a specialized trailer is completed, there is often high demand by the Speedy force to manage the asset,” Martin said. Win or lose, the Raptors-inspired trailer will continue as a pickup-and-delivery unit in the Greater Toronto Area after the playoffs are finished. TN