April | 2020 | Trucker Tom’s Podcast

Monthly Archives: April 2020

Covid-19 Operations: Highway Western Star (update)
It is very hard to believe the last couple of months since the start on Covid-19 affecting the way we conduct business daily. With that said, we needed to implement changes to enable us to limit the risk of spreading the virus. Physical Distancing has now become a part of the day to day language […]
Clifford Truck Show cancelled
CLIFFORD, Ont. – One of the most-awaited events in the Canadian trucking calendar has been canceled because of Covid-19. The 11th edition of the Clifford Antique and Classic Truck Show was scheduled to be held July 3-4, but its organizers decided Friday to cancel the event. “Unfortunately, the Great Lakes Truck Club is forced to […]
Navistar earnings hit by Covid-19
LISLE, Ill. – Navistar International reported a Q2 loss of US$38 million, on falling revenues of $1.9 billion, a 36% decline year-over-year. The company said the decrease was primarily due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, resuling in lower volumes in its core Classes 6-8 markets. “Like a number of businesses, our company has […]
ECONOMIC WATCH: Canada, U.S. employment numbers improved in May
OTTAWA, Ont. – Canada added 290,000 jobs in May as the economy gradually reopened following the Covid-19-related economic shutdown. May employment numbers represented a recovery of 10.6% of Covid-19-related employment losses and absences seen over the previous two months, according to a Statistics Canada labor update June 5. However, the unemployment rate set a new […]
SafetyDriven offering free meals for truckers
KELOWNA, B.C. – SafetyDriven is taking part in the Meals for Truckers initiative, and will be providing free meals at three locations next week. On June 10, the organization will be offering free meals for truckers from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. at the Kelowna North Cardlock. Meals will be prepared by the Surf Side […]
New ‘Essential Trailer’ accepting sponsorships to help truckers
LONDON, Ont. – A new trailer designed to recognize truck drivers and other essential workers for their work will be making the rounds, with funds raised from sponsorship going towards the Thank a Trucker initiative. Companies sponsoring the Essential Trailer, designed by Southwood Graphics, will have their name featured on the wrap and can use […]
DTNA’s North American production resumes
PORTLAND, Ore. – Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has resumed production at all nine of its North American manufacturing operations. The latest to reopen were the Saltillo and Santiago, Mexico plants, which resumed production June 1, the company announced. The company had shut down those plants and others due to the Covid-19 pandemic. DTNA says […]
HDMA appoints marketing executive
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. –The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) has appointed Caterina Pontoriero manager, marketing communications and member engagement. She has 12 years of experience in business-to-business marketing and journalism, the association said. Pontoriero’s previous roles have been in the insurance and retail technology industries. She will be responsible for developing and executing internal […]
Manitoba creating alternative truck route to oft-flooded PTH 75
WINNIPEG, Man. – The Manitoba government will pave Provincial Road 246, to give commercial trucks an alternative when Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 75 is flooded. The paving will cost $16 million, and will cover the stretch between PTH 23 near Morris, Man., to PR 205 near Aubigny. This will allow trucks to be rerouted around […]
A truck driver’s guide to masks, gloves and cleaning during Covid-19
TORONTO, Ont. – Loads might be delivered with a smile, but in the days of Covid-19 those smiles are increasingly covered by face masks. The Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety is recommending a series of best practices when it comes to masks, gloves and safety protocols for transportation employees such as […]
ECONOMIC WATCH: Canadian trade volumes plummeted in April
OTTAWA, Ont. – Canada’s exports fell to their lowest levels in more than a decade, while imports plunged to levels not seen since 2011 in April, according to new trade data from Statistics Canada. The declines came as retail stores and manufacturing industries shut down to manage the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with falling energy prices. […]
Grain haulers in B.C. sought for dumping partial loads at roadside
CLEARWATER, B.C. – The Central Interior Traffic Services (CITS) and provincial partners are looking for grain haulers who’ve been dumping partial loads at roadside pullouts on Hwy. 5 between Valemount and Avola. The incidents have been happening over a number of years, creating hazards for motorists and wildlife. The grain piles attract large animals including […]
They sell trucks against all odds
BRAMPTON, Ont. – Longtime truck salesman Kevin MacDonnell was blunt in his assessment of the current situation. “To do sales and deliveries, and keep social distancing (at the same time) is hard.” So, the account manager at Volvo dealer Vision Truck Group has been meeting customers over the phone, outside the building and at their […]
Cummins designs MD propane engine with ‘diesel-like’ performance
COLUMBUS, Ind. – Cummins, working with the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), has developed a medium-duty propane demonstration engine that it claims will outperform diesel in key areas. Based on its B6.7 diesel, the 6.7 LPG direct injection engine could be well suited for a range of medium-duty applications, offering a 20-40% cost savings […]
U.S. bill promises billions for highways, would delay HOS rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A U.S. infrastructure bill unveiled yesterday would fund highways and clean transportation efforts, but also delay a final hours of service rule, and push for a rulemaking on driver detention and changes to the CSA safety rating program. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure introduced a US $500-billion, five-year infrastructure bill, […]
Equipment manufacturers prepare for economy to restart
TORONTO, Ont. – It won’t be business as usual as vehicle manufacturers ramp up production following the economic lockdowns connected to Covid-19. Emerging demands will range from new hygiene procedures in the workplace, to the contact tracing needed to identify anyone who employees interacted with if someone is exposed to the virus. “Folks are spending […]
Truck crossings continue to fall
OTTAWA, Ont. – Border restrictions are not applicable to commercial vehicles, yet the number of truck drivers entering the country continued to fall last week. Arrivals during the week of May 25-31 declined 22% to 85,743 from 109,640 in the same period in 2019, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said Wednesday. The arrivals have […]
Manitoulin opens new terminal in The Pas
THE PAS, Man. – Manitoulin Transport has opened a new terminal in The Pas, Man., which replaces its existing terminal. The new location is 36 Industrial Road, The Pas, Man. “This new terminal demonstrates Manitoulin’s commitment to The Pas and surrounding areas and to Canada’s smaller communities in general,” said Jeff King, president, Manitoulin Transport. […]
TMC fall meeting goes online, tech competition dropped
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) of the American Trucking Associations is moving its fall meeting online, responding to the health and economic crisis linked to Covid19. Presented with a theme of “reliable answers for uncertain times”, it will be held Sept. 14-17. “This alternative, not lightly taken, will allow TMC members […]
OOIDA welcomes new U.S. highway bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has welcomed the new highway bill, released Wednesday by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Committee chairman Peter DeFazio said, “The INVEST in America Act is our opportunity to replace the outdated systems of the past with smarter, safer, more resilient infrastructure that fits the […]

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