Over the Road April 2023

Why us?

At Transam Carriers, we believe that success is not achieved without professional human attitudes. We are proud of providing some of the most flexible work options in the industry for an optimum work-life balance. All of these, in conjunction with new equipment, modern technologies, in-house truck shop, and cross-dock facility, make Transam an exceptional workplace that we call here our second home.

• COMPANY DRIVERS A-Z

• OWNER OPERATORS A-Z, D-Z

• DISPATCHER • LOCAL DISPATCHER

• DISPATCH ASSISTANT

• DATA ENTRY/CUSTOMS СLERK

• MECHANIC

us today!

1189694

Ontario Ltd. C.O.B. as Over The Road

Publisher Peter Charboneau

peter@otrgroup.ca

Director of Operations & Editor-in-Chief

Cathryn Charboneau cathryn@otrgroup.ca

Account Executive Luke Zentil luke@otrgroup.ca

Account Executive Earle Madden earle@otrgroup.ca

Graphic Design & Advertising

lennykuiper.com

lennykuiper@gmail.com

Controller Estela Navarrete estela@otrgroup.ca

Office Manager Mary Charboneau mary@otrgroup.ca

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.

Keep Your Company Moving With Online Training

During this time of crisis, we need to ensure two things continue to happen:

● Continued transportation of vital goods and necessary food items.

● Open communication with drivers, dispatchers, and other employees.

COMPLIMENTARY TRIAL ACCESS WITH ONLINE TRAINING

We are offering 30-day complimentary access to our system to assist companies in maintaining driver safety training, including tracking and reporting. The Coronavirus pandemic has proven the critical need to Limit face-to-face interaction between employees. But how can your company encourage remote work and still bring on new drivers safely and effectively? How can you keep your drivers up to speed on safety content that would traditionally be covered in safety meetings?

Remote online training allows you to do both:

● Ensures participation and comprehension

● Consistently delivers important elements of your orientation

● Quickly gets your trucks moving safely

● Saves time, resources and money

● Simple to implement quickly and with very little effort on your part

There are no shortcuts when it comes to consistency and quality Infinit-I Workforce Solutions offers a communication and learning management system that allows you to simplify orientation through remote, online training. Spread Coronavirus awareness by distributing messages and policies from your company to your entire fleet.

to increase the Take advantage of our 30-day Complimentary Trial efficiency of your orientation. Keep your company moving!

For additional Coronavirus resources for Trucking & Logistics, visit https://www.infinitiworkforce.com/ppc/comp-access-cn-2/

www.infinitiworkforce.com

“Amazing support staff.”

Robert D. Scheper

What Options Are There for Medical Bills in Canada?

Just because Canada has a single-payer healthcare system doesn’t mean there are no medical expenses. There are several things that are left to the Canadian Taxpayer to pay: dental, optical, medication, chiropractic, and counselling… just to name a few. Though these are not paid by the government, they can be offset by methods in the insurance and tax industries.

There are three basic methods to deal with medical and health costs in Canada. The first is the medical expense field in the personal income tax form. Listing each cost individually on the form and providing the original receipt will generate a non-refundable tax credit. The question is, what ROI (return on investment) is there on those receipts? Is it worth keeping them? If so, how much?

The answer to these questions is complex. I ran 162 different situations through the tax program. The situations ranged from an annual income of $12K to $100K and medical expenses from $100 to $15,000. There isn’t ONE conclusion. There are many various RANGES, restrictions and ‘caps’ to the credits produced. It’s the most bizarre thing to try to explain in written words. Generally, with income above $35K, receipts less than $2000 produce credits ranging from zero to minimal (2% ROI). The HIGHEST return is with receipts at $5K and income at $25K (43% ROI) and with receipts totalling LESS than $5K, it drops FAST, down to 12% at $1K while receipts totalling HIGHER than $5K ROI will also DROP down to 26%.

There is another GENERAL observation about income versus medical receipts. The more you make, the less the ROI on medical receipts. The general rule is, anything over a $50K taxable income (which most all truck drivers fall into) will produce a ROI LESS than the income tax rate paid at that level. So, in trucker language, on average, medical receipts in your personal income tax produces a moderate but unimpressive refund. There are several slide rulers operating at the same time in this minefield.

The second method to deal with medical and health costs is group insurance. Probably the most popular method used due to a general understanding that your medical bills are ‘covered’ by these policies. Though true in some forms, as an accountant I always look at the ROI (return on Investment). Adding up your monthly contributions, what is your total benefit received (receipts/invoices paid)? If you paid $2400 per year into a plan and only receive coverage of $1800, you have a negative ROI (and should have probably selfensured). However, if you received coverage of $3800, you have a 58% ROI. The problem with all insurance is that we usually don’t know what we will use. If you are young, your needs will usually be very little compared to a senior with a family. So, in the end it’s a very personal choice; a personal rolling of the dice. Do you ‘self-ensure’, or do you group plan your medical expenses? It’s a very individual choice. If you have a 3–6-month emergency fund, it may be better (but not always) for young to middle-aged people to self-insure.

The third and final method is Medical Trusts. There are only about a half dozen Medical Trust Companies in Canada and the method used is not very well known. It is a system only used by a small fraction of citizens (usually the wealthy). However, it is the BEST or most consistent return for ALL ranges of income (the higher the income, the higher the ROI). The return will average about 3-8% LESS than your tax rate. If you own your own corporation and are employed by it, here is how it works: Pay your medical bill with your own aftertax money, hand in your invoice to your corporation and then send in a check (to the Medical Trust Company) for the amount of the receipt (with the receipt) and the appropriate administration fee charged/required by the Medical Trust Company (ranging from 5-15%). The Medical Trust Company will then process the check and refund the medical receipt to YOU (the employee) as a non-taxable benefit. The corporation can then use the medical expense (plus administration cost) as a 100% tax deduction (less those precious GST/HST credits). This converts an after-tax personal expense into a non-taxable benefit. It’s sweet… except (of course) you must pay the invoice 2.1x before you get the second payment back as a refund (basically from your own corporation).

When someone chooses to use the personal income tax method, they should realize that the medical expense portion of the income tax return is one of the most highly audited portions in the entire income tax return (especially if they are a higher-than-normal percentage of your income). Auditors can and will use their discretion as to what is an acceptable medical expense and what is NOT acceptable.

When someone uses Medical Trusts, the ‘acceptance’ of expenses is up to the Medical Trust Company. In general terms, it would be

very safe to conclude that Medical Trusts are much more accepting of expenses than is CRA. Though acceptance varies from Trust to Trust, it would be in your best interest to interview various Trusts and verify what they allow and what they do not, as well as what their administration rate is and (if applicable) what is their sign-up fee (not all trusts have sign up fees). One of the best advantages of this system is… you only have costs when you use the system. If you have no medical expenses one year… you have no costs. Period.

As an Independent Operator, if you can expense medical costs through your corporation, it will only reduce your taxes further. Though the tax benefit is nice, it still does not compare to the non-taxable benefit described in my first book “Taxes, Taxes, Taxes”. Check it out if you want to reduce your taxes by $12K per year.

Watch Making Your Miles Count Podcasts on our website… the leading industry site for becoming a successful operator.

About the Author:

Robert D. Scheper is a leading Accountant and Consultant exclusively serving 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 second book “Choosing a Trucking company” is the most in-depth analysis of the independent operator industry 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. You can find him at www.makingyourmilescount.com or 1-877-987-9787.

OWNER OPERATORS REQUIRED FOR U.S. RUNS

WHAT WE OFFER AND WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM

Competitive rate of $1.70 per mile loaded or empty

Pickups and drops paid at $40.00 each with the 1st being free

Paid fuel surcharge, currently $0.39 cents per mile as of March 05, 2023

Runs to Miami, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Detroit & Montreal

We pay insurance, plates, and tolls

We supply satellite system with E-log and Co-Pilot GPS

Weekend & Statutory Holiday Premiums

Up to $7500.00 Sign-On Bonus paid out over 12 months (conditions apply)

Annual Safety Bonus of $1500.00

Paid weekly by Direct Deposit

Option to partake in Group Benefits

No start-up costs, No paint code required

Average of 10,000 miles per month

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

AZ license with a clean abstract & CVOR

Criminal search

Must be fully vaccinated

Must have a minimum of 1 year verifiable over the road and cross border experience

Fast card or ability to obtain one

CONTACT RECRUITING

1-800-387-7717

recruitment@atlantisairlink.com

FUEL SURCHARGE ADJUSTED WEEKLY

A MISSISSAUGA-BASED CARRIER

COMPANY DRIVERS REQUIRED FOR U.S. RUNS

WHAT WE OFFER AND WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM

Competitive rate of $0.66 per mile loaded or empty, with increases on Jan 01,24 & Jan 01, 25

Pickups and drops paid at $30.00 each with the 1st being free

Paid Statutory Holiday Premiums

Paid layover and detention where applicable

Paid earned vacation

Up to $3500.00 Sign-On Bonus paid out over 12 months (conditions apply)

Paid weekly by Direct Deposit

Group Benefits and Pension plan

Annual Safety Bonus

Runs to Miami, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Detroit & Montreal

New automatic trucks

We supply satellite system with E-log and Co-Pilot GPS

Average of 10,000 miles per month

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

AZ license with a clean abstract & CVOR

Criminal search

Must be fully vaccinated

Must have a minimum of 1 year verifiable over the road and cross border experience Fast card or ability to obtain one

No independent contractors / Drivers Inc need apply CONTACT

1-800-387-7717

recruitment@atlantisairlink.com

SAFETY DAWG Chris Harris

International RoadCheck & ABS Brakes

This month’s article is about an important event scheduled each year in May –International RoadCheck. Why consider this in April? ABS brakes are important for safe driving, especially for trucks that have a lot of cargo and weigh many tons. This year the CVSA RoadCheck will be held on May 16 to 18 so be sure to check your truck’s ABS brakes today and every day. Here are some tips to assist you.

But first, let’s start with what and why we have International RoadCheck. International RoadCheck is a three-day event that always takes place in May. https://www.cvsa.org/ programs/international-roadcheck/. It’s an opportunity for law enforcement officers from all over North America to perform targeted inspections and then share the results publicly. The purpose of International RoadCheck is to improve road safety by making sure that trucks on the road are safe. In this way, they are protecting both the driver and the motoring public that share the roads with trucks.

What to know about this year’s International RoadCheck.

There are two focus items this year: They are Cargo Securement and ABS Brakes .

Today’s article will talk about how to check your ABS system.

The first step is to locate the yellow ABS light on the dashboard of your truck. When you turn on the ignition of your truck the proper function of the ABS yellow light is to cycle on - then off. Simply, that means that when you start the truck, the yellow light comes on for a few seconds and then turns off again. This is what should happen. This indicates that the ABS system is working correctly.

If the light fails to come on, then there may be a fault in the system, or the light has burned out. Either way, the system now needs to be checked by a qualified technician.

If the light comes on when you turn on your truck and does not go out after a few seconds, there is very likely a fault in the ABS system and again, the unit must be checked by a qualified technician.

If you are already hooked to a trailer, then the system when starting the truck also checks the trailer’s ABS system. The above remark about the Yellow ABS light still applies.

If you have started your truck and you are now hooking up to the trailer, when you plug in the electrical cord, you need to look down the side of the trailer. Near the very rear of the trailer, there is a yellow ABS light. It should function the same as the yellow ABS light on your dashboard. This means that when you plug in the electrical cord, the trailer’s yellow ABS light should cycle on and off. If the ABS light on the trailer does turn on and then goes off, this tells you that the ABS system is likely

functioning correctly. If the light fails to come on or if the light comes on and then stays on, this indicates a fault in the system.

Some more about the benefits of International RoadCheck. It is a time-tested program that helps keep the roads safe by identifying issues with vehicles, drivers and other factors that could lead to crashes. The results of International RoadCheck are used by provinces, states, and local agencies across North America to improve their safety programs. International RoadCheck is also an opportunity for you as a driver to learn about your vehicle’s condition and how it may affect your ability on the road. You can use this information when scheduling maintenance or repairs before any problems arise.

What to Expect During International RoadCheck

You’re probably wondering what to expect during International RoadCheck. Well, I’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick rundown of what will happen:

> Inspectors will be out in force looking for violations that could affect your safety on the road. They’ll be checking everything from your tires and lights to your seatbelts and mirrors.

> If inspectors find something wrong with your vehicle during their inspection, they can issue a violation ticket or a warning letter depending on the severity of the problem found.

> Remember that the emphasis for this year’s blitz is ABS brakes and Cargo Securement.

Tips for a Smooth International RoadCheck

There are a few things you can do to ensure that your vehicle passes International RoadCheck and is ready for the road:

> Make sure all lights and turn signals work properly.

> Check tire pressure, tread depth, and the wear pattern on all tires (including spare).

> Double-check your load securement

> Watch your yellow ABS lamps closely, making sure that they don’t indicate a defect or malfunction with your ABS braking system.

International Roadcheck is an important event that occurs every year. It’s a chance for you to get your vehicle checked out by the experts.

If you’re planning to be on the road May 16 to 18, 2023 make sure that your truck is ready by checking all its systems and making sure everything works as intended. Also, make sure that there aren’t any leaks or issues with any of the tires; these things could cause problems during International RoadCheck if they aren’t fixed beforehand! You have plenty of time to get ready for this annual event. But please don’t fix these items just because of this event - these are things that you should keep in mind at all times!

Stay safe.

Chris Harris Top Dawg, Safety Dawg Inc. 905-973-7056

chris@safetydawg.com @safety_dawg

(twitter)

SEARCHING FOR A TRUCK DRIVING JOB BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO LOOK?

Get into a job you enjoy by searching through hundreds of driving jobs across Canada and the US!

Drivers and Owner Operators, apply to leading trucking companies in minutes!

It is absolutely FREE, easy and simple to use. Check it out today!

Ellen Voie

Using Technology to Promote Gender Diversity in the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry has traditionally been male-dominated, with women making up a small percentage of truck drivers and other industry professionals. However, technology is helping to break down barriers and create new opportunities for women in the trucking industry.

Safety Technology

Safety Technology is one of the most significant areas of innovation in the trucking industry. Advanced safety features such as collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control are becoming increasingly common in modern trucks. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.

The American Transportation Safety Institute found that male commercial drivers are twenty percent more likely to be involved in a crash than their female counterparts. This is true for every statistically significant area including intersections, night driving and around curves. Women are more risk-averse, and safety is a high priority for female truck drivers.

GPS Tracking

GPS tracking is another technology that is transforming the trucking industry. GPS technology allows trucking companies to track the location of their trucks in real time, providing accurate information about the delivery status and estimated arrival time. This information is invaluable for fleet management and can help to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

For women, GPS tracking can be particularly helpful in improving safety. GPS technology allows trucking companies to monitor the location of their drivers, making it easier to locate them in case of an emergency. It also enables drivers to navigate unfamiliar routes with confidence, reducing the risk of getting lost or stranded.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are now mandatory for all truck drivers. These devices are designed to record driving hours and ensure compliance with federal regulations. They also provide a wealth of data about driver behaviour such as speeding and hard braking, which can be used to improve safety and efficiency.

For women, ELDs can be beneficial in several ways. First, they provide a transparent record of driving hours, which can help to ensure fair pay and prevent overwork. Second, ELDs can help to prevent fatigue-related accidents by monitoring driver behaviour and alerting drivers when they need to take a break.

Online Training Programs

Online training programs are becoming increasingly popular in the trucking industry. These programs provide drivers with access to training and certification courses from anywhere with an internet connection. Online training programs can be especially helpful for women who may have other responsibilities or commitments that make attending inperson training difficult.

Online training programs can also help to reduce the gender gap in the trucking industry by providing women with access to the same training and certification opportunities as men. This can help to level the playing field and create new opportunities for women in the industry.

Trucking Apps

There are now many trucking apps available that are designed to make life on the road easier for truck drivers. These apps can help with everything from finding rest stops and parking to managing routes and expenses. They can also provide valuable information about weather, traffic, and road conditions, making it easier for drivers to plan their journeys.

For women, trucking apps can be particularly beneficial in improving safety and comfort on the road. For example, some apps offer real-time alerts about potential hazards, such as severe weather or road closures. Other apps provide information about the availability of women-only restrooms and other amenities that can help to make life on the road more comfortable. We embrace the way technology is transforming the trucking industry in many ways, making it safer, more efficient, and more accessible for women. Advanced safety features, GPS tracking, electronic logging devices, online training programs and trucking apps are just a few of the technologies that are helping to break down barriers and create new opportunities for women in the industry.

This was written using technology with the assistance of the AI platform ChatGPT.

Ellen Voie President/CEO/Founder of Women In Trucking, Inc.

ellen@womenintrucking.org www.womenintrucking.org

Mission: Women In Trucking was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry.

Networking. Support. Empowerment.