Why 100% scanning of containers is 100% wrong by Lou Smyrlis If you think congestion can make picking up containers at our international ports a real hassle now, wait till July 1, 2012. That’s when the US wants to have…
How NOT to help truckers with their costs by Lou Smyrlis When I discuss with industry suppliers the cost challenges their owner/operator and fleet customers face, I’m often asked what would be the best way they could help truckers reduce their…
It’s so crazy it might just work by Truck News In the medical profession there’s a saying used, comparing horses and zebras, when a physician comes up with the misdiagnosis of an ailment. Something about looking for zebras instead…
Trucking may be the lion of the transportation industry but it’s not exactly growing fat on its kills by Lou Smyrlis In my past two blogs dedicated to understanding the changes driving today’s motor carriers, we examined the increasing importance of accountability and the greater amount of complexity fleets face today.
Complexity will radically change the trucking industry by Lou Smyrlis In my last blog I began examining the three major trends – accountability, complexity and cost — that I think drive the success and fuel the fears of motor carriers.
Infrastructure upgrades desperately needed by James Menzies The tragic collapse of a Minneapolis bridge this week has demonstrated the need for immediate upgrades to North American infrastructure. The deadly collapse comes just weeks after Transports Quebec announced…
It’s just lip service until you drink from the fountain of youth by Truck News I’m sure there has yet to be a generation of young people who have not felt slighted by their predecessors. And likely, along the same lines, there probably has…
What drives the success and fuels the fears of motor carriers? by Lou Smyrlis I’m often asked by companies selling products into the transportation industry to outline the major trends that are both driving the success and fueling the fears of their motor carrier…
Ontario waste oil heater ban now official by James Menzies The June 29 version of the Environmental Registry confirmed Ontario Regulation 280/07, a law that prevents companies from burning waste oil for heat as of June 1, 2009. Truck…
Keeping fit is a constant challenge for drivers (and writers) by James Menzies It’s no secret that professional drivers are generally not the fittest of folks. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, but it’s not easy to stay in shape when…
Road carnage – when’s it going to end? by James Menzies They say bad things happen in three but we’re beyond three and still counting when it comes to recent truck crashes on major GTA highways caused by four-wheelers. Yesterday…
While we’re at it, let’s limit all vehicle speeds by James Menzies Ontario Transport Minister Donna Cansfield has unexpectedly announced (amid very little fanfare during a long weekend) that the province is going ahead with an OTA proposal to require the use…
Always be prepared! by James Menzies A reader submitted these photos as a reminder to always be prepared for everything while out on the road. These pictures were taken near Terrace, B.C. The driver apparently rounded…
‘Hypermiling’ poses safety risks by James Menzies A growing legion of motorists are taking notice of their fuel economy and altering their driving styles to maximize mileage. However, the American Trucking Associations’ has voiced concern that the…
Waste oil heater ban likely to move forward by James Menzies It’s sometimes surprising which topics elicit the most passionate responses from readers. Take for instance the cover story on the June issue of Truck News (Up in Smoke) about the…
