Home News Page 18

Promising Electric Semi Trucks For Snow Removal In Norway

By
sophie
-
0

In a groundbreaking move, Norway has deployed the first-ever semi electric truck with a colossal 1,000 kWh battery capacity to tackle snow removal on its mountainous terrains with unparalleled efficiency.

An article by Michelle Lewis highlights the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s initiative to incorporate this electric behemoth into their snow clearing operations along the E6 highway, navigating through the challenging and picturesque Dovrefjell mountain pass.

This innovative approach to snow plowing has generated considerable enthusiasm, demonstrating the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in maintaining road safety during winter. Bjørn Laksforsmo, a divisional director at the administration, emphasized the significance of adopting electric solutions for heavy-duty tasks to meet climate objectives, hence the trial of electric snow plowing over Dovrefjell.

The electric truck showcased promising performance within a week, maintaining a robust battery life from 90% down to 28% after nearly nine hours in operation under diverse conditions, including light to heavy snowfall, strong winds, and sub-zero temperatures, covering distances with an energy consumption of 182 kWh per 100 km.

The trial aims to evaluate the truck’s endurance in severe weather, its energy consumption under various scenarios, and the optimization of its charging strategy. Manufactured by Swiss company Designwerk Technologies AG, the truck is built on a Volvo FH chassis and boasts a range of up to 560 km (348 miles) with a 50-ton load and up to 630 km (391 miles) with a 42-ton load. However, as Designwerk Technologies revealed to Electrek, energy consumption can significantly increase based on snow conditions.

This endeavor is part of a broader Norwegian strategy to explore the effectiveness of electric plows in winter conditions, following an initial experiment in 2021 with an electric wheel loader in Trondheim for clearing paths for pedestrians and cyclists, where the battery capacity proved inadequate.

Moreover, the Swedish Road Administration is exploring the feasibility of zero-emission snow plowing, with Sandefjord already witnessing the successful integration of electric plow trucks into their winter road maintenance fleet.

650,000$ Cannabis Shipment Seized and Destroyed

By
sophie
-
0

A remarkable incident recently involved a Canadian truck driver and a cannabis shipment. The driver, en route to New Brunswick, inadvertently took a route through the United States. This misstep could be expensive for his employer, facing a potential loss of $1.4 million due to the seizure of the cargo by U.S. authorities.

Greentone, a Quebec-based company specializing in legal cannabis production, was responsible for this shipment. The incident occurred last summer when the company hired a carrier to transport cannabis products to the Maritime provinces. The driver, who had signed a bill of lading detailing the cargo’s nature and value, appeared to be well-aware of his load’s contents.

Despite clear signage and multiple opportunities to correct his route, the trucker followed his GPS directions, leading him to the Coburn Gore U.S. border crossing. Opting for the quicker route through Maine proved problematic, as cannabis remains illegal in that state. The U.S. signage warning about cannabis laws was insufficient to prevent this oversight.

Following the border crossing, U.S. authorities immediately seized and destroyed the shipment. Shortly thereafter, the carrier informed Greentone that the cargo was lost and unrecoverable. Moreover, it emerged that the carrier lacked the necessary insurance for cannabis transport, contrary to previous assurances.

Faced with these circumstances, Greentone initiated legal action, filing a civil lawsuit in the Superior Court of Quebec. The company seeks reimbursement for the lost cargo’s value, as well as additional damages, bringing the total claim to around $1.4 million. The case is expected to be presented to a judge soon, unless an out-of-court settlement is reached between the involved parties.

Surging Growth in Military Vehicle Electrification: Market to Reach $20.4B by 2030

By
sophie
-
0

The Military Vehicle Electrification Market, valued at USD 4.1 billion in 2023, is forecasted to surge to USD 20.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 25.6% according to MarketsandMarkets. This market represents a significant segment within the defense industry, focusing on incorporating electric and hybrid propulsion in military vehicles. The primary aim is to boost operational efficiency, cut down fossil fuel reliance, and minimize environmental impact. It involves developing, producing, and integrating electric drivetrains, energy storage systems, and relevant technologies specifically for military use.

The report details market revenue, growth rates, and projections, covering the period from 2019 to 2028. Notably, it highlights key market challenges, such as the lifecycle and durability of integrated systems, and opportunities, particularly in the hydrogen fuel cell systems. Key drivers include the evolving requirements of modern battlefields.

A notable trend is the growing dominance of fully electric vehicles in the market, driven by their efficiency, lower maintenance costs, reduced logistical burdens, and stealthier operation. The power conversion segment is expected to lead, vital for optimizing energy efficiency and operational capabilities in military vehicles. This segment is crucial for managing power across diverse sources, aligning with the military’s focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

The medium voltage (50-600 V) segment is predicted to grow the fastest. This range provides an optimal balance of power, weight, and size for military applications, enabling quieter operation and improved agility. This voltage range aligns with the evolving electric vehicle technologies, promoting interoperability across military platforms.

Region-wise, North America is projected to hold the largest market share. The region’s strategic initiatives, technological advancements, and emphasis on sustainability position it as a leader in military vehicle electrification. The U.S., with its significant defense budget and innovative contractors, spearheads the development of advanced electric military vehicles. The region’s established automotive industry further supports the integration of electric systems into military vehicles, enhancing energy security and operational efficiency.

 

Breaking: Major CDL Corruption Ring in MSP Uncovered

By
sophie
-
0

A significant corruption scandal is currently shaking the Massachusetts State Police (MSP). In a comprehensive 74-count indictment, it’s alleged that two current and two former MSP members, along with two other individuals, orchestrated systemic fraud in the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). This purported conspiracy involved falsifying documents and awarding undeserved passing scores to certain candidates, some of whom had not even taken or had failed the practical exam, in exchange for bribes.

The individuals implicated are Gary Cederquist, Calvin Butner, Perry Mendes, Joel Rogers, Scott Camara, and Eric Mathison. The charges encompass a range of misconduct, including document falsification, extortion, fraud, and perjury. Butner and Mendes have been arrested in Florida, revealing the extent of the corruption network within the MSP’s CDL unit.

The investigation uncovered a system of favoritism, where at least 17 candidates were awarded passing scores, irrespective of their actual performance, using a secret code “golden.” This practice also reportedly included four members of the MSP, who allegedly received falsified results for Class A vehicles.

The extent of the corruption goes beyond mere score manipulation. Allegations suggest that Cederquist and his associates accepted various forms of bribes, ranging from bottled water and iced tea to valuable material goods, in exchange for facilitated issuance of CDLs.

Revealing text exchanges between Cederquist and Mathison paint a picture of gross irresponsibility and negligence in candidate evaluation. Cederquist referred to one candidate as an “idiot” who should have failed multiple times. These communications highlight the depth of institutional corruption. The accused are set to appear in federal court in Boston, marking the start of a judicial process that could uncover further facets of this complex case.

This revelation has sent shockwaves through the MSP. Interim Colonel John Mawn Jr. strongly condemned these acts, describing them as antithetical to the values of the majority of MSP members. All CDL holders identified as unqualified during the investigation have been reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. The ongoing investigation promises potential further revelations, shedding light on the extent of corruption within this institution.

Transport Canada Recall – PACCAR Peterbilt and Kenworth

By
sophie
-
0

RECALL – On certain PACCAR Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks, the glass for the side mirror(s) may not be properly attached. As a result, the mirror glass could fall off.

Safety Risk:
A missing mirror will reduce rear visibility and could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Actions:
PACCAR will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your truck to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, secure the side mirror glass.

Trucks affected :
KENWORTH T380 2023 2024
KENWORTH T480 2023 2024
PETERBILT 535 2023 2024
PETERBILT 536 2023 2024
PETERBILT 537 2023 2024
PETERBILT 548 2023 2024

Transport Canada Recall # 2024-015

Manufacturer Recall Number 24PBA / 24KWA

WIT Announces its January 2024 Member of the Month

By
sophie
-
0

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has recently recognized Kierra Meyer as their January 2024 Member of the Month. Meyer holds a prominent position as the Senior Manager of the Operations Academy at Sysco Corporation. This acknowledgment highlights her influential role in the trucking industry and her contributions to enhancing the training and skill development of truck drivers.

Early Realization and Career Path
Meyer’s journey in the trucking industry began with an insight she had during her college years. She realized the need for more comprehensive training for truck drivers after witnessing an incident involving a driver performing a complex maneuver without adequate guidance. This experience sparked her interest in trucking, leading to a career path she hadn’t anticipated. Meyer entered the industry through a referral and worked her way up to significant roles, including DOT Safety Manager and Assistant Warehouse Manager, before joining Sysco Corporation in 2022.

Curriculum Development at Sysco
At Sysco, Meyer and her team are responsible for designing curriculum for Sysco’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training facilities. This in-house training, provided to existing employees, aims to enhance their career prospects by enabling them to become CDL certified drivers. The program, which covers all training and certification costs, is integral in increasing the number of qualified drivers at Sysco and boosting their career earnings potential. Meyer’s role extends to managing the training curriculum for all new Sysco Delivery Partners, emphasizing safety and efficiency.

Meyer’s Commitment to Sustainable Living
Outside her professional life, Meyer is dedicated to sustainable living. Her approach to sustainability is reflected in her preference for repairing or creating items herself rather than purchasing new ones. This ethos is exemplified in her projects, such as refurbishing furniture and building shelves from scrap wood. Meyer’s interest in acquiring new skills underscores her belief in the value of self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility.

Advocating for Women in Trucking
Meyer is a strong advocate for increasing female participation in the trucking industry, a field traditionally dominated by men. She sees women as crucial drivers of change, capable of introducing fresh perspectives and innovations. Meyer’s vision is to achieve a more balanced representation of men and women in trucking. She encourages women to voice their ideas and take initiative, emphasizing that making a mark in the industry is more about initiative than perfection. Her personal journey, from a college student with a nascent idea to a leader shaping the future of trucking, exemplifies the impact one can have by stepping up and making a difference.

Northern Ontario Trucking: Navigating Safety Challenges

By
sophie
-
0

Northern Ontario, known for its vast and challenging roads, presents distinct challenges for truckers. A comprehensive survey by the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA), involving nearly 700 truck drivers, highlighted significant safety concerns on Highways 11 and 17.

The survey indicates that truckers are deeply concerned about several issues: unsafe passing by other vehicles (84%), insufficient training of truck drivers (80%), a lack of rest areas (84%), an absence of safe passing areas for trucks (80%), and the presence of truck fleets considered unsafe (65%). These findings underscore the urgency to address these matters for enhanced road safety.

In response, the OTA has proposed tangible solutions. These encompass the creation of additional passing lanes and climbing lanes for trucks (79%), improved driver training (79%), an increase in rest areas (79%), and more rigorous oversight of potentially hazardous truck fleets (70%). Furthermore, the OTA advocates for better access to heated toilet facilities for transport professionals (59%), aiming to improve their working conditions.

James Steed, President of the OTA, stresses the need for close collaboration with governmental bodies to dissect the survey findings and formulate effective strategies. The association is actively engaging with provincial and municipal governments, along with other vital stakeholders, to develop sustainable solutions for the short and long term. Geoff Wood, Vice-President of the OTA, has specifically pointed to their collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Transportation to establish new truck rest areas.

The OTA is considering a range of initiatives aimed at bolstering the safety and working conditions of truckers. These measures are focused on addressing the concerns raised in the survey and fostering a safer, more comfortable work environment for road professionals. The collaboration with government authorities and the OTA’s dedication to implementing these solutions represent significant strides towards tangible improvements on Highways 11 and 17.

Vice President Geoff Wood has emphasized the importance of recognizing the unique geographical and climatic features of Northern Ontario. “We’ve heard that Northern Ontario, or let’s call it geography, is important, and that will be incorporated into some of our thought processes going forward. I can also tell you that winter conditions or weather conditions are some other aspects that we need to wrap our heads around”, he said.

This approach highlights the need for specialized training to navigate the distinct challenges of driving in Northern Ontario, where severe winter conditions and diverse terrain require specific skills and knowledge. Presently, Ontario lacks a graduated licensing program for semi-truck drivers, a gap that the OTA intends to fill. Wood equates this proposed initiative to the professional training systems in other fields, such as electricians, suggesting a similar method for the trucking industry.

Consequently, the OTA plans to introduce a progressive training and certification system, enabling truck drivers to incrementally acquire skills and knowledge suited to the unique driving conditions in Northern Ontario. This program is designed to ensure drivers are proficient in the technical aspects of heavy-duty driving and are well-equipped to handle challenging weather conditions and demanding routes.

In conclusion, the OTA’s efforts, backed by the Ontario government and the provincial police, signify the start of an optimistic journey to elevate road safety and working conditions for truckers in Northern Ontario. These initiatives demonstrate a critical awareness and readiness to act, essential for securing a safer and more tranquil future for trucking professionals in the region. This is, at least, the aspiration.

Summary of Weather Warnings and Road Conditions

By
sophie
-
0

Summary of current weather warnings: be vigilant with these particularly challenging road conditions and respect your limits!

Quebec – Cap-Chat to Gaspé:

Snowfall resulting in a total accumulation of 20 to 30 centimeters is expected until this morning. This will be accompanied by strong winds and blowing snow. Subsequently, localized snow showers with blowing snow will persist along the northern coast of Gaspésie today and Thursday.

Road conditions remain difficult from Trois-Pistoles to Cap-Chat today, with additional snow showers and blowing snow.

Ontario:

401 near Belleville: Snow squalls are expected from this morning until this evening. Accumulations of nearly 15 cm of snow in some areas. Visibility greatly reduced under heavy snow and in blowing snow.

17 Between North Bay – Sudbury – Sault Ste. Marie: The multi-day snow squall event continues and will calm down by late afternoon. An additional accumulation of 10 to 15 cm. Visibility greatly reduced due to heavy snow and blowing snow.

Western Canada and the U.S.:

South and west of Calgary, and south of the border including Spokane, WA: Heavy snow will persist; a total accumulation of 15 to 35 cm is expected. Snow will continue to fall throughout the day today and will gradually weaken early Thursday morning. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.

Rockies:

The Trans-Canada Highway – from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass, Coquihalla Highway – from Hope to Kamloops, Okanagan Connector – from Merritt to Kelowna : Snowfall resulting in a total accumulation of 15 to 25 cm will persist until this evening.

Vancouver – Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Malahat Drive – from Goldstream to Mill Bay, and south of the border (Seattle, WA): Snow accumulation: about 10 to 20 cm of snow on the mainland and south of the Sunshine Coast and 10 cm on the Vancouver Island side and north of the Sunshine Coast until this afternoon. Additionally, there is a risk of freezing rain tonight and overnight in the southern areas near the U.S. border.

North-east Maine :

Snow blowing across the roads in open areas will create localized areas of very low visibility at times in eastern Aroostook County and northern Penobscot County.

Watertown region, NY :

Heavy lake effect snow until 7 pm Thursday. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 3 feet in the most persistent lake snows, with the greatest amounts centered on Tug Hill. Storm totals could locally exceed 4 feet. The lake band will shift north into the Watertown area this morning, before settling back south of Watertown tonight and Thursday. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will result in blowing and drifting snow, with near white-out conditions at times, especially this afternoon and evening. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

From Pine Bluffs WY i80 to Salt Lake UT :

Aeras of blowing and drifting snow until 11 am Thursday.

Transport Canada Recall #2024006 – Western Star Daimler Truck North America

By
sophie
-
0

Western Star 4900, 6900, 2023 and 2024
Transport Canada Recall – 2024006
Manufacturer Recall Number FL992

Issue:
On certain trucks, the inversion valve in the air brake system may not work properly. As a result, there could be a delay before the parking brake applies. If this happens, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. This issue also causes the vehicle not to meet the requirements of the Canadian regulations.

Safety Risk:
A delay before the parking brake applies could result in unintended vehicle movement, and create the risk of an injury or a crash.

Corrective Actions:
Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) will notify the owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.

Challenging Misclassification of Independent Contractors in the US

By
sophie
-
0

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.

1...171819...28Page 18 of 28

Editors Pick

Sleep Apnea and Driving Semi Trucks!

Truck Stop Canada - 0
One thing for sure is that it is better to be diagnosed and treated than do nothing at all! With the newest studies, one out...

Truck Stop Canada (TSC) wants to know! What music are you...

CAN A TRUCK ENGINE RUN ON HYDROGEN?

Major trucking players in Quebec will offer meals to truckers

Rodéo du camion 38 years of fun in Abitibi-Témiscamingue races start...

POPULAR CATEGORIES

Truck Stop Canada
Contact us: [email protected]
© 2025 - Truck Stop Canada