January 2008 Volume 28, Issue 1 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
Outlook 2008 There’s no sugar coating, it’s going to be a tough year Julia Kuzeljevich TORONTO, Ont. – A strong Canadian dollar, weaker southbound volumes, snags and quagmires at the border and on the road to it. Welcome to more of the same in 2008. While it may not look so different from other years and other predictions for trucking, (save for the parity-plus dollar), 2008 brings at least the promise of greener fleets and better roads from Canada’s provincial trucking associations, who’ve been pushing for change in their respective agendas. According to economist Derek Burleton, associate vice-president, and director, economic studies, TD Bank Financial Group, the steady rise of the Canadian dollar, coupled with high energy costs, will likely mean a dampening of the economy well into 2008. “Overall, Canada’s regional economies are seeing a shift of reliance from the US to international markets, but the US will continue to be the lifeline of the Canadian economy,” said Burleton. “Alberta’s economy will lose some steam, cooling off to a Continued on page 10 ■
CTA wants anti-rollover technology standard on all new trucks in Canada By James Menzies TORONTO, Ont. – The summer of ’07 earned the dubious distinction of being termed the “Summer of the Rollover” after a number of high-profile truck rollovers snarled traffic on major highways in the Greater Toronto Area, causing commuter chaos and media mayhem.
While most of the accidents were caused by four-wheelers weaving in and out of traffic, the trucking industry still took a beating in the mainstream media. Aiming to proactively address the problem, the Ontario Trucking Association (and by extension, the Canadian Trucking Alliance) called on truck manufacturers to
make anti-rollover technology mandatory on all new trucks. There are varying levels of stability technologies available, ranging from roll-only systems that focus on lateral acceleration which typically occurs in a rollover situation, to the more sophisticated full-stability systems
Tracking tire costs
Inside This Issue... • English, please: Cross-border truckers are being placed outof-service if their English isn’t up to par.
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The finest ambassadors of the Ontario trucking industry were rewarded at the OTA’s annual convention. We have all the highlights. Pages 29-40
• Western showdown:
The CTA asks the feds for help as several western provincecs dig in their heels over Canada’s hours-of-service rules. Page 41
• Mark Dalton in Going Fast, Getting Furious: Revenge is sweet for the intrepid owner/operator.
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Are you getting the most out of your tire investments?
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Ad Index 75