December 2008 Volume 28, Issue 12 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
Happy New Year Speed limiter laws to take effect Jan.1 By Carroll McCormick QUEBEC CITY, Que. – In what appears to be a virtual fait accomplis, Ontario and Quebec say they will simultaneously bring laws into force on Jan. 1, 2009, that will require heavy vehicles to drive with their speed limiters set at 105 km/h.After a grace period that will likely last six months, police can start levying fines for non-compliance. In Quebec, a Draft Minister’s Order, published Oct. 29, 2008, sets out which vehicles must comply and which ones are exempt: “Heavy Continued on page 10 ■
Sterling brand gets axed
A DIFFERENT KIND OF CONVOY: Rachele Champagne, organizer of the first all-female truck convoy led the pack for a stretch of the event, which featured 29 trucks. Photo by Joanne Ritchie
By James Menzies ST. THOMAS, Ont. – Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) shocked the industry Oct. 14, by announcing it is discontinuing the Sterling Trucks brand. The surprising announcement came just two months after Sterling introduced a new sleeper cab and Class 8 natural gas vehicle, rounding out the most complete line of Class 3-8 trucks in the industry. “Plans based on an expectation of brief, sharp market events driven by regulatory change, followed by
First female-only truck convoy a huge success
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By Jan Westell OTTAWA, Ont. – A woman at the wheel of a semi tractor and trailer is still an unusual site in North America – and a convoy of female drivers is particularly rare. Last July, Rachele Champagne was part of a three-truck female convoy, while driving along Hwy. 401, a prominent corridor between Quebec and Ontario. At that time, Champagne decided that a greater celebration of
Spec’ing shunt trucks
female truckers was in order. Within three months, she organized what she believes is the first female convoy, and decided to hold the event in concert with an appropriate female cause – breast cancer awareness – which is annually promoted during the month of October. The first Female Convoy departed from the Fifth Wheel Truck Stop in Cornwall, Ont., at noon on Saturday, Oct. 18, follow-
ing a complimentary breakfast. After a distance of 62 km, the 29 trucks all piloted by female drivers arrived at the 730 Truck Stop in Cardinal, Ont., where they were greeted by friends, family, and event sponsors. Participating drivers raised a total of $15,000 for breast cancer research. Champagne also raised a total of $10,000 from sponsors, which she used to provide the
Inside This Issue... • What’s the key?: What is the secret to unlocking the Atlantic
See pg. 33
provinces’ potential as a trade gateway?
Page 12
• Hybrid help: The Ontario government has introduced a grant
See our ad page 50
program that will help fund the purchase of hybrid trucks and anti-idling technologies. Page 21
• Know the risk: What if you could identify drivers before they get in an accident? It’s possible, according to an insurer that’s developed a high-risk driver program. Page 31
• Playing Favourites: A generous offer by Mark just may have some strings attached.
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