February 2008 Volume 28, Issue 2 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
Trucking pioneer named to the Order of Canada
Tax time Don’t forget to treat yourself to an extra 10% on meal claims
By James Menzies OTTAWA, Ont. – As tax time approaches, truckers should remember a key change to the meal tax deduction limit that took effect early last year. Scott Taylor, vice-president of operations with Transport Financial Services, reminds professional drivers the deduction limit was increased from 50% of $51 per day ($17 per meal) to 60%, beginning March 19. For a long-haul truck driver on the road 250 days per year, the 10% increase could result in about a $380 tax return increase, Taylor points out. No small amount, since it goes straight into your pocket. While the mid-year rule change would seem to cause confusion,Taylor pointed out Revenue Canada has simplified the tax filing process by creating two different areas for meal tax claims on the TL-2 form. There’s now a section for meals purchased pre-March 19 and a separate Continued on page 10 ■ TRUCK EXHAUST
By Julia Kuzeljevich CALEDON, Ont. – On Sept. 13, 2007, in Caledon, Ontario, a Honda Civic was struck by a gravel tractortrailer when the truck’s 28-year-old
driver allegedly barrelled through a red light.Vanessa De Ceglie, 19 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her sister Isabel, 23, died Continued on page 15 ■
GORE BAY, Ont. – Manitoulin Group founder Doug Smith can add yet another honour to his evergrowing list of accolades with his recently announced appointment to the Order of Canada. The Order of Canada is the highest honour which can be given to a Canadian citizen. The trucking pioneer is among 61 new members who will be presented with the honour in the New Year. Smith was chosen, “For his contributions as a business leader, philanthropist and champion of economic and community development in Northern Ontario,” according to an article on Smith SooToday.com Smith is now entitled to add the prestigious “C.M.” designation following his name. Smith was also recently awarded the OTA-Trailmobile Service to the Industry Award at the Ontario Trucking Association’s annual convention in November. OTA officials say the award is the highest honour bestowed on an Ontario trucking executive. It is presented each year to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the development and success of the trucking industry. ■
Beam me up
Inside This Issue... • Put to the test: Some major fleets reveal their findings after putting APUs to the test. Are they worth the money? Page 26
• Still truckin’: Even a battle with a debilitating disease hasn’t been enough to sideline “Johnny Five.” Harry Rudolfs reports on his inspiring co-worker. Page 33
• Eye in the sky:
Even untethered, and in some cases forgotten, trailers can’t escape the eye in the sky. Why fleets are beginning to track their untethered trailers. Page 44
Portable GPS systems can help you eliminate out-of-route miles.
• Mark Dalton in Survival of the Fittest: Mark’s latest battle See our ad page 58
is against the bulge.
Careers Pages 39-48 PM40069240
Page 60
See pg. 30
Ad Index 59