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Challenging Misclassification of Independent Contractors in the US

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sophie
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On January 9, the Biden administration introduced a new labor rule aimed at addressing the issue of misclassifying workers as “independent contractors” to enhance legal protections and compensation for American workers.

However, concerns have been raised by business groups, especially those in the trucking industry, regarding the uncertainty this rule may create for employers. The actual impact of the rule will depend on how the Department of Labor chooses to enforce it.

This new rule from the Department of Labor, proposed 15 months ago, replaces a previous standard established under the Trump administration, which had narrowed the criteria for classifying workers as contractors, denying them minimum wages and benefits.

Within the trucking industry, certain stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction, fearing that aspects of the new rule may not align with the industry’s dynamics and could reclassify independent workers as employees.

The rule, set to take effect on March 11, requires employers to consider six criteria for determining worker status without biasing one criterion over the others. Supporters believe it offers a more comprehensive approach to determining genuine worker independence.

However, the rule does not fundamentally change existing law and won’t impact the classification of over a million Americans who use platforms like Uber for flexible income, as stated by Uber and Lyft. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is considering legal action, arguing it leaves employers uncertain about classification decisions. Ultimately, the rule provides an interpretation of who should be entitled to protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, but it lacks the same legal weight as laws passed by Congress or state legislatures.

Kodiak Robotics Unveils a Groundbreaking Autonomous Semi-Truck

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sophie
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Kodiak Robotics recently unveiled an autonomous semi-truck, positioning it as the first vehicle of its kind designed for large-scale, driverless deployment. Presented on January 9, just before the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, this truck marks the sixth generation in Kodiak’s series of autonomous vehicles. This innovation is set to be used in the company’s driverless operations between Dallas and Houston over the course of the year.

Advanced Technical Features

The truck, a culmination of five years of real-world testing, including transporting 5,000 loads over more than 2.5 million miles, incorporates the Kodiak Driver autonomous system. This system, vehicle-agnostic, is equipped with a hardware platform featuring safety redundancy and is ready for fully autonomous driving. It showcases significant advancements in processing capabilities, memory, and bandwidth, offering enhanced safety and performance compared to previous models.

Commitment to Safety and Autonomy

Don Burnette, founder and CEO of Kodiak, emphasizes that their autonomous truck is the first to achieve a level of redundancy and safety in line with automotive standards for deployment on public roads. Having covered 2.5 million miles, the company has proven the robustness and reliability of its autonomous trucks, both from a hardware and software perspective. This development represents a significant step towards realizing their vision of long-haul, driverless transport.

Redundancy Systems for Safe Driving

Kodiak has implemented several redundancy systems to ensure the safety of the truck. This includes an advanced pneumatic braking system with three brake actuators, a dual-redundant steering system, and the Kodiak ACE, a high-integrity safety computer. Additionally, the truck is equipped with a redundant power system and innovative SensorPods™ featuring LiDAR sensors and microphones. Together, these features ensure a high level of safety, enabling the truck to effectively respond in the event of critical failures.

Don’t miss out on the 2024 edition of Truck World!

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sophie
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Photo : Truck World

Truck World 2024, scheduled for April 18-20 at The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, is an eagerly anticipated event for the trucking industry. This year, the event offers a special opportunity for those who attended in 2022: free registration, a significant saving compared to the regular $20 entrance fee. But the real allure of Truck World 2024 goes far beyond cost savings; it lies in its comprehensive showcase of the future of trucking.

A key highlight of Truck World 2024 is the GreenTECH section. Building on the success of the Greener Route from past shows, GreenTECH stands as a pivotal area for learning and discovery. It brings together companies dedicated to alternative fuel equipment and sustainable products & technologies. This section will host daily sessions with experts and industry insiders, offering attendees the latest knowledge on emerging developments and policies. The GreenTECH education stage is particularly noteworthy. It will feature a full agenda highlighting low- and zero-emission fleet case studies, financial incentives for clean vehicles, climate and environmental policies, and the accelerated development of zero-emission infrastructure. Advances in battery technology, charging infrastructure, biofuels, hydrogen, and autonomous vehicles will also be prominent topics.

A new and exciting addition to this year’s event is the Truck World Ride & Drive. This feature allows attendees with a valid AZ License to test drive commercial vehicles equipped with the latest technologies, including hydrogen, battery, and electric options. It’s a unique opportunity to experience these vehicles firsthand, offering a tangible glimpse into the future of trucking.

The New Product Showcase is another significant aspect of Truck World 2024. This dedicated area on the show floor is set to highlight some of the latest trucks, trailers, engines, parts, accessories, and technology. Visitors can not only see these innovations but also engage with experts to learn more about them.

In a nod to the trucking community’s spirit, Truck World 2024 will also celebrate Hat Day on Saturday, April 20. This special event will see attendees receiving free hats at the show entrances, courtesy of Truck World exhibitors. It’s a fun and unique way to celebrate the trucking industry’s culture and the people who are its backbone.

Truck World 2024 promises to be an immersive and enlightening experience for everyone involved in the trucking industry. It’s not just an event; it’s a comprehensive platform where professionals and enthusiasts alike can connect, learn, and explore the dynamic and evolving world of trucking. Hope to see you there!

Here is the top 5 list of the best truck stops according to Trucker Path

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sophie
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To compile the annual ranking of the best truck stops, Trucker Path gathered over 34 million in-app ratings and reviews for independent and chain truck stops over the past 12 months. Here are the results :

Overall Top Truck Stops
1st Place – Kwik Star #1071, Davenport, Iowa
2nd Place – Discount Truck Parking, Pompano Beach, Florida
3rd Place – Workman’s Travel Center, Ozark, Arkansas
4th Place – Compass Travel Center, Demotte, Indiana
5th Place – Bert’s Travel Plaza, Wellsville, Kansas

Independent Truck Stops
1st Place – Discount Truck Parking, Pompano Beach, Florida
2nd Place – Workman’s Travel Center, Ozark, Arkansas
3rd Place – Compass Travel Center, Demotte, Indiana
4th Place – Bert’s Travel Plaza, Wellsville, Kansas
5th Place – Stones Truck Stop, Watertown, South Dakota

Chain Truck Stops
1st Place – Kwik Star #1071, Davenport, Iowa
2nd Place – Kwik Trip #202, Plover, Wisconsin
3rd Place – Kwik Trip #1048, West Salem, Wisconsin
4th Place – TA Ozarks #924, Mt. Vernon, Missouri
5th Place – Love’s Travel Stop #665, Angleton, Texas

Do you agree with this list? In your opinion, what are the best truck stops in Canada?

Shutdown of Chohan Freight in BC After Repeated Bridge Collisions

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sophie
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Chohan Freight Forwarders, a fleet of 65 trucks based in British Columbia, has been shut down by the province’s Minister of Transportation, Rob Fleming, following a worrying series of accidents involving trucks colliding with infrastructure. After another truck operating under Chohan’s authority struck a bridge on December 28th, Fleming enforced the law with strong words. “This must stop. We know that the vast majority of commercial drivers in B.C. operate safely and responsibly. However, some operators are apparently not getting the message,” he stated in an official release.

In the interest of public safety, British Columbia’s Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) division used its new powers to suspend Chohan Freight Forwarders Ltd.’s safety certificate. This means that the company’s entire fleet of 65 commercial vehicles is prohibited from operating in B.C. since December 29th, 2023. Furthermore, the driver and the responsible carrier will face the toughest fines in the country. The outcome of the investigation may lead to further action. This suspension results from the company’s inability or unwillingness to operate safely within the province, following its sixth infrastructure crash in two years.

The B.C. CVSE recently announced increased fines and the capacity to fully halt fleets with suspensions for patterns like these bridge strikes. Across Canada, motorists continued to report sightings of Chohan-branded trucks on the road. Local media reported that Chohan-associated carriers in other provinces still have the right to operate.

In a statement to CBC News, Chohan attributed the accident to an owner-operator: “Unfortunately, one of our trucks, operated by an owner-operator, was involved in an accident today in Delta,” Chohan told CBC News. “The driver, who is not a company driver, failed to wait to receive his permit and route directions for his oversized load.” The company outlined a timeline of mere minutes between the safety department asking the operator to wait before driving to obtain the correct permit and a call notifying safety that he had crashed into an overpass.

Among the other five crashes highlighted by authorities, at least one occurred at the same bridge. Chohan’s United States Department of Transportation records, reflecting inspections that occurred in the United States, detail 16 truck inspections with a 40% out-of-service rate, significantly higher than the national average of 22.26%. The company told CBC it had an “exemplary” safety record.

Chohan Freight Forwarders is part of a group of companies known as Chohan Group, which boasts an “impressive fleet of flatbeds to handle virtually any freight situation” and an “entire team” of “experienced transportation professionals.” The crash occurred on Highway 99 in Delta, British Columbia, near the U.S. border. Another local news source suggested that Canadian bridges displaying measurements in meters, not feet and inches, may have contributed to the problem.

DDC Unveils Drone-Based Medical Delivery System In Ontario

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sophie
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DDC Canary RPA (CNW Group/Drone Delivery Canada Corp.)

Drone Delivery Canada Corp. (DDC) is proud to announce that, as of January 9, 2024, its DroneCare project with Halton Healthcare Services Corporation has become a reality, marking a significant shift in delivery methods from traditional road transportation.

The DroneCare project heralds a new era in logistics, establishing a two-way drone delivery route between Milton District Hospital and Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, both part of Halton Healthcare. This state-of-the-art system will transport essential medical supplies, including lab blood, urine, and tissue samples for testing, demonstrating a novel approach to delivery that moves away from road-based transportation.

For the first time in a commercial setting, DDC is utilizing its Canary Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). This showcases the potential of drones to transform delivery logistics. DDC has cleverly integrated its DroneSpot™ technology with the existing heliport at Milton District Hospital, illustrating a shift towards using current infrastructure in innovative ways.

All operations will strictly comply with Canadian regulations and Transport Canada special approvals, with flights managed remotely from DDC’s Operations Centre in Vaughan, Ontario.

Steve Magirias, CEO of Drone Delivery Canada, emphasizes that this advancement in RPA systems within the healthcare sector is built on DDC’s proven track record. It shows the significant potential of drone technology in improving patient care and streamlining medical logistics, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional road transport delivery systems.

This project is notable as the first in DDC’s history to operate under Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) approval from Transport Canada. It represents a new frontier in healthcare logistics, indicating a significant step towards integrating drone technology into mainstream delivery methods, potentially revolutionizing the way deliveries are conducted across various sectors beyond healthcare.

The collaboration between Halton Healthcare and DDC has been key in turning this visionary project into reality, paving the way for future adoption of drone technology in logistics.

Call to Enhance Truck Driver Training in Ontario

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sophie
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In response to recent fatal collisions in Northwest Ontario, MP Lise Vaugeois from Thunder Bay—Superior North emphasizes the need for increased oversight of truck driver training schools. She identifies the lack of driver experience, worsened by inadequate training, as a major cause of these accidents.

Vaugeois critiques the current truck driver training system for its lack of supervision and notes that trucking company owners can train their own staff, potentially leading to gaps in driver preparedness.

Highlighting that only eight inspectors oversee over 500 training schools, she points out that this shortage of qualified personnel limits the ministry’s ability to conduct effective inspections, often resulting in mere document checks.

Vaugeois proposes extending the training duration for truck drivers, a suggestion supported by experienced drivers and the organization Truckers for Safer Highways. This organization criticizes the current training length as too short. Its founder, Travis McDougall, expresses concern about drivers lacking essential skills, impacting their road performance.

In response, Vaugeois is drafting a bill to enhance the monitoring of training schools. Concurrently, she urges the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to increase staffing at inspection stations to identify and report dangerous or overloaded vehicles, aiming to improve road safety and prevent future accidents.

The Snow Removal Crisis in Canada: A Profession Under Pressure

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sophie
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0

Snow removal in Canada is far from being a mere winter chore. It’s a constant battle against the elements, a significant challenge that weighs heavily on the shoulders of those who have made it their profession. Jean-Luc Sigouin, associate president of Sig-Nature, a recognized snow removal company, raises the alarm about the future of this essential yet underrated profession.

“The cities are growing, the demands are increasing, but we have less and less labor,” he explains in an interview on Noovo Info. This shortage of personnel in snow removal is alarming, especially considering that it is not a “desired or desirable” profession. Indeed, the harshness of the work and often precarious conditions make the job less attractive to new generations.

This reality was fully experienced by Emmanuel Monette, a former snow remover. After running his snow removal business for 12 years, Monette had to quit, exhausted by the stress and constant pressure. “I was tied up 24/7 from November 15 to April 15,” he shares, highlighting the unpredictable and demanding nature of this work. Long waiting hours, client pressure, and lack of recognition led to his professional burnout and depression.

Despite these challenges, the profession is undergoing a transformation. Annie Roy, General Director of the Association des déneigeurs commerciaux et résidentiels, notes a “turning point” in the industry over the past three years. The pandemic has prompted many to rethink their quality of life and work hours. In this context, snow removal, with its unpredictable schedules and high demands, seems particularly challenging.

The situation is made even more critical as weather conditions continue to dictate the work pace. Jean-Luc Sigouin sums up this reality well: “We have to be ready, no matter the situation.”

Faced with these challenges, it becomes urgent to rethink the snow removal industry in Canada. It’s about valuing the profession, improving working conditions, and finding innovative solutions to attract and retain workers. Canadian society must recognize the vital importance of these professionals who, despite the cold and fatigue, ensure our safety and comfort during the harsh winter months.

Canadian Forces’ LVM Project: A Leap in Military Logistics

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sophie
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The Canadian government’s commitment to equipping the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with state-of-the-art vehicles and equipment takes a significant stride with the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the CAF’s operational capabilities in both domestic and international contexts. Central to this endeavor is the procurement of advanced logistics vehicles, essential for transporting materials, munitions, personnel, and other supplies within and between operational areas.

A New Fleet for Enhanced Mobility and Protection

In a demonstration of transparent and fair procurement practices, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has announced General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada as the preferred bidder to supply the CAF with a modernized fleet of light and heavy logistics vehicles. This decision, which emerged from multiple industry engagements and a rigorous bid evaluation process, promises to significantly upgrade the CAF’s mobility and protection capabilities. The new fleet is expected to support the CAF’s diverse missions, both at home and overseas, with a contract award anticipated in spring 2024, subject to final governmental approvals.

Revitalizing the CAF’s Logistic Capabilities

The LVM project symbolizes a major overhaul of Canada’s existing logistics vehicles fleet, catering to the transfer of resources and personnel during various operations and training exercises. This transition not only represents a logistical upgrade but also reflects Canada’s commitment to maintaining a high state of readiness and operational excellence.

A Milestone in Defense Procurement

The selection of General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada marks a pivotal moment in this competitive procurement process, ensuring the delivery of top-tier logistics vehicles. This procurement aligns with Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, mandating investments in Canada equal to the acquisition value. Furthermore, the project underlines a commitment to Indigenous participation, with the preferred bidder required to submit an Indigenous Participation Plan post-contract award. This plan aims to allocate up to 5% of the contract value towards the employment of Indigenous Peoples and sourcing from Indigenous businesses.

Government Statements Emphasize Strategic Importance

The Canadian government has expressed its commitment to this project through various ministerial statements. The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, emphasized the importance of this procurement in modernizing the CAF’s logistics capabilities. Similarly, The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, highlighted the project’s role in advancing the Canadian Army’s operational readiness. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, underscored the project’s contribution to creating skilled jobs and fostering economic growth in Canada.

The Road Ahead: Ensuring Fairness and Integrity

The procurement process for the LVM project has been thorough and inclusive, with an emphasis on engaging qualified suppliers and maintaining the integrity of the process. An independent fairness monitor was appointed to oversee the proceedings, ensuring impartiality and transparency. The process, initiated in March 2019, involved several stages, including draft and final Requests for Proposal (RFP), with substantial industry input shaping the project’s requirements. This comprehensive approach underscores Canada’s commitment to a fair, competitive, and strategic procurement process, ultimately enhancing the CAF’s operational effectiveness.

New York Village Imposes Truck Ban, Fines Up to $4,700 for Violations

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sophie
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0

Starting next week, on Monday, January 15, the Village of Liverpool in New York will enforce a new truck ban on all city streets. This regulation targets commercial vehicles exceeding five tons in gross weight. The ban, detailed in the Village of Liverpool Town Code, does not apply to local deliveries or pickups within the village. However, truck drivers flouting this rule face substantial fines, which escalate with the vehicle’s weight. Fines start at $1,200 for trucks weighing between 5 and 7.5 tons and can reach up to $4,700 for trucks over 22.5 tons.

From the Village of Liverpool Town Code:

All trucks, tractors and tractor-trailer combinations having a total gross weight in excess of five tons are hereby excluded from all streets, roads and highways in the Village of Liverpool, except that this exclusion shall not be construed to prevent the local delivery or pickup of merchandise or other property (in the Village) along the streets, roads and highways from which such vehicles and combinations are excluded.

In preparation for the enforcement period, the town is installing over two dozen informational signs. This ban was voted in last summer following the opening of a nearby Amazon warehouse, which led to a significant increase in truck traffic in the area.

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