September 2008 Volume 28, Issue 9 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
Nova Scotia set to test bigger trucks HALIFAX, N.S. – A pilot project in Nova Scotia will allow double 53-ft. semi-trailers to be hauled by a single tractor on selected stretches of highway. Officials are hoping that these long combination vehicles (LCVs) will help increase business to the Port of Halifax, transloading facilities where shipments are transferred to and from trucks, and other transportation partners. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will assess the vehicles on selected four-lane highways. “LCVs will help expand business and competitiveness in Nova Scotia,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Murray Scott. “They will help increase Nova Scotia’s competitiveness with other East Coast ports, and boost the transportation industry in this province.” Other potential benefits of long combination vehicles include reduced truck traffic, by using one engine to haul two trailers, and environmental advantages such as using less fuel and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. “We are pleased the province of Nova Scotia will be launching this pilot project,” said George Malec, vice-president of business development and operations for the Halifax Port Authority. “Many customers of the port,
Slow and steady O/O of the Year shares his recipe for success
TEAM EFFORT: Marty Gardner, the 2008 Truck News Owner/Operator of the Year, credits his wife Lisa (pictured) and a supportive carrier for much of his success. Gardner runs five trucks – each of them contracted to FedEx Ground – on various lanes across Canada. – Photo by David Benjatschek
By James Menzies FERGUS, Ont. – With owner/ operators and fleets of all sizes going broke and decrying the state of the trucking industry on a daily basis, it’s refreshing to speak with Marty Gardner. Business for the 15th annual Truck News Owner/Operator of the Year, crowned at the Fergus Truck Show July 25, is thriving. He just added two more trucks to his small stable, bringing his total to five. All are contracted to FedEx Ground, running various lanes ranging from Vancouver to Southern Ontario. In an industry sometimes accused of having its share of dinosaurs, Gardner’s success has come as a result of evolving with the times. His traditional-styled trucks have been replaced with fuel-efficient, aerodynamic models, and it doesn’t dampen his pride a bit. Continued on page 10 ■
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No job too big Quebec fleet focuses on the big and the bizarre.
See page 14
Inside This Issue... • Exploring alternatives: A look at the good, the bad and the ugly sides of several alternative fuels.
Pages 32-37
• Green for green:
Award-winning APPS Transport Group reveals the real reason it’s going green. The planet itself may be an unwitting benefactor. Page 42
See our ad page 66
• Highlights from Fergus:
A selection of photos from the Fergus Truck Show, where some of the country’s most riveting iron was on display. Pages 44-45
• Dalton and the Bandit: Nothing’s sweeter than when a plan comes together, Dalton realizes.
Industry Opportunities 26 PM40069240
Career Pages 50-61
Page 68
Ad Index 67
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