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Industry News - September, 2020

  • CVSE Initiates Stakeholder Engagement On Electronic Logging Devices

    In April of 2020, Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) invited stakeholders to provide feedback on the modernizing of safety regulations for Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV’s). Specifically, as of June 12, 2021, commercial vehicles that cross provincial borders must be  Equipped with an Electronic Logging Device (ELD). In response to these changes to the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations, the province will need to decide what the requirements will be for CMVs operating within BC.
    The Log Truck Technical Advisory Committee (LTTAC), an industry-based group comprised of log hauling contractors, provincial agencies, FP Innovations, RCMP and the BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC) met via teleconference on April 21, 2020 to discuss the groups’ perspective on the implementation of ELDs in the log hauling sector. Members unanimously supported the implementation of ELD’s and their aim of improving safety in the sector.
    Although there are some concerns regarding monthly subscription costs and data privacy, the members were primarily focused on the safety benefits. Working collectively with licensees to support contractors and drivers in compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) can only assist industry as it continues its commitment and collaboration to reduce log hauling incidents.  
    The LTTAC is committed to working with the Trucking Harvesting Advisory Group (TAG) to support drivers and contractors to reduce this risk. For log hauling, industry needs to adapt to support the notion that drivers should not be working more than 15 hours in a day, the maximum duty day for log hauling, and in fact, should be targeting fewer than 15 hours to be practical.
    As an industry committed to improving safety in log hauling operations, we need to ensure drivers have plenty of time to fulfill their duty day even when things don’t go as planned without bumping into the 15 hour maximum. Pressure, resulting in rushing, can be a challenging problem in the sector. Until trucking contractors have confidence that cycle times will be realistically established, and not just under ideal conditions, and that they can approach the licensee with real data (such as is available from ELDs) with the expectation of cycles being adjusted accordingly, safety will continue to be an issue. ELD’s will help support trucking contractors and drivers with these issues. 

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 4 years ago

  • Eaton’s Vehicle Group Adds Power Takeoff “Wet Kits” To Bezares Mobile Power Portfolio

     Eaton’s new “wet kit” packages simplify ordering by including all the Power Takeoff (PTO) components needed for end-dump applications into a single part number.

    Power management company Eaton has introduced new “wet kit” packages for end-dump applications supporting the Bezares line of Power Takeoff (PTO) units that fit popular Eaton Fuller and Eaton Cummins Endurant transmissions. Bezares SA is a global manufacturer of PTOs, hydraulic pumps, fittings, tanks, valves and other related mobile power hydraulic components.
    The wet kits simplify ordering by including all the components needed into a single part number. Wet kits are installed on medium- and heavy-duty trucks with accessories such as booms and cranes that need hydraulic pumps to operate. The wet kit’s hydraulic pump is activated by the truck's transmission.
    Each wet kit includes a PTO with Viton seals and Garlock gaskets for easier installation and fewer leaks, a high-quality roller bearing dump pump for reliability, and an aluminum tank for lighter weight. Compiling all the needed components in one kit streamlines installation, which saves time when compared to ordering a system with individual parts and numbers.
    “Eaton’s PTO wet kits are a simple solution to a complex problem that provides our customers with a turnkey solution for end-dump applications,” said Tim Bauer, vice president, Aftermarket, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “Our goal is to make life easier for users by providing everything they need. We’ve already done the homework for them.”
    Many of the kit’s components allow end users to configure the hydraulic systems to individual customer or application needs, such as a 50-gallon aluminum tank, which can be mounted either behind the cab or with a round side mount. A direct-mount air shift dump pump can be used with both two- and three-line systems.
    The kits are immediately available for shipment and can be ordered through Eaton mobile power distributors. All kits come complete with all the hardware and components needed for seamless installation. Additional information on Eaton’s PTO Wet Kit.
    Eaton reached a distribution agreement with Bezares SA in 2019 to become the North American master distributor for its mobile power hydraulic portfolio. In addition to distribution services, Eaton also provides post-sale service and support for the PTOs through its extensive Roadranger field team. 

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 4 years ago

  • Smarter Fleet Operations Begin With Staying Connected

    Fleet connectivity and remote monitoring has never been more important, or more valuable, than now. With the world’s pandemic challenges, fleets have been forced to re-think service offerings and practices in order to limit contact with customers and equipment. At the same time, the requirements of keeping products safe throughout the cold chain – and providing the necessary proof points, is vital to all involved. This includes the communities depending on the essentials to be delivered safely and the fleets relying on each successful delivery to protect profits.

    Protecting The Load
    Thermo King’s TracKing® telematics is a 4G LTE temperature and asset management system that is part of the company’s ConnectedSuite™ product line. It not only offers real-time visibility into the location and status of assets, but it also increases fleet efficiencies by detecting potential issues, determining maintenance actions, offering remote communication with the refrigeration unit controller, and delivering the information customers and regulatory agencies demand.
    Is the unit on? What’s the temperature set-point? Was the temperature maintained throughout the journey? Was security breached with an unauthorized door opening? Telematics takes the guesswork out of temperature compliance, cargo traceability and security. Temperature reports and graphs, unit fuel levels, door sensor data and cargo tracking is available instantly, with a push of a button or with a real-time alarm. The advantages are clear: a constant view of fleet operations provides efficiencies and proof of compliance when it comes to required load and shipment parameters. The proof is in the data, ensuring that both the load and your business is protected.

    Limiting Physical Touch
    “TracKing can be activated remotely. It can offer data and diagnostic information remotely. It can communicate remotely with drivers and technicians via BlueTooth technology. There is no need to physically touch the unit unless it is deemed necessary – either in the form of immediate action due to cargo risk, or the scheduling of a service appointment for general maintenance,” said Rod Castro, strategic account manager—telematics for Thermo King.
    Fundamentally, telematics is designed to give valuable remote visibility of assets to fleets and customers alike, ensuring cargo is safe throughout the cold chain. The value of that visibility – through the availability of 24/7 data, has grown exponentially throughout the past months as fleets work to maintain demanding transport schedules while protecting drivers, service shops and customers from unneeded personal contact with equipment and each other. Telematics provides the answers needed to elevate uptime, anticipate issues and proactively – and safely, plan for the unexpected.   
    TracKing is standard on all 2018 or newer Thermo King trailer units, as well as the latest T-90 Series of truck units, and all include a free, 90-day subscription of TracKing telematics solutions which includes: two-way commands, remote service watch downloads, asset location, temperature data, and more than 100 critical data fields from the refrigeration unit. Taking remote support a step further, Thermo King representatives offer free demo sessions of the innovative telematics solution through a webinar tool accessible from any computer.

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 4 years ago

  • Alberta Cutting Outdated Commercial Carrier Permits

    Alberta’s government is eliminating 10,000 commercial carrier permits to cut red tape for truckers while maintaining safety on provincial highways.
    The Commercial Vehicle Dimension and Weight Regulation specifies the legal size, weight and configuration limits for commercial vehicles on Alberta roads. The limits in the regulation have not been updated in decades and do not reflect modern vehicle configurations and equipment.
    As a result, commercial drivers in Alberta have to obtain permits for equipment that is allowed in most other jurisdictions, including trucks hauling multiple vehicles, mobile treatment centres, toter-homes, and wide-base single tires. Alberta Transportation routinely grants these permits for standard equipment, making them redundant.
    Updating the regulation means commercial carriers will no longer have to get permits for some standard equipment and practices.
    “Cutting red tape and getting rid of barriers that keep Albertans from getting their jobs done is a fundamental part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan to create jobs and get Albertans back to work. We issue these permits virtually every time someone applies for them because the regulations include outdated vehicle weights and dimensions. Rather than making job creators apply for an outdated permit every time they need one, it makes more sense to simply update the regulations to reflect today’s truck configurations – and eliminate 10,000 permits in the process,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation.
    “This is another step Alberta’s government is taking to make it easier to do business in our province. By cutting red tape and updating this outdated regulation, we’re saving truckers and companies both time and money so they can stay focused on creating jobs and supporting our economy,” quoted Grant Hunter, Minister of Red Tape Reduction.
    “Trucking is an essential service, and demand is growing as commerce shifts online. The safe and efficient movement of goods across our province is critical to Alberta's economic recovery. These changes reflect the types of innovation that are driving the future of the transportation industry. Ensuring regulations keep pace with advances in technology, training, and standard business practices makes the commercial trucking industry more resilient and more efficient,” stated Chris Nash, president, Alberta Motor Transport Association.
    “We applaud the Alberta government for the reduction of red tape policies impacting carriers like Rosenau, who bring innovative solutions to lessen the environmental footprint while improving on-road safety and efficiency. These changes are welcome and deliver consistency between provincial and municipal roadways, creating an environment of effective trade corridors for the industry driving the Alberta economy,” said Jude Groves, director, Safety & Training, Rosenau Transport.
    “Solutions like new generation wide-base single tires offer improved stability, safety, better miles per gallon (reduced greenhouse gases) and fewer tires in our landfills,” stated Grant Mitchell, chief operating officer, Kenan Advantage Group (KAG) / Westcan Bulk Transport.
    Alberta’s government is helping create thousands of good jobs for Albertans by building schools, roads and other core infrastructure that benefits Albertans and communities. It will further diversify our economy by helping sectors grow and succeed and return investment to our province by ensuring we have the most competitive tax environment in Canada.

    Quick facts
    •    By Jan. 1, 2021, more than 15,000 outdated provincial commercial carrier permits will have been eliminated to streamline processes and reduce costs for carriers while maintaining safety.
    •    Alberta is home to about 25,000 commercial carriers and 136,000 commercial vehicles.
    •    Transportation and warehousing contribute $11.2 billion annually to Alberta’s GDP and accounts for 5.4 per cent of the province’s jobs. 

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 4 years ago

  • Women In Trucking Announces Its September 2020 Member Of The Month

    September Member of the Month Leigh Foxall, founder and CEO of Truck Parking Reservations.

    The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Leigh Foxall as its September Member of the Month. Foxall is the founder and CEO of Truck Parking Reservations and a 30-year veteran of the trucking industry. She has experience leading large and small businesses into and through tremendous growth phases. It is said she has diesel in her blood.
    After moving to Portland, Oregon in 1986, Foxall began working for the Jubitz family at Dial-A-Truck/DAT Solutions. The Dial-A-Truck offices were housed in “the brown broker building” at the far corner of the Jubitz Truck Stop parking lot. Trucks parked within inches of the building and the only way to get to the Ponderosa for lunch was to walk through the fuel island. There and then is where the diesel got into her blood.
    Foxall has worked side-by-side with several successful technology pioneers in the transportation industry. Al Jubitz, who recognized a pain point for shippers and brokers looking for truck drivers to move their loads, and Scott Moscrip, who starting his company by employing his family and their friends to build what is now Truckstop.com, are a few of them. 
    After spending over 20 years with these colleagues, it is no surprise that Foxall started building Truck Parking Reservations. The solution allows a driver the ability to search for safe and secure reserved truck parking. 
    Just ask an over-the-road truck driver how long it takes to find truck parking in or around a major city, or if they can find a spot after 6pm, and you’ll see there is a truck parking crisis. In fact, over the past few years, American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) studies have shown truck parking as a top critical issue for truck drivers. 
    “The pandemic has caused an even greater truck parking crisis for the trucking industry. Due to the lockdown, property owners in major cities with safe and secure overnight parking are no longer able to serve the trucking industry with much needed available, reserved truck parking spaces,” said Foxall.
    Working for technology companies has been Foxall’s full-time career path, but her passion for WIT runs deep. For six years, she served as chairwoman on the board of directors. She also helped staff the WIT trade show booths, attended conferences, and was always there to support and encourage Ellen Voie, WIT president and CEO, while she was building the association. 
    “I will never forget the first ‘Salute to Women Behind the Wheel’ event with WIT. When the doors opened, we had no idea what to expect. Female drivers, their families, and supporters streamed in through the doors for what seemed like 30 minutes,” said Foxall. “Some women had tears running down their face as they thanked us for honoring them. It was an amazing day and I am fortunate to have built relationships with women who too have diesel in their blood.”
    To find out more about Truck Parking Reservations visit truckparkingreservations.com. 

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 4 years ago

  • Always Ready To Challenge The Dragon’s Fire

    Fighting fires on the West Coast and beyond with Conair Group
    Article by Ronald G. Mullins

    Canada has experienced a consecutive number of years of extreme wildfire behaviour. This has resulted in a 10-year average of approximately 5,600 fires destroying almost 3 million hectares of forest as well as urban lands and structures, costing governments multimillions of dollars in suppression efforts. However, 2020 has been one of the quietest wildfire years in decades. Regrettably, this has not been the case for our neighbours to the south as the states of Washington, Oregon and California have experienced record setting wildfire behaviour resulting in the charring of millions of acres, destroying several communities and the loss of more than 30 lives. 

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    Sep 24, 2020 - 4 years ago

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