October 2008 Volume 28, Issue 10 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
Election time
EPA
Fuel taxes become key election issue By James Menzies OTTAWA, Ont. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that if re-elected, he will cut the four cent per litre federal excise tax on diesel in half. His Liberal counterpart Stephane Dion, meanwhile, has altered his party’s controversial carbon tax scheme to make it more truckerfriendly. Both announcements came as the federal parties launched their campaigns for the Oct. 14 federal election. Harper’s tax cut would be phased in over four years, the PM announced during a campaign stop in Winnipeg Sept. 9. The tax cut contrasts the federal Liberals’ Green Shift plan, which would increase the federal diesel tax by seven cents per litre over four years. Harper said the Conservative plan would keep the prices of consumer goods in check, while helping the transportation and manufacturing industries. “At a time when Canadians are concerned about affordability, and energy prices are rising, we should be doing what we can to lower prices,” Harper said. “This Continued on page 10 ■
A fork in the road An important decision lies ahead as EPA2010 emission standards loom By James Menzies TORONTO, Ont. – Fleets and owner/operators will have a crucial decision to make in 2010, when engine manufacturers roll out two vastly different solutions to meet the EPA2010 emissions standards. The next round of EPA regulations calls for a reduction in NOx (nitrogen oxides) to 0.2 g/bhp-hr.
Progress report A look at where each heavy-duty engine manufacturer stands in the pursuit of 2010 emissions regulations.
One way to achieve this is through an exhaust aftertreatment process called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). SCR systems consist of a catalyst, a separate tank which houses urea – or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) – and the associated plumbing. A small amount of DEF is introduced into the exhaust stream, causing a chemical reaction that breaks NOx down into
harmless water and nitrogen. This technology, which is already widely used in Europe, will be employed by Volvo, Mack, Detroit Diesel, Paccar and Cummins. However, Navistar (parent company of International Truck and Engine) does not like SCR for a variety of reasons, and has instead focused on becoming EPA2010Continued on page 36 ■
Inside This Issue... • Dropping the dime: Is it ever appropriate to report unsafe driving by another trucker? A driver’s tale.
Page 40
• Do it for profit: Kriska’s Mark Seymour has some tips on how
See our ad page 66
to survive, and maybe even thrive, in recessionary times. It all starts with a plan. Page 41
• On the big screen: A look at a new film produced on behalf of Navistar, which showcases life on the road behind the wheel of an International LoneStar. Page 54
• Playing Favourites: Mark Dalton is accused of greasing
See pages 38-39
Bud’s palms to get the best loads.
Industry Opportunities 20. 48 PM40069240
Career Pages 48-59
Page 68
Ad Index 67
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