February 2009 Volume 29, Issue 2 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
Canadian pride Much like our world jr. hockey players, fleets do Canada proud on the international stage By James Menzies TORONTO, Ont. – Canadian carriers are developing quite the reputation for safety. Just ask anyone who has attended the Truckload Carriers Association’s annual convention the past few years, where Canuck fleets routinely placed among the association’s safest North American carrier members – often taking top spot. Some of those same fleets were represented on a panel discussion called Why Canadian Carriers are Leading the Way in Safety at the Ontario Trucking Association’s annual convention. Erb, MacKinnon, Bison and Kriska were all represented on the panel, which was moderated by Challenger CEO Dan Einwechter. In between good-natured pot shots at each other, executives from each of the companies explained that a safety program is an investment worth making – even in difficult times. “We’re convinced, without a doubt, that from an image-enhancing standpoint, safety is one of the best investments we can make,” said Evan MacKinnon, president and CEO of MacKinnon Transport. Continued on page 10
A NEW DEAL: Truck fanatics of all ages will be relieved to hear the Fergus Truck Show has struck a new deal with a local landowner to ensure the show remains in Fergus. The show grounds will be slightly smaller, but an extra day of festivities has been added, according to organizers. Also new is a free midway, which should be a hit with the kids. Photo by Adam Ledlow
The show will go on Fergus Truck Show resolves land issues, announces headliner FERGUS, Ont. – It’s on a slightly smaller overall site, but the organizers of the Fergus Truck Show say they are thrilled to announce that the event will continue at the same location, with the main show being held at the Centre Wellington Sportsplex.
Road Test: International LoneStar
Peripheral show activities will be held on land located south of the main show, after negotiations for a lease were secured between the landowner and Fergus Truck Show organizers. “While we will need to do a very small amount of downsizing,
the show will go on,” said Wayne Billings, the show’s chief operations officer. He says organizers are very appreciative of the various groups that offered land to hold the event, when it appeared that neContinued on page 17
Inside This Issue... • He’s down with OPP:
See pg. 35
Harry Rudolfs rides along with a member of the OPP’s truck unit. Page 18
• Killing corrosion: As fleets aim to extend their equipment life,
See our ad page 42
it makes sense to target corrosion, which is especially problematic on trailers. Page 24
• Tire talk: Exploring the relationship between tires and fuel economy. A look at how tire selection and maintenance can drive down operating costs. Page 28
• Special delivery: Mark Dalton finds himself having to make a rather extraordinary delivery.
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