PM #40033055
Proudly
May 2014
BC Big Rig Weekend • July 5-6 • Chilliwack, BC Now with 70,000 sq. ft. of Indoor space Alberta Big Rig Weekend • Aug 16-17 • Red Deer, Alberta
B&W Insurance represents Hagerty Insurance, the global leader in providing specialty insurance for classic and collector cars. You are an avid car enthusiast. Your antique, hot rod, customized or classic car is unique
You are an avid car enthusiast. Your antique, hot rod, customized or classic car is unique and and requires unique coverage. At B&W our insurance experts understand the coverage and requires unique coverage. At B&W our insurance experts understand the coverage and features features you need to ensure your investment is protected. Representing all the different you need to ensure your investment is protected. Representing all the different insurance insurance companies that provide coverage for collector vehicles, B&W will arrange the companies that provide coverage for collector vehicles, B&W will arrange the coverage best coverage best suited to your needs. suited to your needs.
TYLER Stamnes Abbotsford 604-853-0077
JUDY Davidson Langley 604-530-9993
We’re experts in the Nuts & Bolts of Collector Car Insurance. Call Tyler or Judy to get the best policy for absolutely the BEST PRICE. ABBOTSFORD LANGLEY
CLOVERDALE
19825 Fraser Hwy. P 604-530-9993 F 604-530-6050
306-18690 Fraser Hwy. P 604-575-8454 F 604-575-8452
4-2054 Whatcom Road www.bwinsurance.com P 604-853-0077 F 604-853-0037
F L E E TWO O D
D E LT A / S U R R E Y
16007 Fraser Hwy. P 604-597-6555 F 604-597-7434
108-8434 120 Street P 604-591-7891 F 604-591-5438
TOLL FREE 1 866 866 9780 PAGE 2
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
From the Editor’s desk... VOLUME 16, ISSUE 4 PUBLISHER/EDITOR John White john.protrucker@shaw.ca PRODUCTION/CIRCULATION Tori Proudley tori.protrucker@shaw.ca ADMIN/SPECIAL EVENTS Donna White donna.protrucker@shaw.ca ADVERTISING/MARKETING John White john.protrucker@shaw.ca Tori Proudley tori.protrucker@shaw.ca CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dave Madill • Mel McConaghy Ben Proudley • Ken Davie • Scott Casey Ed Murdoch • Frank Cox • Colin Black PHOTOGRAPHY Hank Suderman • David Benjatschek HEAD OFFICE Ph: 604-580-2092 Fax: 604-580-2046 Toll Free: 1-800-331-8127 Published eleven times a year by Pro-Trucker Magazine Inc.,
The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent of the publisher. The advertiser agrees to protect the publisher against legal action based upon libelous or inaccurate statements; the unauthorized use of materials or photographs; and/or any other errors or omissions in connection with advertisements placed in Pro-Trucker Magazine. The publisher can and will refuse any advertising which in his opinion is misleading or in poor taste. The publisher does not endorse or make claim or guarantee the validity or accuracy of any advertisement herein contained. All materials submitted for publication are subject to editing at the publisher’s discretion. The act of mailing or e-mailing material shall be considered an expressed warranty by the contributor that the material is original and in no way an infringement on the rights of others. Pro-Trucker Magazine is written and produced in Surrey, B.C., and printed by Coastal Web Press Inc., Langley, B.C.
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40033055 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. 9693 129th Street. SURREY, B.C. V3T 3G3 Email: tori.protrucker@shaw.ca
PRO-TRUCKERMAGAZINE MAGAZINEe PRO-TRUCKER
The weather in across Canada runs the full gambit so it is little surprise that when speaking to someone in another part of the country the topic invariably will come up. As a young man I was bright enough but not smart enough to stay in school, so I followed the work to wherever it took me. The ¼ mile walk across an open field, where the wind was always howling, from the security parking lot to the Stelco Steel Mill in Camrose John White Alberta, has a special place in my memory. This walk was especially difficult for a hard-headed BC boy who up until then seldom wore a coat. The last month I worked there it never came above 25 below during the day - and I was working grave yard. One of my fondest memories as a young man was looking at that parking lot through my rear view mirror for the last time. Working in the bush was just as cold and my first job there was setting chokers behind a D-8, in Likely, BC. Hooking chokers on the bull hook and then ducking flying frozen tree tops when they popped off will only have special meaning to those who have been there. It is suffice to say that the cold was the least of my worries and the scrambling I was forced to do kept me more than warm enough. I also worked for a while out of Lillooet BC where our kids soon learned not to run bare foot in the pasture because of the small cactus that grew there. (That story can still bring calls of B.S. from some people when I tell it in the southern states.) No one will argue that the weather in the Lower Mainland is much milder than the rest of Canada but there is also good reason they call it the Wet Coast. Yes the grass may be green all year but too often it is soggy. The weather jibes have not changed much over the years. “How can you stand all that rain?” Is usually rebutted with, “At least I don’t have to shovel it.” Everyone takes light-hearted jabs at their own weather too. Someone from Calgary will say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes, it will change.” While Vancouverites have a home grown (excuse the pun) way of forecasting the weather. They say, “If you look out in the morning, and can see the north shore mountains, it means it is going to rain. If you can’t see them – it’s raining.” But no matter where you live Spring is a welcome sight and you know it has finally arrived when dirty old trucks slip into their cocoon like shops to have their winter parts taken off and then like a beautiful butterfly emerge with their summer chrome glistening in the sun. It’s Show Time!
Earn More Per Mile Call Julie or Jan @ 604-530-9993 / 1-866-866-9780 For a B&W Trans-Pro Quote! • Great Premium Savings • Lower Deductibles • Enhanced Reefer Coverage • Attractive Financing Options • In-House Claims Handling “Excellence Through Service”
Commercial Branch LANGLEY 19825 Fraser Highway 604-530-9993 MAY 2014
JULIE Zazula, Marketing Manager 604-530-9993
By combining the coverages for our smaller fleets and singletons into one program, we are able to offer superior coverage at the same discounted level our larger fleets enjoy. Many have even saved up to 50%
www.bwinsurance.com
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 3
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
www.fraservalleytruckparts.ca
We Have Moved 32860 Mission Way, Mission
Canadian Dealer for Diesel Keeper Locking Fuel Caps
Parts Retail & Rim Polishing
32860 Mission Way Mission, BC, V2V 5X9
TEL: 604 826 2614 • 1 877 967 8585 FAX: 604 826 0392 • parts@fvtp.ca PAGE 4
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Editor’s Note: Thank you for your kind words Lane. You have no ETTERS hite W n idea how much they mean coming from you. Our goal e h n Jo to the gazi r Ma e k has just been to entertain and to hopefully bring all segc DITOR Pro-TruJohn White azine ments of this industry a little closer together by showing ag Pro-Trucker M the human side of trucking. You my friend, on the other hand, have served this industry in more ways, than I Letters to the editor are occasionally edited for length, could ever hope to. Your input, dedication, and influlanguage and objectionable content. ence has brought about so many positive changes that you leave this industry, the Province of Alberta, and John: the city of Calgary, forever in your debt. Take care and I cannot thank you enough for the monthly report on hurry home. our industry via your great magazine. I have enjoyed each and every issue and get to read it cover to cover. John: As you may or may not know I have retired from I was driving with my son in our new personal vehicle trucking as a result of a fatal heart disease diagnosis, and recently when I saw a commercial truck stopped on the am currently working with a specialist in Boston to be a shoulder, just before a curve in the road, with his four guinea pig for a new drug. way flashers on. The driver was wearing his hi-vis vest We will be away from Calgary for a while and now and directing traffic so it was obvious that something reluctantly cease receiving Pro Trucker. There is an indi- had happened around the corner. It turned out that a vidual at the AMTA who will keep track of my move- young lady had slid off the highway in her car with two ments and forward one to me. young children. Fortunately there were no injuries but Again my friend you do so much good for our industry the car was pretty well destroyed. and I thank you for that. When I got out of my vehicle the truck driver Keep on Truckin’ approached and updated me on what he had done – he Lane Kranenburg had no idea who I was – and his display of professionalCalgary, Alberta ism was impressive. He said he couldn’t reach anyone by
L
E
Train Horns
$150
of Big Rig Weekends
NSTER STACKS $2900 DURING S O M ” 8 T L I B R HOW SE T PETE E S ASON L L FU + Shipping
EXHAUST PIPES•SLEEPER WINGS AIR LINE BOXES•REAR LIGHTPANELS BATTERY & TOOL BOXES•LIGHT PANELS AIR CLEANER LIGHTS •DECK PLATES VISORS•CAB & SLEEPER PANELS BUMPERS •FUEL TANK FAIRINGS
New Product Line UNITED PACIFIC
18” Peterbilt Bumpers $478 ICBC & Private Claims
205-9780 197B Street • Langley BC Langley Port Kells Shop 604-888-2322 • zzchrome@telus.net • 1-877-881-6008 MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 5
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
radio because of the remote location but he was quick to let me know of other options. Fortunately, I had my police radio and was able to call it in. The driver was keen to offer further assistance but when he saw it was under control he left before he could be thanked. I want to express my appreciation! While speaking with the young lady I realized that I was headed to the same place, several hundred kilometers away, as they were. You need to know me and my attitude towards my new vehicles for this to have meaning – I have to admit that anal is one of the words used to describe it in the past. I’m not quite that bad but I’m sure some of you can relate as I’ve seen the slippers that some of you wear in your trucks. So I thought carefully about my new vehicle and how clean it was, not to say these passengers were not, though they had lots of luggage and the young girls were wearing gumboots and eating chocolate they received from another helpful passerby. With just a little hesitation I offered them a ride, though I did mention my obsessiveness for clean vehicles, which got a nervous laugh. Everything was great as they pulled out their luggage and then to my surprise, two cages, with mice inside. You can just imagine my surprise as I fought with my inner issues but all was good. It turned out to be a very nice drive with some very nice people. This was a happy ending, not so much for the car but it
Celebrating 50 years in 2014! ~Get behind our wheel!~
We are looking for qualified drivers who are available for seasonal, rotational or full time work.
On Spring breakup?
We have short contracts tailored to your availability!
Seasonal/Rotational Drivers Receive:
Transportation to and from employment location Good operations bonus Returning bonus where applicable
Full Time Drivers Receive:
Potential to earn $55,000-75,000 in the first year of employment; earnings increase in subsequent years Additional earning opportunities through quarterly and annual bonuses Group benefits, matching RRSP program and more! Locations of Employment Include: Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Loydminster, Yellowknife, Kamloops and Prince George Candidates with Class 1/1A license and recent experience considered!
Apply online at www.westcanbulk.ca OR contact 1.888.928.4473 Proud Sponsor of (MADD Canada) Mothers Against Drunk Driving
could have been much worse. The truck driver certainly contributed to the safe outcome which is what we in enforcement have come to expect from these professionals. Thanks! Mark Whitworth, The Bear’s View
SPECIALIZING IN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS
Specializing in
• Transmissions & Differentials • New & Rebuilt Units • PTO Repairs • Clutches Our Services
• General Truck & Trailer Repair • Suspension • Brakes • Driveline • Welding • Designated Inspection Facility Mon - Fri • 8 am - 6 pm Sat • Appointment Only
604 • 826 • 4031 www.midvalleydrivetrain.com
#5-32860 Mission Way, Misson, BC PAGE 6
Editor’s note: It is not often enough that these type of stories have a happy ending. I have spoken to many truck drivers who have been first on the scene of accidents where there are severe injuries and deaths. Some drivers never go back on the road after witnessing such things. Mark talks about that and how he handles it in his column this issue.
Reflections Thru My Windshield By Dave Madill Dave was Pro-Trucker Magazine’s Rig of the Month in June of 2001 Brush with Death Well there I was, headed down the super slab on a cold afternoon late in November, with a load of drill stem on the deck, when it started to rain. I backed out of the throttle just a little, switched on the wipers, checked to make sure my lights were on, and started watching to make sure I had
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
JOIN OUR TEAM OWNER/EMPLOYEE FRANCHISES AVAILABLE IN ALBERTA
spray coming off the tires. It was a nice four lane highway and the traffic was light so I wasn’t expecting any problems. As I was scanning I noticed that there seemed to be just a trace of ice starting to form on my mirror brackets so I came into full alert and backed off just a little more. I was running about five below the limit and some cars and trucks were passing me but I decide to err on the side of safety and I continued on at that speed. I could see two school buses in my mirror that there were quite a way back so I kept an eye on them as well as the rest of the traffic. Ten minutes later the ice was still building on my mirrors so I back off just a little more. As I looked into my mirrors I saw the two buses pull out into the fast lane and start coming up alongside. I looked over as the first bus went by and its load of high school kids were pumping their
arms so I gave them a little toot from the air horns and a friendly wave. The whole group waved back at me and as the bus cleared me I blinked the lights to let the driver know it is safe to pull back in. Now I had one bus in front of me and the other was just about to reach my driver’s door when everything went sour. Coming the other way was a car and he lost it. He spun backwards into the median and then bounced over onto our side of the road right in front of the bus in my lane. The driver in front hit the brakes and, seeing what was going on, the driver beside me did the same. Now there I was, also on the binders, but at 80,000 lbs I was going to take much longer to stop than these two buses. Almost without thought my training kicked in and I came off the brake a little and swung the wheel hard right. I knew I am going into the ditch and what the result could
With us, there’s no risky business. CMW Risk Advisors provide custom insurance solutions to the trucking industry that will keep your business safe, and growing. Because risk isn’t something you want to take a chance with.
Talk to a CMW Risk Advisor today. Call 604 294 3301. cmwinsurance.com 700 – 1901 Rosser Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5C 6R6
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 7
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
be but was determined that I wasn’t going to take a bus load of kids with me. I hit the shoulder then the grass and heard a loud bang as the bus hit the car then another bang, which sounded closer, but by then I was too busy to worry about noise. I was now almost alongside the bus and was slowing when I realized that the ditch was at a very small angle and seemed fairly smooth so I came right off the brakes, dropped to seventh gear, (13 speed), and mashed the throttle. Still losing speed with dirt flying, and smoke and steam coming from the direction of the bus and car, I dropped the lower box into 5th and then really stood on the power pedal. I could hear my big cat howl but I am past the bus (I think) so I looked out to check my mirror and found that it was no longer there. A quick glance over my shoulder told me that I was clear so I swung left and with more dirt and sod flying I pulled the truck and trailer back up onto the pavement where I hammered on the brakes and brought my wild ride to a shuddering stop. I quickly piled out of the truck and started towards the accident scene noting as I ran by that my load had not moved even an inch, and my truck looked okay except for the missing mirror and bent mirror arms. Both buses had stopped and the one that was beside me was taking all the kids from the bus that hit the car in to keep them out of the weather. They all looked fine but more than a little shaken. I headed directly to the car which luckily had hit the bus broadside, and I wrenched open the door. The driver was
alone and he was doing fine other than numerous cuts and bruises that he would recover from. Within minutes the police and ambulances were on the scene. After giving their accounts of the accident the car driver and the lead bus driver were taken to hospital to patch up their minor injuries and for observation. After giving my account of the story, which was backed up by several students and the second bus driver, the police and I walked back along the road and found my mirror right about where I had heard the second bang. From what we could tell that was the only part of my rig that hit the bus and marks on the bus confirm our suspicions. After a quick walk around of my truck the police allowed me to proceed (without a mirror) to the next town that had a truck repair
MILES MOBILE TIRE SERVICE SHOP TOLL FREE: 1-800-661-5662 24 HOUR DISPATCH: 604-468-2566
Serving the Lower Mainland For Over 30 Years
COMPLETE MOBILE TIRE SERVICE AND SALES
EIGHT MOBILE TRUCKS ON THE ROAD TO SERVE YOU BETTER 1464 SPITFIRE PLACE • PORT COQUITLAM BC V3C 6L4
SHOP 604-468-4300 FAX: 604-468-4301
PAGE 8
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
“I have been with Monarch Transport for 3 years and I have enjoyed working here the entire time. I have to say this company treats me like family, a real person and is one of the most relaxed companies out there.� ~ Rod Witwer, Owner Operator US Division
MONARCH TRANSPORT IS LOOKING TO BRING ON BOARD CLASS 1: ~ Owner Operators for our Western Canada Van Division ~ US Van Division Ask us about ~ AB Cartage Division r new sign Requirements: 2 years OTR experience Clean commercial drivers abstract No criminal record Professionalism & positive attitude
ou
We offer: on bonus Paid Plates Safety & referral bonus programs Loaded & empty miles paid Fuel Surcharge & much more!
Please contact : Annette at: 1-855-877-0619 or annette.paradis@monarchtransport.com Ken or Caralee at: 1-800-661-9937 in Edmonton or ken.fullbrook@monarchtransport.com MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 9
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
garage. I picked up the local paper the next morning and while the accident was mentioned and several photos published not one thing was said about the trucker who swerved his rig to save children he never knew. We drive along the highways and byways and sometimes the only recognition we ever get is a middle finger from someone who thinks we are in his road, but many of us are content to know that our training and professional actions not only move the freight that our nation depends on but at times, we also save lives.
TV says, the pain is usually located just below the lower back… Tax time is pretty entertaining around our house, so much so that it is getting to be my favourite time of year. I just sit back and wait because I know that once again I’ll get to watch Yvonne crawl Dennis’ frame over the way he documents, or I should say, doesn’t document, his expenses. I haven’t quite figured out if he has a very short memory or if it is as Yvonne suggests, and he simply doesn’t listen. I do my best to try to help him out during the year by reminding him to get a receipt when he stops for goodies but he often mutters something about, ‘not enough time’ or “Yvonne will look after it.” This is where that ‘short memory’ comment comes in by Dennis Ruttan to play because even I know that having to figure out the In October of 1999 Dennis Ruttan way he keeps his expenses makes her job 10 times harder started entertaining our readers than it should be. with trucking adventures as seen Fortunately, Marpole, the company Dennis works for, through the eyes of his toy poodle break their statements down so that fuel, taxes, insurance, and partner, “Jake the Trucker”. and any repairs done at Marpole’s shop, are all separated Sadly, in May of 2008 Jake pulled and easy to calculate. This is a huge help to Yvonne as she his last trip and Chase, also known has her hands full looking after everything else. as lil Road Hammer, took over for Imagine this, the accountant told Dennis to keep his mentor. track of his pickup mileage when he uses it for business. Well, guys if you don’t have tax pain yet you’re bound Dennis, trying his best, started out okay by writing down to get it sometime this year. You’ll be sure to recognize the mileage as instructed, but for some reason he didn’t it when is shows up because, as like the commercial on bother to put in any dates. On top of that, he left his
Lil’ Roadhammer
Tridem Vans
WANTED O/OPERATORS AND CLASS 1 DRIVERS Your choice of where to be based: Kelowna, Kamloops and Vancouver Steady Year Round Work And Competitive Wages!
1-866-929-1020 PAGE 10
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Bad credit? First time buyer? Start up? Buying from a commercial or private dealer?
NO PROBLEM! We provide 100% truck, trailer and heavy equipment financing for new and used equipment of all ages. Find the equipment you want from Canada or the USA and we can have it
APPROVED THE SAME DAY!
Please call Dave Marson 780-993-3283 leasewithdave@gmail. com Terms available: 22-66 months $0 Down & $10 buyouts! MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 11
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
notebook open on the dash and the sun bleached out all the numbers. It was just dumb luck that with a little highlighting they were able to recover the chicken scratch. I rolled on the floor howling when Yvonne cut loose on the “Man” over that one. To top it all off, Yvonne took Sophie, Ethan, Pepper and me - the poodle part of the family - with her when she took this year’s tax papers to the accountant. He looked them over and told her that she did a fine job of putting it all together but since it was on the wrong program, they were totally useless to him. Much of this was the Man’s fault, as he can never keep quiet while Yvonne tries to decipher his notes. Try explaining to him that coffee, pop, and donuts are not deductible! I have heard Yvonne stress what is allowable and what isn’t every year for the last 7 tax years and I just had the pleasure of watching Dennis squirm as he sat through that lecture again. Dennis is not stupid but sometimes he fails to grasp certain things that are so simple that even I can understand. Buying bones is not deductible but paying Vet bills to be allowed to cross into the U.S. are. See, even I figured it out. Dennis’ annual speech of contrition where he ends by promising to do better, which between you and me is all B.S., was especially convincing this time. He even added a few flattering comments about how good Yvonne
was at doing the books, but to no avail. It was met with a knowing look and silence. It is amazing how Yvonne does not have to say anything yet there is no doubt in your mind that she just got in the last word!
Driving Through my Memories By Ed Murdoch
Ed has held a commercial drivers license for 60 years and has spent the better part of 50 years on the road. You can get Ed’s new book at www.drivingthroughmymemories.ca Springtime in Alaska… The famous, annual 1100 mile long Iditarod Alaska sled dog race called ‘The Last Great Race’ oddly enough has a trucking connection. The last three races have been a family affair. In 2012 Dallas Seavey became, at age 25, the youngest musher to win the race. His father Mitch Seavey won the race in 2013 and coincidentally at 53 is the oldest person to ever win the race. Just recently young Dallas not only won but broke the record by an astonishing 5 hours under miserable wind & blizzard conditions which caused other mushers to drop out. The trucking connection is that both Seaveys were sponsored by J.J. Keller & Associates which is the leading truck transport safety & regulatory compliance Big Rig Weekend Trophy Sponsor
Join our winning team. is HIRING Owner Operators • Fuel Cap of 47 cents per litre • Fuel performance pay program • Late Model Tractor • Direct Deposit, paid twice monthly • Fast cards and passports preferred • No cost satellite communication system • Insurance/license Subsidy of 40%,
• Scales paid
To run Canada & USA
Please call
• Group Insurance Dina or Mark at • Fuel cards supplied 1-800-663-2339 or fax resumes to • $500 sign on bonus 1-866-492 -7644 • Home most weekends dinae@berryandsmith.com • Paid pick ups and drops • All miles paid/practical miles equal monthly payments, no interest • Stable Company in Business Over 60 Years Good driving record • Good condition tractor • Cross border capability • Customer service focus
PAGE 12
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Parts: 604-852-5848 Service: 604-852-6066 Unit 100 - 663 Sumas Way Abbotsford, BC
PARTS SERVICE INSTALLS AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING
NEW
Radiators Air to Air 12 Volt Electric Oil Coolers Air Conditioning APU’s • 16 Hour Run-Time • No Noise • No Fuel A/C’s • California Approved Heaters
Air Conditioning Specials on Now!
Stainless Steel Coolant Pipes *In Stock Now!* Lifetime Warrenty!
cool-it.ca MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 13
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
service company in the USA today. Incidentally young Dallas Seavey covered the 1100 mile Iditarod Race in 8 days, 13 hours, 4 minutes & 13 seconds. That’s almost 130 miles a day! 130 miles a day with a dog sled! One can almost make as good time on the road! Highways in Alaska are atrocious in late winter and early spring. Frost heaves are not just bumps or dips in the road surface like you find in other parts of North America. Up above the 60th parallel you drive up, over, and down the other side of frost heaves. Many of them have to be taken on an angle so as to avoid damage to your undercarriage. The speed limit for trucks is just 35 miles per hour, which is often too fast. It’s the wildlife however that gets your attention this time of year. There are flocks of Trumpeter Swans, Mountain Goats, Dall Sheep, Snowshoe Rabbits and those cute little Pikas - a relative of the rabbit. If you are lucky you may even see caribou caught in migration. This is also the time when grizzlies awaken and leave their dens, males usually a few weeks earlier than the females. Late in March when the snow is melting along the verge of the highway, shoulder being too generous a term, green shoots start to emerge from the thawing ground. One day I happened along while two of these big brown bears were feeding right alongside the highway. I stopped and even after dynamiting the brakes with
NEW Extended Hours Mon-Fri 8 am- Midnight • Sat 8 am- 5pm the accompanying blast of air, their heads never left the ground. The only indication they gave that they knew I was there was when their hackles rose a bit. I grabbed my camera and gingerly stepped out of the safety of the cab, but they were so dozy and intent on feeding that I probably could have leapt out and strolled right over and poked them and they likely wouldn’t have responded – a theory I did not bother to explore. Once it warmed up a bit my wife accompanied me on a trip and she counted 32 bears on that rounder, some of them with little cubs, which is always a neat thing to see. One of the major spring hazards up north are the giant Alaskan moose. This time of year the largest Bullwinkles on the planet come out to the road edge to
Owner Operators Required Immediately! Team or single • Long haul or short haul • No sign on costs With or without own trailer • Mileage guarantee Sign on and safety bonuses • Fuel cards supplied
Call Darren | 1-800-663-1421 www.shadowlinecareers.com PAGE 14
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
“Our mileage was 75% to the United States in 2008. Then Wall Street collapsed.” Donnie Fillmore Jr., President, Atlantic Pacific Transport Ltd., Clairville, New Brunswick “We used to haul
mid-term. They insist
a lot of construction
on reconciling at year-
materials to the States,”
end, after premiums
says Mr. Fillmore. “One
are paid in full—which
customer went from
is often too late. At
shipping 10 loads a day
Northbridge®, our
to three in three years.”
flexible approach means we can make adjust-
Nobody knows trucking and logistics, or
ments as your needs
the unique challenges
change because we
facing transportation
know your business—
companies, more than
whether you’re a
we do at Northbridge
“meat and potatoes”
Insurance®*. With over
operator or a
60 years of industry
1,000-truck fleet.
experience, quite
Ask your broker
simply, we get trucking.
how Northbridge
We understand that
Insurance lets you focus
market forces can impact your
trucking specialists, they got it
business, putting your insurance
when my business changed
premiums at odds with your
dramatically,” says Mr. Fillmore.
revenue.
Some insurers aren’t interested
“Because Northbridge are
in re-evaluating your contract
on your customers and profits. “Working with Northbridge is a partnership,” says Mr. Fillmore. “They’re very helpful and always there for us.”
nbins.com/trucking
*Policies are underwritten by Northbridge Commercial Insurance Corporation. ®Registered trademark of Northbridge Financial Corporation (“Northbridge”). Used under license from Northbridge.
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 15
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
chew on the willows and lick the salt from the shoulders. The Mat-Su Valley near Sutton, which is an hour or two out of Anchorage, is a very high risk area. High speed collisions with the animals -- which can weigh more than 1,000 pounds -- are not uncommon and at times can be
Freightliner Manufacturing Plant Reunion Will be held May 31st Noon to 3:30 at the North Delta Inn pub any questions contact ken@klein.net
a wintering yard of over 600 moose and it was said 300 or so wander about the big city as well. In January a man walking his dog on the University of Alaska campus was killed by a cow moose protecting her calf which the dog had annoyed. One afternoon leaving Anchorage, I saw a moose struck by an SUV on the 3 lane. I got way over to the left but when I tried to sneak by it, its head came up and it knocked the mirror off the bottom of the passenger door on my Freightliner cab over. I hadn’t bought a permit for that trip so I didn’t hang around for the post mortem. All fatal for drivers. It is said that an average of 280 moose in all the Alaska experience over the course of a calendar are killed in vehicle collisions in the Mat-Su each year. year was the highlight of my OTR career spanning over Closer to Anchorage in the Knik River flats there was 5 decades. r
TRANSMISSIONS • DIFFERENTIALS • CLUTCHES TRANSFER CASES • AXLES • CROWN & PINIONS PTOs • HYDRAULIC PUMPS, VALVES & MOTORS
www.GEARCENTRE.com EDMONTON N. EDMONTON S.
RED DEER
CALGARY
LETHBRIDGE
MEDICINE HAT GRANDE PRAIRIE FT. McMURRAY MISSISSAUGA
1-800-661-8825 1-800-661-8807 1-800-661-1629 1-800-661-1378 1-800-483-8952 1-866-504-0635 PAGE 16
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
1-800-661-8806
1-866-714-3570 1-844-564-8998 MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Manitoulin Group of Companies is one of Canada’s largest national transportation companies, providing LTL/FTL dedicated and logistics solutions throughout North America.
HIRING BONUSES! EXPERIENCE THE CAREER JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME
WE ARE GROWING AND LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO JOIN OUR TEAM!
HIGHWAY DRIVERS
Team: $5,000 hiring bonus*/driver All domestic miles! Scheduled home time Up to 74 c/mile (Split) Annual earnings averaging $70-95K Single: $5,000 hiring bonus* Scheduled shifts and home time Up to 55 c/mile Annual earnings averaging $70-85K
CITY DRIVERS
$5000 hiring bonus* Class 1: $21/hr–$25/hr Body Job: $19/hr–$22/hr In addition to our great compensation program, you will also qualify for the following benefits: Performance bonus, profit sharing, a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision and disability coverage, employee recognition programs, tuition reimbursement and more. *Bonus paid in installments over 1-year period.
For more information, please contact: Tyson Gilchrist - Human Resources Phone: 780.452.5275 x 88340 • Fax: 780.451.4606 tgilchrist@monarchr.ca • www.manitoulintransport.com MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 17
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Idle Time
By Scott Casey Scott, our Rig of The Month for May 2003 has written “In the Devil’s Courthouse” a book about his years as a gun toting truck driver while serving as a Canadian Peacekeeper in the former Yugoslavia
Hiring Qualified O/Ops & Drivers
Gut Bombs “10-4 driver, I’ve got to get these bawlers into Brooks for morning.” The words rolled fluently off the tongue of the trucker hauling a load of yearling cows to one of the feedlots in Alberta. This could be a familiar conversation to many drivers, of course the load and destination can be suited to any one of us. Point being, most drivers have been in the Smokey and the Bandit scenario of “having a long way to go and short time to get there.” To do these trips drivers have to be resourceful in their means of getting the job done safely. How do you do that? I mean how do you stay awake when you’ve got that trip to make and you’re dog tired? Of course you can open the window and get the fresh air blowing in your face, which works, but that has its drawbacks, such as temperature or insects, just to name a couple. I recall a method relayed to me years ago that made me burst out laughing the
Super B & tridem step 2 yrs exp & acceptable abstract Western Canada & USA Some dedicated runs
Terry 604-882-7623 first time I heard it. There were four of us running together, and Sean, one of the three drivers hailing from Williams Lake, BC said he was stopping in Cache Creek for a gut bomb. Initially I thought he might be talking about the CB radio 10-code, 10-200 nature call, but he intercepted my thoughts midstream and relayed he was going to have a large coffee and buy the biggest greasy bacon cheese burger and chili dog loaded with onions they would sell him. Without missing a beat he continued to tell us that he would eat them straight away, chug the coffee and that by the time he hit Lytton his stomach would be aching so bad he’d be awake for hours. My belly knotted up just thinking of the boiling acid the concoction would make.
~~WESTMINSTER NEW Meritor Front Diffs KELLS ~~ SURREY/PORT NEW $ 4.10/4.30/4.56 4295* #3, 19080 - 96 AVE 420 CANFORRPL23-160 AVE $ RPL20-145 3.90/4.10 3095* 604-881-7188 604-520-6125 $ RP20-145 3.73/3.90 2895* CLUTCH INSTALLATION SPECIAL
* FREE GIFT with purchase when you mention this ad! New Westminister 800-663-5358 PAGE 18
NEWPort 2050 PrinceRating George Kellslbs Torque 877-337-6978
800-663-5580
Ea
sy Kelowna Pedal 800-638-1388
Installed - $1795.00 - 2 Year Warranty www.coastpowertrain.com -www.pro-truckermagazine.com $1695.00 - 1 Year Warranty
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
He proceeded to do as he had explained and as promised, by Lytton he was chewing a handful of antacids. The bonus of his exploits was that we all stayed awake listening to his “belly aching” and storytelling. There are many ways to broach the issue of making miles when you need to, being well rested before hand, drink lots of water (hydration is important), frequent breaks to stretch the muscles and coffee in moderation are all good methods. Of course those suggestions are the modes I would strongly recommend, however if you’re adventurous and maybe slightly deficient in the brain case you can always try the painfully expedient method of BS’ing and tossing gut bombs in your stomach.
Tyres Across The Pond Colin Black lives in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland and has been driving truck for over 40 years. His story shows us once again that the problems drivers face are universal. Inexperience The question, “What skill you would like to have been trained more in when you were learning to drive truck?” was asked on the Pro-Trucker Magazine Facebook page. Most of the old hands said much the same thing, you
The
* Dedicated tire retreaders * Commercial, Industrial and retail Tire Sales
We Sell Nitrogen
Specializing in complete tire maintenance for fleets including interprovincial dealer networking and fleet tire survey systems
1991 Dugald Road, Winnipeg, MB Phone (204) 663-9037
Yellowhead Inn
Trucker Rate of $75 Per Night
Diesel People Stay With Us!
3.5 ACRES OF NEWLY PAVED & GRAVELED TRUCK PARKING To Reserve call: 780 447 2400 or go to: www.yellowheadinn.com
15004 Yellowhead Trail • Edmonton • Alberta
Come See Our Newly Renovated Lobby & Remodeled Rooms
NEW CHEF & MANAGEMENT IN OUR RESTAURANT MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 19
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
learn the basics and get better as you go along. Some really old drivers said they learned to drive long before driving schools were invented. Personally I think being a good truck driver comes with making mistakes or seeing someone else make a mistake and then learning from them. In most cases if you show you’re willing to learn and don’t come out with a know-it-all attitude, more experienced drivers are only too happy to give you a heads up. If you are willing to listen then this second hand experience is invaluable. I’ve been lucky in that as I learned the job I never seriously injured myself or anyone else. And of all the trucks I’ve driven, there have been only a couple that were left with minor scrapes to show the amount of experience I gained along the way. Although I have to admit that some freight has been damaged while in my care, nothing ever fell off my truck and hit anything, or anybody. There was however one incident in particular that cost the company, or at least the insurance company, some cash. I’m sure many of you can relate to the fact that when you are young and eager to get the job done you never want to admit to anyone that you’re not up to doing the job in hand. That was the case here and if I hadn’t been so inexperienced and eager to please, this following tale would never had happened. It happened when I was on dayshift, driving a 17 ton four wheeler, and doing multiple drops and collections.
I pulled into a factory in Cumbernauld to pick up some marble slabs that were to be shipped to New York by airfreight. The shipping clerk said they were for cladding the outside of a skyscraper and apparently they were very expensive as they had taken quite some time to get the colour match and finish just the way they wanted them. I watched from the deck of my truck as a forklift brought them out across the yard. He moved very slowly, with a worker walking along steadying them on the forks. The slabs were about five feet by four feet but only six inches thick. They were standing on their edge with a wooden framework around them. Among other things I learned that day is that marble slabs have to be shipped upright like sheets of glass, you can’t lay them flat as they have no side strength and can break quite easily. The forklift finally made it across the yard and lifted the slabs up and set them on the truck but the guy who was steadying the load figured his job was done so he just stayed on the ground and left the rest up to me. I got my pallet truck under the slabs and gently raised them then I slowly tried to turn them so that I could move them against the headboard - it was a recipe for disaster. With one hand holding the slabs and the other hand on the pallet truck they started to wobble. I tried to settle them but I was unable to hold them and down they went, shattering into a thousand pieces. I know now I should’ve refused that shipment but, as
Now Hiring Revenue Owner Operators & Company Drivers Single & Team Drivers For LTL Fast Cards Required • Paid Picks & Drops • Fuel Available at Dicounted Price
Caneda Transpor t Inc.
PAGE 20
www.caneda.com
Contact Keith Meadors at safety@caneda.com or Ph: 403.538.7931 www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
STOP. GO. STOP. GO. HARD ON YOU. HARDER ON YOUR ENGINE. Sometimes your engine works hardest when you’re hardly moving. Make sure your engine is protected with Shell Rotella® heavy duty diesel engine oils. From the improved fuel economy of Shell Rotella® T5 Synthetic Blend Technology, to the excellent high/low temperature protection of Shell Rotella ® T6 Full Synthetic, rest assured your engine can stand up to the most demanding conditions – even while standing still. www.shell.ca/rotella
THE SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOU.
®/TM
Trade-mark of Shell Brands International AG. Used under license.
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 21
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
they say, hindsight is 20/20. I learned later that the factory had tried to save money by making the crate themselves. They had obviously made the base too narrow for the weight and height of the freight, but since I had accepted it, and then tried to move the slabs by myself, my company was now liable. Times are changing and trucks with automatic gearboxes are now in the majority over here. It is too bad as new drivers now may never get the driving experience I got for free. It was slightly worrying when I read that the DSA, Driving Standards Agency, our licensing agency, have changed the rules as of April this year. Now Trucks used for the driving test no longer need to have 8 forward gears and, if a driver has a manual gearbox license for their car, they can obtain a manual truck entitlement even if they take the test in an automatic truck. Imagine the scenario, a driver from the UK emigrates to Canada or Australia where “real” gearboxes are still the norm. He passed his test in an automatic truck and all his experience has been in an automatic truck doing supermarket deliveries where the trucks are limited to 52 mph and he’s never had to load or unload any trailers. If he’s lucky he’ll talk his way into a job. At that point his inexperience with manual gearboxes may only result in a wrecked transmission - if he’s lucky. r
EGR COOLERS
TIG welded 304L stainless walled tubes Cummins ISX - Mercedes - Volvo
MARILYN TAYLOR IS OUR COMMERCIAL TRUCKING SPECIALIST!
Marilyn has over 25 years experience in providing insurance for Owner Operators & fleet transport companies operating in Canada & the U.S.A. www.diamondinsurance.ca
Phone: 403.278.1129 • Fax: 403.278.8307 Email: marilynt@diamondinsurance.ca
EGR VALVE
INJECTORS
ISX - ISM Cummins
argers h c o b r Tu Factory Authorized Rebuilder and Distributor
All Heavy Duty Diesel Applications including CAT, Detroit Diesel and Cummins, Mack, Volvo etc
Reduce Fuel Consumption
12 Month, unlimited mile warranty
Reduce Black Smoke Opacity
New and rebuilt turbos and components
Reduce Exhaust Temperature Reduce Water Temperature 30-35 HP Increase
1.800.887.5030 turbos@bd-power.com
PAGE 22
1 DAY SERVICE ACROSS WESTERN CANADA
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 23
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Rig of the Month By: John White
Photos
by
Nathan Dueck
Nathan Dueck from Chilliwack, BC is our May 2014 Rig of the Month driver. This is his story: I was born in Surrey B.C. in 1976 and grew up when roller skating, not
roller blading or skate boarding, was cool. The AMX was the first muscle car I can remember seeing and in Surrey at that time, Smitty’s restaurant in the Surrey
NSC Compliance & Accounting Services NSC/US DOT AUDITS, All Permits and Authorities, E-manifest – border crossing • New company complete permit set ups
• Local Port Registrations
• All permit renewals
• Training for NSC, Dangerous Goods in English and Punjabi
• Log book training
• E manifest set up and load entries to Canada and US
• US DOT/NSC Audit representation
• C-TPAT, PIP, and TWIC Registrations
• NSC help for Trucks, Buses, Taxi’s and Limos
• Local and Long Haul Log Books Available Single or Cases
• All Fuel Tax: IFTA/Oregon, NY, NM, KY
• Accounting services specializing in transportation industry
National Safety Code Compliance Services 1.800.965.9839 Ext. 2 Surrey, BC: #4 - 8333 130th Street Ph: 604.507.7736 Fax: 604.507.7742 Abbotsford, BC: 2633 Montrose Ave. Ph: 604.755.4230 Fax: 604.755.7816 Bellingham, WA: 1313 E Maple St., Suite #219 Ph: 360.543.5608
www.nationalsafetycode.com E: info@nationalsafetycode.com PAGE 24
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Place Mall (now City Central) and Stardust Skating Rink were the places to be. In the summer of 1986 you could either find me in Vancouver at the Expo 86 grounds or sitting at the corner of 128th Street and Old Yale Road watching all the Kenworth Cab Overs and International trucks drive by. They were hauling gravel and concrete for the everexpanding Scott road area. This was long before road restrictions came in on those roads. My dad, Carey was a carpenter and after my parents divorced, when I was quite young, my mom Elaine took on a yard job down on Scott Road shunting trailers. I remember the first time she took me to the yard where she worked. She stuck me in the passenger seat of this old beat up, baby poop yellow Kenworth - but to me it was the most bad-ass truck in that yard. The real bonus came when we had hardly gone more than twenty feet before we had to back up and I got to pull “the cord.” There is nothing like being a kid and hearing four trumpet horns air up for your very first time. Mom later went on to work driving a small delivery truck for Diamond delivery and ended up marrying the owner, Rick Diamond. Growing up with Rick gave me valuable insight into the trucking industry by letting me see many different trucks and their operators. As I grew into my teens I never lost my fascination with big trucks or my admiration for the skill of the people who drove them.
Austyn, Brooklyn (top), Jen, Nathan I worked a lot with my dad on the weekends. At his housing projects we saw pumper trucks, dump trucks, and if we were there early enough, the odd low bed dropping off machinery. However, the best part was when the truss truck came in and I could watch the driver operate a stinger that seemed to reach to the sky –I always wanted to be that guy. I also wanted to be the one riding the ball to the ground and kept thinking what a rush that must be. Things were a lot different then – you would never see someone riding the ball down today. Working with my dad taught me a lot about construction and it gave me the opportunity to run all sorts of construction equipment. I
• Proven Detroit Fuel Economy • Traditional Western Star Image • Custom Built for You
604-882-0902
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 25
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
never really thought much about it at the time but those experiences are really paying off for me today. In 1992, when I turned 16, I convinced my mom to sign for my class 5 license. My idea was that it would put me one step closer to getting behind the wheel of a commercial truck. Unfortunately having fun (and not a worry in the world) sidelined that thought for a few years. I didn’t get my first real driving job till I was hired on driving a 1 ton for Diamond Delivery during the Purolator strike of 1996. That was a mistake - I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Oh happy days - my first cool driving job. That feeling lasted until I got to the Burnaby Purolator Depot and was met by some not so happy people. Let me tell you, when the cab is a rocking its best that you put on your seatbelt, hold on tight, and pray you stay upright. I did that job for about a month before I figured it was too hard on the suspension, both for the truck and myself. It did however teach me some good lessons. Lesson 1: Don’t drive into a crowd of angry people it`s scary as hell. (especially if you’re messing with their livelihood) Lesson 2: GMC Cube Vans are not as cool as you think they are. (the moped of trucks) Lesson 3: Never ever leave the roll up door open when driving down the road hauling envelopes. It looks like a confetti parade and you are the only one in it.
After I quit that job I worked for a while doing odd jobs but I needed something steady so I went to work for Canadian Tire. I started out in the shop busting tires and doing oil changes but I soon found that it wasn`t enough for me so after a year I moved to the front desk. This job entailed working with customers to get them back on the road but after a short time my boss and I came to the same conclusion - I am not really a people person. Customer service sucks. The best thing to come out of that job was my wife Jen. We met while working an afternoon shift and we haven’t left each other’s side since. One of my first truck trips was with Chris Trounce, one of Pro-Trucker’s Rig of the Month drivers from a few years back. It started out innocently enough. We were just going to Coquitlam to pick up a 53’ refer full of waffles. The next thing I knew we were bringing a load of fruit back from in Nogales, Mexico. I soon realized that the front seat of a Kenworth was a great way to see the road! Chris even let me drive a bit on that trip - what a feeling that was. The following year Jen and I had our son Austyn. I couldn’t raise a family on the wages I was getting at Canadian tire so I left and went to work for Bruce over at Maaco in Abbotsford. I was doing commercial body work on cab overs, forklifts, and an assortment of trailers. The money was good but it left me with very little time with the family so in 2002 I went to work for Stephan Harms
LARGEST RADIATOR & CHARGER AIR COOLER INVENTORY IN CANADA Deal of the Month AC Condenser, Freightliner Cascadia 08-13 OE Style CONFR109...... $299.99 OE#A2267125001 AC Compressor, Freightliner Cascadia 08-13 OE Style COMDN101...... $425.99 OE#2265771000
RADIATORS CHARGE AIR COOLERS AIR CONDITIONING PARTS AIR CONDITIONING TOOLS GRILLS & HEADLIGHTS HEATERS & FANS EGR COOLERS TURBOS
Tel: 604-888-1883 Fax: 604-608-4846 #4, 20085 - 100A Ave. Langley, BC
Toll Free: 1-877-266-5480 PAGE 26
www.CoolHeatTruckParts.com
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
of Big Rig Weekends
You’re Never Alone With AMC We will find you the best rate and be there if you need us... Flexible Deductibles In House Financing In House Claim Support Enhanced Reefer Coverage
Insurance Group MAY 2014
Bond & Cargo Insurance Prorate Private Fleet Insurance Fleet Premium Adjustment
604.507.6666|1.877.507.6666 Unit 120-12888 80th Ave, Surrey
www.amcinsurance.ca
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 27
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
at Pacific pallet. I worked with a group of great guys and it was such a good company with steady work that Jen and I decided the time was right to get married. It wasn’t anything too big, just family and close friends up in Whistler for a ceremony in Ross Rebagliati park. It was a great day, that is right up until I got a phone call to turn on the TV. There on the news was live video of my workplace burning to the ground. On the bright side it was a great extended honeymoon. The company tried to find us all work but I took it as a sign to follow other avenues so I walked next door and met with Stew Conway of Wilway Lumber Sales. He was an old school truck driver by trade - turned lumber store owner. He was a little intimidating when I first met him but he gave me a chance, and the training to start driving larger trucks. The first one was a 1986 Ford Louisville, with a 3208 cat engine. It was a single axle with a lumber deck and a live roll off. If you have ever done a roll off with lumber you know that normally it can be fairly calm but it can also go very bad, very quickly. One of the first roll offs I ever did was a lift of plywood and some random length lumber to a site at 262nd street and Fraser Highway in Aldergrove. The warehouse slab was poured and there was a ditch 5 feet wide all the way around it. The supervisor said that he needed the load on the slab and as far in as our Hiab could reach. The problem was I did not have a Hiab on the
Hertz Equipment Rentals Surrey
At Hertz Equipment Rental, the ability to respond to our customers’ needs is one of the many reasons we have become and remain a leader in the rental and sales of high-quality equipment. We provide daily, weekly, monthly and long-term rentals with available rentto-own and rental purchase option plans, as well as new and used equipment for sale. Our branch is even equipped with a small tools and supplies department, so you can get much of what you need for your jobsite all at one location! With a friendly staff, available pickup and delivery, 24-hour on-call service, we’re ready to help!
Darren: 604-599-7368 dmcewen@hertz.com hertzequip.com PAGE 28
truck, and he was not happy about it. Trying to keep the customer happy, I told him that as long as he didn’t care how I did it, I would put it where he wanted it. I got his okay so I unstrapped the load and pulled out about 60 feet from the slab. I unlocked the live roll and told everybody to stand clear. With the selector in high range in reverse I started my run and at about 35kmh and 10 feet from the ditch, I locked up the brakes. That load cleared the ditch, landed on the slab, and slid to a stop about 60 feet into the building. After getting a few “Wow! Did you see that?” comments I left just as happy as the customer - and just as amazed that it worked. After a few large and scary dump loads I wanted more so Stew sent me to Valley Driving School to get my class 3. He then spent a lot of time teaching me different things about the truck and what to watch out for. If it wasn’t for the lessons from him and my instructor at Valley I would have had a hard time with the test - but I got my class 3 without a problem. Once I was legal, he put me in a 1996 International with a 466dt and a tilt deck with a Hiab 160. It was one ugly truck but no matter how ugly it looked, it was all mine to drive. Once I had gained some experience operating the crane I was able to take on different loads and challenges. One of those was taking a cabin apart in Langley and then reassembling it on Theatis Island. But the best one had to be when I was asked to move whale bones for a customer. It was a little weird but on the other hand it was really cool to see them on the back of a flat deck truck. In mid-2004 we had our second child Brooklyn, and like her mom, she is beautiful. She is a real daddy’s girl and likes to get on board and ride here and there. I drove that old International right up until 2010 when, with much pressure, the boss finally agreed to look for a newer truck and to upgrade my licence to a class 1. I got my license and after much research we found a 2003 Sterling L9500 with a Cummins N14 select plus with a 8ll. It puts out about 485hp. The following year I was alone on a job site with our international and I was in a hurry to finish and be on my way. In my rush I didn’t look up when climbing onto the deck and with a lot of upwards force I drove my skull into the underside of the crane. I hit so hard that I dropped to the deck unconscious. After coming to I folded up the crane and drove back to the yard, which was not one of my better decisions. I was still dozy and had blood all over my face and clothing and apparently someone saw me in the cab when I was driving back to the yard. They called ahead and as I drove in there was a group of people waiting to rush me to the hospital. After he examined me the doctor rescinded my licence and it was four months before I was cleared to drive again. Even now I have some memory issues but I have great friends and family that understand. We can joke about it now - every once in a while someone will sug-
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
We could tell you all about our 50 year history, but we thought we’d let one of our drivers tell you instead.
Contact Michel for a no bull account of what it’s like to be a part of TransX.
MAY 2014
MICHEL LAFRENIERE: Eastern Based CDN / USA driver Email: michelltransxdriver@gmail.com
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 29
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
gest that I were a helmet 24/7 - but at the time it was quite serious. I know that sometimes Jen resents the truck because of how much time I spend with ‘her.’ But no matter how she says she hates it she is always willing to hop in for a trip when I have lumber for a custom home delivery to Williams lake, or some other destination in the interior. Then we often find out that we have to go down some goat trail in the rain with a cliff on one side and mountain on the other. I’ll look over at her at times like that and she will be in the fetal position with her face buried in a pillow. Invariably she will ask, “Is it over yet?” and I usually respond with. “I’ll let you know when we hit the bottom,” which is admittedly not the best choice of words at times like that. After our first Big Rig Weekend in 2010 and meeting the Pro-Trucker family, Ben and Tori have become great friends. I also became friends with Britney Linde, another past Rig of the Month driver, when she was working with Aggressive Towing. Getting to watch her work left me in awe of how much she knows about towing and hauling large loads. She is one of the hardest working drivers I have ever met. It’s often a thankless job working in the driving industry so it’s nice when we can get together in the summer and have a trucker’s party. We can park our trucks in the field behind my house and sit by the bonfire trading stories. We have some great food, and everyone
leaves the next morning with a headache and a feeling that someone understands and appreciates the jobs we do. It’s very much like going to a mini Big Rig Weekend. I read all the Pro-Trucker Magazines and often a driver will talk about someone in particular that was their mentor when they were learning the trade but I didn’t really have just one. I have had a mentor in just about every driver I have ever met. Everyone I have ever had a conversation with, where I have been able to, I have taken something from them and applied it to my job to see what will work for me and what won’t. Working at Wilway has allowed me to move forward to the point that I am now also Fleet Manager and taking on the maintenance of our fleet of 5 trucks. The maintenance of the fleet is time consuming with oil changes to do and the re and re of components. One fun job I was given was the refreshing of my first truck, the 1991 International. It now looks great with a new deck, paint, and rubber all around. There are days that I get stuck repairing a truck and wishing I was on the road but it’s a job I took on and as truckers we don’t quit, we find better and quicker ways of doing things. We are very busy at work and it never seem to stop but the people you work with can make all the difference in the world. Our other drivers Bob Ken and Andy and our shipper Steve are all very good at their jobs and professional in the way they do things. We also
ING OWNER OPS & COMPANY DRIV R I H E ERS WE’R FOR ALL DIVISIONS Safety & Performance Incentives Paid loading & unloading time Empty & Loaded miles paid at same rate Newer model equipment Full service maintenance shop Satellite communication New pay rates
Vancouver Division has moved to 24711 Fraser Hwy, Langley Vancouver 1-866-303-7999 • Kamloops 1-888-374-3440 Prince George 250-562-5659
PAGE 30
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
of Big Rig Weekends
Three things you can absolutely count on: 1. The sun coming up tomorrow 2. A deer playing chicken with you on the turnpike 3. ULSD being a royal pain in your system all year long About Item #3? Howes can help. When the weather gets hot, Meaner Power Kleaner actively fights the loss of lubricity and excess wear responsible for premature part failure. To beat back the worst that ULSD can throw at you, count on Meaner Power Kleaner.
✓ More power with less emissions ✓ Cleans tanks, lines – the whole fuel system ✓ Minimum 5% improvement in fuel economy – Guaranteed ✓ Enhanced lubricity for less wear ✓ Particulate filter friendly and warranty safe ✓ Removes water harmlessly
FREE! Howes Camo Cooler when you purchase 3 bottles of Howes Meaner Power Kleaner Visit www.howeslube.com or call 1-800 GET HOWES Offer ends: 9/30/14, available while supplies last. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOWES PROMOS BY SCANNING THIS CODE!
MAY 2014
Professional Grade Performance Since 1920
1-800 GET HOWES (438-4693) • www.howeslube.com
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 31
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
now have a 36` tilt deck equipment trailer that tags along when moving lumber. It has allowed me to take on larger loads like hauling structures and equipment and I come to really like the oversize loads. But the bottom line is that no matter where I am, as long as Jen is beside me, the turbo is wound up, and the load is right, I`m a happy trucker. *****
Don’t Worry…
Bob was sitting on the plane waiting to fly to Cleveland when a guy took the seat beside him. The guy was an emotional wreck, pale, hands shaking, moaning in fear. “What’s the matter?” Bob asked. “I’ve been transferred to Cleveland. I’ve heard the people are crazy there. They’ve got lots of shootings, gangs, race riots, drugs, poor public schools, and the highest crime rate in the nation.” Bob replied, “I’ve lived in Cleveland all my life. It’s not as bad as the media says.” “Find a nice home, go to work, mind your own business, and enroll your kids in a nice private school. It’s as safe a place as anywhere in the world.” The guy relaxed and stopped shaking and said, “Oh, thank you. I’ve been worried to death. But if you live there and say it’s OK, I’ll take your word for it. What do you do for a living?” “I’m a tail gunner on a beer truck”
HIRING OWNER OPERATORS - TEAMS AND SINGLES
Excellent Insurance discounts • Open door policy • Safety bonus program – paid quarterly Well established – family run business • Fuel discounts Direct deposit twice a month • Benefits available • All empty miles paid at full rate Call or Email Byron - Tel: 604-535-1825 • byron@spadytransport.com or Margaret - spady@telus.net • 159 – 17735 1st Ave, Surrey, BC PAGE 32
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
604-533-4651
DIFFERENTIALS
TRANSMISSION
ROCKWELL MERITOR EATON DANA SPICER PARTS | SERVICE | NEW | EXCHANGE
POWERTRAIN SPECIALISTS EATON | FULLER | DANA | MERITOR
TRANSMISSION DIFFERENTIAL VIBRATIONS DRIVELINE FLYWHEEL CLUTCH PTO’S PARTS | SERVICE | NEW | REBUILD
Reman RTLO18918B RTLO16913A RTO16915 Rebuilt by Coastline Transmission With Genuine Eaton Parts
CLUTCHES Eaton Easy Pedal Clutches
NEW & REMAN EXCHANGE UNITS
KEEP YOUR RIG ROLLING WITH A COASTLINE REMAN We Stock Over 100 New and Remanufactured Transmissions and Differentials
20579 LANGLEY BYPASS, LANGLEY, BC Phone: 604-533-4651 Toll Free: 1-888-686-4327
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 33
Pro- Trucker Magazine's
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
PAGE 34
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
Big Rig Weekends 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
A Trucker’s Dream
B.C. July 5th-6th Chilliwack, BC
ALBERTA AUGust 16th-17th Red Deer, AB
Big Rig Show N’ Shine,Trade Booths Participants Steak Bbq, Dance to Live Music Best Lights Competition, Dash Plaques, Door Prizes
BC NOW has
70,000
SQUARE FEET OF INDOOR TRUCK PARKING & BOOTH SPACE!
wITH oVER
65 tROPHIES
pRESENTED AT EACH SHOW
gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 35
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
From
the
Drivers Seat
By Ben Proudley Ben has been a Class 1 driver for 15 years. He started out driving wreckers and currently heavy hauls for Hertz Equipment Rentals. Ben was our Rig of the Month in March of 2008
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING HawksHead
RealTIRE timePRESSURE pressures MONITORING & Temperatures Real time pressures & Temperatures Wireless to drivers seat Wireless to drivers seat For Trucks, RV’s, Trailers, Cars, Motorcycles For Trucks, RV'S, Trailers, Cars, Motorcycles, & Industrial and IndustrialEquipment Equipment
WWW.TPMS.CA Big Fuss Over Nothing… 1.888.321.TPMS I keep getting asked why I do not write much anyWWW.TPMS.CA more. Truth is that I really have nothing to say. But then 1.888.321.TPMS it hit me, saying nothing is really saying something. Is it not? Nothing means so little but so much. Wife asks, TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING therepressures is nothing waiting for hours to get load“What you are thinking about?” You say, “Nothing.” She about Real time & like Temperatures even nothing worse says, “How can you be thinking about nothing?” You ed. Or Wireless to drivers seatthan four wheelers cutting you off. Nothing like cruising with the seat on the floor say, “If I was not thinking about nothing, then I wouldFor Trucks, RV'S, Trailers, Cars, Motorcycles, and the tunes cranked. There be thinking about something.” Your buddies call and ask, and Industrial Equipment is nothing like climbing in to the bunk at the end of a long drive for a few hours “What you are doing?” Your answer is, “Nothing.” You of sleep. Nothing beats a call from loved ones while ask your kids what that noise was. Kids say “Nothing,” you are on the road, except maybe nothing better than even though you know it was something. WWW.TPMS.CA coming home to them after a long trip. Now you have to Nothing means so much and so little all at the same 1.888.321.TPMS think about nothings’ close friend something. Let’s face time. When talking about the weather, “Nothing but it something is better than nothing? Is it not? Maybe sunshine here.” Of course if you live in Alberta the they are really the same thing. For instance, nothing answer is different, “Nothing but snow here.” or out in is better than a hug from your kid when you get back BC, “Nothing but rain.” You’re out camping, “Did you from a long trip. But that hug is really something when hear that?” – ‘It was nothing.” you get it. There is nothing like getting your truck dirty Let’s look at nothing from a drivers stand point. How
HawksHead
L i n e hau l H ig hway Own er O p erators established
1947
REQUIRED FOR VAN KAM’S GROUP OF COMPANIES
based out of surrey, prince george, castlegar, cranbrook, kelowna, kamloops
$3,500 signing bonus
•above average rates & benefits
•winter & mountain experience required
for all locations please contact 604-968-5488 careers@vankam.com or fax 604-587-9889
www.vankam.com
“Van Kam is committed to Employment Equity and Environmental Responsibility - we thank you for your interest, however only those of interest will be contacted”
PAGE 36
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
TAKE CONTROL OF DEBT IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH DEBT, YOU'RE NOT ALONE. EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS WITH BDO. More people talk to BDO about debt solutions than anyone else in Canada. We'll help you see beyond your debt so you can get back to living your life. • • • • • •
Consolidate debt with a consumer proposal Reduce the amount you owe Arrange manageable monthly payments Stop interest and collections calls Stop wage garnishments Avoid bankruptcy
Proposal Administrators | Credit Counsellors | Trustee in Bankruptcy since 1958
CONTROL YOUR FUTURE Visit BDOdebthelp.ca to contact a BDO office near you. Abbotsford | Burnaby | Cranbrook | Kamloops | Kelowna | Langley | Nelson | Penticton Prince George | Salmon Arm | Surrey | Vancouver | Vernon | White Rock Calgary | Edmonton | Grande Prairie | Lethbridge Medicine Hat | Red Deer Regina | Brandon | Winnipeg
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 37
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
all winter, then spending days polishing her back to her top form. Now she is really something to look at again. Nothing worse than that one place you have to back into with little or no room to spare. You know nothing good is going to happen there. But when you nail it in one shot in front of a bunch of other drivers, they all say, “Now that was something.” To which you reply. “It was nothing.” Of course there is nothing drivers want more than to be home as well. We often say there is nothing to do, but we all know there is always something. You say you are doing nothing today, but you always end up doing something. There are days where nothing you do seems to be right, even though you are trying to do something about it. One driver asks another. “How are things,” “Not bad, dispatcher is still nothing but a pain in the butt.” Seinfeld made a whole show about nothing, and made a fortune off of nothing. You go on a first date, buddy asks how it went. Your answer, “We have nothing in common.” So when you look at it nothing is really something - or is something nothing? Either way I have nothing left to say so I will leave you with these last two quotes about nothing. There is a quote from C.S. Lewis, “Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different…..” Last but not least a quote from Buddha. When Buddha was asked what he learned from meditation, he replied “Nothing! However let me tell you what I lost, anger, anxiety,
A
COLLISION SPECIALISTS ESTABLISHED 1968 ICBC & PRIVATE CLAIMS FRAMES & ALIGNMENT #4, 19155 - 96th Avenue Surrey, BC V4N 3P8
Ph: 604-888-1133 Fax: 604-888-6254
A
“WE ONLY DEAL WITH THE MOST STABLE MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY.” • Palomino • Coachman
• Keystone • Crossroads
• Stealth
• Octane
• Coachman
• Chateau
Directions: Western RV Country is located on the west side of the QEII Hwy. Easily accessible from either Hwy 11 or 11a exits.
?
Rge. Rd. 275
• Blue Ridge • Salem • Eagle • Pinnacle • Gazelle • V-Cross • Tango • Summit • Thoroughbred • Big Country • Cruiser • Zinger • Trail Master • Big Horn • Sabre Silhouette
Rge. Rd. 275
• Jayco • Forest River • Fourwinds • Gulfstream TRAILERS & 5TH WHEELS • Sabre • Cardinal • Jay Feather • Jay Flight • Laredo • Stampede • Banshee • Hampton • Vanguard • Palomino • Coast • Wave • Greystone • Twist • Jay Flight Bungalow TOY HAULERS • V-Cross • Raptor • Turbo • XLR MOTORIZED • Forester • Greyhawk • George Town • Cruisemaster PARK MODELS • Kropf HORSE TRAILERS • Lakota
Where Family Family Fun Fun Is Is #1 #1 Where
Western RV Country - Red Deer 65 Burnt Park Drive, Red Deer, AB T4P 0J7 • Ph: 877-356-9399 PAGE 38
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
depression, insecurity and fear of old age and death.” Now that last quote says something about nothing. I hope you got something out of this article, but if you got nothing out of it, that is okay too.
The Bear’s View
Sgt. Mark Whitworth
I’m often asked how we (police officers) personally deal with traumatic events and whether it affects us. I usually respond by saying that we are affected no differently than anyone else and share the same feelings most others experience when exposed to horrific injuries and death. One thought may be that police become desensitized after a while and I guess that over time this may occur for some, at least to some extent. I find that focussing on what needs to be done at the time and ensuring it is done right provides somewhat of a distraction though it does not remove all of the disturbing images embedded in our thoughts. By far, the most frequent and disturbing type of event police attend is traffic collisions, particularly those that
OWNER OPERATORS WANTED “Our Committment to Excellence” • Western Canada • No USA • Top Rates • Revenue Based • Over 40 years in business • Open Door Policy • Fuel Surcharge Program • Safe Driving Incentives • Company Fuel Cards • Dedicated Trailers • Home almost every weekend • Excellent Insurance Rates • Benefit Package
1•800•465•2193 craig@downtons.com
WHERE YOU ARE A NAME! NOT JUST A NUMBER! COMPANY DRIVERS & L/O OPERATORS
VANS-CONTAINERS & LOCAL CARTAGE METRO VANCOUVER (STEP DECK & FLAT DECK) HIRING EXPERIENCED SOLO OTR DRIVERS - ALBERTA & BC • LATE MODEL EQUIPMENT • COMPETITIVE BI-WEEKLY PAY • 10,000+ MILES PER MONTH • ACCESS TO EXTENDED BENEFITS • PET/PASSENGER POLICY • ONE DAY ORIENTATION COMPANY DRIVERS $.44 PER MILE LEASE OPERATORS $1.90 PER MILE
CALL OUR RECRUITING SPECIALIST “ANDERSON” TODAY! 1-800-663-8178 MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8 AM TO 5PM (Pacific Time) OR E MAIL ANDERSON.GUTFRIEND@BUTTERWORTHSTRANSPORT.COM MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 39
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
result in serious injury or death. Traffic collisions involve many people including victims and their families, ambulance personnel, traffic control, police, fire/ rescue, tow truck operators, and witnesses. This latter group often arrive at the scene moments after a crash and see the carnage and devastation caused by the collision. Witnesses usually offer assistance and due to the remote location of many serious crashes, often have to spend considerable time with victims before emergency crews arrive. Firstresponders may be distracted by the job they are expected to carry out whereas a witness may only have raw images of the crash to reflect upon. Over the years, I have attended hundreds of crashes and seen just about every form of injury from such events. On many occasions, I have arrived at a crash site and found a truck driver controlling a scene and providing assistance to those directly involved. First I would like to extend my great appreciation to these men and women for this assistance and a thank-you on behalf of all of us – as often, you are not given the proper recognition you deserve for that assistance. Commercial vehicle operators at the scene of the crash are seen by first responders as professional and a source of valuable information that is useful for moving an investigation forward. Truck driver’s road knowledge, enables those giving assistance comfort in knowing that someone else is also looking out for others well-being.
www.xtremepolishing.net WARRANTY ON ALL PARTS
“YOUR ONE STOP TRUCK SHOP” Bumper To Bumper Truck Accesories/Custom Fabrication Installs/Aluminum Wheel & Truck Polishing
Dealer For American Eagle Stainless Steel Exhaust
Stainless is for life... 604-888-4670 or 604-376-1189 Unit #2-19349 94th Ave, Surrey Your professionalism demonstrated by the manner in which you perform your duties, whether while driving or at the scene of a crash, shows your level of compassion for others. Those of you who have been at the scene of a tragic crash may experience a number of emotions. We all share the same emotions that will hopefully diminish with time. Sharing these thoughts by talking with others often reduces related stress and anxiety and will allow you to recover sooner – remember we are all human and these are normal feelings. ***** “Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him; better take a closer look at the American Indian.” ~ Henry Ford
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION $24.95 for 1 year, GST included
$39.95 for 2 years, GST included
NAME:___________________________________________________________________________ COMPANY NAME:_________________________________________________________________ MAIL ADDRESS:____________________________________ CITY:__________________________ PROV:_____________COUNTRY:__________________________POSTAL:____________________ TEL:______ _______________________
FAX:______ _______________________
EMAIL:_________________________________________________________________ Cheque
Visa
Master Card
AMOUNT $_______________
#__________________________________ Expiry: ___________ CVS # _____________ Name:_ _________________________________ Signature: ________________________ Send to: Pro-Trucker Magazine, 9693-129th Street, Surrey, BC V3T 3G3 PAGE 40
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
Phone: 604-580-2092 Toll Free: 1-800-331-8127 Fax: 604-580-2046 MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 41
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
An Old Teacher
By Mel McConaghy
Mel is a retired veteran driver who has spent 40 years on the road. I started driving a lumber truck in 1952 when I was sixteen years old. I was making a dollar an hour for driving the truck - and loading it by hand. The truck was an old 1946 GMC, three ton, single axle flat deck and it wasn’t much of a truck, even at that time. It looked like someone had repainted it with black house paint, using a paint brush of the same vintage as the truck itself. The floor matt was worn ragged and you could see day light down past the clutch and brake pedal. This gave you a NICE cooling effect in the summer but it meant you had to wear good boots in the winter. The wind whistled through the cab like it was a wind tunnel. I liked to call the effect my climate control because the climate outside was definitely in control of the climate inside. The mirror arms vibrated so badly, that if you wanted to back up you had to reach out and grab the arm to steady it. The right hand windshield wiper arm was missing, but I didn’t worry, because I very seldom, if ever, drove from that side. It wasn’t much of a truck but if the
truth had been known, I probably would have driven it for nothing, just so I could be driving a truck. That old truck taught me a lot, it taught me how to shift a transmission with square cut gear’s that would let you and anyone within a quarter mile around you know, by the loud grinding of gears, that you weren’t double clutching properly. It taught me the importance of good tire management and proper maintenance, things that saved me a lot of money over the years. You really had to manage the tires on that old truck, because if you ran over anything that was more than a pebble, they would go flat. It taught me to respect ice, no matter what the color as well as slush that can take control of your truck in an instant. It taught me the importance of maintaining it properly, because if you ran it too long on an oil change, the engine would start rattling, as if as to say, “If you don’t change my oil, these pistons will no longer be part of this engine.” That old truck was my kindergarten and my elementary school. It was the teacher that for over forty years, helped keep me on the road and make a living. In 1954, I turned it over to another kid who didn’t know a Dayton wheel from a Bud, and I joined the Canadian Navy. After serving in the Navy for ten years, in 1964, when I turned forty-two, I gave up a full pension and went back to driving truck. I drove for another twenty-nine years until I sold my truck and retired at the age
Britco Rentals and Sales Britco has the largest rental fleet of new and used buildings for delivery and installation anywhere in British Columbia. • Containers • Field offices • First aid buildings • Kiosks • Mobile offices • Office complexes • Classrooms • Washroom buildings
britco.com 1.800.527.4826 PAGE 42
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
of seventy–one. Now every time I think of that old truck, I think it must have given me some kind of mental virus as it never really taught me anything about good sense.
ays Open 7 D k e e W A
New
Websit e
Design
Tucker The Trucker
In Memory of Rud Kendall August 1943-January 2010
The Big Little Things In Life Just recently I attended a seminar and heard something really profound. At least I thought it was profound, but then again I still think Wayne and Shuster are funny and that Harold Ballard was a nice guy. The speaker said there’s a certain type of person who can handle the big things he faces, but then trips over the little cracks in the sidewalk of life. His exact words were; “Put this person in a room with an enraged rhinoceros and he or she will be calm and serene. What will bring them to their knees are the ants crawling on the floor.”
ICBC Repairs • Sandblasting Full Truck Collision Services Frame Straightening Custom Painting Painting
Head Office Langley 604-888-8788 9737-197B Street
Abbotsford 604-854-8779 #8-31059 Peardonville Road
EMAIL: truckwest@shaw.ca WEBSITE: truckwestcollision.com
FISHERMEN, MOUNTAIN BIKERS, HIKERS,
WEEKEND CAR CAMPERS & SERIOUS RV CAMPERS 31 fully serviced RV spots • 33 non-serviced tenting/RV spots available throughout the year. The fully serviced campsites have electrical, wireless internet capabilities & water & sewage hookups with disposal facilities. Many campsites have picnic tables. Choose from: river-view sites, river-front tent canopy sites & wooded tent sites. All in beautiful Merritt, BC.
Save 10% when you show this ad!
Reservations:
250-315-2267 • 1-888-344-2267
Email: info@moonshadows.ca
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 43
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Boy, do I ever relate to that. It seems that life is constantly tripping me up and it’s usually over something truly trivial. You know what I mean, I’m sure. For example, I’ve always dreamed of winning the Indy 500, but I have a tough time navigating a grocery cart through the frozen foods to the limp lettuce display. I can drive the Rockies with my eyes shut, (I think, never having had the bravado, or enough Coors in me to really try it) but put me in rush hour traffic and I fall apart. I know, I just know, that the clown next to me is going to do something really stupid and I’ll be doing something even stupider first, thus stealing away his initiative. I once walked ten miles in below zero weather when my truck broke down in the bush and it was easy. I whistled a lot, mind you, because I knew it was bear country and I had eaten a bowl of Honey Combs for breakfast. I’ve even been known to jog, especially when the liquor store is just about to close. No sweat. But sometimes I have difficulty walking down the sidewalk and I’m not exaggerating! Maybe you’ve experienced it. You’re walking along, minding your own business, admiring the attractive architecture of modern forms, or maybe looking at some buildings, when, WHAP, you step off the curb! I nearly broke my ankle the last time it happened and two overanxious Boy Scouts threw a little old lady into the path of an onrushing taxi in their haste to give me a helping hand. Electronic doors lie in wait for me too. I was walking into Safeway a while ago and noticed a really cute young lady about to exit with her arms full of groceries. I gave her my best Fabio smile as we passed, then smashed fullstride into the unyielding, inch-thick pane of glass that was obviously on strike. As I slid limply to the ground, I felt the first warm trickles spurting from my truly tender nose. I tried to clean the blood from the glass, but only succeeded in creating a slightly suggestive finger painting that would have done Pablo Picasso justice. When I noticed the security guard approaching cautiously, I decided to leave and immediately applied for a cheque cashing card at Super Value. I figure that would be the truly safe way to gain entrance to a food store in the future. I also have some small difficulties with my body from time-to-time. For example, I am unable to eat hot soup in a restaurant without being asked to leave. It seems that all eight of my sinus cavities decide to unplug the moment a bowl of soup is placed anywhere near them. These are the same sinus’ that are cemented shut every winter, usually from 6 pm Labor Day until sometime in the afternoon on July 1st. It’s hard to be discreet when you’re blowing your nose on a napkin that’s been folded to resemble a poinsettia, especially when your salad fork gets caught in it and clangs into the soup bowl sending the noodles into sub-orbital flight. Lineups are also rapidly shortening my life and the only consolation I have is an unshaken belief that there will be PAGE 44
a lineup in front of the pearly gates on Judgement Day, and by the time I shuffle up to St. Peter, he might be tired and overlook some of my more major transgressions in his rush to get home for supper. It doesn’t matter how many people are ahead of me when I hit the post office, I end up waiting for hours. By the time I’m at the front of the line, the postal clerks have all gone into the backroom (where they normally sleep, play cards, and take strike votes) and pick up their paychecks that were just delivered by Purolator. (They don’t send them by mail anymore. Seems they were always late and/or lost.) If they don’t all disappear, the customer at the only open wicket is trying to establish the second class rate for mailing live Llamas to Lillooet on a Sunday with guaranteed delivery and four receipts, which the clerk doesn’t have in stock, but will run downtown to get, thank you. Banks are real killers too. When they first introduced those winding rows of ropes I thought they were on their way to a solution but it hasn’t helped me much. I went into the main branch recently and got lost in the maze that snaked its way across the floor like a conga line. I finally stepped over the ropes in an attempt to get back to civilization, and sure enough, I tripped. The entire row of poles clanged onto the marble floor and I felt like a netted flounder. By the time I helped put everything back in place, my loan payment was overdue and they foreclosed on my furniture. The people who design packaging can also ruin my day. I bought a bag of cookies for dessert the other night and by the time I disposed of the cardboard that padded the insides, it was time for breakfast. Chocolate bars are the same thing. Sure, they look big, but when you finally tear through the layers of wrapping they look more like an After Eight mint that was wrapped before six in the morning. But I’ve got to quit worrying about these little things that make life a big frustration. Maybe I should be more like an old cat-skinner I once drank with. He said he only worried about the big things and let his wife worry about the little ones. “I handle the Middle East, the Federal government, nuclear disarmament and the disappearance of the dinosaurs.” He explained.” My wife worries about the little issues, like feeding the kids, paying the rent and getting a job!” ***** Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: ‘Slim, I’m 83 years old now and I’m just full of aches and pains. I know you’re about my age. How do you feel?’ Slim says, ‘I feel just like a newborn baby.’ ‘Really!? Like a newborn baby!?’ ‘Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.’
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
“A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION” Acreage | Residential | Commercial | Single and Multi Family Homes
Thinking of buying or selling? Call for a free market evaluation. “We could not be happier with the excellent service we received from Darren and Dale. They helped sell our home in less than a week, and were always quick to communicate any information to us. They were friendly, trustworthy, and knowledgeable. We would highly recommend Darren and Dale to our friends and family!” Greg and Lynette V.
Darren Leffers 604.866.1300 darrenleffers@gmail.com
Dale Kirkland 604.657.1435 dalekirkland@shaw.ca
Homelife Benchmark Titus Realty MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
PAGE 45
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Trucks of Steel
I learned to drive in harder times,
We were Knights in shining armor,
when trucks were made of steel,
Champions of the road,
Our seats were not cushions of air
Everyone respected us
And arms strong turned the wheel.
as we pulled those heavy loads.
The Autocars and Brockways
Then along came Hollywood
Have long since turned to rust,
With films I will not name
The iron men that jammed the gears Suddenly we were villains, are now no more than dust.
How much things have changed.
We changed our own tires then,
Trucks are made of plastic now,
With pry bars and with sweat,
We pull even bigger loads,
Our springs were blocks of rubber;
Drivers now get no respect
my back can feel it yet.
from others on the road.
An open window kept you cool;
I guess I am a dinosaur;
Our pillow was a steering wheel,
It’s time for me to retire,
Men were made of iron;
I’ll dream about the trucks of steel
Trucks were made of steel.
as I sit and watch the fire.
Dave Madill PAGE 46
Dave Madill was Pro-Trucker Magazine’s Rig of the Month in June of 2001 and he has been entertaining us with his poetry ever since. Dave has published three books of poems that are available by special order through Chapters Book Stores or www.amazon.com
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
MAY 2014
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Chevron Commercial Cardlocks Clean. Quick. Reliable.
Call Us 800 331 7353 / 604 668 5300 Find cardlock locations at Chevron.ca Š 2013 Chevron Canada Limited. All rights reserved. CHEVRON and the Chevron Hallmark are registered trademarks of Chevron Intellectual Property LLC.
MAY 2014
Join us this year at Big Rig Weekends - BC July 5/6 and Alberta August 16/17
Chevron_ProTrucker_Mar2013.indd 1
PAGE 47
3/18/2013 11:43:10 AM
PRO-TRUCKER MAGAZINEe
Class 1 Flat Deck Drivers Required
Ä‘ĆŤ .! 0ĆŤ, 5ĆŤ, ' #! Ä‘ĆŤ 0! 5ĆŤ)%(!/ Ä‘ĆŤ % ĆŤ/ )!ĆŤ)%(! #!ĆŤ. 0!/ĆŤ"+.ĆŤĆŤ (+ ! ĆŤ * ĆŤ!),05ĆŤ)%(!/ Ä‘ĆŤ +ĆŤ%*/1. * !ĆŤ,.!)%1)/ĆŤ $ .#!
Up to .53/mile to start Paid load, unload & wait time at $30/hr Medical/dental benefits & RRSP program Performance bonus .02/mile Safety bonus .02/mile, Paid direct deposit
flatbed experience? Call Now: 1 (877) 452-9414 No x.8706 đƍ +ƍ(% !*/%*#ƍ"!!/ƍ $ .#! Call about our mentoringđƍprogram. Email: recruiting@continentalcartage.com 1!(ƍ . /ƍ/1,,(%! đƍ % ƍ"1!(ƍ/1. $ .#! Visit: www.continentalcartage.com OWNER OPERATORS COMPANY DRIVERS Earn up to 2.30/mile Inc. FSC Nov 18, 2013 Paid plates, insurance, permits & tolls Paid load, unload & wait times at $50/hr All miles paid at the loaded rate Paid by direct deposit
Call Now: 1 (877) 452-9414 x 8706 Email: recruiting@continentalcartage.com Visit: www.continentalcartage.com
MAY 2014
www.pro-truckermagazine.com
PAGE 48