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January 2013 Volume 33, Issue 1 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
Deconstructing a deal
and more, we caught up with McCarron for an exclusive interview. When we spoke to McCarron, he had just assumed a new position in mergers and acquisitions with Wheels Group (a role he was mindful not to discuss with Wheels until after the sale of MSM had been Continued on page 51
Continued on page 24
Photo by Adam Ledlow
let’s make a deal: When Mike McCarron, founder and managing partner of MSM Transportation sold his business to Wheels Group in October, we wondered why? And then we asked him. This wide-ranging candid interview explains it all.
tation was just 52 years of age – seemingly too young to be considering retirement. What was the reason for the sale? Why was the timing significant? And what was learned along the way about the arduous process of selling an established business? For the answers to these questions
Here come the 6x2s
Industry softens stance on Walmart’s 60.5-ft. trailer after permit conditions revised TORONTO, Ont. – Walmart Canada’s controversial ‘supercube’ configuration, consisting of a cabover tractor with dromedary box pulling a 60.5-ft. drop-deck semi-trailer, will operate under revised permit conditions that reflect the concerns raised by the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA). The 18-month trial will allow five qualified carriers to operate the new configurations, with each receiving four permits. The OTA had voiced concerns about the initial permit conditions, which seemed to grant the permits to Walmart itself rather than the CVOR-holding carrier that would operate the equipment. The association says the revised permit conditions “reflect most of the recommendations put forward by OTA in recent weeks.” “While for the most part the trucking industry would prefer to not have to deal with the whole question of extended length trailers, the association’s long-standing position is that it will not stand in the way of changes to Ontario’s truck weights and dimensions standards that would enhance the productivity of the industry, its customers or the provincial econ-
MSM’s Mike McCarron on why he sold, what he learned along the way and why you should be planning now.
By James Menzies ETOBICOKE, Ont. – On Oct. 23, 2012, Wheels Group announced it had acquired MSM Transportation in a major deal worth $18.6 million. The announcement came as a surprise, in part because Mike McCarron, managing partner and the public face of MSM Transpor-
Warmer reception
Inside This Issue...
The low-hanging fruit has been picked. • What’s your score?: Significant changes to CSA went into effect in early December, and in many cases they are retroactive. So, what’s the next big fuel-saver? How will your US safety rating be affected?
Page 8
• How’s your health?:
An Ontario research group has completed a first-of-its kind research project examining the health of professional drivers. Page 20
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• Tire tips:
We turn to some real tire masters for advice on maximizing your investment. Page 48
• Collision Course: Dalton’s anger grows when he realizes he’s been set up.
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