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Trucking’s future
NTEA president
ELD panel
MTA panel discussions tackle future of technology and HR.
Newly-appointed NTEA president to continue working on Canada-US relationship.
AMTA safety panel discusses impact of future ELD mandate in Canada.
MAY 2017 VOLUME 28, ISSUE 4
Reach us at our Western Canada news bureau Contact Derek Clouthier Derek@Newcom.ca or call 403-969-1506
WWW.TRUCKWEST.CA
RETAIL ING IS ADVERT 9PAGES 2
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Rural roads need some love too STA welcomes highways and infrastructure spending, but concern for rural roads remain By Derek Clouthier
Get ready to be blitzed CVSA focuses on cargo securement during 2017 International Roadcheck By Derek Clouthier VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will hold its 30th annual International Roadcheck this year from June 6-8 and will be focusing on cargo securement to remind drivers of its importance to highway safety. Cole Delisle, acting deputy director of Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) for B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, said officers in all jurisdictions will be conducting a full North American standard Level 1 inspection, which is the most comprehensive inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes both driver operating requirements, such as proper documentation and hours-ofservice (HOS), as well as vehicle mechanical fitness. “In addition to the cargo securement emphasis,” said Delisle, “inspectors will be checking such items as brakes and brake systems, coupling devices, exhaust systems, frames, fuel systems, lighting devices, steering components, suspension, tires, wheels, rims and hubs, windshields and wipers.” Delisle admitted that the inspection is not an exhaustive list, but rather a thorough visual inspection where CVSE officers have no tools other than a flashlight, chalk, a brake-chamber measuring device and a ruler.
He also said that this being the only random roadcheck of the year, any truck, regardless of year, make, model or condition, could be selected for an inspection. “The best advice for avoiding infractions is to follow the regulatory requirements of completing a thorough trip inspection every day, and doing your due diligence with the defects that you find,” Delisle said, adding that if something affects the safe operation of the vehicle or driver, it must be addressed. “Our officers are not looking for perfection, they are looking for well maintained and safe vehicles and drivers who take care of issues effectively when they arise.” Will Schaefer, director of safety programs for CVSA, said cargo securement violations are typically one of the Top 5 out-of-service categories after brakes, tires/wheel and lighting devices. During International Roadcheck 2016, there was a reduced rate of cargo securement violations – 6.1% of out-of-service violations – but it remained in the Top 5. “Shifting cargo can result in loss of control and items falling from trucks can have tragic consequences,” Schaefer said. “While checking for compliance with safe cargo securement regulations is always part of roadside inspections, CVSA is highlighting cargo securement safety this year as a reminder of its importance.” Continued on page 11
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Whether you’re hauling lumber in B.C. or oil and gas machinery in Alberta, properly securing your cargo will be the focus of June’s CVSA International Roadcheck blitz.
REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN The Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) said the provincial government’s announcement March 22 that it will allocate $1.1 billion toward highways and infrastructure was a sign of relief in the face of economic downturn and financial struggle, but rural roads should not be ignored. STA director Susan Ewart said her province has more rural roads per capita than anywhere else in Canada, and there was a good reason behind that. “We are an agricultural province; those rural highways are what connect trucking companies to farmers and large agricultural producers who not only need the final product exported to market, but need delivery of good such as fertilizers, fuel and seed,” Ewart said. Despite Ewart’s contention, she said many in the province have been calling for some low-use rural roads to be shut down. “The possibly unforeseen cir-