Many truck drivers have found companionship on the road by bringing their cats along for the journey.
Having a cat by their side can make those long stretches of highway more enjoyable, but how do you ensure your feline is comfortable in the confined space of a truck?
Concerns about litter box odor, potential scratches on surfaces, and fur management are common among truckers who are hesitant to bring their cats along. There’s also the fear that the constant engine noise and vibrations might stress out their furry friends. Safety, too, is a major consideration, as some worry about their cats accidentally opening a window or getting into dangerous situations.
These concerns are valid, but with the right adjustments and tips, drivers can create a comfortable environment for both themselves and their cats. Truckers on the Truck Stop Facebook page have shared their experiences, offering valuable insights on how to care for a cat in a truck.
Managing the Litter Box
Proper litter management is essential when traveling with a cat. Truckers use various strategies to keep their space clean and odor-free. Some place the litter box under the passenger seat or in a designated area like under a table or within a storage compartment. For litter, drivers recommend specific types like “Magic Litter” for its odor control or self-cleaning litter boxes for easy maintenance. Others prefer wood pellets, which are excellent at absorbing odors and are easy to manage. An anti-slip mat beneath the litter box helps contain scattered litter or pellets, keeping the truck tidy.
Regular cleaning, even twice daily, is key to maintaining a pleasant environment for both the driver and their cat.
Comfort and Safety
Cats tend to adapt well to truck life, provided they have a cozy spot to rest. Many prefer to lounge on the bed or even on the dashboard, watching the road or curling up for a nap. Truckers often bring toys or scratching posts to keep their feline companions entertained during long hauls.
Safety is a top priority, and it’s crucial to prevent electric windows from accidentally opening under a cat’s weight. Being mindful of this can help prevent unfortunate incidents while on the road.
Mental Health Benefits
Having a cat on board offers undeniable emotional benefits. Many truckers report that their cats provide comfort and companionship during long stretches away from home. For those spending weeks on the road, having their pet nearby helps them stay calm, knowing their companion is safe and well-cared for.
Do Cats Enjoy Truck Life?
When it comes to whether cats enjoy life on the road, most truckers say their feline friends adapt quickly to the mobile environment. Some even claim their cats seem happier in the truck than at home, especially if they’ve been introduced to the lifestyle from a young age. Of course, every cat has its personality—some adapt to the vibrations and noise better than others.
Kathleen Rousseau’s cat Hiway
“I’ve had Hiway since he was two months old. We take walks almost every night without a leash, and he follows me. He’s still a cat, though, so sometimes he wanders off, but when I call him, he comes back. He wears a collar with a bell, which helps me hear where he is, and sometimes I put a fluorescent one on him to spot him more easily at night,” says Kathleen Rousseau, a trucker who travels with her feline companion.
Conclusion
Traveling with a cat in a truck is entirely doable with a bit of organization and a lot of love. For truckers, their cats are more than just silent passengers—they’re indispensable road companions.
Photo: Courtesy of Jacques Dubé – Signalisation Choquette & Fils
Impact Attenuator from Signalisation Choquette & Fils Prevents Tragedy on Highway 35 – Veteran truck driver Jacques Dubé, employed by Signalisation Choquette & Fils, recently experienced a situation that underscores the constant risks faced by traffic control workers on our roads.
While he was protecting a lawn-mowing crew on Highway 35 South, a box truck collided with the impact attenuator attached to his vehicle, pushing the truck further into the ditch. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, thanks to the attenuator effectively absorbing the impact.
Impact attenuators, though often underappreciated, play a vital role in roadway safety. These devices are engineered with fluid chambers designed to absorb high-force impacts, minimizing damage. They are built to perform in high-speed situations, such as those frequently encountered during mobile work on highways.
This incident sheds light on the often-overlooked and undervalued role of traffic control teams like the one Jacques Dubé was part of. These crews are regularly at the forefront, ensuring the safety of mobile workers. However, despite safety measures, drivers don’t always slow down in the presence of flashing yellow lights on traffic control vehicles—something that is not only required by law but is also a matter of life and death.
In Quebec, current regulations reserve blue flashing lights exclusively for police vehicles. Under these laws, no other vehicle is permitted to use such lights. Traffic control professionals, especially those working on mobile operations, are advocating for a change in these rules to include their vehicles, encouraging drivers to slow down. However, no legislative changes have been made to allow this yet. With increasingly busy roads, it is crucial to better protect these workers, as the risks are real.
The impact attenuator that may have saved the lives of Jacques Dubé and others on Highway 35 highlights the critical importance of these safety devices. Yet, these protections cannot replace driver attentiveness. It’s essential that every motorist respects traffic signs to avoid turning worksites into danger zones. Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road!
Réal Gagnon, founder of Trans-West, has publicly taken a stand against the issue of the Driver Inc model, denouncing a practice that, in his view, is severely damaging the trucking industry.
He strongly criticized the federal government’s inaction, accusing them of failing to “step up” and regulate this situation fairly for all carriers. For Réal, it is essential that the rules are the same for everyone to avoid penalizing companies that comply with the law and pay their employees fairly.
“The federal government should regulate and establish equal rules for everyone. I don’t blame the guy who takes a job because he has no choice. He doesn’t know there’s another option because this is all he’s being offered. This is a major problem for the industry,” he explained.
The Impact of “Driver Inc” on the Industry
According to Réal, the issue with incorporated drivers lies in the fact that many of them are forced into this status without understanding the implications. They are often unaware of the benefits they lose, unlike those directly employed by companies like Trans-West, where drivers receive protections such as insurance and social benefits. Hiring drivers traditionally, he noted, is much more costly for companies like his, creating unfair competition.
He explained that an incorporated driver in Ontario costs a company an average of 56 cents per mile, whereas hiring a driver with full benefits costs around 90 cents per mile. This cost difference of over 30 cents per mile forces compliant companies to either reduce their profit margins or lose contracts to competitors using these practices. Over 40 million miles, a 30-cent per mile difference represents several million dollars annually—more than the company’s profit.
Economic Struggles for Transport Companies
“This affects our profitability under these conditions,” Gagnon lamented. “Without profit, you can’t finance new equipment. Forget about buying trucks—they cost between $220,000 and $250,000. Trailers now cost $100,000.”
Transport companies are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain profit margins amidst these unfair “Driver Inc” practices. With high costs for fuel and driver wages, staying competitive becomes harder without compromising profitability. He emphasized that strong financial results are essential for securing financing.
“If you’re financing and don’t have results, things don’t go well,” added Réal.
He also pointed out that while new trucks perform well for the first four or five years, they eventually require either replacement or repairs. The same goes for insurance: everything runs smoothly as long as trust funds are managed effectively, but any breakdown in management can create financial problems for companies.
Price Pressure and Dangerous Compromises
Réal also highlighted how intense competition in the trucking sector has forced him to lower prices to retain clients, such as reducing rates by up to $800 for trips to California. This pressure to remain competitive is pushing transport companies into making dangerous compromises, and Gagnon fears for the future of the industry if nothing is done to regulate incorporated driver practices.
The core issue, according to him, is that these practices not only hurt companies but also harm the drivers themselves. Réal urges the government to act swiftly to restore fairness and protect trucking workers.
“These guys, often immigrants, come here hoping to build a better life. They get their licenses—apparently without much difficulty—sign a paper, and suddenly they’re driving a truck. It must feel like a dream for them! But over time, they realize things don’t add up. I’ve even heard that some drivers had to finance their own fuel to fill up the truck… They end up with huge credit card bills and nothing coming in.”
One of the trucking industry’s biggest challenges is finding enough drivers to operate the trucks. But if the government doesn’t act quickly, in Ontario, the only available workforce will be incorporated drivers. Even strong, viable companies like Trans-West might be forced to offer incorporated driver positions just to fill seats behind the wheel. Drivers often choose to incorporate because they see short-term financial gains, such as higher take-home pay, without realizing the long-term disadvantages.
“This spring, we wanted to bring in 16 drivers to the Brampton area. During training, the first question they asked was whether they would pay taxes or be incorporated. We explained they had to pay their dues, and none of them stayed.”
Tax Inequity Between Quebec and Ontario
In Quebec, the vast majority of companies pay all their social charges and taxes transparently, which is not always the case in Ontario. According to Réal Gagnon, it is crucial for policymakers to understand this reality and implement measures to regulate the industry.
These practices have been tolerated for too long, and Réal believes the government is out of touch with the realities faced by transporters. He compares the situation to a “dead end,” where law-abiding companies find themselves stuck, unable to compete with those benefiting from tax advantages. In his view, the government is “asleep at the wheel,” choosing to ignore the impact this has on the industry rather than taking firm action to restore fairness. Is it a matter of politics?
Advantageous Financing for Some Carriers
The favorable financing that some carriers receive through community or religious networks allows them to purchase trucks without going through traditional financing channels. This unregulated practice creates an even more challenging environment for companies like Trans-West, which must negotiate loans with traditional financial institutions subject to strict checks.
“In Ontario, it’s like playing hockey four against five. The rules aren’t the same for everyone, and it’s holding the industry hostage. We’ve worked hard for what we have today, but we can’t keep going like this indefinitely. The government needs to act.”
An Urgent Call for Reform
Réal Gagnon is calling for swift changes within the next six months, hoping that the government will finally take the necessary steps to regulate the “Driver Inc” model. For him, it is imperative that all carriers operate under the same rules, just like in a hockey game where all teams play by the same regulations.
Trans-West: A Transparent Business Model That Respects Its Drivers
Unlike the practices of “Driver Inc”, where workers are often left without social protections, Trans-West offers a transparent and fair business model that respects the needs of its drivers.
Réal Gagnon has always been able to adapt to the demands of modern transportation and the needs of his employees. At Trans-West, team driving allows drivers to quickly cover routes between Montreal and California, often in just five days. This system, based on flexibility and transparency, has helped retain employees and allowed the company to navigate difficult times, such as the recession, without losing staff. Today, Trans-West continues to grow, with plans to add 30 trucks and 50 refrigerated trailers.
The company president believes that one of Trans-West’s key strengths is its ability to adapt to market fluctuations. By offering flexible working conditions and strong social benefits, Réal ensures that every driver in his company can meet their mileage goals while maintaining high job satisfaction.
A Bold Vision for the Future
“I grew up in the trucking industry, and I’m proud of that. I’ve learned a lot, and we continue to learn. It’s a constantly evolving market, and we never get bored. I decided to go out on my own to focus on California, a market I saw as a unique opportunity. Back then, it was mostly Americans covering California—today, it’s Canadian carriers.”
Driven by this passion, Réal Gagnon made the decision at 18 or 19 to leave the family trucking business and venture out on his own. He wanted to specialize in transporting goods to California, a market that was still largely untapped by Quebec carriers at the time. Despite his father’s reservations, Réal persisted and succeeded.
This boldness has helped Trans-West become a major player in long-haul transportation, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sector.
Come see why Trans-West is Canada’s best company for team driving to the U.S. and Western Canada:
Last Friday, an oversize load convoy from Bellemare became immobilized on Highway 50 westbound in Mirabel, Quebec.
The truck got stuck between the concrete barriers of a construction site, leading to the complete closure of the highway for several hours and causing significant traffic congestion. The incident was resolved by the end of the day after extended efforts.
Neither Bellemare, the driver, nor the road escorts can be blamed for this event. The necessary permits had been obtained in accordance with the Quebec 511 platform, which accounted for the exceptional width of the load, measuring nearly 5 meters. There were no posted construction signs, and the 511 platform did not indicate any restrictions regarding load sizes on Highway 50. Everything was done by the book, following the available information and with the expertise we expect from Bellemare.
However, upon arrival at the site, the convoy drivers discovered that a construction zone was already in place, despite the fact that work wasn’t scheduled to start until 10 p.m. Jerseys had been set up without prior warning.
With no signage indicating these obstacles, the drivers found themselves in a challenging situation and decided to test whether the load could pass through. While they initially managed to proceed, further down the road, the gap between the barriers narrowed to about 4.5 meters—too tight for the convoy to continue. The contractor responsible for the construction was contacted to develop a solution.
Two options were considered: moving forward by removing about 200 jerseys or reversing over a shorter distance by shifting just a few concrete barriers. One of the road escorts was dispatched to check an alternative route, while the others managed the situation on-site. Law enforcement was also called in to ensure safety.
Adding to the convoy team’s challenges, a car broke down, blocking the truck just as it was ready to move. The team, equipped with extra fuel, provided gas to the stranded motorist, but despite their efforts, the car still wouldn’t start. A tow truck was called, but it took nearly two hours to arrive, further delaying the operation.
After several hours of effort, the truck was finally able to reverse and exit the area around 7 p.m. A new permit was issued for the alternative route, and the convoy was escorted by police to a secure parking area. The delivery was successfully completed the next day in the Ottawa region, without further incidents, thanks to the quick response from authorities and the effective coordination of the Bellemare team.
In this case, neither the company nor the drivers faced any penalties, as all protocols had been strictly followed.
“The 511 system is essential for verifying road structure compliance. It needs to be up-to-date and validated by the Ministry to avoid situations like the one we experienced,” explains Isabelle Perron, Operations Director at Bellemare. “When everything is done by the book and you still find yourself in such a situation…”
“That said, I want to emphasize the excellent cooperation from the contractor and the Ministry. They were incredibly helpful in getting us out of there. The collaboration was top-notch, truly outstanding.”
Isabelle adds that for Class 6-7 oversized load convoys, a preliminary route validation is conducted by technicians before the convoy can proceed. However, for Class 1 to 5 oversized convoys, this validation is not mandatory.
“We often see this kind of situation in Montreal,” she notes, pointing out that roadwork doesn’t always align with the information provided by the 511 platform.
To prevent similar incidents, a team is usually sent ahead to inspect the routes used by these convoys.
A correction was made on Québec 511 by late Monday afternoon, 3 days after the incident.
Some people have misconceptions about trucking, thinking it’s as simple as sitting behind the wheel and driving.
However, truckers who responded to this idea on Truck Stop Facebook’s page made it clear that this perception is far from reality. In this article, we give voice to professional drivers.
A Misguided Perception of the Job
Truck drivers report that their work involves far more than driving, with many tasks occurring outside the cab.
“I spend more time outside my truck than inside. Think of me next time you’re drinking a glass of milk, my friend!” says Gabrielle, a driver specializing in milk transportation.
For flatbed haulers, tasks include securing and unfastening tarps or straps, sometimes under extreme weather conditions.
The Diversity of Trucking and Challenges
The trucking profession varies widely depending on the type of haul. Tasks differ significantly between a driver handling freight that requires manual labor, a tanker truck driver, or a dump truck operator. Food delivery truckers, for example, often spend long hours loading and unloading trailers multiple times a day.
“Come try food service. They should unload a 31-foot trailer daily for a week, and then we’ll talk,” says one driver.
In specialized transport, such as oversized loads or heavy material hauling, the challenges are significant. Drivers must handle complex vehicles, manage delicate cargo, and navigate tight spaces. As one professional put it:
“Try backing a B-train through a mess of car drivers who aren’t helping and are just in your way.”
These truckers also face unexpected situations like traffic jams, road rage, or harsh weather conditions such as snowstorms, white out and ice, requiring constant vigilance—often beyond that of a regular driver.
Truck Drivers’ Multiple Responsibilities
Beyond driving, truckers perform a range of essential tasks to ensure their job runs smoothly. Each driver is required to keep a detailed logbook to comply with legal driving hours. They must also conduct regular vehicle inspections to ensure everything is in order. Route planning is crucial not only to meet deadlines but also to avoid roads prohibited to heavy trucks.
Truckers must be familiar with local, national, and sometimes international regulations to transport goods legally. In winter, some drivers must install chains on their tires when crossing mountainous regions, adding another layer of difficulty. Whether cleaning their trailer, maintaining refrigeration units, or ensuring equipment functionality, these tasks highlight the physical and mental demands of the profession in the trucking industry.
Vigilance and Safety: A Major Responsibility
One of the most underestimated aspects of trucking is the constant vigilance required to ensure road safety. Driving a heavy truck loaded with tons of cargo demands concentration and anticipation of hazards far beyond what a car driver might imagine. As Jeff, trucker, reminds us:
“A brain surgeon makes a mistake, one person dies. A trucker makes a mistake, multiple people die. That’s the responsibility we bear.”
This level of attention requires truckers to monitor not only their own driving but also the actions of other vehicles, pedestrians, all while adhering to strict safety regulations.
“Driving a truck is easy; the hard part is managing pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers,” adds another.
A Mentally and Physically Demanding Job
Contrary to popular belief, sitting behind the wheel for long hours is far from relaxing. It requires intense mental alertness, which, combined with physical fatigue, quickly takes a toll on both body and mind. The stress of meeting deadlines and dealing with traffic weighs heavily on truckers.
“You have to be attentive all the time, driving for others, managing time and stress!”
The physical impact is also evident: joint pain, back issues, and chronic fatigue are daily realities for many in the profession.
The Reality of Schedules and Life on the Road
Drivers often face demanding schedules in the trucking industry. Long hours behind the wheel (up to 13 hours), sometimes overnight, and weeks spent away from home take a personal toll.
“Humans aren’t made to live alone! Long-distance truckers often face a lot of solitude,” says another driver.
This reality complicates not only social life but also affects the mental health of some drivers.
An Essential Job for the Economy
Despite these challenges, many truckers are passionate about their work. They emphasize that without them, the economy would collapse, as everything we use daily has been transported by truck at some point.
“What a tough industry, you have to experience it to understand. Hats off to all of you; you’re the backbone of the economy!”
Yet, the profession remains largely underestimated by the public, who often only see the surface. One driver concludes:
“The job may seem easy based on the simple image of sitting behind a wheel. From experience, managing a truck with its ups and downs is less exhausting than managing human relationships.”
What should be added to transport training? According to truckers who responded to the question on the Facebook page, several essential aspects of the training require more attention.
While responses vary, a recurring theme is the lack of hands-on experience and training related to real-world situations that drivers face daily.
Basic Mechanics
One of the most frequent requests from truckers is to include basic mechanical training in the curriculum. Drivers feel that understanding the fundamentals of mechanics would better prepare them to handle minor issues on the road. Some believe this should be a mandatory module, as these skills not only reduce downtime but also enhance road safety. Others suggest that companies should offer practical garage training for drivers who need it, providing paid training that would benefit both drivers and the industry in the long run.
Backing and Complex Maneuvers
Backing maneuvers, particularly in challenging conditions like tight spaces or blind-side maneuvers, are another key area highlighted by truckers. They note that, although current training addresses these areas, it often lacks depth or sufficient practice. Many suggest increasing hands-on practice hours in real-world contexts, with loaded vehicles in more complex urban areas. They believe that mastering these skills can help reduce time losses and frustration on the job.
Navigation and Orientation
Some instructors emphasize the importance of understanding cardinal directions and the difference between odd and even-numbered highways to better navigate routes. However, it was noted that few drivers grasp these concepts fully. In addition, the importance of route planning without relying solely on GPS was raised. While some drivers are comfortable with new technologies, they argue that using tools like maps and atlases should remain an integral part of training to avoid unexpected surprises on the road.
Civility and Courtesy
Road courtesy and teamwork among drivers is another recurring theme. Many drivers lament the decline in mutual support that was once common in the industry. For instance, slowing down to allow a fellow driver to merge back into a lane is not only courteous but also enhances overall road safety. Some drivers wish to see modules on etiquette and road civility included in the training to encourage new drivers to respect the unwritten rules of the trade.
Load Securement
Load securement and trailer loading are other areas where drivers feel the training is insufficient. Many believe that the current curriculum doesn’t dive deep enough into the art of properly securing loads, especially when it comes to specialized transportation, such as flatbeds or tankers. Some drivers suggest incorporating a full module on securement, including practical case studies involving complex loads, to better prepare them for challenges they will encounter on the road, potentially reducing the number of load-related accidents.
Ongoing Training and Transport Diversity
For many drivers, the current training provides a solid foundation but doesn’t fully reflect the diversity of transportation types they’ll encounter on the job. Many would like to see the curriculum include more hands-on experiences with real-life situations such as hauling hazardous materials, oversized loads, or tankers. They point out that such specialization is typically learned on the job but could be included in the basic training to better guide students in their career choices.
Respect and Attitude Toward Truckers
Another issue raised is the lack of respect between veteran drivers and newcomers. Many drivers feel that a gap has widened over time. New drivers often feel criticized and judged by their more experienced peers, while veterans blame younger drivers for not upholding the fundamental values of the trade. Some drivers believe that greater humility among recent graduates would be beneficial, as too many of them leave school thinking they know everything about the profession, when in reality, field experience is essential.
Selection and Qualification
Some truckers feel that the candidate selection process for training should be stricter. The notion that “anyone can be a truck driver” is seen as dangerous by many. A recurring suggestion is to introduce a more rigorous evaluation process to identify those with the true potential for the job. This process could include pre-assessments to test basic skills, motivation, and even the ability to cope with the psychological and physical demands of the profession. Another suggestion is to introduce a probationary period after obtaining the license, similar to motorcycle licenses, where new drivers would be closely monitored before being allowed to undertake long-haul trips alone.
Driving in Difficult Conditions
Many drivers emphasized the importance of practicing driving in challenging conditions, such as during snowstorms or on mountainous roads. Current training primarily focuses on driving in optimal conditions, but the reality of the job is often different. Truck drivers frequently navigate in extreme weather conditions, and the training doesn’t always reflect these challenges. They believe that simulations or real-life practice in difficult conditions would better prepare future drivers to handle such situations.
Technology and Stress Management
Another issue raised is the importance of knowing how to use technology wisely while staying focused on the road. Many veteran truckers lament that new drivers rely too heavily on GPS and other tech tools without manually checking routes or anticipating unforeseen situations. Additionally, some experienced drivers have noted the rising levels of stress among new truckers and believe that stress management techniques—such as learning how to stay calm under pressure—should be addressed during training.
Conclusion
In summary, truckers believe that while current training provides a solid foundation, it could be greatly improved by incorporating more real-world practice, a basic mechanics module, lessons on civility and teamwork, and better psychological preparation for managing stress and unforeseen events. However, they emphasize that it’s not necessarily about changing the entire training process but rather acknowledging certain gaps in the profession. Drivers argue that companies may also need to step up in providing more ongoing training for drivers after they graduate.
While initial training provides a good knowledge base, it often remains incomplete, especially for more specialized aspects like securing complex loads or handling hazardous materials. Experience and on-the-job practice are crucial to complement this training, but employers must commit to providing ongoing support to help drivers fully develop their skills.
These suggestions, according to truckers, would not only make truck drivers more competent but also better prepared for the challenges of the road.
Last Monday, Guillaume Lizotte, a trucker from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, faced a disturbing situation while repairing a mechanical issue on his trailer in the parking lot of a motel in Brompton, Sherbrooke.
Photo from Guillaume’s facebook page.
As he was addressing a blow out situation, he was confronted by an enraged woman.
Visibly upset by the truck’s presence on the property, the woman demanded that he leave and even called the police to report the “intrusion.” The incident was recorded and quickly spread across social media platforms.
Guillaume Lizotte, who works for Transport Quevillon et Fils, explained that he had stopped in the parking lot of the Motel Écono-Nuit after experiencing a blowout on Highway 55. He believed this location was ideal for making the repairs, as it was out of the way and not obstructing any vehicles. He parked on the motel’s gravel lot, ensuring that his equipment did not cause any disruptions.
Photo from Guillaume’s facebook page.
Unable to continue driving, Lizotte needed to fix his truck before resuming his journey, prioritizing safety for himself and others on the road. However, despite his explanation, the woman refused to listen and escalated the situation by physically attacking him, even biting him as he tried to calm her down. She also turned her aggression toward the mobile mechanic on-site.
Despite the hostility, Guillaume Lizotte remained calm and polite, recording the scene to document the altercation (wath the video). When the woman called 911, Sherbrooke police arrived promptly, displaying professionalism in de-escalating the situation. Although the truck driver could have filed charges for assault, he chose not to, recognizing that the woman appeared to be in distress and likely needed help.
Rather than pursuing legal action, Guillaume Lizotte decided to share his experience on Facebook, where the video quickly went viral. He felt that public exposure of the incident was sufficient and preferred to focus on his work rather than spending time in court.
Lizotte concluded that, despite the frustration, he would rather move on and prioritize more important matters in his life.
The Rodeo du Camion truck drags is making its way to Ontario, bringing an exhilarating new truck racing event to Mattawa from July 31 to August 3, 2025.
Luc Lafontaine, the event’s president, has confirmed that preparations are well underway to welcome truck enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers to this new location.
After the 2024 edition in Notre-Dame-du-Nord was canceled due to safety concerns raised by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, the Rodeo team searched for a site that could meet all the necessary requirements. Mattawa was chosen for its ability to host a safe and well-adapted racing track, with a new slope designed specifically for the competition.
“There will be a 7% grade. It’s less than what we had in Notre-Dame-du-Nord, but the difference is we’re considering adding two tiers. The racers will start on a steeper slope at the bottom, hit a flat section, and then encounter another slope right after to add a new level of difficulty for the racers.”
The Mattawa site was chosen not only for its modern facilities and large capacity but also for the unique experience it will provide to participants and spectators alike. The location allows for better crowd management and supports the infrastructure needed for an event of this scale, all while maintaining the spirit of the Rodeo.
A Bright Future for the Rodeo in Ontario
Despite the challenges of finding a new venue, Luc Lafontaine remains optimistic and views this move to Ontario as a unique opportunity to expand the event to a broader audience. This new location will offer Ontarians and Canadians the chance to witness an exhilarating show, while giving North America’s top truck racers a new stage to showcase their skills.
2024 Draw: Support the Event and Win Big!
While eagerly awaiting the 2025 Rodeo, the 2024 Rodeo draw is a key initiative to support the event, offering participants the chance to win exceptional prizes, with $42,000 to be won this weekend. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity, with top prizes including a house, a truck or $250,000 in cash!
Have you seen on display last October at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition (MCE) in San Diego, the spectacular Peterbilt’s new SuperTruck II demonstrator vehicle? The goal of the SuperTruck II program is to meet prevailing emissions and Class 8 tractor-trailer vehicle safety and regulatory requirements, initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Its important target : the development of cost effective efficiency technologies (…)
The trucking industry must prepare to welcome and work with Generation Alpha, the cohort born between 2010 and 2024. This generation, the first to grow up entirely in the digital age, brings unique skills and expectations to the workforce. Highly adept with technology, they are also deeply committed to social and environmental causes. Their familiarity with digital devices and proficiency with technological tools will shape their professional expectations, making the integration of advanced technologies in daily tasks imperative for employers. Generation Alpha values flexibility and work-life balance (…)
Truckers has voiced varied concerns about the imminent arrival of electric trucks. We asked them, “What concerns you the most about the transition to electric trucks?” The feedback we received highlights pragmatic and technical issues that could significantly impact their professional lives. Lack of Adequate Charging Infrastructure: Carole points out a major issue regarding the insufficiency (…)
On September 4, a citizen in the Baie-Comeau area in Quebec helped prevent a potentially truck accident by reporting a heavy truck with an improperly secured load.
Thanks to this report, authorities intervened swiftly to stop the vehicle before the situation worsened.
Quick Intervention: Load Falls Without Incident
The authorities intercepted the truck shortly before a load loss could have occurred at high speed on the road. After inspection, the truck was moved to a safer location to restore traffic flow. At that moment, part of the unsecured load detached and fell onto the roadway. Fortunately, no truck accident occurred, and no injuries were reported.
Penalties and Safe Load Securement
The truck driver was fined $554 by Contrôle Routier Québec and was required to secure the cargo properly before continuing the journey. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to load securement regulations, especially for heavy vehicles transporting large loads.
Reporting Dangerous Situations: A Civic Responsibility
To help prevent truck accidents involving, citizens who witness potentially dangerous situations on the road are encouraged to report them. A simple, anonymous phone call can make a difference. Those in the trucking industry can also contact authorities to report carriers or employers who fail to comply with road safety regulations.
Last week, a jury in St. Louis, USA, awarded a $462 million verdict against trailer manufacturer Wabash, following a fatal accident in May 2019.
In the incident, a car collided with the rear of a 2004 Wabash trailer being hauled by GDS Express, a now-defunct transportation company. The driver and passenger of the car lost their lives in the crash.
According to Wabash, the trailer met the regulatory standards in place at the time of its manufacture, 15 years prior to the accident. Evidence presented in court showed that the car was traveling at 55 mph at the time of impact—20 mph over the current National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standard for rear impacts (35 mph) and 25 mph over the standard in place at the time the trailer was manufactured (30 mph).
These NHTSA standards pertain to rear underride guards, which are designed to prevent a vehicle from sliding under a trailer during a collision. Wabash emphasized that the speed of the car far exceeded what these guards are designed to withstand under safety regulations.
Despite the verdict, Wabash stated that it would explore all available legal options and emphasized that its underride guards have always met or exceeded U.S. standards. In 2018, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized Wabash as one of eight North American manufacturers surpassing federal standards for rear underride protection.
The attorneys representing the victims’ families argued that the rear guard detached during the impact, allowing the car to slide under the trailer and causing the occupants’ deaths. They challenged not only the design but also the structural integrity of the guard, claiming the trailer was in a defective and dangerous condition.
Wabash countered by asserting that no existing technology at the time could have prevented the crash. Furthermore, the company criticized the court’s decision to exclude evidence showing the driver had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit and that neither the driver nor the passenger were wearing seatbelts—information that might have influenced the jury’s decision.
New Rear Guard Standards Challenged for Low-Overlap Collisions
In July 2022, the NHTSA tightened its safety standards for rear underride protection between passenger vehicles and trailers or semi-trailers, adopting requirements similar to Canadian standards. These updated rules mandate that rear guards must have sufficient strength and energy absorption capacity to protect occupants of compact and subcompact cars in impacts at speeds of up to 35 mph. The improved standards aim to protect vehicles that strike the rear of a trailer with 50% to 100% of the car’s width overlapping the trailer.
However, a coalition of safety groups, including Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and the Truck Safety Coalition, has challenged these new standards, arguing that they are inadequate and dangerous. They have urged the NHTSA to strengthen the guards for collisions involving 30% overlap. A 30% overlap is considered more dangerous because only a smaller portion of the car’s width makes contact with the trailer, concentrating the impact force on a narrower area. This increases the risk of underride, as rear guards are less effective in low-overlap situations.
In June 2023, the NHTSA denied this request, arguing that the data used to develop these rules, particularly from the Trucks Involved in Fatal Accidents (TIFA) database, were more reliable than those from its own Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
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While he was protecting a lawn-mowing crew on Highway 35 South, a box truck collided with the impact attenuator attached to his vehicle, pushing the truck further into the ditch. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, thanks to the attenuator effectively absorbing the impact.
Réal Gagnon has always been able to adapt to the demands of modern transportation and the needs of his employees. At Trans-West, team driving allows drivers to quickly cover routes between Montreal and California, often in just five days. This system, based on flexibility and transparency, has helped retain employees and allowed the company to navigate difficult times, such as the recession, without losing staff. Today, Trans-West continues to grow, with plans to add 30 trucks and 50 refrigerated trailers.
After several hours of effort, the truck was finally able to reverse and exit the area around 7 p.m. A new permit was issued for the alternative route, and the convoy was escorted by police to a secure parking area. The delivery was successfully completed the next day in the Ottawa region, without further incidents, thanks to the quick response from authorities and the effective coordination of the Bellemare team.
For flatbed haulers, tasks include securing and unfastening tarps or straps, sometimes under extreme weather conditions.
Load Securement 
“There will be a 7% grade. It’s less than what we had in Notre-Dame-du-Nord, but the difference is we’re considering adding two tiers. The racers will start on a steeper slope at the bottom, hit a flat section, and then encounter another slope right after to add a new level of difficulty for the racers.”
