This blog has been split into 2 parts, as the big cities along the I-95 corridor are in a different class than those east of I-95 Navigating around and through big cities is a challenge we all must face, especially early in our careers. Some companies will send you with an experienced driver to coach you along, other companies will just “throw you to the wolves”, and force you to figure it out on your own.  For this blog, we will be staying away from the eastern seaboard (Maine to Virginia, the I-95 corridor) as it’s big cities are in a different class all by themselves.  We’ll get into those in another blog. We’ve gone over trip planning before, so if you’re just transiting a big city, such as Chicago IL,  Houston TX, Kansas City, Oklahoma City or Dallas-Fort Worth to name a few, just stick to the interstate and you’ll be fine.  If you have to pick up or deliver in any big city, it can quickly become a challenging and very stressful event. When you get a pickup or delivery in a big city, and you will if  you haven’t already, be sure to call the customer and ask for...

Any time you’re operating in what’s called the “Eastern Seaboard”, basically anything within 100 miles west of I-95, you really do need your head on a swivel. If you’re just passing through, say going from Florida, Georgia or the Carolinas back to Canada, you’ll likely be okay so long as you stay on the interstates.  If you need to deliver or pick up anywhere between the Washington DC and Baltimore, MD metroplex and New Haven, CT, you really have to be careful and be aware of your surroundings. Most shippers and receivers operate after normal business hours, usually starting between 10 pm and midnight, so it’s a little easier (less traffic) for the trucks to get in and out. When you call to get good, reliable directions, verify their working hours.  One meat place in Lower Manhattan only received trucks from midnight until 4 am, as that was the only time traffic was light. Due to their location, the only way in was right through the heart of Manhattan, straight down Broadway Ave and through Times Square and the theatre district. The entire area is literally thick with low bridges, so again, be sure you know exactly where you’re going, and...

As summer slowly fades to a pleasant memory and Mother Nature pulls out her autumn colours, we find ourselves into another animal rutting season. From mid September until the snow flies, all the big wildlife animals will be looking for a mate, and they’re definitely NOT looking for traffic before crossing the road. The males are also extremely aggressive, so we really need to be on our toes while driving, especially between dusk and dawn. If you see a large animal on the highway, resist the urge to swerve to try and avoid it. Swerving runs the risk of an over reaction which could land you on your side in the ditch, or veering into the oncoming lane.  The best action is to turn off your headlights and use the truck’s daytime running lights.  You’ll have enough light to see, but you won’t be blinding them into paralysis (the proverbial “deer in the headlights”). Brake hard, but stay in your own lane if at all possible.  Do NOT make any sudden violent movements of the steering wheel, as you could easily end up in the ditch, or jack knife if the road is slippery. If you do collide with...

It happens to all of us at least once or twice. You wake up feeling like the floor in the back seat of a taxi on New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, calling in sick is seldom an option, unless you’re REALLY under the weather, or are suffering from a serious medical emergency, such as a stroke or a heart attack. In the event of a stroke or heart attack, don’t mess around. Park and chew, not just swallow, chew 2 regular strength Aspirin, the real ones, not a substitute, and call 911 immediately. For just a regular cold or flu, you pretty much have to tough it out as best you can.  Be wary of cough syrups and other over the counter medications, as they may contain ingredients that could cause a positive result in a drug test.  Tylenol 3, and any cough suppressant with codeine will show up as a positive in a drug test, so stay away from them. If in doubt, ask a pharmacist or your doctor. If you can’t tough it out and you need to pull over, be sure to notify your dispatcher as to why you’re stopping and where, and when you reasonably expect to be...

If you’re like most long haul drivers, spending upwards of 5 to 6 weeks on the road at a time, be sure to keep all your paperwork organized and up to date. There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING more frustrating than finishing a 6 week run and then having to sit down and try to determine which fuel, toll, scale receipt, signed BOL (Bill Of Lading) and stamped customs clearance goes with which trip. Try to get caught up with it all at the end of everyday.  For all toll and scale receipts, write your driver ID and trip number on them before submission.  Your payroll department will thank you in the event everything gets messed up. Take pictures of all the receipts, customs documents and signed BOLs as well, just in case something goes missing, and hang on to the copies at least until the expenses are settled. BOLs can get lost, and most shippers and receivers won’t pay up with out a signed BOL, or POD (Proof Of Delivery). There have been cases where hundreds of trip envelopes have gone missing, or worse, been lost due to fire. Some companies have gone to using cell phone apps or...

It’s getting to be that time of year again…. Tire chain season is almost here. BC requires you to carry enough chains to cover 6 tires at minimum. This means either 2 triples and 2 singles, or 6 singles and they must be tire chains. Tire cables or snow socks are not acceptable, and you will be issued a citation for using them, as well as potentially a very expensive pull up the hill.  The cost of just being pulled up a hill is in the $500-$750 range, in addition to the ticket for not having chains. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to inspect your chains for broken links, missing parts and general conditions.  If you find broken links or cross chains, or if the cleats are worn down or missing, replace the chains immediately.  If you’ve never installed chains before, take an hour or so now to learn how to install them properly.  It will save you a lot of time and frustration when you need to install them in a chain up area, not to mention saving you some time from working in the cold, snow, and possible darkness.  If possible, ask a fellow...

FMCSA has removed two ELDs from the list of registered Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). Motor carriers and drivers using FALCON ELDs and KSK ELDs have 60 days to replace them with compliant ELDs. On September 14, 2023, FMCSA removed the following ELDs from the list of registered ELDs due to the providers’ failure to meet the minimum requirements established in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A.   ELD Name Model Number ELD Identifier ELD Provider FALCON ELD FTX ELD FTX007 Falcon Telematics LLC KSK ELD KSK1.0 KSKA01 KSK Group, Inc. These ELDs now appear on FMCSA’s Revoked Devices list. Motor carriers and drivers who use the ELDs listed above must take the following actions: Discontinue using the revoked ELDs and revert to paper logs or logging software to record required hours of service data. Replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs from the Registered Devices list before November 13, 2023.   Motor carriers have up to 60 days to replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs.   Motor carriers and drivers who continue to use the revoked ELDs listed above on or after November 13, 2023, will be in violation of 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)—“No record of duty status” and drivers will be placed out-of-service in accordance with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) OOS Criteria. If the ELD providers correct all identified deficiencies for...

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is embarking on a new study to understand better the effects of driver detention time and its impact on safety and lost pay. Data previously has been hard to correlate, so this new focus will aim at federal regulators gaining a fresh perspective on this hard-to-define area. At the core is a quest for better data on how delays waiting to load and unload affect drivers' lost pay and safe operation on the roads. The FMCSA has disclosed parameters of new data collection that it hopes will fill the information gap that has prevented regulators from fully understanding the effects of driver detention time. Research in this area began in 2001 when an FMCSA study found that drivers with more loads with longer-than-expected load times were associated with more driver fatigue. In this study, drivers reported that about 18 per cent of their work time was schedule delays due to long wait times. The study also found a relationship between the percentage of time spent loading and unloading and crash involvement. It's a complex problem related to safety but difficult to quantify. "This research study will collect data on commercial motor vehicle driver detention time representative of...

Blue Water Bridge Toll Rates To Change October 01, 2023 Toll rates will soon change on the Blue Water Bridge, according to The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) announcement. The changes are adjusting the currency parity for toll and ancillary rates at the Blue Water Bridge, directed at USA-bound traffic, as of October 1, 2023. The rates and updated U.S. currency equivalents can be found in the following tables: EFFECTIVE October 1, 2023 ConneXion Pre-paid Rate  Cash / Debit / Credit Rate  U.S. Currency (CAD)  (CAD)  (USD) Passenger Vehicle $4.50 $6.00 $4.50 Extra Axle $4.50 $6.00 $4.50 Commercial Per Axle* $4.75 $6.00 $4.50 *NOTE: The commercial per axle rate applies to all vehicles at or above 2.45 metres (8 feet). FOR OVERSIZED LOADS All fees listed are in addition to base toll rates. Wide loads over 5.28 metres (17 feet 4 inches) in width are not permitted (Note that due to the rehabilitation project at Blue Water Bridge, there is currently a temporary width limit of 3.3 metres (11 feet) on all vehicles). Oversized loads will be allowed to cross only when traffic permits. One must call 519-336-2720 ext. 1 to schedule a crossing at least 24 hours before arriving at the bridge. EFFECTIVE October 1, 2023 Fees for oversized vehicles Time A 9 PM to 8:59...

How to Navigate an Insurance Audit: A Step-by-Step Guide for Transportation Executives and Safety Managers Achieving operational excellence in the fast-paced world of transportation demands more than simply getting from point A to point B. The insurance audit is a critical step in this process, and it may be a goldmine for proactive safety managers and forward-thinking leaders. Approaching an insurance audit should not be viewed as a routine compliance exercise, but rather as an opportunity to enhance procedures and reap genuine benefits. Understanding the Importance of Transportation Insurance Audits: The purpose of an insurance audit is to evaluate the risks connected with a transportation firm. While its primary purpose is to ensure that premiums are proportionate to the level of operations and associated risks, intelligent managers and executives will also see it as a diagnostic tool, throwing light on areas that require optimization. Preparation is the Key to Staying on Track 1. Thorough Vehicle Inspection: Every truck and trailer is a reflection of your brand. Required daily inspections, a robust defect communication system combined with well-maintained records guarantee they are in good working order, eliminating risks and potential liabilities. 2. Repair and Maintenance Remember the proverb, "A stitch in time saves nine"? Adopting a...

Symptoms and Prevention for trucker’s burnout. With over 320,000 truck drivers in Canada burnout is certain for some. However, what exactly is burn out and can it be treated? Burnout is a form of exhaustion occurring when we are overwhelmed and unable to maintain adequate life balance. It can happen to anyone who experiences prolonged emotional, physical, or mental stress. Now new research is showing 35 per cent of all working Canadians are feeling burned out. A comprehensive research study – commissioned by Workplace Strategies for Mental Health, compliments of Canada Life, and conducted by Mental Health Research Canada in December 2021 – measured a wide range of factors relating to how employees are feeling at work. Those factors included everything from engagement and recognition to workload and safety. “The number of Canadians reporting burnout is cause for concern,” said Mary Ann Baynton, Director of Collaboration and Strategy, Workplace Strategies for Mental Health. “It’s not surprising though – considering we’re once again faced with extreme uncertainty as the pandemic rollercoaster continues. For so many of us, anxiety and exhaustion are at an all-time high. But for an industry suffering from employment stresses, truck drivers need to be aware of the signs...

The FBCL Announces Toll Parity Exchange Rate Adjustments at Blue Water Bridge POINT EDWARD, Ontario, Sept. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (The FBCL) announced today that it is adjusting the currency parity for toll and ancillary rates at the Blue Water Bridge, directed at USA-bound traffic, as of October 1, 2023. The rates and their updated US currency equivalents can be found in the following tables: EFFECTIVE October 1, 2023 ConneXion Pre-paid Rate Cash / Debit / Credit Rate US Currency (CAD) (CAD) (USD) Passenger Vehicle $4.50 $6.00 $4.50 Extra Axle $4.50 $6.00 $4.50 Commercial Per Axle* $4.75 $6.00 $4.50 *NOTE: The commercial per axle rate applies to all vehicles at or above 2.45 metres (8 feet). FOR OVERSIZED LOADS All fees listed are in addition to base toll rates. Wide loads over 5.28 metres (17 feet 4 inches) in width are not permitted (Note that due to the rehabilitation project at Blue Water Bridge, there is currently a temporary width limit of 3.3 metres (11 feet) on all vehicles). Oversized loads will be allowed to cross only when traffic permits. One must call 519-336-2720 ext. 1 to schedule a crossing at least 24 hours prior to arriving at the bridge. EFFECTIVE October 1, 2023 Fees for oversized vehicles Time A 9 PM to 8:59 AM Time B 9 AM to 8:59 PM   CAD USD CAD USD Wide...

Day 3 of The Freedom Convoy 2022 Organizer’s Trial Today was Day 3 in the Trial for the organizers of the Freedom Convoy 2022, Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, in an Ottawa Courtroom. Today's focus was evidence about the TicToc account of Chris Barber, who reached out to hundreds of thousands of followers, telling them about a protest that would gridlock Ottawa. The crown showed videos of Barber from TicToc's social media telling supporters to go to Ottawa and flood the city. Ottawa Police Sergeant Joanne Pilotte testified about some of the 5 hours of videos in evidence against Barber and Lich. The crown is trying to show that the organizers encouraged thousands to head to Ottawa in protest and stay long-term no matter what the police told them. Prosecutors will attempt to prove it was more than just freedom of expression and a simple protest and gathering, that eventually, it was an illegal gathering orchestrated by Lich and Barber. Apart from the criminal trial, there is a $300-million proposed class-action lawsuit under way for those who claimed they suffered harm as a result of the demonstrations. The trial will last 16 days; Thursday was just day 3.

Today was day 2 of the Freedom Convoy 2022 Trial in Ottawa. Ottawa Police Inspector Russell Lucas took to the witness stand in an Ottawa courtroom today. He told the court that it was his decision to allow trucks to park on Wellington Street in front of the Parliament Buildings. His rationale was that by doing so, trucks would not park on residential streets, causing further disruption. The decision to park the trucks on Wellington Street was controversial. But Lucas stood by his decision, saying he "approved it and endorsed it." He stands by that decision today. He said spilling the trucks into side streets would have been much worse. Police knew trucks were coming to Ottawa but had no idea that so many were coming. He said on the first weekend, over 5,000 Convoy supporters were on Parliament Hill. Lucas said that police were immediately overwhelmed, and the protest exceeded police expectations. On trial are Tamara Lich and Chris Barber; they are charged with mischief, counselling others to commit mischief and intimidation and obstructing police. They are the self-proclaimed leaders of the Freedom Convoy 2022. Lucas testified that as the Convoy became more entrenched, it became more dangerous for police. The crowd became...