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Clean Air Act Violation: Historic Fine for Cummins

By
sophie
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0

Cummins Inc., a giant in engine manufacturing, recently found itself at the heart of a major environmental controversy. The company has reached an agreement with the U.S. federal government and the State of California to settle charges related to its emission certification process for certain engines used primarily in pickup trucks. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Cummins will have to pay a fine of 1.675 billion dollars for violating the Clean Air Act. This violation involves the installation of so-called ‘defeat devices’ on hundreds of thousands of engines.

Emission defeat devices, used in certain vehicles like RAMs equipped with Cummins engines, are sophisticated systems designed to bypass environmental standards. Cummins has stated it has fully cooperated with the concerned regulators, claiming to have already resolved many of the issues raised.

The DOJ accused Cummins of installing defeat devices on 630,000 RAM 2500 and 3500 engines, models 2013 to 2019. The company also allegedly installed undeclared auxiliary emission control devices on 330,000 engines of 2019 to 2023 models. In response, Cummins has already recalled the 2019 model year RAM 2500 and 3500 and initiated a recall of 2013 to 2018 models, having already set aside 59 million dollars for the estimated costs of these recalls and other related actions.

Cummins plans to record a charge of about 2.04 billion dollars in the fourth quarter of 2023 to resolve these and other related issues, concerning approximately one million pickup applications in the United States. Of this amount, about 1.93 billion dollars would correspond to planned payments for the first half of 2024.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that the 1.675 billion dollar fine is ‘the largest ever obtained under the Clean Air Act, and the second-largest environmental penalty in history.’ He added that the incriminated devices have a significant and harmful impact on the environment, causing notably excessive emissions of nitrogen oxides and potentially leading to long-term respiratory problems. Garland concluded that this penalty should clearly show that the Department of Justice will be firm in its efforts to hold accountable those who seek to profit at the expense of the environment, impacting the health and safety of people.

Vancouver Trucker Found Dead: Unanswered Questions

By
sophie
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0

Farah Ali Mohamud, a 34-year-old truck driver, was tragically found dead shortly after arriving in Winnipeg for a delivery. Departing from Vancouver, he had been missing since the previous Friday. His disappearance had sparked significant concern, leading to the issuance of a missing person alert.

His truck was discovered in a parking lot of the Sherbrook Inn, on West Broadway. Mr. Mohamud’s body was found in a house near this location. The police, who are conducting the investigation, have provided few details about the circumstances of his death.

Sayid Ahmed, a close family friend, shared the shock and deep sadness of the Mohamud family. He emphasized that Mr. Mohamud, described as a happy man devoted to his family, had no mental health issues, making the situation even more incomprehensible for his loved ones.

Mr. Mohamud, a father of three, had immigrated to Canada in 2011 from Somalia. He resided in British Columbia with his immediate family, while his extended family lives in Edmonton. The return of the body to Edmonton for the funeral is planned.

The Somali-Canadian Education and Rural Development Organization expressed condolences on Facebook, requesting that thoughts and prayers be directed towards the grieving family. Reef Trucking Enterprises, Mr. Mohamud’s employer, stated that the matter was in the hands of the police and declined to provide further information.

This tragedy leaves a family in mourning, seeking answers to numerous unanswered questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and death of Farah Ali Mohamud.

Dates of the next International Roadcheck 2024

By
sophie
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0

The International Roadcheck, an annual three-day event dedicated to the safety of road transport carriers, will take place from May 14 to 16, 2024. Sponsored by the CVSA with the support of several government agencies, this program is the largest of its kind, aiming to inspect about 15 trucks and buses every minute in North America for 72 hours. Since 1988, over 1.8 million roadside inspections have been conducted during this event. It serves not only to ensure compliance and enforcement of safety standards but also to educate the industry and the public on the importance of safe operation of commercial vehicles.

As part of the CVSA’s 2023 International Roadcheck Inspection and Enforcement Initiative, which lasted 94.5 hours, 59,429 commercial vehicles were inspected in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from May 16 to 18. 19% of the inspected vehicles, or 11,270, were put out of service following the discovery of at least one violation. These vehicles were removed from circulation until the violations were corrected. In total, there were 17,479 out-of-service vehicle violations.

Moreover, 5.5% of the drivers of inspected vehicles, or 3,256, were restricted from driving due to at least one out-of-service driver violations, in accordance with the CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. These drivers were prohibited from commercial travel until the violations were corrected, totaling 5,280 out-of-service driver violations.

In summary, 116,669 violations were identified during this operation, including all driver and vehicle out-of-service violations, as well as those that did not result in an out-of-service status.

Thump, Thud, Quack Who’s out there?

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Truck Stop Canada
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0

I pull into a duck processing plant and drop my empty trailer, then park my truck for the night right next to a nice little pond. My pick-up was in 12 hours so I do my EDL and lay down in the bunk.

At about 3 am I heard something outside my truck’s passenger side door. I got up and looked out expecting to see someone or something. I quickly thought that maybe I wasn’t allowed to park there for the night. But, there was nothing there!

I must be hearing things. I started to lie back down. But, as soon as my head hit the pillow I heard the tapping again except this time it was on my driver’s side.

The same thing happened as before, I jump up and look out my window but nothing was there. I then double-lock my doors just in case and open my side hatches so I can hear what’s going on outside.

After about 15 minutes, I hear a very light splat splat splat passing on the driver’s side of the truck.

I slowly get up and try to look out my window at the exact moment whoever is knocking on my door. And then I hear a thud coming from the roof of the cab.

I stop grab my tire thumper off its hook and ready myself for whatever the hell is going on.

Then thud! A duck falls off the top of the truck and lands on my hood. It stands up, waddles back and forth, and looks at me.

The moment the duck and I made eye contact the tapping at my door started again. Then I threw open the driver-side door and there was another duck waddling away in a hurry honking like a 5-year-old who just found the horn on his new bike.

The pond I parked next to had a ton of them just ducking around. Needless to say, It was hard to sleep that night because every couple minutes the duck would peck at my door or land on the cab and then jump off and waddle away!

Sleep Apnea and Driving Semi Trucks!

By
Truck Stop Canada
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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 of three truck drivers have mild to severe sleep apnea. In reality, about 26 percent of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 have sleep apnea (In North America).

What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when a person’s breathing sometimes stops during sleep due to throat muscles that relax, meaning they stop breathing. Basically, you do not rest and build your strength for the next day because you are not sleeping properly likely you are snoring so much and not breathing properly, therefore you do not get a deep restful sleep (REM)

Sleep apnea can result in:

  • Headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

How is sleep apnea treated?

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP machine is a device worn during sleep that increases the air pressure in your throat so your airway doesn’t collapse when you breathe in, allowing you to get the deep, restorative sleep needed.

Many CPAP companies have designed machines specially outfitted for their trucks. These new machines have no need for an inverter or additional power source.

After using a CPAP machine, people with sleep apnea feel more refreshed and rested. Some also experience improvement in other medical conditions such as cardiac issues, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

A truck driver puts on a CPAP machine by placing the mask over his nose and securing the straps behind his head.
What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?

Possible risks include:

  • Fatigue
  • Cardiac risk
  • Hypertension
  • Irritability
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Depression

Can you drive a truck if you have sleep apnea?

Yes. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and your doctor told you that you need to treat it, you can continue to drive as long as you are compliant with treatment.

Will sleep apnea affect your CDL?

Your sleep apnea will likely result in a DOT medical certification card only being issued for one year instead of the possible two years.

As long as you follow your doctor’s advice and follow their instructions for treatment, there should not be a problem given a medical certification and keeping your CDL.

Can you lose your license if you have sleep apnea?
As long as you follow your doctor’s advice and follow their instructions for treatment, there should not be a problem given a medical certification and keeping your CDL.
and given a DOT medical certification, which is required when driving in interstate commerce.

If you are denied a medical certification, the government can downgrade your CDL as a result. Leaving you without your license to drive semi-trucks.

The best advice anyone can give is if you have any questions or maybe feel like maybe you may suffer from sleep apnea is to talk to your doctor and follow through with the testing and results.

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

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Truck Stop Canada
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0

Music is a necessity for most truck drivers! What do you listen to?

  1. Country music
  2. Old Rock & Roll
  3. Rap
  4. The Blues
  5. Jazz
  6. Classical
  7. News/Talk Radio

Are you a trucker who exclusively listens to the radio, satellite, playlists, or CDs? If so, we would love to hear from you! At Truck Stop Canada, we are dedicated to providing the best content for truck drivers and enthusiasts. As many of you know, we are a sister site to the original Truck Stop Québec, and we have an amazing podcast where Benoit interviews truck drivers and enthusiasts about various aspects of the trucking world. Our podcast has been growing in popularity, and we are always on the lookout for new guests to share their experiences and insights. We also play a great variety of music when we’re not live, so be sure to check us out! We understand that trucking can be a lonely profession, so we aim to be a source of entertainment and community for truckers across Canada. Join our growing community today and be a part of the conversation!

Truckin’ and it’s time for some Bar-B-Que!

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Truck Stop Canada
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0

Come on now, there isn’t anything much better than some barbecue in the summertime (any time is good for barbecue!), and just because you’re a truck driver doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying and cooking a good barbecue meal while you’re off duty.

You can cook basic meals or make your meal as gourmet as you like! I love a good steak with a baked potato and a side salad. Also, there is nothing wrong with a juicy hamburger with all your favorite toppings. I can almost smell it now!

Truck Stop Canada (TSC) wants to know if you enjoy barbecuing during your off time while driving. Do you barbecue on the road? What is your favorite meal to make? Let us know!

Favorite meal?

A) Breakfast
B) Brunch
C) Lunch
D) Dinner
E) Anytime you get a chance!

Favorite Protein?

A) Chicken
B) Steak
C) Burgers
D) Fish or Seafood
E) Pork
F) Vegetarian

Favorite Sides?

A) Salad (All the Greens)
B) Salad (Potato, Coleslaw, Macaroni)
C) Veggies (Fresh, Cooked on the Barbecue)
D) Potatoes, Rice, or Pasta (All are possible)
E) Healthier Side (Quinoa or Couscous)

Where do you get your ingredients,

A) Bring it from home
B) Pick it up during a stop or downtime?

Let us know in the comments!

With the cost of groceries on a steady rise and many people trying to make healthier choices and making their own meals Bar-B-Queuing is a great idea.

Barbecuing is an excellent way to enjoy a delicious meal while also saving money in the long run, especially with the cost of groceries continuing to rise. Many people are also trying to make healthier choices by preparing their own meals, and barbecuing is a fantastic option for doing so. Whether you’re a truck driver on the go or simply looking for a fun summertime activity, barbecuing is a versatile and enjoyable way to create a variety of meals. From juicy burgers to delicious steaks, the possibilities are endless. So why not fire up the grill and start cooking up your favorite meals today?

SLEEP AND CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATTRESS FOR YOUR TRUCK!

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Truck Stop Canada
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0

Getting a good night’s sleep is number one in taking care of yourself while driving! It used to be that every truck had the same standard mattress, and as you all know, no two people have the same sleep position. Some like their mattress hard some soft, some cool, and some warm. itès much like Goldilocks and the three bears.
Now, mattress companies are getting into the long-haul trucker mattress category. Much has changed thanks to specialized materials and advancing sleep technology, with today’s trucker mattresses providing you with restorative and restful sleep and helping with lower back pain, neck pain, and even numbness and tingling.

The most common truck mattress size is 42” wide x 80” long, and of course, the height will vary depending on the level of firmness you like, what makes up the inside, the cost, and how much overhead space you need. I always advise taking a field measurement and remember to allow a small amount of additional space around all sides, because foam mattresses, even mattresses that have pocketed coils, will slightly compress over time (this is normal) and expand ever so slightly. Also, you don’t want any bunching to occur or have the mattress create a hump that is caused by attempting to cram it into a smaller space.

Long haul drivers face far more musculoskeletal and neurological problems caused by excessive sitting Truckers are number the number one profession that sits in one place for an extended amount of time. So, when it comes to sleeping you want that time to ease your aches and pains and replenish your body for the day ahead! The DOT published a detailed report about the health risks of being a long-haul trucker. It isn’t for sissies.

You might be looking for a decent mattress to help with issues like back and shoulder pain, arthritis, and even deep vein thrombosis.
sleeping on a mattress can reduce pressure and also help improve circulation. Companies now have designed mattresses for people who have work sitting all day to benefit their health when they sleep at night

For pressure relief, a mattress generally needs to have a few ingredients that provide buoyant support, a bit of cradling, and the ability to transfer weight away from your body to the sides of the mattress.

Memory foam, contoured or convoluted foam, gel foam, and even something called “micro-coils” can improve the pressure-relieving abilities and overall comfort and support a mattress delivers. Memory foam and gel foam can offer excellent pressure relief and should be a key structure in a trucker mattress. Typically, memory foam and gel foam do not cause your mattress to be hot but, have a subtle, melting sensation. It allows your body to sink in very slightly, without making you feel like you are trapped. Also, there are cooling mattresses that help people with comfort and prevent nights that are too warm.

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind if you are thinking of changing your Truck mattress in the future!

Durable and resilient
Instantly reactive
Hypoallergenic
Environmentally friendly
Dust mite-resistant
Relieves pressure points
Breathable – stays cool
Supports back and joints
Odor-free product
Orthopedist/Chiropractor recommended

Don’t forget about your bedding! Everyone has that want and need to be comfortable, especially in bed. So, make sure that you buy proper sheets to fit your mattress and blankets are key. Being a long-haul truck driver means that the temperature can change from day to night depending on where you are going, there is nothing wrong in have an extra blanket or maybe a sleeping bag just in case!

All Aboard, Pet Passenger’s In Big Truck Photo’s

By
Truck Stop Canada
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0

Living life to its fullest! Does your forever friend travel with you? Truck Stop Canada “TSC” is looking for your “ride or die” pet.

Do you have a Dog, a Cat, or maybe something else that gives you snuggles or special attention while your driving or when your day is done?
Let us know how the two of you found each other.
How did you pick out their name and how old are they (and birthday)?
What is their all-time favorite treat? Favorite toy or place to go when you have downtime.
Give us all the details.
Once all the beautiful pictures are in we will post them in a story on Truck Stop Canada “TSC”.
We are all animal lovers here at Truck Stop Canada “TSC” and know how important it is to have a fur, feather, or scale friend in our life. In return, we will show pictures of TSC pets.
The deadline is the last week of August 2023. This

Pain in the ? Ergonomics and How it Helps Trucker’s

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Truck Stop Canada
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0

 

Back in the day, I’m fairly certain that Ergonomics was not in the vocabulary or in the minds of truck drivers. Basically, the word Ergonomics means the scientific study of people and their working conditions, especially done to improve effectiveness. Back in the day you just got in the seat of the truck and drove your load to where it was going. As fast as possible and no one paid attention to their back, posture, or how they were sitting.

The word Ergonomics means the scientific study of people and their working conditions, especially done to improve effectiveness. All truck drivers need to find ways to make their truck seats more comfortable. The seats need to promote healthy driving posture this helps prevent back problems, from muscle spasms to disc herniation.

There needs to be enough cushion under you to prevent your butt from getting numb or painful. Circulation is also vital because drivers develop skin rashes and discomfort from overheating. It’s important that if you develop a rash you need to treat it as soon as possible, especially for your health and overall comfort. Luckily truck stops now carry more products for truckers well being! Diaper rash cream isn’t just for babies anymore!

Each driver also has a different body stature, with different leg lengths and torso measurements, so fit is very important. Your body weight is resting on your bottom for hours, and many trucks don’t provide much in the way of seat cushioning. Using an ergonomic cushion made of memory foam, gels, or a combination of the two to distribute your body weight evenly, soften the ride, and protect your spine. While driving your back should be in an S position to prevent injuries, aches, and pains. There are cushions available that attach to the upper seat or headrest, but many drivers have small pillows or cushions they use on and off to give their upper back, neck, or shoulders a break.

Adjusting your steering wheel for your height is also important. The right height makes it easier to grip the wheel without getting tired and putting strain on shoulders and necks and your legs should be at about a 120-degree angle and your feet should comfortably reach the pedals for maximum comfort.

Seatbelts are often the last thing we think about because often people think that they are uncomfortable but some small adjustments can make them feel invisible as well, Drivers can customize their seatbelts. If standard seatbelts don’t hit you where they should because you are very short or very tall, you can order a customized seatbelt. There are aftermarket products you can use to get the belt in the right place. You might also want to add padding inside the strap where it rests against you.

Many therapists can help you find a solution to your back problems and that can help you adjust your seats to make your ride a bit more comfortable.

Here are a few suggestions on seat cushions that could help you be more comfortable while heading down the highway.

  1.  ComfiLumba Car Seat Cushion – Has a tapered shape to prevent pressure on your legs and help prevent leg cramps. There’s even a leg extender which gives you 17 inches front to back for larger truck seats.
  2. ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion – Has a cooling gel layer on top of the high-density memory foam to provide extra support and keep your bottom cool.
  3. Xtreme Comfort Seat Cushion – larger than most other cushions at 19 inches across and 17.5 inches back to front so it’s a great choice for truckers.
  4. Purple Seat Cushion – The famous purple grid is oversized for bigger people and stands up to more weight.
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