March 2010 Volume 30, Issue 3 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
Bridge battles Duty-free plaza ordered destroyed in ongoing battle
truck, or options they don’t need. Your first truck has to be a workhorse. The extras are nice but they shouldn’t influence what you’re willing to pay. Another mistake is not spending enough on a truck. Would-be truck owners see a bargain in an older truck but don’t count on expensive
By Ron Stang WINDSOR, Ont. – The trucking industry figures in a couple of high profile controversies in the ongoing battle between the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge and a proposal to build a publicly-owned bridge across the Detroit River. In early February a US circuit court judge in Detroit ruled against the Ambassador Bridge for refusing to live up to an agreement to build a designated ramp for trucks coming from Canada. The ramp would have taken trucks departing US Customs to where they would connect to the Interstate highway system. Instead the bridge cordoned off a lane on busy Fort Street in southwest Detroit, forcing trucks to use that instead. The judge cited the failure to build the ramp as one of several agreed-to items which the bridge has not lived up to, as part of its role in the $230 million so-called Gateway Project. The project, mainly finished, is a cluster of new ramps and interchanges intended to expedite traffic on the US side.
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BUYER’S MARKET?: If you’re owner/operator material, the time may be right to take the plunge.
Used truck market creates opportunities By Harry Rudolfs TORONTO, Ont. – Used truck prices have never been lower. If you can find the work, or have your eye on a carrier where you’d like to hang your shingle, this might be the best time to jump into truck ownership. So go ahead and dream. Make up a wish list and see if you can find the sweet-
est rig in the world. But once you’ve found that ideal vehicle, you’ll have to grapple with getting a loan to buy it. Don’t be surprised if the truck you’ve picked is too dear for your present situation. First-time buyers are often dazzled by the glitter and can get sucked into buying too much
A new heavy-duty engine Paccar enters the game with new MX. See page 31
Inside This Issue... • Game on!: After a one-year hiatus, the National Professional Truck Driving Championships are returning. We preview the event, to be held in Winnipeg. Page 12
See our ad page 50
• Maritime merger: An exclusive interview with the principals behind a new Atlantic Canada mega-fleet.
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• Over the road: We welcome the addition of a new column by a full-time professional driver as he reflects on his life as an over the road driver. Page 29
• Lost keys, found hope: unusual altercation.
Mark Dalton intervenes in an Page 52
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