December 2011 Volume 31, Issue 12 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
One year later
A year after the attack, the ‘Good Samaritan’ truck driver speaks out By Harry Rudolfs LUMBY, B.C. – It’s been a little more than a year since Alex Fraser’s life changed forever. On Sept. 24, 2010, the 67-year-old owner/ operator was heading home on a Friday night after unloading in Edmonton. It was a warm autumn evening on the Yellowhead Highway and everything was going well, the truck was purring and Fraser was only about five hours away from his home outside of Vernon, B.C. Then he noticed a car parked on the shoulder facing towards him, and what looked like somebody waving arms at the side of the road. Fraser stopped in front of the car and got out to offer assistance. A few seconds later he was viciously attacked, beaten and left Continued on page 11
pink and proud: The focus of this year’s convoys expanded to include other forms of cancer.
Photo by Dave Wilson
Cancer convoys raise more than $83,000 By Adam Ledlow WOODSTOCK, Ont. – A group of Canadian trucking convoys bookended the Thanksgiving holiday this October by hitting the highway in support of various cancer charities. And the end results provided a lot to be thankful for, with a combined total of more than $83,000 raised at the three events.
Driving Volvo’s 750-hp FH16 The I-Shift shines in Sweden
Convoy for a Cure was back for its fourth instalment on Oct. 1, and despite a lower than usual turnout, event founder Rachele Champagne says she was pleased with the nearly $20,000 the 25 participating trucks were able to raise. The convoy featured two new aspects designed to shake things up. For one, the convoy decided to
forgo its usual all-female troupe of truckers driving in support of breast cancer research, and included both male drivers and other cancer charities, including lung, colon and prostate. The convoy also featured two starting points – one in Cardinal, Ont. and one in Dorion, Que. – Continued on page 13
Inside This Issue...
• Raised standards:
There’s no reason to fear new fuel economy standards for heavy vehicles, the EPA insists. It predicts a payback of one year when the standards take effect. Page 29
• Pay attention: Distracted driving has become an epidemic for
all road users. We look at how one prominent fleet has attacked the problem through its entire organization. Page 32
Our mufflers are stronger, last longer and save you $$$!
• Waste not: Has a small Canadian firm become the first to apply waste heat recovery to the transport industry?
See pgs. 56-57
• The Good Shepherd:
Page 34
A special passenger leaves a lasting impression on Mark Dalton. Page 60
See our ad page 54 905-795-2838
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Careers 32-49
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Ad Index 55
11-11-09 3:17 PM