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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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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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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.

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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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.

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