March 2010 Volume 21, Issue 3 Delivering daily news to Canada’s trucking industry at www.trucknews.com
Rules changed for Sask. LCVs
BACK ON TRACK: The National Professional Truck Driving Championships, derailed last year by a slumping economy, are already being planned by an organizing committee in Manitoba who assure the competition will be held.
Start your engines! National Driving Championships to return after one-year hiatus By Jim Bray WINNIPEG, Man. – After an economy-inflicted hiatus of a year, the National Professional Truck Driving Championships
are back on track for 2010. And while the financial world still isn’t trucking along at a speed most people would like, the 2010 event’s organizers in Winnipeg
There’s a new engine in town
say it’s full speed ahead anyway, with things looking good so far. “We started getting the ball rolling on this even before we Continued on page 6
REGINA, Sask. – Beginning in early February, Saskatchewan has made changes that have loosened the regulatory chain on long combination vehicles (LCVs) and improved harmonization with Alberta. Effective Feb. 1, turnpike doubles, triple-trailers and Queen City Triples can be operated at 100 km/h, up from 90 km/h, on designated four-lane highways. LCV operators no longer need to monitor speeds using tacographs or other devices. Trucking companies are still required to make a “reasonable effort” to monitor adverse weather along transport routes. Later this year, B-train gross vehicle weights will be increased to 63,500 kgs from their current cap of 62,500 kgs. The changes came as the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure shifted some of its regulatory components to Saskatchewan Government Insurance and also as a result of a recently-signed memorandum of understanding with the province of Alberta. The Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) applauded the changes. “Our industry’s relationship with the ministry continues to grow,” said STA president, Glen Ertell.“There’s a constructive dialogue going on here and these changes show they’re listening.” The changes were also lauded by the Alberta Motor Transport Association and Manitoba Trucking Association. The western provinces are seeking to harmonize LCV regulations across the Prairies. ■
Mark Dalton O/O
Inside This Issue... • Trucks for sale: Is being an owner/operator in your future? If so, the time may be right to consider buying a good used truck. Page 8 Prices have never been better, some experts say.
• Border battles: The owner of the Ambassador Bridge has ramped up his battle against a government-controlled second crossing. Page 10
• Over-the-road: A professional over-the-road driver shares his perspectives in a new column.
See page 16
Page 14
• End of an era?: An outspoken Navistar executive declares the end of the ‘long and tall’ truck era.
Reach us at our Western Canada news bureau
Page 22
Page 28
To view list of advertisers see pg. 27
E-mail Jim Bray at jim@transportationmedia.ca or call 403-453-5558 PAP Registration No. 11065
PM40069240