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The Beaverly Community
Association is concerned the new brake check established on Highway 16 near the
Beaverly Fire and Rescue Hall is a danger to the community. While it is
recognized the brake check is to improve safety in the decent down Peden Hill,
the concern is with the current location of the new brake check.
The visability at the current
location is poor, leaving little time for drivers to respond. There is a mix
of vehicles traveling at highway speeds of 100 km/hour while trucks are
stopping and starting. Dangers made worse this past winter as water
dripping from trucks leaving the brake check turned into road ice. All
combining into a recipe for accidents and fatalities that is much more
dangerous than when there was no brake check.
Increasing the potential for
accidents in close proximity to the Beaverly Fire and Rescue Hall makes no
sense. Accidents along this stretch of highway interferes with the Beaverly
Fire and Rescue responders access to emergency equipment. Such hindrance not
only slows the response to the accident victims, but risks interfering with
emergency responses to the entire Beaverly community.
The Ministry of Transportation
has rejected requests look for safer alternative brake check locations further
to the west. Even though a brake check futher to the west would continue
to provide improved safety for Peden Hill and, as an added benefit, would
improve safety on the Mud River Hill.
The community is still attempting to understand:
1.
Who
provided the Ministry of Transportation parameters of locating the brake check
between the Mud River and Peden Hill?
2.
Why the
Ministry of Transportation is resistent to locating the brake check to the west
of the Mud River Hill?
3.
What are
the specifications for evaluating whether a brake check location is suitable
and safe? (I.e. what is the minimum site distance where highway speed limits
are 100 km/hour?)
4. Has the brake check
contributed to any of the accidents (at least 2 accidents that the community is
aware of) that have occurred since the brake check became operational?
Since the establishment of the brake
check, the community has observed and experienced a significant increase in
dangerous situations along Highway 16. In apparent disregard to the
experiences and observations of the community, the Ministry of Transportation
continues to insist the brake check is safe. The community knows through
daily experiences the potential for accidents along Highway 16 has increased,
not decreased, as a result of the new brake check.
The Ministry of Transportations consistent dismissiveness of the
increase in hazard of the brake check is very concerning. While the Ministry of
Transportation experts are highly trained and skilled individuals, the
community would appreciate if technical information were presented in support
of such expert opinion - especially in light of safety issues residents
experience on a daily basis due to the new brake check.
The Ministry of Transportation
intention to continue developing the brake check once road bans are lifted is
alarming. Even with the proposed changes to the brake check the potential
for accidents is greater than before its establishment. Prior to any
additional work being performed, the community wants the Ministry of
Transportation to evaluate the suitability of locations further to the
west. Let the brake check location be moved now rather than having the
knowledge of an unnecessary fatality.
As we have reached this impasse with the Ministry of Transportation, the
Beaverly Community Association and the Beaverly Fire and Rescue have requested
the Ministry of Transportation to speak to these safety concerns at a meeting
open to the community.
For additional information,
please contact Tim Drewcock, Vice-President of the Beaverly Community
Association.
Survivors of horrific Stratford crash back on their feet
Two migrant workers who were in this van and
survived a deadly crash in Hampstead, Ont., in February are getting back
on their feet. (Dave Chidley/Canadian Press)
Two survivors of a horrific crash near Stratford in February are getting on their feet with the help of a generous donation.
Javier Aldo Medina and Juan Jose Ariza were the only two to survive
the collision between the passenger van they were in a delivery truck.
Ten of their colleagues — all migrant workers — were killed when
their van was hit by a flatbed truck. The truck driver was also killed.
'For some reason, God wanted me to live.'— Javier Aldo Medina
Each
of the survivors and the families of the victims will receive a share
of more than $200,000 raised by the United Food and Commercial Workers
union.
Medina, speaking through an interpreter at news conference Wednesday
in London, fought back tears as he recalled the night that will haunt
him forever.
"I remember being in that car and thinking that I was going to die, but for some reason, God wanted me to live," Medina said.
He remembers after the crash, looking at a co-worker's bloody face, a
face that seemed to say "Come and help me," he said. But he could
hardly move himself.
"I feel so guilty for not having had the ability to do something to help them," Medina said.
Both survivors were in the back of the van. Ariza vividly remembers
the moments before the collision. He looked up and saw a fast-moving
truck that was rushing towards them.
"And all of a sudden, I lock eyes with the driver and it's as if my body escaped me. My soul leaped out of my body," Ariza said.
Ariza sat beside Medina at the news conference Wednesday. He struggled with his emotions.
'I really don't know why I'm alive.'— Juan Jose Ariza
"I
really don't know why I'm alive. I don't know what my purpose is, but I
do know that it's God's will," he said. "I'm a testament of life, of
hope, of living through this tragedy."
Both men have made steady progress since they were released from a hospital to a nursing home in north London.
Ariza suffered a bad gash to his head and pain still shoots into his
spine, preventing him from walking properly. Medina suffered nine
fractured ribs and a broken pelvis. He said his biggest hurdle is
overcoming the psychological scars.
They're applying to stay in Canada on humanitarian grounds. They
eventually want to get new jobs here to support their families back in
Peru.
Fleets Pay Mind to Durability of Trailer Aerodynamic Devices
As a growing number of fleets spec aerodynamic
devices such as fairings and side skirts to save fuel and cut GHG
emissions, some of their shops are paying closer attention to the
durability and potential maintenance costs associated with such
equipment.
In a report by Fleet Owner magazine, Chuck Cole, manager of
technical sales and product training for Utility Trailer Manufacturing,
said the still-unknown long-term costs with annual maintenance for
trailer aerodynamic devices is a growing concern within the trucking
industry.
Side skirts, for example, are located in an abusive environment and
are subject to impact damage from the highway. Some of the dozens of
models in the market are tested to withstand severe impacts, but the
durability and effectiveness of other models is unknown, he
said.
"We have had a lot of new companies jump into this space without
fully understanding that key requirement," says Cole.
Marty Fletcher, of aerodynamic device maker Aerofficient, says that
while price was initially the most important factor for manufacturers he
believes the "evolution" of such products will focus more intensely on
durability and maintenance in the near-term and designs will be better
integrated with the footprint of the trailer itself.
Fletcher agrees that some of these devices are challenged by the
extreme work environments.
"Temperature extremes are causing warping and eventual cracking or
de-lamination," he explained. "Ground contact – most commonly in
drop-down docks – is causing breakage while support struts are
failing due to fatigue. Thus the design evolution must be to strengthen
[trailer] fairings."
The suppliers recommend that fleets do their homework when spec'ing
aerodynamic devices oo adding on aftermarket parts.
With profit margins in the transportation industry
growing increasingly thin and more scrutiny on the environmental impact
of the industry, transport providers are under increased pressure to
find cost-effective and eco-friendly means of transporting goods
Collaboration
between the transport sector, government and safety groups is resulting
in more transport operators doubling up loads and reducing the number
of engines on the road
It might be a rare sight in Ontario, but at
certain times of the day, motorists may catch a glimpse of an LCV
travelling the 400 network of highways.
What is an LCV, you ask?
It's a term used in the transportation industry for Longer Combination
Vehicles. A more common sight outside of Ontario, these extended units
interconnect two full-size trailers. The idea behind the approach is to
reduce the environmental impact of over-the-road truck traffic.
While
double trailers have been commonly used in a smaller format (maximum 25
metres per trailer), these extended-length combinations (35 metres per
trailer) are another thing altogether.
LCVs have been traversing
roads in the Prairie provinces and Quebec for some time, with New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia coming to the table more recently, reports
David Bradley, president and CEO of the Ontario Trucking Association in
Toronto. "Ontario was the odd man out. It really became a case of
political will at a time when we're seeing manufacturing leaving the
province."
There's a reason why Ontario only recently came on
board with LCVs, Mr. Bradley notes. "Government was rightfully concerned
about how the public will receive LCVs despite the fact there's no
question they offer both economic and environmental benefits. It was
really more of a perceptual issue since there are no real questions in
terms of their safety."
Ontario also has infrastructure challenges
that other jurisdictions don't. Traffic and population density have
presented a major stumbling block.
"The 400 series is the most
congested highway network in North America," says Brian Patterson,
president and CEO of the Ontario Safety League in Mississauga.
"Obviously there's a considerable amount of testing and requirements to
get approval. If you live in Alberta, once you're 15 minutes outside of
the city you can keep driving."
Rail could emerge as a long-term transportation alternative for
Canadian oil companies ham-strung by the slow pace of pipe-line
projects.
The continent's largest pipeline companies, Enbridge
Inc., TransCanada Corp. and Kinder Morgan Inc., have proposed numerous
expansion plans, but all face opposition from environmental and
indigenous groups.
Their inability to keep up with rising oilsands
production is forcing companies to seek new modes of transport to get
their produce to market.
"To temper the effects of a possible
near-term transportation shortfall into U.S. markets, Canadian producers
have begun adding rail, trucking and barge trans-port to their delivery
options," S&P analyst Michelle Dathorne said.
A barrel of
diluted bitumen is transported at a cost of $7 via pipeline, compared
with $6 to $8 via rail, a new S&P report says.
Rail also has
the potential to move crude to the U.S. Gulf Coast from Alberta in about
one-fifth the time of pipelines, and the cap-ital cost to expand rail
infrastructure is about one-tenth that of the cost of adding incremental
pipeline capacity, Dathorne said in the report. "Based on its
competitive economics, rail has the potential to become a significant
transportation option in the longer term."
Other economic factors also are coming into play.
The
Keystone XL delay and the ensuing volatility in heavy oil price
differentials have caused many analysts, including S&P, to raise the
near-term price discount between Brent and Western Canada Select.
Canadian oil companies are already losing about $18 billion each year
because of price differentials, according to CIBC.
Canada finds
itself in an unenviable situation in which many Alberta oil companies
are selling crude at WCS prices, while Ontario and Quebec businesses are
buying oil at Brent prices, which is $30 higher. But some companies are
finding ways, including using rail, to avoid lower prices.
Baytex
Energy Inc. said in March it is bypassing weaker crude-oil markets in
the U.S. Midwest by moving crude by rail to higher-value markets.
"We
have contracted to deliver approximately 15 per cent of our heavy oil
production for March to market by rail and expect railed volumes to
increase during the remainder of 2012," CEO Anthony Marino said in the
annual report.
73-year-old John Waldo Teed is victim of fatal hit and run - truck still not found
RCMP are trying to track down the truck driver
that hit and killed a Kamloops man early Saturday morning. Sergeant Grant Learned says it appears 73-year-old John Waldo Teed was
walking on the side of the Trans Canada Highway near the Valleyview exit
when he collapsed, with part of his upper body lying in the roadway.
Learned says investigators believe a semi truck hit the man leaving a
portions of lug nut covers at the scene. RCMP sent out a province wide
bulletin to RCMP who conducted checks at truck stops and weigh scales,
but they have not yet been able to locate the vehicle.
Learned says it's likely the trucker didn't realize he had hit anything - let along a person.
Family described Teed as a friendly and helpful man who did not
drink or use drugs. A forensic autopsy on his body is scheduled for
Monday.
Trans-Canada Highway reopens after septic truck crash at Thetis Lake
View
Royal firefighter Heath Bevan gets rinsed off after leaving the scene
of a accident where a septic truck overturned on the Trans-Canada
highway just south of Thetis Lake.Photograph by: Adrian Lam
, timescolonist.com (May 2012)
The
northbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway at Thetis Lake have
reopened, after an overturned septic-tank truck spilled sewage and
caused a traffic nightmare for commuters.
Around 12:18 p.m., the
tanker truck was heading north in the middle lane when the driver
changed lanes to the fast lane but over-corrected when the truck crossed
the yellow line, said West Shore RCMP Cpl. Kathy Rochlitz.
The
truck rolled over across three lanes but didn’t hit any other cars,
Rochlitz said. The truck came to rest on its side against the concrete
barrier, blocking the far right lane.
RCMP, View Royal
firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene. B.C. Ambulance took the
driver to Victoria General Hospital with minor injuries.
Firefighters are trying to manage the spill, and ministry of environment workers are en route.
Northbound traffic was diverted at Helmcken Road or the Old Island Highway, and witnesses said it was like a parking lot.
Traffic was also slowed in the southbound lane because of onlookers.
Around 3 p.m. a crane was brought in to right the truck before it was hauled away. The highway was reopened at 4:15 p.m.
“There’s
a significant amount of damage to the vehicle, and this driver is very
fortunate to only have minor injuries,” Rochlitz said.
The truck driver was working for Island-based sewage company Coast Environment.
Pilot Flying J recently acquired a travel plaza in Ayr, Ontario, and
will remodel the Flying J Travel Plaza to feature full amenities for
professional drivers and motorists. The travel plaza is located at 2492 Cedar Creek Road off Highway 401 at Exit 268. It will remain open during remodeling, which is expected to be complete in August 2012.
The Flying J Travel Plaza in Ayr is Pilot Flying J's 62nd location in
Canada. The 5,700-square-foot travel plaza will feature six diesel lanes
and DEF at the pump, and professional drivers also will have access to
Transflo, four automated showers and 27 truck parking spaces.
The Ayr location will include Papa Joe's Hot Kettle restaurant, hot food deli and beverages including Pilot's house coffee.
The Flying J Travel Plaza in Ayr is part of the network of more than 550
travel centers and travel plazas in the Pilot Flying J family, which
serves more than 1.3 million customers every day across the U.S. and
Canada. As with all other Pilot Flying J locations, the Ayr Flying J
Travel Plaza honors the MyRewards loyalty card.
Manitoulin Global Forwarding acquires Beler International
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Manitoulin Global Forwarding has acquired Regina-based freight-forwarder Beler International.
“We look forward to working with local businesses
and contributing to their success,” said Dwayne Hihn, president of
Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “Manitoulin’s portfolio of solutions
provides the business community with a one-stop-shop for all its local
and international transportation and logistics needs. This can help
facilitate expansion into new markets, at home and abroad.”
Established in 1994, Beler is the longest-standing
freight-forwarding company in Saskatchewan, according to company
officials. Exporting predominantly from the prairie provinces, it serves
clients around the world in the agricultural machinery marketplace.
“Beler was strategically important to us due to
its location, clientele, reputation, and brand recognition in the
region,” said Hihn. “We plan to build on that success.”
Beler International’s previous owner and founder,
Gerry Beler, and all former Beler employees, have transferred to
Manitoulin Global Forwarding. Officials say Beler customers can expect a
smooth transition to Manitoulin over the coming weeks.
“We are thrilled to have a presence in Regina,’
said Hihn. “Saskatchewan’s economy is growing exponentially and so is
Manitoulin. We have been investing strategically in areas of importance
to our customers to provide the unique supply chain solutions they
require. We’re doing this through coverage, equipment, technology,
manpower and by continually evaluating our processes to ensure their
products arrive securely and on time.”
Ottawa Truck dealers order more than 250 terminal tractors at AGM
OTTAWA, Kansas -- Ottawa
terminal tractor dealers assembled in Las Vegas for the Ottawa Truck
division’s annual meeting in late March, and placed orders for over 250
Ottawa terminal tractors equipped with Cummins Tier 4i (Interim) diesel
engines that meet new US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions
standards.
Ottawa Truck is the first manufacturer to sell
terminal tractors powered by the Cummins QSB6.7 Tier 4i engine, the
company said. The engine uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation, a common
rail fuel system, and a catalytic converter for exhaust after-treatment
technology to reduce emissions to new national standards governing
off-road engines in the 75-173 hp range.
“As the terminal tractor industry leader, we are
proud to add another ‘first’ to our long list of product developments,”
says David Wood, director of Terminal Tractors North America, for
Cargotec USA, the Ottawa Truck parent company. “We will begin installing
the new Tier 4i Cummins engines in off-road tractors in June, providing
our customers with a product that will reduce particulate matter and
nitrous oxide emissions and help them do their part in improving our
natural environment.”
While officials note that the new EPA regulations
could boost the cost of a typical yard truck by 10%, the new engines
represent a steady transition to “greener” technology.
The booked orders for the Tier 4i-equipped
tractors made up the bulk of the orders placed at the dealer meeting.
Representatives of nearly 80% of Ottawa’s dealer network spanning 51
dealers and 120 locations in North America bought a grand total of 302
terminal tractors worth some $25 million.
Jim Moir, president and general manager of
Mid-Pacific Industries in Woodland, Calif., the oldest Ottawa Truck
dealer in the US, attributed the brisk sales at the meeting partly due
to reinvigorated leadership at Ottawa Truck. Wood, appointed as director
last year, has worked to coalesce the dealer network around new
initiatives, notably the opportunity to be the first to market with the
Tier 4i-equipped tractors, Moir says.
“They’re putting a very positive spin on that
fact, and the message to the dealers was that our competitors probably
won’t offer this product until the first quarter of next year,” Moir
says. “Even though these carry a higher price tag, having it first gives
us a head start on handling something that everyone will eventually be
selling.”
“Our dealers are the backbone of our sales and
product support success in North America,” Wood noted. “Each year we
hold a national dealer meeting like our late March event to update them
on product development, new promotional programs, business trends and
global activities of our parent company, Cargotec.”
New Web site, dealer locator launched Ottawa has also launched www.ottawatrucksna.com,
featuring a Google Maps-based dealer locator; downloadable truck sales
literature and specifications and maintenance and operator manuals;
social media tools; and information on Ottawa Trucks’ products,
technologies and services.
“The new site is the kind customers expect from
the market leader in terminal tractors, and it is one we are very proud
to unveil this month,” says Wood. “Employing banner ads and social media
elements like YouTube video, the site gives us a solid,
high-performance platform to build on in the months to come.”
Top performing dealers recognized At
its March dealer meeting, Ottawa Truck also paid tribute to its dealer
network by handing out awards to dealers that have distinguished
themselves with outstanding Ottawa Truck and part sales, customer
service, management practices and administration.
Included among the list of Ottawa’s “Premier Parnter” dealers for 2011 was one Canadian firm: Mason Lift of Vancouver, B.C.
Saint John, New Brunswick – New Brunswick based Master Promotions Ltd. is further expanding its BC portfolio of Trade Shows by acquiring a highly successful British Columbia Trade Event, Resources Expo, previously known as the Forestry and Resources Expo which is held in Prince George, British Columbia.
This event has been organized by the Resources Society and Central Interior Logging Association (CILA) for many years and this group will still be a driving force behind this event. Master Promotions Ltd., with its many years of experience with forestry, heavy equipment and construction shows plan to grow this event which will now be known as the Canada North Resources Expo, presented by the CILA. This revamped event will take place on May 31-June 1, 2013 at the CN Centre in Prince George.
Prince George is the hub for northern British Columbia, which is an ideal location for an event of this nature as it is connected to all points north via rail and inland port to Prince Rupert. The city has an airport, which has daily flights to Vancouver and other major centres making it readily accessible for attendees and exhibitors.
The timing could not be better for an event such as this in this location. 32 Billion Dollars in Capital projects are underway with another 40 billion earmarked for future consideration. Northern B.C. is bustling with activity in regards to forestry, mining, pipelines, energy products, transportation, oil & gas and so much more. This event will showcase the leaders and rising stars of all of those industries. The Canada North Resources Expo will surely be a must attend event for industry workers, decision makers and buyers of these flourishing industries to see everything in one place at one time.
• Forestry- harvesting, woodlots, community forests, silviculture, pulp and chips • Oil & Gas- drillers, exploration, pipeline, well servicing • Mining- exploration, construction • Independent Power Producers - run of the river, wind farms, solar • Bio-mass Industry - wood pellets, power co-generation, bio-fuels • Resource Industry Professionals - engineers, foresters, planners, GIS technology, project managers, consultants, technicians • Transportation Industry - air, rail, land, sea; from hot shot to heavy haul • Suppliers and Service Providers - equipment, manufacturing, machining, camps, caterers • Training and Employment Services - career planners, assessors, training schools, post-secondary institutions, HR managers
And the list goes on…
“We are very excited about our continued growth in B.C. and are pleased to be on board with the Canada North Resources Expo for the 2013 edition,” said Keith Peacock, Vice President of Operations and Sales with Master Promotions Ltd.
“This event meshes perfectly with our current portfolio of heavy equipment, construction, forestry, commercial fisheries and trucking shows that we currently own or manage across the country and solidifies our presence in Western Canada,” said Peacock.
“We are looking forward to meeting exhibitors and working with the Resources Expo Board of Directors and the Central Interior Logging Association, continuing on with their guidance, to grow make Canada North Resources Expo one of the best and most inclusive events for this industry in North America,” explained Peacock.
“We are so pleased to partner with Master Promotions, and to see the expansion of our show. It has been part of our strategic plan for years, as the North diversifies and we take advantage of the world’s demand for our resources,” explains MaryAnne Arcand, Chair of Resources Expo, and Executive Director of the CILA. “We will be working side by side with Master Promotions to ensure local involvement and expertise,” said Arcand. Master Promotions Ltd. is a Saint John, New Brunswick based trade and consumer show event Management Company with additional offices in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Abbotsford, British Columbia. Master Promotions Ltd. currently owns or manages over 30 high quality events from St. John's Newfoundland to Abbotsford, British Columbia. For complete details about Master Promotions, please visit www.masterpromotions.ca For details about CILA, please visit www.CILA.ca
Road-rage driver who ran over man on side of road sentenced to over five years
NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C.—A B.C. resident has been handed a five and a
half year prison sentence for running a truck off a Langley road and
then driving back to mow down a 21-year-old passenger standing nearby.
Brent Parent also received a 12-year
driving ban after being found guilty of criminal negligence causing
death, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failing to remain at
the scene of an accident.
The Crown was seeking an eight-year
prison term and 15-year driving ban for the March 2008 incident that
resulted in the death of Silas O’Brien, who was in a truck with two
friends, heading to the airport for a vacation.
The Crown has said Parent became
angry after he was passed by O’Brien’s truck and ran the other pickup
off the road before returning to the scene and killing O’Brien, who was
standing by the side of the road.
Parent claimed he sped away because
the men from the other truck tried to charge his vehicle and he didn’t
realize O’Brien had been hit and killed.
The judge said Parent’s version of events defied common sense and that he’d failed to call police.
BCTA to host provincial driving championships June 23
ABBOTSFORD,
B.C. -- The B.C. Trucking Association (BCTA) will host the provincial
truck driving championships on Saturday, June 23 at the Tradex Centre in
Abbotsford.
About 70 drivers are expected to take part, performing in front of an
anticipated crowd of several hundred industry spectators, the BCTA has
announced.
Drivers will compete in five categories, ranging from straight truck
through to B-Train. Drivers will be tested using three tests: a written
exam; a vehicle inspection; and an actual driving competition.
“In support of the industry organizing committee, the British
Columbia Trucking Association is pleased to host and sponsor the truck
driving championships on an annual basis to recognize the professional
drivers who help keep B.C.’s roads safe for all motorists,” the BCTA
said in a release.
The driving portion of the competition will begin at 8:30 a.m. and wrap up around 5 p.m. June 23. There’s no charge to watch.
Concerns raised over treatment of animals at scene of hog-truck rollover
Emergency crews were on scene the afternoon of May 8, 2012
after a truck hauling hogs crashed on the Trans-Canada, west of Brandon.
A semi trailer hauling pigs rolled on the Trans-Canada Highway west
of Brandon on Tuesday afternoon, with witnesses estimating about 70
animals died at the scene.
Now, questions are being raised about the treatment of the surviving animals.
Rescue crews had to work to free more than 225 pigs trapped inside the tipped trailer.
"It's very upsetting and devastating," said Cindy Labossiere, who witnessed the rollover.
Along with the dozens of hogs killed, several others were injured, said witnesses.
"There were a whole lot of pigs all over the place and a lot of blood
on them and stuff too," said Allea Wolfe, another witness.
The truck driver wasn't hurt.
Allea Wolfe raises pigs of her own nearby and was one of the first people on scene at the crash.
"There was one with a broken leg. There was a fellow trying to push
it up and the vet had to have quite an argument with him before he'd
stop pushing it," said Wolfe.
Ruth Pryzner, another local farmer who saw the crash site, confirmed
things could have been handled better by those responding to the
incident.
"There were some pigs that took a long time to die. They were making
traumatized pigs step over dead pigs and then slapping them with
paddles," said Pryzner.
Canadians for the Ethical Treatment of Food Animals said crashes involving livestock trailers are becoming too common.
They group said the number of incidents have been rising since 2005 and are becoming monthly occurrences.
Ruth Pryzner said steps should be taken.
"I definitely think there needs to be better training," she said.
The Ontario Truck Association is pushing for a mandatory training
course for truck drivers hauling livestock, something which the Manitoba
Truck Association said it's on board with.
The trucking company involved in the rollover on Tuesday couldn't be reached for comment on May 9.
Livingston
International has acquired New Orleans-based freight forwarder, customs
broker and logistics provider M.G. Maher & Company, as well as the
business of its affiliate MCLX.
Not included in the transaction is MBLX, the barge freight handling
and transportation affiliate of M.G. Maher. MBLX will continue to
operate independently and provide clients of both companies the same
services it does today.
"This is an exciting evolution of our company," said David
Schulingkamp, president of M.G. Maher and MCLX. "We are looking forward
to, and pleased to be, joining the Livingston family. This merger
creates exciting new opportunities for our staff, and means a broader
range of services is available for our customers. With our combined
expertise, we will be a much stronger full-service national customs
broker and international logistics and freight forwarding provider."
"The addition of Maher, with its decades of experience as well as its
excellent reputation for high-quality service," said Livingston's
president and CEO, Peter Luit, "strengthens Livingston as North
America's number one company focused on customs brokerage and trade
compliance. This acquisition enables us to enhance services for current
and future clients in the US and internationally. It increases our
presence and plays a key role in Livingston's growth in the United
States."
An circus elephant is attached to a lamp post after a
tractor pulling a van caught fire Saturday, April 28, 2012 in
Baie-St-Paul, Que. Two tigers and an elephant were on board the van and
none were injured. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Alain Blanchette
BAIE-ST-PAUL, Que. - An elephant, a lion and a young
tiger were briefly in peril after the truck they were being carried in
caught fire north of Quebec City on Saturday.
But the circus animals were quickly rescued from the flaming vehicle near Baie-St-Paul.
Animal protection officials helped get the two big cats
into cages, while the elephant was kept on a leash by the side of the
road, said a spokesman for Quebec provincial police.
"For reasons still unknown, the fire broke out while the truck was still moving," Sgt. Claude Denis said in an interview.
"The driver of the truck and the animals were not injured."
The truck was nearly completely destroyed in the fire, which broke out shortly after 12 p.m. Saturday.
Police were working to find another vehicle to transport the animals, part of a small circus touring the area.
Alain Gravel, head of the local fire department,
acknowledged the scene was a little out of the ordinary. Fortunately, he
said, no one was injured and everything went smoothly.
"All the animals were very calm," he said.
Note to readers: This is a corrected version. A previous story wrongly said the accident occurred Sunday.
Industry stakeholders bend government's ear on plans for GHG emissions regs
WINNIPEG,
Man. -- Ottawa has encouraged industry feedback on its proposed
legislation mirroring the US mandate to reduce heavy duty truck GHG
emissions and government officials got an earful here today at a
conference hosted by the University of Manitoba Transport Institute.
Canada’s proposed regulations are designed to reduce emissions from
the whole range of on-road heavy-duty vehicles and engines, including
large pick-up trucks, short/long-haul tractors, cement and garbage
trucks, buses, and more, for the 2014 model year and beyond. As a result
of implementing the proposed standards, Ottawa anticipates that
greenhouse gas emissions from 2018 heavy-duty vehicles will be reduced
by up to 23% from those sold in 2010. By the year 2020, GHG emissions
from Canada's heavy-duty vehicles will be reduced by 3 million tonnes
per year. This is equivalent to removing 650,000 personal vehicles from
the road, according to Ottawa.
Both the Canadian and US regulations do not include the trailer in
their legislation, however. Industry stakeholders attending the Heavy
Duty Vehicle GHG Emissions and Fuel Efficiency in Canada Conference took
issue with that.
“Without the trailer the rules are actually meaningless,” said Dr.
Siddiq Khan, a senior researcher at the American Council for an
Energy-Efficient Economy in Washington, DC.
Trucking company owner’s stroke leaves son in the lurch Read more: http://www.v
Craig Hutchison’s mom, Gayl, owned
a trucking company back in the day when it was uncommon for a woman.
She worked long hours, ate, drank, smoked and hung out in the pub along
with all the guys.
Then one workday morning, just after she turned 50, she collapsed in the washroom. She’d had a stroke.
“She
went to the bathroom because she wasn’t feeling well, and ended up
turning into a harp seal on the ground,” said Craig, then in his
mid-20s. “There was no vocalizing. Just a squeal. She couldn’t do
anything. All you heard was an ‘erp.’ I was here. She couldn’t move. She
couldn’t talk. It was like a seal on the ice just squealing. It was
just awful.”
“I had no idea what was going on,”
Craig said. “I wasn’t familiar with strokes and stuff like that. I was
kind of stuck at the office. Now I’m the only one with the keys. I’ve
got 12 employees out there delivering freight trucks. Three offices to
run and a whole bunch of people and I’m the only one with keys. I ended
up going to the hospital about 7 o’clock that night.”
Gayl’s
doctors told her she’d never work, talk on the phone, walk or drive
again. “She couldn’t do anything,” Craig said. “She couldn’t speak. The
first word, finally, took her six months. That was when she got fed up
with the doctors and started swearing at them.”
OTTAWA,
Ont. -- Canadian motor carriers and professional drivers from across the
country have been banding together to voice their support for the
mandatory implementation of electronic-on-board recording devices
(EOBRs) to monitor Hours-of-Service compliance rules.
Earlier
this year, the Canadian Trucking Alliance launched a campaign that
provided carriers and drivers and owner/operators the ability to send an
email or text-message to federal MPs, urging them to show political
leadership on the issue.
The campaign – which proffers how
EOBRs represent a considerable improvement over the paper-based log
system in terms of improving driver and carrier productivity,
competiveness, regulatory compliance with Hours-of-Service standards as
well as limiting drivers’ stress level and compliance workload – has
triggered an impressive response from the trucking industry, with about
1,500 messages sent to date.
Carriers and drivers from every jurisdiction in Canada sent a message, according to the CTA.
“Our efforts show that there are many carriers and drivers who are
clearly in favour of replacing outdated paper logbooks with more
efficient and compliant electronic monitoring devices,” said David
Bradley, president of the CTA. “While we understand that there is a
minority in the industry who may oppose an EOBR mandate, it’s important
that decision makers hear from those who have experience with EOBRs in
enhancing compliance and making highways safer.
“Companies
that are voluntarily using EOBRs overwhelmingly report that their
drivers experience noticeable improvements in productivity and
lifestyle.”
CTA officials say the message appears to be
getting through to the politicians. In a response to one carrier,
federal transport minister, Denis Lebel, stated that EOBRs can “improve
hours-of-service regulatory compliance by reducing the opportunity for
commercial drivers to exceed regulated driving hours or falsify
logbooks” and that Transport Canada “supports the development of an EOBR
standard that leverages the work that the United States has undertaken
on this issue, that is implemented consistently across all
jurisdictions, including our provinces and territories, and that is
operationally feasible for both industry and government regulators.
Ultimately, a harmonized North American standard would be ideal in
consideration of the importance of domestic and cross-border trade.”
He says a “technically flexible, performance-based EOBR standard,
combined with a suitable phase-in period, would hopefully allow
sufficient time for suppliers to offer cost-effective options meeting
the needs of carriers and drivers.”
The campaign is still active. To send a message to MPs about EOBRs, follow the instructions found here.
Shopping for fairness: Why Canadians pay more for everything, April 24
Of course the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) blames its suppliers.
And the suppliers blame their distributors/transporters, landlords,
janitors and anyone else they can possibly name. However, the real
reason Canadians pay more for their products is the greed evident at
every level of the Canadian supply chain.
For years the supply/retail gang have
victimized captive consumers by adding little value and charging more.
Now they plead it isn’t their fault? Why don’t they simply admit they
are greedy.
Consider this: When world oil prices
took a dive last year, why was this price reduction not proportionally
reflected in the price of gasoline here in Canada? The answer again is
greed as evidenced in the record profits posted by the oil companies for
these periods.
Also, retailers blamed the Canadian
dollar for the high cost of goods in Canada when its value was low. But
when the Canadian dollar climbed upward and finally exceeded the U.S.
dollar in value, we continued to pay more for goods thanks to the
inherent greed factor.
So, please spare us the RCC’s shell
games, rationalizations and lies. And don’t moan we are putting
Canadians out of work because less and less is designed, developed,
manufactured or serviced in Canada anymore thanks to greedy corporations
off-shoring Canadian jobs.
If retailers want our business back,
they have to be content with a reasonable profit. If they refuse,
American border retailers are eager to offer Canadians fair prices.
J. Richard Wright, Niagara-on-the-Lake
There is always a reason why we never get what we are promised with so-called free trade deals.
That’s fine. Just stop telling
Canadians that our wages have to be reduced to levels in the United
States when our cost of living is that much higher.
Reduced wages, outsourcing decent
jobs, trade deals that protect everyone but Canadians are pushing us
into a prosperity deficit.
Are we to be the new Third World
where we sell our resources to benefit of some and rest of us end up not
being to afford the products we make and services we provide?
