FOR
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January 2026
Happy New Year!
YO U R L I F E YOUR LANE F SER V
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OVER THE ROAD E S T. 1 9 9 3
Keep this magazine in your truck...you never know when you’ll need it!
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2 • OVER THE ROAD
JANUARY 2026
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
YOUR LIFE YOUR LANE $
Ask us about our
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LET TRANSX AND DECKX HELP DRIVE YOUR SUCCESS! APPLY AT DRIVETRANSX.CA OR CALL 1-877-787-2679 FOR INFORMATION ON DRIVING POSITIONS, AND VISIT TRANSX.COM FOR OTHER OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN OUR COMPANY!
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JANUARY 2026
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JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 3
1189694 Ontario Ltd. C.O.B. as Over The Road
Publisher Peter Charboneau peter@otrgroup.ca Director of Operations & Editor-in-Chief Cathryn Charboneau cathryn@otrgroup.ca Account Executive Luke Zentil luke@otrgroup.ca
18 Parkglen Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K2G 3G9 1.800.416.8712 • 613.224.9947 Email: otr@otrgroup.ca www.overtheroad.ca
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Account Executive Earle Madden earle@otrgroup.ca
All advertisements, and/or editorials are accepted and published by Over the Road on the representation that the advertiser, its advertising company, and/or the supplier of the editorials are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser, its advertising company, and/or the supplier of the editorials will defend, indemnify and hold Over the Road harmless from and against any loss, expense or other liability resulting from any claims or suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or suits that may rise out of publication of such advertisement and/ or editorials. Press releases are expressly covered within the definition of editorials.
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JOIN OUR TEAM!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We are now Hiring Highway Drivers Steady weekly runs to Florida Flexible time off Paid Hub miles All picks and drops paid Waiting time paid EZ pass for scales and bridge cards Bi-weekly direct deposit Benefits from day one Great dispatch team
– AYR, ONT. / ORLANDO, FL.
Contact Randy Baker 1-877-665-6015
randyb@beyondtransportationinc.com
Minimum of 1 year of experience is required
300 Melair Drive Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
beyondtransportationinc.com 4 • OVER THE ROAD
JANUARY 2026
THE BEST IS THE LEAST WE CAN DO
IT’S TIME TO MAKE YOUR MOVE! Driver planned home time | Full load dry van – No touch Freight Steady year-round miles | Group benefits and pension plan | Paid weekly Mostly warehouse and industrial area deliveries in US C-TPAT and FAST approved Carrier and Loads
A huge thank you to all of our Drivers and everyone in the industry that is working so hard. We appreciate everything that you are doing.
We wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy New Year
HIRING RECRUITING DEPARTMENT
JANUARY 2026
DARTMOUTH Yard MONCTON Yard
WOODSTOCK Head Office DORVAL Yard
BRAMPTON Terminal WINNIPEG Terminal
1-800-668-0099 | ayr.recruiting@ayrmotor.com
ayrmotor.ca
JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 5
MAKING YOUR MILES COUNT Robert D. Scheper
What Value can be Found in 2026? Another year has gone by, another year in front of us. I’ve been involved in trucking since 1989/90 and specifically Accounting/ Tax for Operators since 1995. This is my THIRD recession in the trucking industry. The worst of course was 2000/2001, where failure of Carriers to offer fuel subsidies to Operators had trucks parked in rented farmers’ fields across Canada. Some blamed deregulation, but that is not the whole story. A barrel of oil went from $12 Jan 1999 to $33 Nov 2000 and has never dipped below $20 since then (except one month in 2020). Seasoned Carriers didn’t offer fuel subsidies because most of the industry didn’t accept it as standard at the time. It took over 10 years to accept fuel surcharges. 2009 saw RECORD low freight costs, but that hardly lasted a full year. Carriers slashed checks from Operators like it was standard operating procedure. Operators COULDN’T leave because NOBODY was hiring. It was the first time Over the Road Magazine considered not publishing a month… but… of course, they did anyway. Finally, we have the 2022 recession, which, of course, we are still in. What immediately preceded this recession was one of the BIGGEST BOOMS in freight rate history.
6 • OVER THE ROAD
Carriers “named their rate” and those who needed it moved had to pay it. New trucking companies exploded into the market like a massive volcano (and did as much damage). In my world, I saw nearly 4% of all our clients get their own Running Rights. Then, within months, the record rates disappeared. Equipment went from 2-3 times normal price back to normal or even BELOW normal within 6-8 months. Those caught up in the hype and those overleveraged nearly all disappeared (bankruptcies or otherwise). My 4% who got their running rights? Well, over half went back to other carrier’s authorities, and the rest disappeared. Every year since 2023, prognosticators took a swing at forecasting the coming “recovery” (me included). Though most everyone believes the bottom was reached… any recovery can only be described as moments to catch one’s breath before the pressure is on again. Very few Carriers can afford asset replacement. Trucks are being extended beyond their normal cycle of carrier use. One fleet maintenance manager said it’s like being Wile E. Coyote running… nothing above him, nothing below him. 2026 will be another year of seeking “clarity” and “value” wherever it can be shown. Each transaction must be filtered for value. Can we extend service of assets longer? Can we show the true VALUE of a new asset JANUARY 2026
purchase? The entire industry is getting into the long-term habit of frugality and conservative positions. An overly optimistic perspective can become a future fatal blow. Carriers ARE hiring but usually because they have a list of low performers they would like to get rid of. As soon as a GEM is signed on, they will AXE the dead weight. Sometimes an operator becomes a dead weight when they “require” a minimum volume of miles/ work. Operators who are too demanding can and sometimes will become a liability worth eliminating. It’s not that they are fired, they are just given what the Carrier CAN provide, which is 80-85% of NEEDED volume so that within a few months the starved Operator leaves. It’s not pretty but it’s a natural occurrence in the free market. Those who paid down debt during the good times, can coast during the lean ones. Those who work and sacrifice when asked to can relax when the market turns soft. It’s a principle that everyone needs to learn, even if you’re not in the trucking industry. If I can say so humbly, I am where I am because I don’t play golf, never bought a new vehicle, never spent money on sports or high-priced hobbies. Even though my life insurance was lapsed 2+ years ago (due to age/cost/value), my family will be fine because I lived within my means and planned/saved for retirement. I am very thankful to my wife, who also lives within our means. We are both subject to sound planning principles which are way more valuable than luck. If I had one wish to all operators in 2026, it would be to clearly understand your risks and your potential returns of your business and cash flow. The most misunderstood part JANUARY 2026
of being an Operator is knowing how to properly save on taxes… ethically of course. As of this year, I’ve been writing on and off about Non-Taxable Benefits for 18 years here at Over the Road Magazine. I still explain it whenever I can, it saves operators $12,000+ per year in taxes and YET less than 1% of Operators use it. If your Accountant at yearend asks you how many days you travelled in the US and/or Canada (or counts your logs for you) …. you are using the TL2 simplified method. You are NOT using the tax saving system you should be (NTB). Check out the PODCASTS on our YouTube channel “Making Your Miles Count” to find out what I’m talking about, or call us, or even have your Accountant call us. Every month that goes by you will be sending $1000 more to Ottawa than you must. This year, get the value you need to build after-tax wealth for you and your family. About the Author: Robert D. Scheper is a leading Accountant and Consultant exclusively serving the Lease/ Owner Operator industry in Canada. His first book in the Making Your Miles Count series “taxes, taxes, taxes” was released in 2007. His second book “Choosing a Trucking company” is the most in-depth analysis of the independent operator industry today. He has a Master degree (MBA) in financial management and has been serving the industry since he and his wife came off the road in 1993. His dedication, commitment and strong opinions can be read and heard in many articles and seminars. You can find him at www.makingyourmilescount. com or 1-877-987-9787. CHECK OUT THE PODCASTS AT “YOUTUBE.COM/@MAKING YOUR MILES COUNT”
JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 7
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Give GPS to Go Powered by Geotab a try, you won’t be disappointed. We have been around for nearly 20 years; we are Canadian owned/ operated and we understand what customer service means!
8 • OVER THE ROAD
JANUARY 2026
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YOUR CANADIAN SOLUTION! JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 9
SAFETY DAWG Chris Harris
Challenges for 2026 I asked ChatGPT about the challenges truck drivers might face in 2026, and it mentioned a ‘persistent driver shortage!’ I was a bit surprised and asked, ‘Really?’ It seems like my customers are finding it tough to hire or are being super picky because there are so many drivers out there. I reckon the trucking industry, especially the cross-border stuff, has taken a hit. There aren’t as many trucks crossing into the US as before, which is probably because the economy is slowing down. We won’t go into the reasons for the slowdown in this article, but I think there are more drivers searching for homes right now than there were a few years back. If ChatGPT’s perspective on the driver shortage isn’t quite right, did it get anything else right? The second thing ChatGPT talked about was keeping drivers. I think it’s a common issue for many trucking companies in Canada. How do we keep our most valuable resource? First things first; pay is key! To keep their top drivers, trucking companies need to offer competitive wages and health benefits. (Sorry, Driver Inc. employees, no benefits for you!) 10 • OVER THE ROAD
Another way to keep drivers happy is to really listen to them. I mean, not just talk to them, but really connect with them. Management should try to understand their truck drivers. This means sometimes management should be out in the yard, just chatting with a driver. You could even help them fill up the truck. You could also get involved in their vehicle inspection; encouraging them to do it. These outdoor activities work especially well when it’s not too nice outside. It shows that if management is willing to go outside in bad weather, the drivers should feel like they can be active participants too. And when you engage a driver in their natural environment, whether it’s in the truck cab or in the yard, they are more likely to talk to you and give you honest answers. After all, they’re in their element and you’re out of yours. If you bring the driver into the office for a discussion, I don’t think it’s quite the same. Now, the manager is in their usual environment, and the driver might feel a bit uncomfortable being out of their element. Sometimes, even just a phone call is a welcome change. I once called to say, “Hi, how are you?” with no other reason, no discipline, just a friendly chat about them, the truck driver. This can JANUARY 2026
also show the driver that they’re valued and that the company’s management really cares about them. After all, if the wheels aren’t turning, a company isn’t making money. Another way to keep your top talent is to invest in technology. Features like route optimization, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and promoting a healthy worklife balance can really show drivers that they’re valued. It would be great to have a fleet of trucks that are relatively new for your drivers, but that’s becoming harder to do these days. The cost of a new truck is so high, and you need to keep it running to pay for it. Another way to keep drivers happy is for managers to keep their word. If you create a workplace where drivers feel valued and heard, they’ll be more likely to share their concerns with you. When you promise to investigate something, like “I promise to look into that,” make sure you do. Check out the issue and then let the driver know what you’ve found. Some managers might not even investigate the problem, but I believe most do. It’s crucial to share the results with the driver so they know they’ve been heard and that you’ve taken steps to address the issue. Even if the outcome isn’t what they hoped for, at least they know you’ve acted. This really helps build trust and strong relationships. I’d like to wrap up with a thought on ‘respecting the driver’s time!’ This is about ensuring you pay the driver for their time JANUARY 2026
when they’re delayed beyond what’s fair. I’ve always wondered why trucking companies and truck drivers sometimes allow two hours or more for loading or unloading and not charge the client and pay the driver. If the shipper has given you a delivery time and you’re on schedule, why can’t they unload you in a reasonable amount of time? Truck driving is one of the few jobs I know where people give away their time, and it feels like a huge loss. Looking ahead to 2026, I’m expecting things to stay pretty much the same. We’re in a recession, and I don’t think we’ll see any real improvement until the second half of the year. For companies aiming to keep their top talent, here’s a thought: talk to them and make them feel valued. If you’re a driver on the hunt for a new job, make sure your resume is spotless and that you’re accident-free. The job market is competitive, so you’ll want to make sure you really shine. Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous 2026! Happy New Year! Chris Harris CEO & Top Dawg Safety Dawg Inc. Chris@safetydawg.com www.safetydawg.com 905 973 7056 556 Upper Wentworth St. Hamilton, ON L9A 4V2
JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 11
Messer Canada Celebrates Skill and Safety at 2025 Driver Competition On September 17, Messer Canada Inc. hosted its Driver Safety competition and driver of the year awards at the company’s headquarters in Mississauga. The day-long event is designed to celebrate the company’s best drivers from across Canada and to recognize their critical role in safely delivering industrial gas and welding products on time and in excellent condition. It also serves as a team-building opportunity for employees across the organization. Eight drivers took part in the “rodeo”— essentially an obstacle course in which the drivers accurately and safely maneuver their vehicles. At the end, the driver is required to back up as close to a yellow line as possible without going over it, as if they were driving up to a customer’s loading dock. The drivers are the top eight from across Canada and the company’s three regions. “The drivers collect points throughout the year based on how they drive their truck, their fuel consumption, how up to date their training is, if they participate in safety meetings, if they report on safety conditions at customer sites, and how they contribute improvement ideas to the team,” said Head of Operations, François Charron. As much as it’s a fun event for everyone, the goal is to reduce risks on the road. Since introducing the program three years
12 • OVER THE ROAD
ago, Charron notes that driver incidents have been reduced drastically. “We can track a great deal of information from technology on the vehicles, so we can review things like speeding, following too close, and fuel consumption quite effectively,” he said. “This program has encouraged a new level of excellence for our team.” “A constant focus on excellence is what we aim for,” said Messer Canada VP and General Manager Karl Villeneuve. “That’s key, because success depends on your people. This competition is real-time excellence demonstrated.” Joining the Messer Canada team at the event were its gold partners, including Excellence Peterbilt, Gincor Werx, Hangcha Canada, Ipro Truck Repairs, and Paccar. “Not only is this a great opportunity for our employees to gather together, it’s also an opportunity for them to learn more about our partners and what services they have to offer,” said Villeneuve. “As we do this year after year, like our company tradeshows, we plan to keep adding more of our partners. It’s a great opportunity for them and for us.” Gabriel Marcotte from Quebec City won the Driver of the Year of 2025, and Denis Allaire from Montreal won the Gold Cup for the tournament among the Regional Champions.
JANUARY 2026
Interested in a new Opportunity? Join us at Messer Canada – a great place to work!
For more information call us or visit us online.
JANUARY 2026
1-888-256-7359 messer-ca.com JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 13
Index Aguirre Express Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
GPS To Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,9
Ayr Motor Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Making Your Miles Count . . . . . . . . . . . 6,7
Beyond Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Messer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,13
Brian Kurtz Trucking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
TransX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chris Harris - Safety Dawg Inc. . . . . . . 10,11
Trucker Buddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
DeckX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Happy New Year from
14 • OVER THE ROAD
JANUARY 2026
LONG HAUL TRUCK DRIVER NEEDED! AGUIRRE EXPRESS LTD. Picture Butte, Alberta
Aguirre Express Ltd. is looking for one (1) Long Haul Truck Driver. Work location: 212049 Hwy 519, Picture Butte, AB T0K 1V0 & various routes in Canada – AB (BanffJasper-Rocky Mountain House Region, Calgary Region, Camrose-Drumheller Region, Edmonton Region, Red Deer Region, Lethbridge-Medicine Hat Region), BC, SK, MB and USA. Salary: $36.00/Hour for 40-60 hours/week Benefits: Health benefits after 3 months of employment: health care plan, dental plan, and vision care benefits; Financial benefits: productivity bonus and eligibility for a year-end safety bonus Other benefits: travel insurance, parking available, learning/training paid by employer, other benefits; subject to wage increase and incentives Terms of employment: Permanent, Full time. Start date: As soon as possible Employment conditions: Early morning, morning, day, evening, night, weekend, on call. Languages: English Education: No degree, certificate or diploma Experience: 2 years to less than 3 years Personal Suitability: reliable, organized, team player Credentials: Driver’s license (Class 1 or A); Air brake endorsement (Z) Transportation/Travel Information: Willing to travel cross-border, willing to travel for extended periods, valid driver’s license Security and Safety: Valid passport, medical exam, driving record check (abstract), drug test, criminal record check, driver’s validity licence check Own Tools/ Equipment: Cellular phone
Tasks: Hauling livestock using Cattle liner trailers throughout Canada and the United States; wash trailer; operate and drive straight or articulated trucks to transport livestock; hauling different commodities using flatbeds, reefers, and super B grain trailers; tarping and ensuring safety and security of cargo; receive and relay information to central dispatch; perform brake adjustments; perform emergency roadside repairs; record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption; perform pre-trip, en-route and post-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicle; oversee condition of vehicle and inspect tires, lights, brakes, cold storage and other equipment; load and unload goods; perform preventive maintenance; mountain driving expertise; obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes. Documentation knowledge: driver logbook, bill of lading, maintenance and repair reports, accident or incident reports, inspection report (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip), trans-border documentation, trip reports. Communication systems experience: Operate GPS (Global Positioning System) and other navigation equipment. Type of Trucking and Equipment: Tractor-trailer Weight Handling: Up to 45 kg (100 lbs) Transportation/travel experience: International, National, Local, Long-Haul Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities: Physically demanding, attention to detail, repetitive tasks, handling heavy loads, sitting for extended periods of time.
APPLY TODAY
Email: aguirrexpressltd18@gmail.com Mail: 45 Northlander Road West, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 5G7
JANUARY 2026
We encourage underrepresented groups to apply; persons with disabilities, Indigenous people and newcomers to Canada. JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 15
WE ARE HIRING!
Our Average Highway Driver Earns
NEW Drivers are paid $0.60\mi with a FAST or TWIC card along PAY PACKAGE with Picks and Drops, Idle and Performance bonuses.
$87,530
WE ARE LOOKING FOR COMPANY DRIVERS SEEKING:
Company LTL Drivers averaged $100,000 in 2023 COMPANY
SINGLE and TEAM DRIVERS
You’ll Appreciate G
All Picks and Drops Paid • Safety Weekly Pay • Paid Benefits/Group R and M
Call: 1.800.265.2835 or ema
Join us on
Visit our website at www.kurtztrucking.com for complete Pay Package details.
Contact Safety at 1-800-265-2835 ext.770 or email safety@kurtztrucking.com Happy New Years! Wishing all our drivers a safe and happy 2026!
ANYTHING.. ANYTIME.. ANYWHERE.