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Multiple Upcoming Storms Expected to Impact Road Conditions

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sophie
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Nebraska: North Platte Region
Today until Friday noon.

Snow accumulations of one inch and the possibility of ice.

New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut
Saturday noon until Sunday morning

Snow accumulations of up to 6 inches in some regions and wind gusts of up to 35 mph. Travel could be difficult in the more mountainous areas, in eastern New York, in the capital region, southern Vermont, the western Mass Berkshires, and northwest Connecticut. The storm will be at its strongest overnight from Saturday to Sunday.

California: Truckee Region
Saturday 4 am to Sunday 6 am

A total of more than one foot of snow is expected in terms of accumulation, potentially affecting I80. Plan for delays and chain controls with blizzard conditions.

Washington: Spokane Region
From 10 pm tonight to Sunday 4 am.

Between 2 and 4 inches of snow accumulation are expected, from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene. Road conditions could be slippery.

Nova Scotia
Midday Sunday until Monday morning.

Total snow accumulation: 5 to 20 cm; the heaviest accumulations are expected to hit the extreme south of Yarmouth and Shelburne counties, and accumulation should be less elsewhere. Maximum gusts: from the east at 60 km/h.

New Mexico (North and Central), Four Corners, Texas
Sunday morning until Monday morning.

Potential for a winter storm on the horizon with the possibility of blizzards due to winds. This storm could affect the Four Corners region, northern and central New Mexico, and move towards Texas.

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Truckers Must Be Paid for Sleeper Berth Time Over Eight Hours

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sophie
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In a landmark decision reshaping norms in the trucking industry, the U.S. Appeals Court has ruled that truckers must be compensated for sleeper berth time exceeding eight hours, aligning with federal labor law. On December 12, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled in favor of a group of truckers led by Juan Carlos Montoya in their legal battle against CRST Expedited and CRST International.

The core of the dispute was whether the time spent by truckers in the sleeper berth beyond eight hours in a 24-hour period should be compensable. The truckers, spearheaded by Montoya, argued that CRST’s failure to pay for this time violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). They contended that for team truckers, who alternate between driving and resting, the sleeper berth time should be considered as “on duty” and thus compensated, to prevent their wages from dropping below the minimum wage.

The court shed light on CRST’s business model, which benefits from drivers being confined to the sleeper berth beyond their eight-hour sleep period. This model, enabling near-continuous truck movement while adhering to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations on driving hours, greatly benefits CRST. The court emphasized the intrinsic value of sleeper berth time to CRST’s operations, enabling deliveries to be completed in roughly half the time it would take a solo driver.

Additionally, the court recognized the limitations of sleeper berth time. Despite CRST’s argument that this time was primarily for drivers’ benefit, allowing personal activities, the court recognized the severe limitations imposed by the physical confines of the sleeper berth in a moving truck. The court understood that the drivers’ time in the sleeper berth was not entirely their own, contrary to CRST’s claims.

Lastly, the court took into account the impact of sleeper berth time on drivers. It was noted that the nature of team driving could require the resting driver to provide emergency assistance during their rest period. This, combined with the discomfort of the sleeper berth, led to the conclusion that sleeper berth time was more than a minimal burden on drivers and predominantly benefited the employer. Ultimately, the court’s decision was clear: “Time spent in the sleeper berth exceeding eight hours per day is compensable work under the FLSA.” This ruling represents a significant victory for truckers, recognizing the true demands and constraints of their work environment.

 

Northern Touch Truck Wash Opens New Facility in Fort Erie, Ontario

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sophie
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Northern Touch Truck Wash, boasting over 45 years of experience and known for its superior manual wash services for tractor trailers, RVs, haul trailers, and motorhomes, is excited to announce the opening of its latest facility in Fort Erie, Ontario. This new addition is set to serve the Niagara region with premium washing services and is conveniently located at 1637 Pettit Rd., strategically catering to truckers traveling along the QEW.

“The inauguration of our Fort Erie location is a testament to our commitment to providing outstanding, accessible truck washing services across Ontario,” stated the CEO of Northern Touch Truck Wash. “Understanding the challenges faced by truckers on the road, our new site is perfectly positioned to offer them the high-quality service and convenience they deserve.” This latest launch continues Northern Touch Truck Wash’s legacy of delivering high-quality washes that thousands of customers have come to expect.

Becoming an Owner-Op in 2024: Yes or No?

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sophie
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The debate on the viability of being an owner-op in trucking is a recurring topic, which seems to repeat itself through the decades. Some in the field, with years of experience, believe that the challenges and opportunities have changed little, despite economic and technological developments.

For some former owner-ops, rigorous management was not enough to overcome the challenges of increased competition and sometimes drastic price cuts. These pressures have led some to abandon their independent status to become salaried employees, seeking a more stable life balance.

“I was an owner-op for 10 years, I was very good with numbers, but the competition became much too fierce and there was always someone to cut prices ridiculously… Today, I am very well salaried! I have quality time with my wife and children,” says Luc.

The allure of independence and the pride of being one’s own boss are confronted with the reality of a dependence on clients and contracts. For some, the dream of becoming an owner-op collided with the harsh reality of the profession, leading them to choose the security of salaried employment.

The journey of those who have succeeded as owner-ops shows the importance of discipline, prudent financial management, and adaptability. Succeeding in this field requires knowing how to prioritize and manage risks while remaining attentive to opportunities.

The current economic conditions, such as high-interest rates and market fluctuations, pose additional challenges for newcomers. Established owner-ops, benefiting from some equity, seem to fare better than those considering starting with new equipment.

Some see trucking as a more stable sector than others, even in times of general economic slowdown or pandemic, as Covid has shown in some sectors of the trucking industry. The prospect of investing in trucking is compared to other businesses, like restaurants or retail, where the risks can be even greater, especially on the brink of a recession.

The experience as an owner-op varies greatly. For some, the pride of maintaining and driving their own trucks is invaluable, while others find specific niches in transport that offer better opportunities and rates.

Tips for success? Establish priorities, don’t start with new and unaffordable equipment, shop for clients before signing a contract, do maintenance and repairs yourself as much as possible. And, to echo our owner-op contributor Charles Pellerin, you have to ask a lot of questions!

“For me, it’s not a yes or a no, because transport is a very vast field and each type of transport is different. For my part, I have my truck for local refrigerated transport and each year is better than the last. For me, yes it’s worth it, but maybe for another person who does another category of transport, it’s a no. The important thing is to find the contract,” adds Nadi.

In the end, becoming an owner-op in 2024 is a deeply personal decision, influenced by many factors. The trucking sector, although evolving, remains a complex field, where success and difficulties coexist. Choosing this path requires careful thought, rigorous planning, and constant adaptability to the incessant changes in the market.

Without these skills, perhaps it’s better to do like Sam and become an owner-op where the virtual meets the dream… in American Truck Simulator!

  • This article is based on the comments collected during a debate on the subject.

Latour-Laitre sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking

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sophie
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0

Guillaume Latour-Laitre, a 27-year-old who held the position of Vice President at Tram-Transport in the Laurentides region of Quebec, has recently been sentenced to a 10-year prison time in the United States. This sentence follows his involvement in a narcotic trafficking case, where he orchestrated the importation of over 140 kilograms of cocaine from Pennsylvania to Quebec, exploiting the resources and networks of his transportation company to facilitate this illegal operation.

Latour-Laitre’s case is particularly notable due to the strategic use of his road transport company in this trafficking scheme. Last May, he admitted to the American justice system his collaboration with a drug trafficking network based in the United States. His primary role was to oversee the transport and smuggling of cocaine, using semi-trailers for cross-border transit. In this illicit endeavor, Latour-Laitre employed Jason Nelson, a driver, offering him a bonus of $250 per kilogram of cocaine imported into Canada.

On December 5th, 2019, Nelson undertook a crucial journey for this operation. Initially, he crossed the border post of Thousand Islands archipelago to reach Pennsylvania. Although the sniffer dog Benny detected the presence of narcotics in a specially arranged compartment in his heavy truck, it was empty at that time, allowing him to continue his journey. Once in Pennsylvania, Nelson picked up a cargo of 142 kg of cocaine, which he concealed in his trailer.

However, during his attempt to return to Canada via the Derby Line border, another sniffer dog, Scooby, detected the drugs, leading to the discovery of the cocaine and Nelson’s arrest. Nelson was found guilty of drug trafficking in 2022 and sentenced to six years in prison.

Authorities estimated that the seized cocaine had a market value of about 5.8 million US dollars. Prosecutors highlighted Latour-Laitre’s direct involvement in the operation, noting that he traveled to the United States to personally ensure that the drugs were loaded correctly. Assistant Prosecutor Douglas G. Collyer commented on the severity of the case, emphasizing Latour-Laitre’s full awareness of the consequences of his actions.

This case sheds light on the risks and implications of diverting resources from legitimate road transport companies for criminal activities, underlining the importance for the trucking industry to remain vigilant and implement strict measures to prevent such illegal use of their infrastructures and services.

City of Surrey Addresses Severe Truck Parking Shortage

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sophie
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0

The City of Surrey in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia is taking steps to address the severe shortage of truck parking facilities. This shortage has resulted in issues such as noise complaints, road damage, safety concerns, and environmental worries due to diesel fumes and oil leaks. Jatinder Gill, the owner of Redstar Transport, has been dealing with monthly parking tickets that cost him nearly $3,000. This shortage has been a significant challenge for truckers in the area, as there are limited places to park without the risk of getting a ticket.

The City of Surrey has identified four city-owned sites that could potentially serve as truck parking facilities. These sites range in size from 4,600 to 7,700 square meters and are strategically located to alleviate the parking problem. The city is seeking statements of interest from potential operators who would lease the land and manage the facilities. While the city will improve the sites to make them suitable for truck parking, the operators will be responsible for fencing and maintenance.

The truck parking shortage has become more critical as the trucking industry in British Columbia continues to grow. The number of drivers with Class-1 licenses in the Lower Mainland has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting the industry’s expansion. This growth is essential to the region’s economy, generating substantial GDP.

Despite the need for more parking, municipalities like Surrey have restrictions on overnight parking of heavy commercial vehicles, leading to a reliance on illegal street parking, which comes with its own challenges, including the risk of theft.

The City of Abbotsford, another municipality in the region, has also been grappling with similar issues and is considering a truck parking strategy. The situation highlights the importance of addressing the truck parking shortage to support the trucking industry and ensure safe and convenient parking for drivers.

55 Years of business for Noël Parent, a trucking legend!

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sophie
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Noël Parent is a true trucking legend in Québec. With a career spanning 55 years, he has done much more than just cover miles: he has written history on every road he took, in the potholed asphalt, as he puts it! His journey began behind the wheel of a one-year-old six-wheeled Inter, followed by a twelve-wheeler – more than just trucks, they were companions.

In the fall of 1968, Noël launched his trucking career with Les Huiles Pelchat in Saint-Anselme, Qc a developing period where he learned the ropes of the trade. For eight years, he faced countless challenges, driving trucks with basic comforts – imagine a hard seat that spanned the width of the cabin, with no possibility of adjusting the backrest! These tough conditions reflected the times.

Before settling in at the wheel for this company, Noël also gained valuable experience in mechanics, learned on the job, and in towing, which helped him understand the nuances of these vehicles.

After his time with Pelchat, Noël embraced a new challenge: for two years, he was a school bus driver. This experience, quite different from trucking, notably helped him develop an important skill for truckers… patience! “It was no longer comfortable, and it was even harder on the ears!” he exclaims with a laugh.

Subsequently, he joined the team at Paul Lemelin’s garage in Sainte-Claire, Qc then at Prestofix in Saint-Henri, Qc where he spent 22 years. Noël traveled through four Canadian provinces, extending his horizon from Ontario to the Maritimes. “I really liked going to the Maritimes, even though I didn’t speak very well in English. They were beautiful trips.”

This period coincided with the era of the CB radio, during which he was nicknamed “Western,” sharing the roads in brotherhood with his fellow truckers. His brother, known as “Sunkist,” joined him on these adventures, although without the Florida oranges suggested by his nickname! “It’s because his truck was orange…”

Over time, the CB radio fell silent, but Noël maintained his love for the road. He witnessed the evolution of his profession, from air suspensions compared to leaf spring suspensions and other technologies. However, the deregulation of transportation didn’t disrupt his routine, as he mostly delivered for specific companies.

At Réal Brochu, still in Saint-Henri, his last 20 years were dedicated to local bulk transport, like sand and stone. “We are far behind (in terms of salary), but as the boss said: ‘if I had the price, it’s worth, I could pay you more.’ When I started, we didn’t earn much, the salary has tripled,” he tells us, recalling his early wages, about $2/h.

Noël has seen many colleagues leave and numerous companies disappear and/or merge. He even decided to retire with the arrival of electronic logbooks, preferring to preserve his memories of the road as he knew it.

His son tried trucking for six years before having to give it up for physical reasons. Noël is aware of the sacrifices of the profession, especially the time spent away from family. “It isn’t easy when the children are young.”

He advises future truckers to love responsibilities and be ready to manage the unexpected. He concludes that it’s a beautiful profession that allows one to see the country and have great experiences.

After a 55-year career, covering more than five million kilometers, Noël Parent is a source of inspiration. A local celebrity. He made the front page of “La Voix du Sud,” testifying the impact of his journey. His retirement marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new, quieter adventure on the roads of life.

And why not, a few trips here and there, when beautiful opportunities arise!

Hats off, Mr. Noël Parent, happy retirement, and happy upcoming 77th birthday!

Five years in prison for a truck driver who killed two children

By
sophie
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8

Jean-Philippe Giroux, a mourning father who lost his children Émerik, 7 and Maélie, 3 in an accident involving a truck driver, distracted by his phone, expresses his dissatisfaction with the five-year imprisonment sentence given to the driver. The accident, which occurred on April 18th, 2022, on Highway 401 near Belleville, ON, also took the life of Chantal Dendooven-Legault, 68, the children’s grandmother. Anik Legault, mother of the children, and their uncle Érik, survived with minor injuries.

Mehakdeep Singh, truck driver, collided with the Giroux family’s vehicle while he was preoccupied by his phone, unaware of the slowing vehicles in front of him. Surveillance cameras recorded the moments leading up to the accident, revealing that Singh did not notice the slowing signals and continued to use his phone.

Singh, who had falsified his logbook and shouldn’t have been on the road that day, was found guilty of dangerous driving causing death. Despite a five-year sentence, considering his remorse and clean criminal record, Giroux points out that his own sentence is perpetual, having lost his family in an instant.

Small Trucking Company Hit with $16K Bill for Box Truck Breakdown

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sophie
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0

A small trucking company in Georgia received a $16,000 towing bill for a broken-down box truck, according to a recent report. On December 20, a box truck owned by Elshaddai Truckers and Logistics broke down on southbound I-75 at mile marker 227 in Henry County, Georgia, due to a broken brake line. As the box truck blocked traffic, the police called for a tow truck. Under Georgia’s Towing and Recovery Incentive Program (TRIP), Wrecker 1 from McDonough was dispatched to respond.

TRIP, in place since 2008, aims to alleviate traffic congestion by providing financial incentives to tow companies for promptly clearing commercial vehicle accidents. The program is activated for all commercial vehicle accidents that obstruct traffic, with dispatch managed by law enforcement or transportation officials. It rotates vetted tow companies to respond to commercial vehicle accidents, requiring them to have two heavy-duty recovery trucks and a support truck as part of the program.

The initial towing bill came to $12,345, with a 25% discount if paid the same day. However, a second bill of $16,515 was issued later. The company states that they lack the funds to cover the towing bill and still have freight to deliver in the box truck. According to Georgia officials, there is no fixed rate tow companies must adhere to when the tow is initiated by law enforcement.

ATA Survey Reveals Major Safety Spending Surge in Trucking

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sophie
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The trucking industry is dedicated to enhancing and preserving safety on the roads, consistently demonstrating this commitment through substantial investments in technology, training, and various other measures aimed at improving highway safety.

Recent data released by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) from their Safety Spend Survey indicates a significant increase in safety-related expenditures. In 2022, the industry reportedly invested around $14 billion in safety initiatives, marking a substantial 40% rise compared to the previous survey conducted in 2015. This considerable financial commitment underscores the industry’s dedication to ensuring safer highways.

In the survey conducted by ATA, a wide range of motor carriers, encompassing fleets of various sizes, were polled. The respondents represented a significant segment of the industry, with nearly 160,000 trucks and 170,000 drivers. The investments made by these fleets were categorized into five key areas: onboard safety technology, training programs, incentive schemes, safety-related maintenance, and compliance-related expenses. This diversified approach reflects a comprehensive strategy to bolster overall road safety.

ATA’s President and CEO, Chris Spear, emphasized the trucking industry’s unwavering commitment to safety. According to Spear, safety is not merely a slogan within the trucking community, but a core mission. The industry, he notes, is actively engaged in enhancing safety through the adoption of advanced technology and rigorous training programs. Spear’s statement highlights the industry’s proactive and dedicated efforts to protect drivers and the general motoring public, setting a standard for safety commitment in transportation.

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