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Canadian Companies Excel in TCA’s 48th Fleet Safety Awards

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sophie
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We extend our warmest congratulations to the companies recognized by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) for their outstanding achievements in safety, especially our esteemed Canadian enterprises. This distinction highlights their unwavering dedication to road safety and their essential role in reducing accidents.

Recently, the TCA honored the 18 winners of the 48th Fleet Safety Awards, acknowledging transportation companies that have traveled long distances while maintaining a steadfast focus on safety at every stage of their journey. These annual awards celebrate the excellence of freight carriers who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to safety, achieving minimal accident frequencies per million miles in six categories based on mileage volume.

Emphasizing the crucial importance of technological innovation and ongoing training for road safety, Jim Ward, President of the TCA, spotlighted the association’s deep commitment to the continuous improvement of safety standards on the roads. The 18 awarded companies will have the opportunity to compete for one of two grand prizes, categorized according to the total annual miles traveled, with one category for carriers who have traveled less than 25 million miles and another for those exceeding this threshold. The winners of these grand prizes will be unveiled at the Truckload 2024 event in Nashville, TN, and will also be honored at the next TCA Safety and Security Meeting in 2024.

This honor underlines the excellence and steadfast commitment to safety of the awarded companies in the transportation industry. Their remarkable performance, standing out in an international competition, not only showcases their expertise but also their determination to maintain the highest standards of safety and quality in their operations.

The Canadian winners:

Division 3 (15 – 24.99 million miles)

3rd Place: Elgin Motor Freight, London, Ontario

Division 4 (25 – 49.99 million miles)

1st Place: Erb Transport Ltd, New Hamburg, Ontario
2nd Place: Trans-West Logistics, Inc., Lachine, Québec

Division 5 (50 – 99.99 million miles)

1st Place: Challenger Motor Freight, Inc., Cambridge, Ontario

Division 6 (100 million miles)

1st Place: Bison Transport, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Transitioning Towards a Carbon-Neutral Future in Toronto

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sophie
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The Emergence of a Green Revolution
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has embarked on a major ecological transformation. This revolution began in 2017 with the purchase of 60 vehicles for a pilot project, marking the first step towards a completely carbon-neutral bus fleet. Bem Case, the Executive Director of Innovation and Sustainable Development, highlights that despite initial hesitations due to past experiences, this move is part of a commitment to technological renewal.

Early Steps and Innovations
In 2019, TTC’s first electric bus hit the roads, a significant milestone in embracing this emerging technology. Beyond battery performance, various elements such as door systems, steering, and seat arrangements were meticulously tested. Feedback from drivers and passengers played a crucial role in both technical and subjective evaluations of the vehicles.

Challenges and Major Advancements
However, the journey was not without challenges. Similar to Edmonton, the TTC faced issues with Proterra, an American supplier, particularly in terms of battery life and spare parts availability. Nevertheless, with federal and municipal financial support totaling $700 million, a contract for 340 new electric buses was signed last April, with delivery expected in 2025. New Flyer and Nova Bus, two Canadian companies, share this contract.

Financially Supported Transition
This transition is greatly facilitated by subsidies and assistance programs, reducing the initial investment costs. Meena Bibra from Clean Energy Canada highlights the long-term financial benefits, pointing out significant savings over the lifespan of electric vehicles. Concurrently, hybrid buses are also being delivered, forming another pillar of the TTC’s ecological transition.

Reflections on the Ecological and Economic Impact
However, Catherine Morency, a mobility expert at Polytechnique Montréal, questions the ecological efficiency of this strategy in a tight financial context, suggesting an increase in service level as a more prudent alternative. Despite this, the TTC’s commitment to a zero-emission transition sends a strong message for Canada’s largest city, symbolizing a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

Investigation into Long-Haul Trucker ‘Happy Face Killer’s’ Final Victim

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sophie
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0

Are you familiar with the story of the “Happy Face Killer,” the Canadian truck driver who committed multiple murders of women? Over thirty years after one of these tragic acts, the Riverside, California police and prosecutors are still striving to identify his last unrecognized victim.

In 1992, a woman was murdered by Keith Jesperson, nicknamed the “Happy Face Killer.” Today, the Riverside County authorities are making a national call to uncover her identity. Mike Hestrin, the county prosecutor, is committed to identifying this victim to bring some peace to her family.

The victim, nicknamed “Claudia” by Jesperson, who confessed to her murder 14 years ago, remains a mystery. According to Jesperson, he met her while working as a truck driver near Victorville, California. Following a dispute over money, he killed her in his truck and dumped her body in Blythe. She was estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old in 1992, with tousled, wild blonde hair and tight-fitting clothes. Investigators believe she lived in or frequented Southern California and Nevada.

Recent advances in DNA technology and public tips could be crucial in uncovering her identity. Investigators have traced her origins to a now-deceased father from Cameron County, Texas, and identified half-siblings. However, they did not know the woman, as none were biologically related to her mother, who might have had connections to Louisiana or Texas.

Jesperson terrorized the country in the 90s. A long-haul trucker born in Canada and a divorced father of three, he confessed to killing women in five states: Washington, California, Florida, Wyoming, and Oregon. His murderous spree lasted from 1990 to 1995, until he surrendered to the police.

The body of the unidentified woman was found on August 30, 1992, along Highway 95 near Blythe, California. Jesperson pleaded guilty to her murder in 2010 and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. He earned the nickname “Happy Face Killer” due to the smiling faces he drew on letters sent to a newspaper, boasting about his crimes.

Goodyear and Gatik: Innovating Autonomous Vehicle Tire Technology

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sophie
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Equipping the fleet’s Goodyear Endurance® RSA® tires with Goodyear SightLine technology, the company’s comprehensive tire intelligence solution, enables Gatik to advance the safety and overall accuracy of its efficient fleet operations, while also improving delivery uptime and reliability.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, renowned for connected mobility solutions, and Gatik, a leader in autonomous middle-mile B2B logistics, have announced an expanded partnership. This collaboration is pioneering in integrating tire intelligence technology into autonomous driving systems, a first in the industry, enhancing safety and efficiency in autonomous vehicles.

Through rigorous on-road testing in varied, challenging conditions, valuable data from tire intelligence has significantly aided Gatik. This data, encompassing road conditions and tire health, has enabled enhancements in Gatik’s autonomous vehicle (AV) controllers, improving aspects such as precise cornering, effective braking, and optimal tire load management.

Gatik’s fleet has been equipped with Goodyear Endurance® RSA® tires, featuring Goodyear’s comprehensive SightLine tire intelligence technology. This integration advances the safety, accuracy, and reliability of Gatik’s fleet operations, contributing to better delivery uptime. Gatik intends to expand the use of this technology across its autonomous fleet in North America.

Goodyear’s SightLine technology, integrated into their intelligent tires, functions akin to smartwatches that track health vitals, providing real-time monitoring of tire health. This innovative system uses embedded sensors within the tires to gather data on aspects such as tire pressure and wear. This information, analyzed by cloud-based algorithms, is communicated to fleet operators in real-time, enhancing vehicle safety and efficiency. The technology is particularly beneficial for fleets, including cargo vans in field service, construction, and last-mile delivery industries. Goodyear’s pioneering approach in tire intelligence, with a vision to include this technology in all new products by 2027, is instrumental in advancing connected and autonomous mobility, as demonstrated by a significant reduction in stopping distance in initial tests.

The Goodyear Endurance® RSA® tires are designed for superior performance in urban and regional environments. These tires feature an innovative tread compound that enhances fuel efficiency and offers high resistance to intensive wear. They provide excellent traction and effective braking on wet or snowy surfaces, thanks to their specialized tread block geometry. The robust construction of these tires ensures extended durability and increased resistance to damage, while the IntelliMax rib technology promotes even wear and longevity.

Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s senior vice president, highlighted the tire’s role as the vehicle’s sole contact with the road. By providing real-time insights from intelligent tire data, Goodyear helps enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Gatik’s AV system. The technology allows for swift adaptation to diverse road conditions and payload variations.

The partnership includes continuous, extensive testing at Goodyear’s San Angelo, Texas Proving Grounds, ensuring AVs are thoroughly evaluated in various road scenarios. Future plans involve incorporating Goodyear’s advanced predictive road condition monitoring into Gatik’s AV system, further optimizing Gatik’s operations and ensuring consistent, reliable goods movement for a wide range of clients, including major grocers and e-commerce entities.

The DRAKKAR Group starts a new chapter in its history with the appointment of Benoit Hudon as President and CEO

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sophie
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Montreal, January 8, 2024 – On behalf of Denis Deschamps (President and CEO) and Michel Blaquière (President and COO), DRAKKAR Group officially announces the appointment of Benoit Hudon as the Group’s new President and CEO. Benoit will assume his new position on January 18, 2024.

This appointment is part of the strategic planning process and growth plan of the two co-founders. Benoit’s main mission will be to define and implement the development and profitability strategies of the organization, in close collaboration with the various companies under his management. Denis Deschamps and Michel Blaquière will remain active members of the Board of Directors and the principal shareholders of the company, while promoting and supporting the transition of Benoit’s new role.

With nearly 25 years of experience in key management roles within high value-added industries, including positions at Bombardier, Safran, Honeywell and AKKA Technologies before joining DRAKKAR 10 years ago, Benoit will leverage his track record and expertise to further develop and expand DRAKKAR in Canada, the United States and Europe. Throughout his career, Benoit has been involved in a variety of high-profile roles, including global management, executive leadership, start-ups, reorganization and restructuring of business units, growth management and the creation of business partnerships.

“From the moment he joined our ecosystem in 2013, Benoit quickly established himself as a key member of our executive team, particularly for all our aerospace activities and partnerships with European companies. His progression and evolution within our organization resulted in tangible results which significantly impacted the operational and financial performance of our business model. I’m delighted to pass the baton to Benoit, an ally who combines his business acumen, entrepreneurial values and desire for collective success.” – Denis Deschamps, Co-Founder, President and CEO of DRAKKAR.

“Benoit’s contribution to the DRAKKAR organization has been undeniable since his first days with us. Through his vision, leadership, ability to build solid teams and his keen understanding of our business model based on convergence opportunities, he has taken the companies he managed to an entirely new level. We will be proud to witness him continue what we have built over the past three (3) decades, in line with our business objectives, and above all, our values.” – Michel Blaquière, Co-Founder, President and COO of DRAKKAR.

“I feel extremely privileged by the confidence Denis and Michel have placed in me for this opportunity, at the heart of a company in which I strongly believe in, and where I have a genuine desire to invest myself for the good of our entire community: employees, partners and customers alike. DRAKKAR continues to be a leading organization with great potential for market outreach and growth, thanks to our well-established partnership culture, our service lines, our various complementary affiliated companies and the added value we offer our current and future customers. I look forward to continuing this great adventure, surrounded by outstanding collaborators.” – Benoit Hudon, new President and CEO of DRAKKAR effective January 18, 2024.

“US Court Ruling Sparks Debate on Team Truckers’ Pay and Working Risks

By
sophie
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0

In the demanding trucking industry, a decision by the United States 1st Circuit Court of Appeals has created significant ripples regarding the remuneration of team truck drivers. This ruling mandates that these professionals should be compensated for time spent in the sleeper cab beyond eight hours of sleep, in line with federal minimum wage laws. This legislative evolution marks a major shift in acknowledging the unique work conditions of these drivers.

The case, initiated by drivers from the CRST company, sheds light on an often-overlooked reality: despite not being behind the wheel, drivers resting in the sleeper cab are actively engaged in the transport operation. By being ready to take over driving after their teammate’s shift and responding to any urgent or necessary situations, they play a pivotal role. This operational model ensures the continuous movement of the vehicle, reducing downtime and optimizing delivery schedules. This raises questions about whether their role is sufficiently recognized and compensated, and whether the wages truly reflect the significance of this critical role in team trucking.

The court’s decision declared that time spent in the sleeper cab should be counted as ‘on-duty’ after eight hours of sleep, as per Department of Labor regulations. Without this additional compensation, driver wages were falling below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The judgment emphasizes the need to reevaluate the remuneration of truck drivers, who often face challenging conditions and unique job constraints.

Moreover, the appellate court’s decision clarifies that being in the sleeper cab is not equivalent to free time. The Supreme Court, interpreting the Fair Labor Standards Act, defines work as any activity, physical or mental, required or controlled by the employer, mainly benefiting the employer. In this vein, the court dismissed CRST’s argument that a driver in the sleeper cab was merely “waiting to be engaged”.

The court noted that leisure activities in the sleeper cab are greatly limited by the confined space and the conditions of the moving truck, potentially disrupting sleep. This observation underscores the challenges and sacrifices inherent in team trucking and brings into focus the complexities of their daily lives, as well as the need to fully recognize their vital contribution to the trucking industry.

The recent case and the court’s decision prompt reflection on certain aspects of team trucking that might have been long neglected. These professionals constantly face road hazards and dangers. This ongoing exposure, even outside active driving hours, poses an essential question: should this continuous risk exposure be acknowledged and compensated as an integral part of their work? The ever-present road risk, even during rest periods, creates a unique situation for truckers. This extends beyond mere driving duties: truckers are effectively on duty from the moment they board the truck, regardless of their activity. This reality warrants consideration when contemplating the nature of their work. The judgment highlights this often-ignored aspect of the profession, stressing the need to recognize and fairly compensate all aspects of their professional commitment.

The decision to work in teams, often driven by a passion for trucking and promoted as such, leads to a critical inquiry: does this personal choice imply an acceptance of risks? Should the passion for trucking overshadow the need for equitable compensation for all job facets, including rest periods in the sleeper cab and exposure to road hazards? Some truckers argue for a risk premium for this type of long-haul trucking.

This debate is notably relevant in Canada, where truckers often enjoy better working conditions than in the United States, including a higher minimum wage. The question arises whether this improved remuneration in Canada, varying by company and province, reflects a more just recognition of the profession’s risks and constraints or is merely a result of economic and regulatory differences.

This debate in the United States could influence the practices and perceptions in the trucking industry in Canada and elsewhere, illuminating the need to balance passion with safety, dedication with fair risk recognition.

Difficult Road Conditions Due to Weather Alerts Across Canada and the US

By
sophie
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0

Difficult road conditions are expected at the start of this week due to numerous ongoing weather alerts in Canada and the United States (classified by interstate below). Here is a summary of those that could impact your travel. Stay vigilant:

Maritimes:

A potentially significant storm is expected on Wednesday. Although it is still too early for precise information, strong winds, heavy rain, and snow will accompany this system. Strong winds and snow will begin Wednesday morning; the snow will then turn to rain over most of the Maritimes Wednesday afternoon.

Quebec:

A storm will enter the south and west of the province on Tuesday afternoon, reaching central Quebec in the evening, and the east overnight, reaching the Lower North Shore by Wednesday afternoon.

Southern sector – Montreal: Precipitation will start as snow before turning to rain on Wednesday morning. A more or less prolonged period of freezing rain is possible during this transition. Strong winds will also accompany this storm.

West of Quebec: Significant snowfall, strong winds, and blowing snow are expected mainly on Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning. Localities from Outaouais to the Lower Laurentians, the south of Mauricie, and the south shore of Quebec may experience a more or less prolonged period of freezing rain overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.

East of Quebec: Significant snowfall, strong winds, and blowing snow are expected. Some regions south of the Saint Lawrence River could experience a period of freezing rain and even rain.

Ontario:

401 between Brockville and Quebec: Possibility of a significant snowfall with a risk of freezing rain late Tuesday, Tuesday night, and overnight into Wednesday. Precipitations are expected to turn into rain late overnight into Wednesday as temperatures rise above freezing.

Northeastern Ontario (Sault Ste. Marie, Chapleau, North Bay, Englehart, Ottawa): A likely high-impact winter storm from late Tuesday to Wednesday. 15 to 30 cm of snow are expected along with blowing snow due to gusty winds that could reach 60 km/h.

Canadian Rockies:

Okanagan Connector – from Merritt to Kelowna and Trans-Canada Highway – from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass: Snow leading to a total accumulation of about 15 cm is expected, from this afternoon to Wednesday morning.

New Hampshire – Maine:

Winter storm warning from Tuesday night to Wednesday afternoon. Snow, rain, and ice are expected along with wind gusts up to 55 mph. Some areas could receive between 5 and 9 inches of snow, and up to 12 inches in places in New Hampshire.

Northern and Central Illinois – Northern Indiana – Southwest Michigan – Northeast Ohio:

Tonight to tomorrow noon, a total of 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected. Late tonight, 1 to 2 inches per hour could fall in some areas of Illinois.

Next, classified by Interstate:

I5 Oregon and California:
Between Eugene and Mount Shasta, travel could be difficult due to significant snowfall expected from 1 am Tuesday to 4 pm Wednesday. Winds could blow up to 55 mph. The most challenging period for travel on the I5 will be Wednesday morning.

I25 between Colorado City CO and Albuquerque NM:
About 4 inches of snow are still expected and blizzard risks until 5 am Tuesday morning, due to gusty winds that could exceed 50 mph.

I40 between Albuquerque NM and Amarillo TX:
About 2 inches of snow are still expected and blizzard risks until 11 pm tonight.

I70 from Denver CO to Kansas City KS:
Until Tuesday, 3 to 6 inches of snow are expected with a possibility of freezing rain and blizzard risks due to gusty winds that could reach 55 mph.

I80 from North Platte NE to Davenport IA:
Until Tuesday, nearly 12 inches of snow are expected with a possibility of freezing rain and blizzard risks due to gusty winds that could reach 45 mph.

I80 Donner Pass California:
Warning in effect from Tuesday night to late Wednesday night, a possibility of 12 to 18 inches of snow accumulation and wind gusts up to 50 mph. Chain control may be required.

I80 Utah:
Winter storm warning from tonight to late Wednesday night, several inches of snow are expected and could affect the I80.

I84 Idaho: Boise, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls
From 11 pm Tuesday to 5 pm Wednesday, up to 3 inches of snow are expected and could impact roads. Wind gusts could reach up to 45 mph.

I90 Southeast SD – Minnesota – Wisconsin:
Until Tuesday, 3 to 6 inches of snow are still expected.

I90 Washington – Idaho – Montana
From Moses Lake WA to Missoula MT (including Spokane and Coeur d’Alene) from noon to noon Wednesday, 3 to 6 inches of snow are expected and wind gusts of 35 to 55 mph.

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.

Do you have photos or information to share with us? [email protected]

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.

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