REDEFINING AN INDUSTRY

We are living in unprecedented times with unprecedented challenges for the transport industry. Even under normal operating conditions, it’s something that private truck fleets, for-hire motor carriers. trailer rental companies and manufacturers have to address. What we’re talking about is the need to provide the industry with a way to leverage under-utilized trailers, as well as ways for excess trailer capacity to meet short-term rental needs, therefore, turning unused trailer capacity into revenue. Connecting unused trailers with companies in need of additional equipment, and trailers to be repositioned with companies looking to use trailers for a one-way segment is something the industry has been dreaming about for ages. Trucking companies, in fact, can operate as much as 25% annually with completely empty trailers. Combined with an industry average of a roughly 3:1 trailer-to-tractor ratio, that leaves a significant amount of trailer capacity unused and available at any given time. The key to solving that costly dilemma is exactly what vHub is offering to the North American transportation industry. The trailer repositioning and sharing marketplace connect trailer owners and rental and leasing operations with those needing to rent a trailer on a short-term basis. vHub is a perfect example of a collaborative strategy that is a win-win for all parties, notes Francis Roy, vice president. “The acceptance of community marketplaces is on the rise because users are understanding the true value of collaboration,” he says. “Like online marketplaces for arranging or offering lodging, we are using digital technologies to create a trailer sharing and repositioning community that brings value to all stakeholders on the platform. “We set out to provide the trucking industry with a safe and simple digital platform to fulfill its semi-trailer rental needs,” Roy adds. “The months ahead will be just as unpredictable for the trucking industry as the past few weeks have been. We believe a community of trailer owners and renters that generates revenue while reducing deadhead mileage and repositioning costs will be a huge benefit to the industry. Not just now during these unusual times, but always.” First launched in Canada in April 2019, in the metropolitan Montreal market the growing vHub community of over 100 owners has already registered more than 10,000 trailers and has booked more than 20,000 rental days of trailer usage. The vHub collaborative trailer repositioning and sharing marketplace is now available to U.S. transportation operations. vHub is on a mission to grow its community, to create a strong and diverse offering of trailers for rental and repositioning opportunities. The secure and simple-to-use marketplace generates revenue and cost savings by enabling the rental of empty or idle trailers.

vHub users can quickly and easily find trailers nearby, often in less than five minutes. By reducing trips with empty trailers, vHub also contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, road congestion, noise pollution, and wear and tear of roads. The online marketplace, which is available anytime and anywhere on a connected device, uses the most advanced security protocols. Confidentiality of information and transactions are protected by SSL encryption systems. Using the power of technology community to solve a problem Matches can be sorted by location, destination, trailer type, model, year, axel count and the number of rental days that a trailer is available. The collaborative marketplace showcases all trailers that are available for one-way and round-trip rentals. Users can offer or rent dry van, refrigerated/heated, flatbed and in future releases will be able to offer specialized equipment. Each trailer owner using vHub sets the trailer rates and manages detail on availability. vHub handles invoicing and revenue transfer payments for trailer owners. vHub can also integrate with telematics solutions to efficiently calculate distances traveled and automate billing. Drivers use the vHub inspector app to document the current trailer condition, by taking photos of damages prior to departure. This process also securely records pick up and drop off locations and times. The application can also function without an Internet connection, storing data for later retrieval. Although vHub is a young technology company, it brings to bear decades of experience and expertise in the trucking industry,

and the strength of a collaborative

financial services for new and used heavy vehicle equipment, and technological advances in collaborative marketplaces. Finloc 2000 Inc, the parent company of vHub, has been dedicated to the trucking industry for more than 40 years. For more information about vHub, visit www.vhubapp.com.

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Be Prepared Before Heading Out Onto The Roads This Winter

Winter in British Columbia can be beautiful — especially when a fresh layer of snow covers the ground. But winter also means increased safety risks when driving. Black ice, freezing temperatures, rain, snow, fog, and sudden weather changes are all hazards drivers must be prepared for. For those who drive for work, November, December, and January are the most dangerous months of the year. Almost 28 percent of all work-related crashes that result in injury and time-loss claims occur during these three months. Truck drivers are involved in almost one-third of these crashes. Good preparation is key to preventing crashes, injuries, damages, and delays. As a commercial driver, it’s important that you and your vehicle are prepared to face the elements before heading out onto the roads this winter.

Prepare yourself

• Check weather warnings and road conditions at drivebc.ca before you go to help you plan your route. Monitor current and forecasted conditions regularly by downloading weather apps or listening to updates on the radio, and adjust your route and schedule as needed. • If weather or road conditions are poor, decide if you really have to go or if you can cancel or delay the trip until conditions improve. If you must travel in winter weather, educate yourself on how to manage the risks and drive for those conditions. This includes knowing how to install chains and where along your route you can pull over to install them safely. • Leave yourself lots of time to get to your destination. Be prepared for delays. • Dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Prepare your vehicle

• Ensure you understand and follow the chain and winter tire requirements for your commercial vehicle. Trucks weighing between 5,000 kg and 11,794 kg LGVW must carry chains or acceptable traction devices, unless the vehicle is equipped with the proper winter-rated tires. Vehicles 11,794 kg LGVW and greater, such as tractor trailers, are required to carry steel chains on most major highways. For more details and information on what’s required for your vehicle, visit tranbc.ca. • Pay attention to the parts of your truck that are more likely to be affected by weather changes, such as wiper blades, the battery, the cooling system and hose condition, air dryers, fuel filters, and separation systems. Report any concerns to your supervisor. • Carry a winter safety kit. Recommended items for the kit include first aid supplies, non-perishable food, blankets, flares and matches, flashlight, and extra clothing and footwear.

While this advice may seem like “Safety 101” for most drivers, keep in mind that injuries can happen to even the most experienced workers. Following proper safety procedures and taking a little extra time will help keep you safe on the road this winter.

For more information

Find health and safety resources, including three safety videos, for commercial truck drivers at worksafebc.com/transportation or worksafebc.com/pa (Punjabi). Winter driving resources, including toolkits and templates, are also available at shiftintowinter.ca.