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Rail Strike and Lockout: How Long Before We Face Shortages and Rising Costs?

By
sophie
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0

Since the onset of the rail strike and lockout in Canada, industries across the country are bracing for significant disruptions. Concerns are mounting about potential shortages and cost increases, as businesses scramble to shift cargo from rail to road transport. However, even with an uptick in truck freight, this shift may not fully compensate for the halted rail services. Consequently, delays in delivery times and price hikes for consumers are likely if the rail stoppage continues.

Impact on Oil and Fuel Supply:
Should the strike lead to a prolonged disruption in crude oil deliveries, the consequences will be felt within 7 to 10 days, with fuel shortages becoming increasingly evident. Refineries, heavily reliant on rail for crude supply, especially in areas lacking alternative pipelines, will experience rapid stock depletion, driving up fuel prices at the pump, particularly in remote regions.

Consumer Impact:

  • Rising Fuel Prices: Expect fuel prices to surge, contributing to overall cost-of-living increases.
  • Increased Transportation Costs: The shift to more expensive road transport will elevate the prices of consumer goods.
  • Service Reductions: Rural and remote areas, heavily dependent on rail for essential deliveries, will be the hardest hit, potentially facing severe shortages.

Food Supply Chain Disruptions:
If the strike persists, food shortages, particularly of perishable goods, could begin within one to two weeks. With nearly 80-85% of Canadian agricultural products moved by rail, the consequences for the food supply chain will be severe, especially in Western Canada. Retailers may face empty shelves and soaring prices as stockpiles dwindle, exacerbating the strain on supply chains.

Chemical Industry Concerns:
The chemical sector is particularly vulnerable, as many hazardous materials are exclusively transported by rail. A rail stoppage would necessitate approximately 1,500 tanker trucks daily to meet demand, an almost impossible logistical challenge. This disruption could have a cascading effect, impacting numerous industries dependent on chemical supplies, from manufacturing to healthcare.

  • The Chemical Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) emphasizes that no alternative transportation method can match the capacity of rail for moving hazardous materials. A prolonged disruption in rail service could pose significant safety risks, as certain substances can only be safely stored for limited periods.

Construction Material Shortages:
Construction materials, including cement, steel, and lumber, are also at risk. A rail strike lasting more than two weeks could halt construction projects nationwide, inflating costs and delaying critical infrastructure developments, including residential and commercial projects. This would not only drive up real estate prices but also create delays in public infrastructure projects crucial to local economies.

The Canadian government has already expressed concern over the widespread impact of the strike and is urging a swift resolution to avoid a nationwide supply chain crisis that could have far-reaching consequences for all Canadians, including the trucking industry.

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Truckers on High Alert Amid Rail Transport Industry Turbulence

Truck Drivers : A Profession That Makes Us Better

By
sophie
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0

Being a truck driver represents much more than just a job title for those behind the wheel. Every mile traveled, every hour spent driving, and every interaction on the road or at truck stops brings a wealth of experiences and valuable skills. This profession cultivates essential qualities such as patience, perseverance, and resilience. It also teaches how to handle the unexpected, optimize time, and navigate challenges with creativity and composure. While some of these skills may come naturally to certain individuals, the road allows everyone to refine and enhance them.

The life of a truck driver shapes skills and character traits that serve far beyond the confines of a truck cab. Testimonies reveal a wealth of experiences and reflections on this extraordinary profession.

Patience: The Key Virtue

The first lesson, and perhaps the most frequently mentioned by followers of Truck Stop Québec’s Facebook page, is patience. Driving and maneuvering a truck on the road requires constant self-control, as truckers’ patience is continually tested! Delays, traffic jams, other road users, demanding customers, and unpredictable weather conditions challenge a truck driver’s ability to remain calm and composed. Trucking teaches patience, an essential virtue for success in this profession.

Solitude: A Loyal Companion

Trucking also teaches the acceptance, and sometimes even the appreciation, of solitude. Being alone in the truck, cut off from the outside world, can be a source of peace. For some, this solitude reveals an inner strength, proving that even in the most challenging moments, one can rely on oneself.

Resourcefulness: A Necessity

Truck drivers quickly learn to be resourceful, finding quick and effective solutions to daily problems. Whether it’s dealing with extreme weather conditions, navigating unexpected traffic jams, or finding safe rest areas in the middle of the night, resourcefulness becomes second nature. Every day on the road is a lesson in adaptability and responsiveness.

Respect and Tolerance

Driving a truck instills respect and tolerance. Interactions with other road users, who often lack understanding of the challenges of trucking, push truckers to develop remarkable tolerance. Professionalism and respect for other road users are essential values acquired through driving. Even when faced with frustrating behaviors, truckers know they must practice their profession safely. They hold the lives of many people in their hands and learn to remain calm in the face of the unexpected, with respect and responsibility.

Personal Sacrifices

Trucking is not without its sacrifices. Long hours away from family and friends, missed events, and moments of extreme solitude are part of the daily routine, according to many professionals in the field. These sacrifices can be heavy at times, but they also bring a certain perspective on what truly matters in life.

A Deep-Seated Passion

Despite the challenges, trucking remains a passion for many. After decades on the road, some still love driving their trucks just as much. This passion is what drives truckers to keep going, despite the difficulties and sacrifices. It’s a love for the road, the freedom it offers, and the unforgettable encounters it enables.

The testimonies we’ve received reveal a deep affection for this profession, despite its many challenges. For those who practice it, trucking is a calling, and it is passion that continues to motivate them day after day.

“(…) The real truckers teach us to be better people, to help each other, and to broaden our horizons. To take the time to savor the journey. This profession isn’t for everyone, but when you do it right, it’s the most beautiful job in the world.” – Tony T. C.

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Tesla Semi Fire Shuts Down I-80 in California, Exposes Challenges of Electric Truck Technology

By
sophie
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0

Early Monday morning, a Tesla Semi truck fire led to the full closure of Interstate 80 near Nyack in Placer County, California. The all-electric truck, which was not towing a trailer and was registered to Tesla, veered off the eastbound lanes, crashing into nearby trees. The incident, which occurred near the Laing Road exit, caused significant disruptions but, fortunately, resulted in no injuries.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Cal Fire responded quickly to the scene, with fire crews receiving the emergency call shortly after 3 a.m. According to Cal Fire, controlling the blaze required “thousands – many thousands” of gallons of water. Firefighting efforts included a Cal Fire aircraft that dropped fire retardant to prevent the fire from spreading to the surrounding brush. The fire was eventually contained to the shoulder of the highway.

However, the incident revealed significant challenges in managing fires involving electric vehicles, particularly those powered by lithium-ion batteries. As these batteries degrade during a fire, they can reignite and burn at extremely high temperatures, further complicating firefighting efforts. The intense heat, which can exceed 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, forced authorities to keep the interstate closed for nearly 16 hours, reopening the westbound lanes at 4:30 p.m. and the eastbound lanes after 7 p.m.

Ryan Woessner, Cal Fire Division Chief, noted that the closure was necessary to protect the public from toxic fumes released by the burning batteries. This event has underscored the ongoing need for specialized training and protocols for first responders dealing with electric vehicle fires.

This is not the first time a battery electric truck has caught fire. Last year, a similar incident occurred at Nikola’s Arizona headquarters, where an electric truck fire, caused by a coolant leak inside a battery pack, reignited a month later. These incidents highlight the need for continued innovation and safety measures as electric trucks become more common on the roads.

Tesla, which has been slowly rolling out its Semi trucks, plans to begin more extensive deliveries by late 2025, with external customers starting in 2026. Despite these challenges, companies like NFI have already begun testing Tesla Semis, exploring more sustainable transportation solutions.

The fire serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and risks associated with new electric truck technologies, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and adaptation as the industry evolves.

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Truckers on High Alert Amid Rail Transport Industry Turbulence

By
sophie
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0

The looming possibility of simultaneous strikes and lockouts in the rail transport industry is forcing truckers to reassess their strategies to ensure the continuous delivery of goods. The union representing Canadian Pacific Kansas City employees recently issued a 72-hour strike notice, effective Thursday at midnight if no agreement is reached. In response, Canadian National has opted to implement a lockout at the same time.

According to the Quebec Trucking Association (ACQ), a crisis management team has been activated under the supervision of its president, Marc Cadieux. Cadieux mentioned that discussions are ongoing with the office of Transport Minister of Quebec Geneviève Guilbault to anticipate necessary measures. The road transport sector’s capacity to meet a surge in demand is currently under review, although the outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has expressed significant concerns about the situation. A work stoppage in the rail sector could have severe financial repercussions for many business owners, particularly those reliant on rail for receiving their goods. Jasmin Guénette, Vice-President of National Affairs at CFIB, highlighted that never in the country’s recent history have both major rail networks been simultaneously at a nationwide standstill.

The potential impact on the supply chain could be substantial, with over a billion dollars’ worth of goods moving daily via Canada’s railways. Guénette also pointed out that the manufacturing, construction, retail, wholesale, and agriculture sectors are particularly vulnerable. For many small and medium-sized enterprises, there is no viable alternative, and the road network’s ability to absorb such a sudden and massive increase in demand remains limited.

Goods transported by rail, including oil, minerals, and perishable items, are at risk of facing the most significant disruptions. Experts anticipate that this situation could lead to complications in the logistics chain, with a likely increase in transportation costs if the conflict persists.

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Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week 2024 Dates

By
sophie
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0

The 2024 CVSA Brake Safety Week, scheduled from August 25 to 31, is quickly approaching. This annual event, organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), aims to raise awareness and enforce brake safety regulations for commercial vehicles. During this week, inspectors will conduct routine checks on commercial vehicles, with a particular focus on brake systems and components. Vehicles found with serious brake-related violations will be placed out of service until the issues are resolved.

In some jurisdictions, Performance-Based Brake Testers (PBBTs) will be utilized to assess vehicle brake performance. These machines measure the effectiveness of brake systems, and the data collected will be instrumental in analyzing trends in brake safety.

In addition to inspections, Brake Safety Week serves as an educational and awareness campaign for the entire transportation industry. Law enforcement agencies, road safety organizations, and carriers will join forces to educate and prepare drivers, owner-operators, carriers, and mechanics on the critical importance of brake safety.

Finally, the data gathered during this week will play a crucial role in understanding and analyzing brake-related violations. The inspection results will be directly reported to the CVSA, which will publish a comprehensive report later in the year. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to reduce brake-related accidents involving commercial vehicles and to enhance road safety across North America.

Keys to Success: Being an Effective Recruiter in the Trucking Industry

By
sophie
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0

In the trucking industry, a successful recruiter is much more than just an intermediary between companies and candidates. Based on feedback from our Facebook followers, several key qualities are essential for excelling in this role.

In-Depth Industry Knowledge
One of the most frequently mentioned traits is a deep understanding of the trucking profession. A recruiter who has firsthand experience behind the wheel and understands the challenges and realities of the job is highly valued. This experience not only allows the recruiter to better assess candidates’ skills but also helps in earning their trust by speaking the same language.

Honesty and Transparency
Transparency is a fundamental value. Many of our followers emphasize the importance of truthfulness without sugarcoating the reality. Candidates appreciate recruiters who honestly and realistically share details about working conditions, challenges, and company expectations. This includes information about clients, routes, and even the less pleasant aspects of the job. By being upfront from the start, the recruiter lays the groundwork for a lasting relationship of trust, helping drivers to clearly understand what to expect.

Passion and Commitment
Being passionate about the transportation sector and the job at hand is also crucial. A good recruiter should be able to “sell” the position convincingly, demonstrating a strong belief in the value and benefits of the role. Passion is contagious and can significantly influence a potential candidate’s decision.

Communication Skills
Communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, are indispensable. A recruiter must ask the right questions, listen actively, and understand the needs and aspirations of candidates. Additionally, they should be adept at reading between the lines and recognizing non-verbal cues that may reveal a lot about a candidate.

Respect and Humanity
Treating candidates with respect and dignity is another essential quality. Recruiters should see candidates as whole individuals, not just numbers. This includes honoring commitments and considering the personal constraints and needs of candidates.

Retention and Follow-Up
According to our followers, a good recruiter doesn’t stop at simply filling trucks in the fleet. They also ensure that new hires are satisfied with their work environment. This can involve regular follow-ups after hiring to ensure everything is going well and to gather feedback. These follow-ups allow the recruiter to verify that the information provided during the recruitment process remains relevant and accurate. In doing so, they can ensure that there is no gap between the sales pitch and the reality experienced by employees, thus maintaining credibility and trust.

A successful recruiter in the trucking industry is, above all, someone who demonstrates experience, honesty, passion, communication skills, respect, and commitment to candidates. This combination of qualities not only helps in recruiting top talent but also ensures their long-term retention within the company. By adhering to these principles, recruiters can enhance the hiring process and contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment for all.

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The Farmer’s Almanac Unveils Its Winter Forecast

By
sophie
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0

The winter of 2024-2025 across Canada is shaping up to be harsh, according to the latest predictions from the Farmer’s Almanac. This well-known publication anticipates a winter characterized by alternating precipitation and significant snowfall, largely due to the influence of the La Niña climate phenomenon. This natural event, which cools the waters of the tropical Pacific Ocean, disrupts weather patterns worldwide and is expected to bring below-average temperatures to several regions of Canada, particularly from the eastern Rockies to Ontario.

Canadians should brace for particularly intense cold spells, especially in the Prairies and around the Great Lakes, where temperatures are expected to plummet dramatically from late January to early February. In contrast, Quebec and the Maritimes may experience slightly milder temperatures than usual, though these regions will not escape the heavy precipitation forecasted throughout the season. A major winter storm is anticipated in mid-February, likely bringing significant snowfall to the province.

The winter also promises to be wet for British Columbia and eastern Canada, where residents will have to contend with a mix of rain, snow, and sleet. Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to face particularly rainy conditions. Ontario is likely to see a mixed winter with alternating snow and rain, while the Prairies could experience a true “white winter.”

As for the Farmer’s Almanac’s forecasting method, it relies on an ancient formula developed over two centuries ago. Despite its imperfections, this method is believed by its followers to be 80 to 85% accurate, based on the study of sunspots, lunar cycles, and historical weather patterns. Although the predictions are made two years in advance without any updates, they continue to generate significant interest, providing Canadians with valuable insights into what to expect for the upcoming winter.

Of course, more traditional methods of predicting winter remain, such as observing the height of beehives—a long-standing folk belief dating back centuries. According to this tradition, the higher the hives are built, the harsher the winter will be. While this has no scientific basis, it reflects humanity’s enduring quest to forecast nature’s whims.

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FMCSA Delists Two ELD Devices from Registered List

By
sophie
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0

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation announced today that the BLUE STAR ELD and RELIABLE ELD devices have been removed from the official registry of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). The decision to delist these devices stems from their failure to meet the essential standards outlined in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A. This action is effective as of August 15, 2024.

FMCSA will be sending out a notification across the industry to inform motor carriers that those utilizing these delisted ELDs must take the following actions:

  • Cease using the delisted ELDs immediately and switch to paper logs or compliant logging software to record the required hours of service data.
  • Replace the delisted ELDs with approved devices from the Registered Devices list by October 14, 2024.

Motor carriers are granted a 60-day window to swap out the delisted ELDs with compliant ones. Should the providers of these devices rectify the issues identified, FMCSA will restore the ELDs to the registered list and notify the industry accordingly.

During this interim period, safety officials are advised not to penalize drivers using the delisted ELDs under 395.8(a)(1) – “No record of duty status” or 395.22(a) – “Failing to use a registered ELD.” Instead, officials should ask drivers to provide paper logs, logging software, or use the ELD’s display as a backup to verify hours of service data.

Starting October 14, 2024, motor carriers that continue to use the delisted devices will be deemed as operating without a compliant ELD. If a driver is found using one of these devices on or after this date, safety officials are instructed to issue a citation under 395.8(a)(1) and place the driver out-of-service (OOS) according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s OOS Criteria.

FMCSA strongly advises motor carriers to take these steps promptly to avoid any compliance issues should the device providers fail to address the deficiencies.

“Driver Inc” Model Criticized by Exploited Truck Drivers

By
sophie
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0

The “Driver Inc.” model, an incorporated driver scheme, is a billion-dollar scam that exploits vulnerable truck drivers and compromises public safety. While this model provides significant financial benefits for certain transport companies, it raises serious concerns regarding safety and training. Incorporated drivers often receive less protection and training compared to regular employees, significantly increasing risks for both the drivers themselves and the public.

Between 2011 and 2021, the number of independent drivers in the Greater Toronto Area increased by 172%. The majority of these workers are immigrants, accounting for 72% of the workforce. These drivers take substantial financial risks without fully understanding the implications of their status. For instance, Arshdeep Singh, a driver in Brampton, had to personally cover costly repairs to his truck. His employer refused to pay for these essential safety-related expenses, exploiting Singh’s incorporated status to evade responsibility, even though the truck is part of the employer’s fleet.

The exploitation extends beyond unpaid wages. Audits by the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board reveal that many trucking companies underreport their drivers’ earnings to avoid employment-related costs. They falsely classify their drivers as independent contractors, thus reducing their overheads. An analysis by the Ontario Trucking Association indicates that 90% of these companies have poor safety records and exhibit other signs of non-compliance, such as high collision rates and safety violations.

Ten Brampton-based trucking companies collectively owe over $200,000 in unpaid wages. Despite numerous recorded accidents, these companies have had very few injury compensation claims accepted by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board between 2012 and 2020.

The Ontario Trucking Association emphasizes that these data clearly show a connection between employee misclassification and safety issues. Misclassified drivers may not receive coverage in the event of an injury following an accident. Singh believes that the industry’s growing reliance on vulnerable workers is a significant factor. Immigrants and international students, often less aware of their rights, are exploited by employers who take advantage of their lack of knowledge.

The “Driver Inc.” model not only represents a blatant exploitation of workers, but it also endangers public safety by neglecting proper training and safe working conditions. This negligence can have severe consequences not only for the drivers themselves but also for other road users, pedestrians, and public infrastructure. Accidents involving trucks can result in significant damage and loss of life, highlighting the dangers of this employment model.

Implementing measures to ensure equity and social justice for all trucking workers in Canada is essential. Let’s stop Driver Inc now!

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Son of a Truck Driver Urges Vigilance in the Workplace

By
sophie
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0

In light of a troubling rise in worker fatalities in recent months, the son of a 53-year-old truck driver who tragically lost his life in Bas-Saint-Laurent this past June is issuing a critical call for heightened vigilance among all professionals. Guy Nadeau, whose father, Dany Nadeau, died on June 3 in Saint-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska, Quebec, emphasizes the urgent need to exercise greater caution and to take the necessary time to prevent such devastating incidents.

Guy Nadeau also highlights that one of his friends narrowly escaped a similar accident recently, further underscoring the importance of risk awareness and preventive measures in the workplace. He believes these incidents clearly demonstrate that safety must be the highest priority across all professions, without exception.

On the day the tragedy occurred, Dany Nadeau, a truck driver from Rivière-Bleue in Témiscouata, was near his truck at a sawmill on Route du Moulin when he was struck twice by a moving loader. According to gathered reports, it is possible that he was securing his load when the loader’s operator, whose visibility may have been compromised, accidentally hit him, running over his body and causing his death.

The incident, currently under investigation by the CNESST, highlights the real dangers faced by workers. Guy Nadeau stresses that working should not mean putting one’s life at risk and insists on the importance of refusing any task deemed dangerous or for which one lacks the necessary skills. The loss of his father—a grandfather to seven young grandchildren and a man described as extremely cautious—emphasizes the critical need to strengthen safety measures to protect workers and prevent other families from enduring such a tragedy.

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