October 2013 Volume 33, Issue 10 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
Wide range of vehicles take part in OTA rally
the two-hour journey beside each trucker was a Special Olympian, an experience that both the athletes and the drivers say is typically their favourite part of the weekend event. “When we get paired up with an athlete, we bring them out to the trucks and their eyes light up. It’s
By Daniela Piteo BARRIE, Ont. – The personalities were just as unique and exciting as the vehicles on display at the inaugural Ontario Trucking Association’s Big Wheels Bike and Car rally. Industry professionals made the haul up to Horseshoe Valley to mix and mingle with their colleagues in an event that showcased an unparalleled affection for automobiles. The road that brought Ken Olsen of TKO Transport to the Sept. 12 rally stretches back over two decades. “Twenty-five years ago I was working for a VP of sales and was fed up with the job,” Olsen said. “My friend Tom and I started our own courier business and here I am.” Olsen, like many of the attendees, started up their own businesses while others, like James Steed of Steed Standard Transport joined a family business that goes back four generations. Olsen and Steed came to the rally with their Harley Davidson bikes, both cruisers, to enjoy an afternoon hosted by the OTA. Al Boughton of Trailcon Leasing rode in with his gold 1969 Dodge Charger, which he spent four years
Continued on page 12
Continued on page 20
A hero’s welcome: Professional drivers participating in the Ontario leg of the World’s Largest Truck Convoy Sept. 14 were greeted by Special Olympians, family and members of the community upon their return. Photo by Adam Ledlow
New record set for Ontario convoy By Adam Ledlow PARIS, Ont. – The Ontario leg of the World’s Largest Truck Convoy lived up to its name Sept. 14, with truckers, law enforcement officers, Special Olympians and other industry friends gathering at the Paris Fairgrounds to celebrate reaching the largest-ever fundraising total in the event’s nine-year history: an im-
pressive $80,000 in support of the Special Olympics. The convoy itself consisted of 48 trucks escorted by 14 police cruisers – the largest law enforcement presence the Paris event has ever had – on a journey west along Highways 403 and 401 to Putnam, Ont. before returning back to the fairgrounds. Riding shotgun for
Celebrating Working Chrome We report from the Working Chrome Truck Show.
Inside This Issue...
• Monitoring fatigue:
Can a high-tech wristband indicate a driver’s level of fatigue and crash risk? A Canadian company says so, and at least one fleet is intrigued. Page 22
• Better brakes: Braking systems have evolved in recent years.
Spec’ing and maintenance requirements have, too. Page 42
• A new oil: A new engine oil category is in the works. How will PC-11 affect your business? We have an in-depth report from Shell’s global technical centre in Hamburg, Germany. Page 60
• The Blame Game: Mark Dalton seeks revenge on a shipper
Page 41
that deserved it.
Our mufflers are stronger, last longer and save you $$$! See our ad page 72
Page 76
905-795-2838
To view List of Advertisers visit us at www.trucknews.com
Careers 44-67
Ad Index 73 PM40069240
pg 1, 12, 20 tn oct v3.indd 1
13-09-17 8:52 AM