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June 2020
Stay healthy, stay safe!
KEYSTONE WESTERN INC. CELEBRATES 30 YEARS STAYING STRONG FOR THE LONG HAUL
Keep this magazine in your truck...you never know when you’ll need it! /OverTheRoadMagazine
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To all professional drivers, we say THANK YOU Transam Carriers appreciates proffesional drivers and all essential workers for your dedicated service. We are especially thankful to all our remarkable drivers who work the frontline being ambassadors of our company. We wish you and your families the very best and hope you remain safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested working in our company as a COMPANY DRIVER A-Z or OWNER OPERATOR A-Z, D-Z, please, contact us today.
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James Taylor: 416-907-8101 x5 Toll-Free: 877-907-8101 Address: 205 Doney Crescent, Concord, ON L4K 1P6 Email: hr@transamcarriers.com 2 www.transamcarriers.com • OVER THE ROAD
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HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL June 2020
June 2020
JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 3
18 Parkglen Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K2G 3G9 1.800.416.8712 • 613.224.9947 Fax: 613.224.8825 Email: otr@otrgroup.ca 1189694 Ontario Ltd. C.O.B. as Over The Road
www.overtheroad.ca Publisher Peter Charboneau
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All advertisements, and/or editorials are accepted and published by Over the Road on the representation that the advertiser, its advertising company, and/ or the supplier of the editorials are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser, its advertising company, and/or the supplier of the editorials will defend, indemnify and hold Over the Road harmless from and against any loss, expense or other liability resulting from any claims or suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or suits that may rise out of publication of such advertisement and/ or editorials. Press releases are expressly covered within the definition of editorials.
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MEMORY
OF
LOUIE TOLAINI On Sunday, April 19th, Louie Tolaini passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. Louie was a true visionary; a legend in the transportation industry and living proof that when you integrate a dream with vision and unequaled passion, anything is possible. When Louie came to Canada, he washed dishes, worked the oil fields and saved enough money to buy his first truck. Through hard work, courage, and incredible passion, he founded the TransX Group of Companies and grew it into one of the largest and most respected transportation and logistics companies in North America. That same passion and vision saw Louie realize further success in the wine business, building a world class winery in Tuscany that produces award winning wine. Even with all his success, Louie remained humble, he always asked himself “how can I do better?”, and he demanded the same of those around him. Louie was incredibly proud of his family and the people at TransX who worked hard to help him realize his vision.
Rest 4 • OVER THE ROAD
in
Peace
Lo u ie June 2020
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Light Speed Logistics achieves Platinum Status in Industry Best Practices of Safety Management with Northbridge Insurance
LIGHT SPEED HAS YOU COVERED Steve Hunt O 905.696.0700 x7224 C 905.229.9011 E shunt@lslinc.com L5T 1S8
60152020 Kestrel Road, Mississauga, ONTARIO June
www.lslinc.com
JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 5
MAKING YOUR MILES COUNT Robert D. Scheper
The Temporary Great Depression History has a habit of repeating itself… not necessarily in exact form but certainly in similar sequences. During the great depression when liquidity was tight, people held onto their cash. They did not invest; they were super cautious. Today, as we have come into this lightning-fast depression that was brought on by COVID-19, people are hanging onto their cash. They are not investing in trailers, trucks, or any upgrade of equipment. When people do not know the future, they protect what they have. This is simple human nature. The problem will be, how long will they hold on? The answer cannot be found in charts and graphs. It will be found in the collective hearts, minds, and faith in our country’s financial future. Those sequences are generally difficult to chart and graph. Last month I wrote about the four government programs available for the Canadian Trucking Industry. All incorporated Operators should qualify for the Temporary Wage Subsidy (to a maximum of $1,375 per employee) and many will qualify for CEBA (Canadian Emergency Business Account or $40,000 loan with up to 25% forgivable). Some, who have been laid off completely will benefit from the CERB (Canadian Emergency Relief 6 • OVER THE ROAD
Benefit: $2000 per month). However, the Emergency Wage Subsidy (75% wage subsidy) is a much trickier program to qualify for and navigate. The Emergency Wage Subsidy requires proof that the company has suffered a 30% drop in revenue (first qualification). However, if a company applies for the 75% subsidy the rule is that the employees must be retained at work. So, you often have people fully employed with reduced productivity. This revenue drop may (for some) be difficult to ‘prove’ month over month. We have a few clients who have proceeded with applying for the CEWS. We have made sure that each client understands we cannot guarantee its post-audit acceptance. It was just recently announced that the CEWS has been extended until August 29th. Moving the goalposts may be a response to economic projections. However, changes in assistance will also change people’s expectations of the future as well. Too much assistance will prolong people’s need to hoard cash. It is a wicked, double-edged sword that has no perfect answer. It is a dance with imperfection. No matter what is done, it can be promoted as wrong or unjust.
June 2020
I have worked with CRA for well over 30 years now (I was four when I started…). The difficulty is that CRA has often moved the goalposts in the middle of a game and that was with legislation that has precedent in its application. The CEWS is new; it will be interpreted ‘differently’ from one region to another and between one auditor to another. Interpretation is only one difficulty. There is also the sheer volume of the number of applicants for assistance. There could be more than half a million CEBA loans itself. How does CRA audit that volume? The simple answer is, they cannot… they will end up doing their best in a severe situation. Many who need it may be scrutinized while others who profit will go undetected. It is not that CRA is corrupt, it is that the volume is just too high… it is an impossible task. Being involved with the government as much as I have in my life, I would just like to affirm that most government employees are fine people who are just doing their job. They go home to their family at the end of the day and hope their work has made society better. We must not turn bitter. We must accept that things will turn out differently for some regions, industries and even individuals. Unusual circumstances are contagious, and they breed unusual results.
in turn, demonstrate patience. Freedom does come with a responsibility to make our positions known but we must express it as a Canadian, with respect. The best attitude to have during these times is dependence on yourself rather than a dependence on Government. Coming out of COVID-19 successfully will be determined by our collective individual actions rather than the aggregate of government interventions and responses. The future of our country is (and should be) in the hands of its citizens, not the government. Holding onto your cash is a good idea… though it may have recessionary effects on the national economy. But it is our best response for the times we are in. In any free market economy, individuals will (and should always) operate in the best interests of themselves first… not the country or stock market. About the Author: Robert D. Scheper is a leading Accountant and Consultant to the Lease/Owner operator industry in Canada. His first book in the Making Your Miles Count series “taxes, taxes, taxes” was released in 2007. His firm exclusively serves Lease/Owner Operators across Canada. His second book “Choosing a Trucking company” is the most in-depth analysis of the operator industry available today. He has a Master’s degree (MBA) in financial management and has been serving the industry since he and his wife came off the road in 1993. His dedication, commitment and strong opinions can be read and heard in many articles and seminars.
Having a deep sense of independence from any government is, and will always be, healthy. Knowing that there is no government body that is perfect (or even close) is critical to society’s happiness. We must have faith that they are trying as best as they can and June 2020
You can find him at www.making yourmilescount.com or 1-877-987-9787.
JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 7
NOW HIRING AZ DRIVERS & OWNER OPERATORS 1-800-265-8789
www.travelers.ca
Great work/home life balance Small family environment Pet/Passenger Program Health Dental Benefits Day 1 EZ Pass/Bridge cards/ Scanners in Truck
Over 7 Locations: Brampton* Midland* Wallaceburg* Prescott* Fergus* Hamilton* Carignan PQ A CANADIAN CARRIER SINCE 1985
8 • OVER THE ROAD
June 2020
THE BEST IS THE LEAST WE CAN DO
IT’S TIME TO MAKE YOUR MOVE!
Driver planned home time | Full load dry van – No touch Freight Steady year-round miles | Group benefits and pension plan | Paid weekly Mostly warehouse and industrial area deliveries in US CTpat and FAST approved Carrier and Loads
F E AT U R E D M I L L I O N M I L E D R I V E R
I started in 1996 as a company driver for 7 years and have now been a broker for 15 years. I have two million safe miles. Ayr offers great miles, plus I’m a numbers guys, the pay is actually one of the best in the industry. Enrico Michaud, Truck #950
HIRING RECRUITING DEPARTMENT
June 2020
DARTMOUTH Yard MONCTON Yard
WOODSTOCK Head Office DORVAL Yard
BRAMPTON Terminal WINNIPEG Terminal
1-800-668-0099 | ayr.recruiting@ayrmotor.com
ayrmotor.ca
JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 9
SAFETY DAWG Chris Harris
What Is the Future of Trucking? How will COVID-19 affect trucking and truck drivers over the long term? This is a deep subject and before I get into it, I want to offer a huge thank you to all truck drivers and all the frontline workers! What is trucking going to look like six months from now? Or in 12 months? A fascinating question and as I am writing this article, the COVID-19 restrictions are just starting to be lifted throughout the country. Stores are beginning to open and golf courses too… yes, golf is back. These are a few indications that life is returning to normal. But what is in store for trucking? I see many struggles ahead for trucking companies. Last April (2019), trucking companies ordered 15,000 new trailers. This year, they ordered 300 — and the record low is a chilling sign for the consumer economy (info source is FTR). If trucking companies are ordering less equipment, it shows that they forecast that retailers and manufacturers will need to move fewer goods in the coming months. Before the pandemic, freight rates were not healthy. And during the pandemic crisis, freight rates crashed as trucking company owners tried to keep their doors open and keep their trucks moving.
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They did this by lowering their prices as a reaction to the demand for vehicles & freight rates plunged into what seemed to be a bottomless pit. The freight that was available allowed the shippers to take advantage of the low rates. One conclusion from this is if the trucking company that you are working for was not healthy before this pandemic, what hope does it have coming out of this crisis? Will your company survive? I know that here in Canada, there are many government incentives and loans to help struggling companies get through this. But if trucking companies were not in a strong financial position before this situation that has weakened every company, then how are companies going to survive? I suspect that many trucking companies are going to fail. Companies that were not well managed with good financials may not make it through. So as a driver, watch for the signs. You do not want to be owed large sums of money if your company goes under. How are the Owner Operator’s doing throughout these unusual circumstances? I think that depends on the company that the Owner Operator is contracted to. Is it 100% Owner Operator? If it is, then you are likely better off than working
June 2020
Yup, I think that you are in for a raise. But we must get through this crisis first. It may get worse before it gets better, with our political leaders telling us a second wave will hit us in September, but ultimately, it will get better and I for one, think very much better. I am convinced that it will be fun again to be a truck driver and a trucking company owner. That light at the end of the tunnel is bright, healthy, and exciting. We all must just tighten our belts and get there.
for a company with a mix of company trucks and Owner Operator units. This is because, in most cases, the company tries to keep the company trucks moving first and then looks to the Owner Operator to pick up the rest. In many of these hybrid organizations, this is a matter of survival. They do what is right for the company and unfortunately, let the Owner Operator suffer. I have long believed that an Owner Operator is better off working for companies that are 100% Owner Operator and not hybrid organizations.
What should you do in the meantime because of this new normal? Wash your hands; sanitize your cab; wear a face mask when you cannot socially distance and wear disposable gloves when you must deal with high touch surfaces. Watch for signs that your company is in trouble and if symptoms appear, then weigh your options. Some companies are still recruiting drivers and Owner Operators throughout this situation, all the companies featured here in Over the Road are currently hiring so take a look. And be ready for change because change might be just around the next curve.
The same word of caution goes out to the Owner Operators. Do not let payments due to you from the company fall behind. You need to stay on top of this and if money is due to you and not being paid promptly, then perhaps it is time to park the truck. What will happen to company drivers in the next six months? Almost everything said above applies to you too. The situation is dire for many companies. Watch for signs that your company is struggling more than others. Fuel cards being declined is often one of the first signals that your company is in trouble.
In the meantime, drive safe, stay healthy and remember the handshake is dead.
Well, so far this has been a morbid and depressing article. But as always in life, there is light at the end of this dark tunnel. I do believe that we are in for a period of struggle wherein the weak companies will not survive. BUT trucking is an “essential” service and it will rebound… long term, we are in for a trucking boom. Due to the shrinking trucking capacity, freight rates will go up and drivers will get raises.
June 2020
Chris Harris Top Dawg, Safety Dawg Inc. 905-973-7056 chris@safetydawg.com @safety_dawg (twitter)
JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 11
FLATBED DRIVERS WANTED FLATBED COMPANY DRIVERS US LONG HAUL $1000 SIGN ON BONUS
· 55 cents + per mile · Dedicated Trucks / Lease to Own · Weekly Direct Deposit · No Holdback · Benefits Day 1 · PAID: Layovers / Tarping / Rack kit build up or tear down / Extra drops and picks / Vacations / Statutory Holidays
bezco.ca 30+ Years Specialized Flatbed & Stepdeck Services Jan Bicz P 519-752-4999 E jan@bezco.ca
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12 • OVER THE ROAD
Great Pay Package All Miles Paid Weekly Permits/Tolls/Heavy Tax Paid General Insurance Paid Fuel Cards & Border Cards Pick Up & Delivery $50 Flexible Fuel Surcharge
June 2020
6 WAYS
You Could Be Saving More Money In Your Business... Maximize Your Training Program with Infinit-i Workforce Infinit-i Workforce was designed to inspire and create behavioural changes in your truck drivers and other employees responsible for the day-to-day operations of your trucking company. Infinit-i Workforce not only gives you access to over 800 training videos, but it also provides the best online training, tracking, reporting, and online driver communication platform in the industry.
1 Streamlined Orientations The average savings for a company who is able to eliminate one day of time a driver spends in orientation by using Infinit-i Workforce, including getting the driver on the road one day sooner, equates to $1008 per driver hired.
2 Improved Fuel MPGs By completing the 26 fuel efficiency videos in the Infinit-i LIbrary, Infinit-i Workforce clients have reported increased fleet MPGs by as much as five percent.
3 Instant Corrective Action Training When a driver receives a violation, or is involved in an accident, it is imperative the driver undergoes corrective action training before they get back on the road. Infinit-i Workforce enables you to assign corrective action training immediately following any driver infraction, getting your drivers back on the road sooner.
866-904-5087 June 2020
4 Improved Driver Retention According to a recent study, 40% of employees who receive poor job training leave their positions within the first year. With the average cost to hire one new driver at $8,234, improving driver retention rates with ongoing training can substantially improve your bottom line.
5 Decreased CSA Violations CSA violations mean costly fines for your business. A 2014 study found 76.3% of violations should have been discovered during drivers’ pre-trip inspections. Infinit-i Workforce offers short training videos keeping your drivers aware of possible CSA Violations and best practices for pre-trip inspections.
6 Decreased Frequency & Severity Insurance rates are directly tied to the frequency and severity of accidents companies have in a given five-year period. Ongoing training with Infinit-i Workforce has been shown to help decrease frequency and severity of accidents.
www.InfinitiWorkforce.com
JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 13
Index AYR Motor Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Keystone Western . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Bezco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Light Speed Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chris Harris – Safety Dawg Inc. . . . . . . . 10,11
Robert Scheper Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,7
CNTL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
TRANSAM Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Drive Star . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
TransWest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Genesis Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Travelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
In Memoriam – Louis Tolaini . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Truckdriver.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Infinit-i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
14 • OVER THE ROAD
June 2020
WHERE WOULD YOU RATHER SLEEP?
WE SPECIALIZE IN DELIVERING NEW AND USED TRUCKS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA. If you’re AZ (CLASS 1) OR DZ (CLASS 3); looking for an exciting career; where you will be PAID WELL SLEEPING IN HOTEL ROOMS DRIVING VARIOUS TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
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JOBS FOR TRUCKERS • 15 1-855-781-3787 recruiting@drivestardelivers.com
June 2020
CNTL HAS OPENINGS FOR TRUCK OWNER OPERATORS IN
Moncton, Montreal and Quebec City
If you are an Experienced, Safe, Owner Operator, now is the time to look at CNTL! CNTL is CN’s Trucking Subsidiary, the continuing growth of Intermodal freight means we always have the moves available that meet or exceed your revenue objectives. Keep more of your earnings with your fuel price capped at 35 cents per litre. Take advantage of our Tire, Bunk and Engine Heater programs, and Group Truck Insurance.
Ask about our Safety Bonus, and Safety Awards!
If you would like to talk about joining our team please contact us Email cntljobs@cn.ca Fax 1-866-803-2702 16 • OVER THE ROAD
CNTL.ca
June 2020