Happy New Year 2008

I did not update my English blog recently. The topics were mostly for the French speaking Canadians. I hope you will forgive me this time. In this time of the year, most of us take a step back to look at what happened in the last 365 days and what could be in store for us for the next 366, 2008 is a leap year…

2007 has surprised many with diesel fuel over the $3.25 mark in the USA while in Canada, the price of a litre of the same precious oil has closed over the dollar in Ontario. The manufacturing slow down had a toll on the trucking industry also. Many plants are either moving where the labour costs are cheaper, are cutting back on the shifts if not closing completely. Our governments are saying that every thing is going good. I wonder if they live on the same planet we are, especially in Quebec

Enough pessimism, let’s look at some good things that happened too. There is a rise in the solidarity among Owner-Operators and Professional Drivers. The associations that regroup them are picking up membership to voice their comments. Here in Quebec, we have seen the start of a new activity for drivers and their families with the Convoy for Special Olympics. The true Professionals are taking a stand and leaving their mark by their courtesy, respect and communications, not only within the driver’s community but also with the public and other road users. Many Medias don’t see it this way and are still showing trucks and truckers as nuisances on the roads with biased polls to sell more papers. To communicate our passion of trucks and lifestyle we have, this will help the general public to understand that without trucks, the economy comes to a screeching halt and if we keep on having restrictions and new regulations, the price of consumer goods is only going to go up.

What I see coming up for 2008.

Honestly, I would be a fool to say that fuel prices will go down. I see a little bit of relief with some more stable prices. I may not have a crystal ball but, I have a feeling that 2008 will see some funny merges among carriers, if not some unexpected closings. The battle to stop Mandatory Speed Limiters in Canada will go on and to stop this madness and we will need a strong voice represent us in all Provinces. The governments needs to know that there is more Owner-Operators then carriers in this country and we need to keep all the tools we currently have to keep up with the large fleets.

Since many laws in many jurisdictions are made that we can not stop to protest, I have a suggestion to make in the beginning of the New Year. Why not make it a habit to run compliant? This is the only way to show to every one that the rules and regulations we have to deal with every day are putting a burden on us. If we keep on hiding the facts, how can we show them!

The true secret is to stay informed. All public documents are available online to read. Staying ahead of the ball is more then ever important if we all want to succeed in this industry we love so dearly.

Happy trails and stay safe for 2008

Presentation at the Quebec Parliament

Friday November 30th, OBAC was at the « Committee on Transport and Environment » to represent you Professional Drivers. Yours truly was asked to do the presentation. I did my best to be as communicative of your concerns to the government of Quebec. OBAC has made some allies at this commission. I invite you to follow the links to make up your mind. I should comment on t shortly. . The links are to the presentation of OBAC, Quebec’s Road Controllers and the QTA. Quebec being a French speaking Province, unfortunately, all presentations are in French. If you are curious, go ahead and look them up

OBAC’s presentation
http://diffusion.assnat.qc.ca/video/cte/cte200711301221.wmv

Quebec Road Controllers
http://diffusion.assnat.qc.ca/video/cte/cte200711291709.wmv

QTA’s presentation
http://diffusion.assnat.qc.ca/video/cte/cte200711291556.wmv

We will talk about it soon!

Calculating Green House Gases (GHG)

If you go back on my blog in the month of May, I was sharing some apprehensions on the calculation by our Quebec civil servants and their researches on the GHG reductions
See: http://thetruckingblog.blogspot.com/2007/05/mandatory-speed-limiters-is-picking-up.html

I saw today a survey made by Statistics Canada on registered vehicles in Canada. The numbers leave me with event more questions and they should do the same for you.

The Green Plan 2006-2012 in Quebec expects that heavy trucks could reduce 330kt of GHG by a mandated speed limiter. I am still wondering how Ontario comes to 140kt.

It there is in Ontario 7,130,694 vehicles including 211,779 vehicles over 4,5tonnes, how can we in Quebec with 4,471,723 vehicles including 98,320 of these over 4,5tonnes and double the GHG reductions?

I suggest you ask the question to the concerned Ministers…

Source:
http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/53-223-XIE/53-223-XIE2006000.pdf

A Strike! To Do or Not To Do?

Funny question as an opening title. Personally, I never was in favour of such a movement mostly because international and inter-provincial transportation are ruled by the Canadian labour laws. The only big losers are the drivers and the small business trucker. I am using the topic Jacques Plante talked about last week on his radio program. I wasn’t able to air my comments on his show.

Jacques also pointed out the rules of law in Bill 130 that puts a restriction to pressure tactics that can be used by truck drivers after the road blocks done in the past. Our governments being reactive administrators, they answered to drivers demands against load brokers in their protests by new laws to keep trucks rolling in the late 90’s.

What do we have left?

Many would say: “nothing!”

No, we still have a very powerful weapon and we use it every day. If we apply the proverb “The pen is stronger then the sword” we all have a pen, a ruler and a log book. The best way to beat the system which we are cheating with the lame excuse that we don’t make a profit is to run the system by the book. How can we prove our points if we continue to be creative and sweat at any scale that is slow to give the green light?

If written words meaningful, spoken one are lost in the air. We can complain until the cows come home, if we have nothing to support our sayings, these are only words. By taking action and with some good will, we have the possibility to slow down the economy without putting it to a screeching halt, without breaking any rules or laws and with no fines attached. We must deliver the goods and not use cheating to cover up an extended stop to shoot the breeze in a truck stop or to cover the expected traffic jam. We must assume the consequences of our actions too. This is the basics of professionalism in any field of work. If the demands of the customer are impossible to do, you must advise them from the start.

I once told a dispatcher that my job is to carry a load from point A to Point B in a safe and legal manner. We are not there to repair others mistakes. The road throws at us enough things unexpected already. After all, the first one blamed is the driver in many cases.

Why not take the resolution for 2008 to make things change by running compliant?

Members of the Parliament Commission on Transportation and Environnement

Now that we know more on the process of the rule making of legislations, we still have some homework to do in order to help our cause. You will find below the list of the Members of the Commission that will overlook Bill 42 that Minister Boulet presented to the National Assembly last Novembre 14^th.

What I suggest is to write to them in your own words, while staying polite and courteous, and let them know the impacts that limiting the speed of your truck at 105Km/h in zones where the limits are greater then the ones in Quebec.

It is your right if your residence or your business place is in their electoral base. Your voice will have a great impact on them. They are politicians and votes are important for them.

Here are a few examples

Your quality of life

The lost of income on your business
The lost time at home between trips with your family and to get proper rest so you can be a safe and alert driver
The extra loads you will have to do in order to keep a similar income

For contractors or small fleet owners

The impact on the tonnage of freight you can move if your trucks are slower in areas where you can have them roll faster, the 2 trips yearly per truck that are going to be required and the financial burden of getting extra trucks, trailers and staff to get the same revenues
Our industry is in a driver’s shortage, the impact you will have to recruit qualified personnel to operate the extra trucks

I see the most impact on carriers moving produces from and to the west coast. An easy calculation gives me about 5 hours more round trip and this adds up to 240 hours a year in extra driving time.

Here is the list of the Members

President

Lawrence S. Bergman PLQ
Deputy of D’Arcy-McGee
Telephone: 514 488-7028
Telecopy: 514 488-1713
lbergman-dmg@assnat.qc.ca

Vice-President
Jean Domingue ADQ
Tel. Toll Free: 1 866 875-0303
Telecopy: 418 895-6351
Deputy of Bellechasse
jdomingue-bell@assnat.qc.ca

Members representing PLQ

Johanne Gonthier
Deputy of Mégantic-Compton
Tel. Toll Free: 1 800 567-3523
Telecopy: 819 583-0926
jgonthier-meco@assnat.qc.ca

François Ouimet
Deputy of Marquette and Parliamentary assistant to Transport Minister
Telephone: 514 634-9720
Telecopy: 514 634-1653
fouimet-marq@assnat.qc.ca

Pierre Reid
Deputy of Orford
Telephone: 819 847-3911
Telecopy: 819 847-4099
preid-orfo@assnat.qc.ca

Gerry Skalavounos
Deputy of Laurier-Dorion
Telephone: 514 273-1412
Telecopy: 514 273-3150
gsklavounos-lado@assnat.qc.ca

Members representing ADQ

Jean Damphousse
Deputy of Maskinongé
Telephone : 819 228-9722
Telecopy : 819 228-0040
jdamphousse-mask@assnat.qc.ca

Simon-Pierre Diamond
Deputy of Marguerite-D’Youville
Telephone : 450 641-2748
Telecopy : 450 641-0689
spdiamond-mayo@assnat.qc.ca

Pierre Gingras
Deputy of Blainville and Transport Critic
Telephone : 450 430-8086
Telecopy : 450 430-9795
pgingras-blai@assnat.qc.ca

Members representing PQ

Camil Bouchard
Deputy of Vachon
Telephone : 450 676-5086
Telecopy : 450 676-0709
camilbouchard-vach@assnat.qc.ca

Serge Deslières
Deputy of Beauharnois and Transport Critic
Telephone : 450 429-3102
Telecopy : 450 225-1505
sdeslieres-beau@assnat.qc.ca

Luc Ferland
Deputy of Ungava
Tel. sans frais : 1 800 463-7122
Telecopy : 418 748-3255
lferland-unga@assnat.qc.ca

A Speed Limiter on the Minister’s Limo?

In all the debate on the question, the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada had brought up the suggestion of limiting the trucks of repeating speed offenders and their fleets if nothing else was a way to slow them down.

Friday November 16^th, a team of the “Journal de Montreal” followed Minister Boulet limousine after a press conference in Laval, on her way back towards Quebec. The journalist did note not less then 3 major violations to the Highway Code and 1 minor. Maybe the people of Quebec should ask that the Minister’s limo would be equipped with a speed limiting devise. I had talks with some safety directors and some company owners and most of them agree that a driver with bad driving habits will keep them in just about any circumstances. Even the statistics of the SAAQ, brought up by the oppositions critics this week after the deposit of Bill 42, shows that drivers with the worst records are most likely to be the ones with the most violations.

In a meeting at the Minister’s Cabinet, the point was brought up that impatient automobile drivers are not shy to often pass a heavy truck by the right before this one resumes the right lane after a passing manoeuvre. Minister Boulet, wake up! You had a front row seat on what we were explaining to your staffers. You were even lucky that the truck driver didn’t come back to the right lane when your limo was in the blind spot!

With all the violations noted by the journalist of the “Journal de Montreal” , Mister Driver of the Minister, would have his driver’s permit on the brink of a suspension with fines totalizing 715$ and 10 demerit points to his permit. If a Professional Driver has more then 2 moving violations in a year, he or she may have a hard time to find a job.

Minister Boulet declared she was snoozing when the events happened.

Original article from the Journal de Montreal on Canoë(in french)
http://www.canoe.com/infos/quebeccanada/archives/2007/11/20071117-063902.html?14290a715a5b4bdbbf90eb7d1982ac04

November 11th 2007, Lest We Forget

I had planned to make a nice text with a picture of a WWII vet and a picture of Larry Jesse's truck that is a rolling tribute to the men and women that served the country. Instead, you will have a cut and paste of a press release I got from the Cabinet of Minister Boulet and a picture of her...
All things considered, I'll drop the picture of the Minister.
Sorry for the french text, Transport Quebec is the opposite of the CTA who only puts up releases in english...
I short, this coming Tuesday, Minister Boulet will propose a "Projet de loi" with the 6 priorities for safer roads in Quebec including mandatory speed limiters for all heavy trucks.


La ministre des Transports Julie Boulet annonce le dépôt du Projet de loi modifiant le Code de la sécurité routière et le Règlement sur les points d'inaptitude


MONTRÉAL, le 11 nov. /CNW Telbec/ - La ministre des Transports et ministre responsable de la région de la Mauricie, Mme Julie Boulet, a annoncé aujourd'hui le dépôt du Projet de loi modifiant le Code de la sécurité routière et le Règlement sur les points d'inaptitude.
Les modifications proposées dans ce projet de loi concernent, la vitesse, l'alcool, les radars photos et les caméras aux feux rouges, l'accès graduel à la conduite, le cellulaire au volant et les limiteurs de vitesse pour les véhicules lourds.

Vitesse

En matière de vitesse au volant, des changements législatifs et règlementaires sont proposés afin d'introduire des sanctions plus sévères pour les grands excès de vitesse, notamment en doublant les amendes et le nombre de points d'inaptitude pour les grands excès de vitesse.

Alcool au volant

Malgré les progrès réalisés, près de 30 % des conducteurs décédés à la suite d'un accident de la route, en 2005, avaient une alcoolémie supérieure à la limite légale. Dans ce contexte, des changements législatifs auront comme résultats d'augmenter la sévérité des sanctions existantes et qui en ajoutent de nouvelles. Il est recommandé la mise en place de sanctions plus sévères pour les récidivistes de l'alcool au volant et également, l'introduction de sanctions au Code de la sécurité routière pour les personnes conduisant avec un taux d'alcoolémie se situant entre 0,05 et 0,08.

Radars photos et caméras aux feux rouges

La mise en place de radars photos et de caméras aux feux rouges a été approuvée par le Conseil des ministres en juin 2007. Il est proposé la mise en place d'un projet pilote de radars photographiques et de caméras aux feux rouges. Ce projet pilote sera déployé dans 15 sites d'implantation. Les endroits où seront initiés les projets pilotes seront annoncés au courant des prochaines semaines.
Ces sites d'implantation sont des endroits où les accidents sont attribuables à la vitesse ou au non-respect des feux rouges et que les usagers de la route seront prévenus de l'emplacement des caméras et des radars photographiques. L'objectif n'est pas de piéger les automobilistes, mais de sauver des vies. De plus, tel qu'annoncé cet été, les sommes provenant des contraventions seront réinvesties dans des mesures de sécurité routière et en soutien aux organismes qui aident les victimes de la route.
Les préoccupations des partenaires ont été prises en considération, comme il avait été prévu de le faire. Ces projets pilotes auront une durée de 18 mois et seront révisés par l'Assemblée nationale après 12 mois.

L'accès graduel à la conduite

L'introduction de nouvelles mesures d'accès graduel à la conduite automobile est proposée, notamment par l'instauration de cours de conduite obligatoires pour les nouveaux conducteurs, par l'imposition du permis de conduire probatoire pour les 25 ans et plus, et par un accès graduel aux points d'inaptitude pour les moins de 25 ans.

Le cellulaire au volant

La recherche démontre que l'utilisation du cellulaire au volant est une source importante de distraction qui augmente le risque d'être impliqué dans un accident. Il est donc recommandé d'interdire au conducteur l'usage du téléphone cellulaire combiné pendant qu'il conduit et d'imposer des amendes et des points d'inaptitude dans ces circonstances.

Les limiteurs de vitesse pour les véhicules lourds

Dans le domaine du transport routier des marchandises, le respect des limites de vitesse est plus que crucial. Pour amener les conducteurs de véhicules lourds à réduire leur vitesse, il est proposé de modifier le Code de la sécurité routière pour rendre obligatoire l'activation des limiteurs de vitesse sur tous les véhicules lourds ainsi que le réglage de la vitesse maximale de ces véhicules à 105 km/h.
"Voilà, sommairement, ce que je proposerai mardi à l'Assemblée nationale du Québec lors du dépôt d'un projet de loi. Il appartient maintenant aux élus de faire de ces propositions des actions constructives pour changer le comportement des plusieurs usagers de la route et, ultimement, éviter des drames humains qui sont encore trop nombreux sur les routes du Québec", a conclu la ministre.



-30-

Put the Brakes on Speed Limiters

“Mettons un frein au limiteur de vitesse”. This is the name of the campaign OBAC and OOIDA have put up in the French speaking Province of Quebec to be a counter-act to the other associations in trucking that are pushing the issue of the mandatory speed limiter on all trucks in Quebec and passing in. This goes the same way as in neighbouring Ontario. At first, Minister Boulet was putting it up to all trucks in Quebec but, the wording is slowly changing to rime more with the Minister of Transport of Ontario and will include all trucks rolling in Quebec.

Current members of OOIDA in Quebec have received a letter with a reply card to the Minister. Other cards will be available in truck stops around the province shortly these coming weeks. Some representatives of OBAC will be on the road to pass them out also. All you will have to do is to fill them out and drop it in a mail box or leave it to the person that handed it out to you. They will gladly expedite them to Minister Boulet.

There is also the letters and the online petition available. Up to now, there is over 705 support signature from drivers of Quebec, Ontario, Canada and the United States. Don’t forget that our southern neighbours, that are trade partners, are going to be forced to comply. Their support is important and not to neglect.

Even if OBAC’s web site doesn’t reflect the new cost of membership, it will be updated shortly and the cost is now of $45.00cdn to be a member. If you are an OOIDA member all ready, it drops to $25.00cdn. To sign up at the new pricing, you can give us a call at 1-866-747-OBAC (6222) or at 1-888-794-9990.

The power is in the numbers. The more we are, the more our representation will weigh.

A Solution for Road Infrastructures in Quebec

I may be only a blogger but, many ideas have started on this new media and made their way. I am also a citizen with a severe case of paying enough taxes and not getting a fair return on my money.

If I use the simple accounting principle that to spend more I need more income, or if you prefer I can’t spend more then what I earn and I apply it to governments, this often translate in a new tax or a new user fee. Personally, it’s the second option I prefer. This can be applied to the highway network for carriers, that are paying a road tax, and to other road users who are paying taxes on fuels.

My comments won’t get a unanimous support but could put a balm on the open wounds that our road network has in Quebec and this network may find the lost vitality, expand if these founds are totally applied to it.

The first idea is an old one and even my friend Jacques Plante, host on Livraison Speciale, talks about it once in a while. To have personalized licence plates. If I look the amount of these plates on the roads of Ontario and the invoice that follows, $237.30, this could be a new voluntary tax that could help the roadway network. With my caffeine addiction, I could choose LRG KFE if we are limited to 6 characters.

Another idea is to put a single fee to acquire the licence plate on top of the yearly registration fee. Many other administrations are doing it already. This could slow down the plate changing for any reasons, good or bad, and ease on the cost to the government to produce the plates.

Another irregularity I noticed in our registration system is the cost to licence a trailer. This is where a user fee rate could be applied. I ask you this question: Is it normal that licensing a 3’X7’ utility trailer cost is the same as a 53’ four axels, $67.00, and the registration is permanent?

My answer is no. Why? I don’t think nobody will ever load up a utility trailer pulled by an every day car with the same payload. This trailer may never roll in its lifetime the distance a transport trailer does in a year. The idea is the same for a small trailer used for a commercial purpose. If our Ministers of Finance and of Transport take at heart the well being of the roadways, a modulation of the rates would create appreciated new revenues. An option to consider is to stop the permanent licensing on commercial trailers. This includes all types of trailers. If there is a luxury tax and a high engine displacement tax on cars, a RV trailer could have a higher fee depending on the length. Here is the grid I suggest

Private utility trailer 45.00 permanent
Tent trailer 60.00 permanent
27’ or less RV trailer 75.00 permanent
27’ or more RV trailer 100.00 permanent
Commercial utility trailer 25.00 yearly
Transport trailer 2 axels 45.00 yearly
Additional axel 15.00 yearly

Considering that an escape of registration outside of the province is possible, it should be mandatory for a company that the main place of business is in Quebec to have their trailers registered in Quebec. It could be the same for the power units.

For a carrier whose main place of business is in Quebec, it would only be normal to have the fleet tagged in the province. Some exceptions could be considered for assigned units based to drivers in a satellite terminal out of Quebec and for local use trucks at that same place. The same principle can be applied to carriers out of Quebec for their satellite terminals in the province for their power units assigned to Quebec drivers and to local use trucks.

I already ear the FQCC, which I was a long time member, carriers association, lawn care people and others. Are we the main users of the roadways? Don’t forget I have put a very important condition.

These new founds are to be applied to the budgets of the Transport Ministry for roads and infrastructures only.

Jean Catudal

Drivers and Speed Limiter Survey by OOIDA Foundation

In all the issues surrounding the proposal of Minister Boulet on the speed limiter, for the past few months we have heard arguments for, against and anywhere in between. A study of ATRI, one within the members of the QTA, another from the OTA and more. One survey that has passed under the radars in Canada is the one OOIDA’s Foundation made to get the point of view of the drivers on the issue. I did get a copy and I am sharing these numbers today. With the authorisation of OOIDA, I can reproduce the questions and the answers.

The drivers were selected using the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association data base identifying those drivers who were listed as hired drivers. There were 15,382 drivers identified as hired drivers .A survey was sent to all those drivers with a return envelope. There were a total of 3,422 completed surveys returned and entered into the data base. There were 55 surveys returned with wrong addresses making the total surveyed 15,327. This represents a 22.3% return rate.

1. What trucking company do you drive for?
Number of different trucking companies listed. 2,080

2. Is the truck you drive equipped with a speed limiter?
Yes = 64,6% No = 35,4%

3. What is the maximum speed setting of the speed limiter?
Average setting = 69 mph

4. If the vehicle you drive is limited to a speed that is less than the speed limit on many highways you travel, do you exceed the speed limit on roads or in areas where the speed limit is less than the speed limiter setting to make up for lost time?
Never ` 26.2%
Sometimes 51.8%
Usually 16.7%
Always 5.3%

5. Does the company also speed limit owner-operators’ trucks?
Yes: 9.8% No: 41% Don’t know: 23.3% N/A: 25.9%

6. Please rank what concerns you have about speed limiters. Rank from 1-6; with 1 being the primary concern and 6 being the least concern. If you have no concerns about speed limiters please mark “No concerns” with a 0.
(Ranked by results)
1- Lack of passing speed
2- Increased congestion
3- Being rear-ended
4- Need to drive longer to get miles
5- More frequent passing by automobiles
6- Other; Specify
7- No concerns

7. When looking for a company to drive for, is the fact that a company has speed limiters an important part of your consideration?
Yes: 2,042 No: 621 Not a factor: 739

8. If all things were equal, would you rather drive for a company that has speed limiters or one that does not?
Does 120 Does Not 2,780 Not a factor 500

9. In your opinion what is the best way to enforce speeding regulations by large trucks? Please rank from 1-6; with 1 being the best and 6 being the least effective.
(Ranked by results)
1- Uniform speed limits
2- Increased enforcement
3- More rigid standards for CDL’s
4- Speed limiters
5- Lower speed limits
6- Other; Specify

What do I think? I will comment on questions 4-6-8-9.

Question 4
Many of you on trucking talk radio have made the comments that often the limited trucks don’t slow down in restricted speed areas or in slower speed zones. The drivers confirmed it in the survey saying at 26.2% they always run the posted speed limits when this one is lower then the speed the limiter on the truck allows it.

Question 6
How surprising that the main concern is the lack of passing possibilities with a speed limited truck. I didn’t fall from my chair on that one. Increased congestion behind trucks is a stressful situation while passing on a limited access highway. As a driver, you can’t predict not if but when a four wheeler will jump to pass in the right lane as soon as it is clear to get ahead faster before the big truck can come back to the right lane. Another accident factor.

Question 8
The results speak for them selves. How often, when the financial situation allows a company driver to get his own truck, this driver will lease on with the same carrier? Many carriers will give some incentives based on fuel economy performance to drivers too.

Question 9
It’s interesting to see that uniform speed limits and increased enforcement are way in front of speed limiters when asked about ways to reduce speeding. The speed limiter hits the 4^th rang on this one among drivers that were surveyed.

On the rest, I’ll let you make up your own idea. I would greatly have your comments at
jeancatudal@sympatico.ca

When the news are slow, some creates them!

What more can I say after reading the news in the “Journal de Montreal”, on a poll of 400 persons, which 52% are non-working, asked about the traffic jams in the Montreal area during rush hours. Luckily, I saw the printed edition a few days later. I don’t know any professional truck driver that loves to drive a big rig in any major city at those times of day. If I take the example given about the city of Boston that bans heavy trucks in the city, there is no by-law of that kind in Montreal or Quebec City, I am not aware of one in Chicago or Los Angeles either, a driver with a lick of common sense will avoid a city if he or she does not have to be there. But, no laws bans from using a highway or an Interstate.

Sadly, if I compare the urban area of Montreal with the majority of cities across North America, no government in the past or present has had enough nerves to stand up and put the roadway resources where they were needed. For the past thirty years we have been waiting for a circle road in the greater Montreal. Each time an opposing group got in the way, the government backed off, waited, made a study, and it adds more cost to the project to pay for these studies, meetings and the inflation cost that climbs too.

I am fed up of paying, from my honest and hard work, thousands of dollars in taxes each year, for every kilometre I run with my truck and be treated this way. I could almost put forward that many carriers, large or small, have similar thoughts when we look at the lack of long term vision of our governments.

Did the journalists compare the way we are paid in North America with the European countries that are took as examples? I didn’t see anything on that in what I read.

What comparison is possible between Switzerland, that is 40 times smaller then the Province of Quebec (41,290 Km2 vs. 1,667,926 Km2) with almost the same population. Traffic jams must be heavier for our European cousins. The use of mass transit is part of their way of life. The car is only a princess there, the train is king. If we have here, like in France, a pilot project that would restrain truck traffic to only the right lane, how would other road users would react to merging in or out of an Autoroute? There is no mention in the article that the speed limits for cars in France is higher then on our roads in Quebec, 4 wheelers are going 15-20-25Km/h over the speed limit on A-20! But this is still under the posted speed in France

The best solution is not to ban delivery trucks; this would only create another parking issue, we are only trying to make an honest living. To favour mass transit with incentives, would be a better solution to ease on rush hour traffic. One last data that is not in the paper, there is an increase of over 60% of cars in Quebec.

How to ask a question

I know the title is somewhat awkward on a trucking blog but, it’s the best way I found to relate “polling” and “trucking”. What question are you thinking about? The one that has been asked on the speed limiters for heavy trucks. Yes this is almost an obsession and I am not about to let go either. There is also, at the time these lines are written, 642 others that have signed the online petition, are thinking the same way I am on this topic.

If I was to ask decision makers in the trucking industry the following question:
Do you agree that the activation of the speed limiter on heavy trucks registered in Quebec is a good way to reduce speeding trucks?
Personally, I could be giving a positive answer to that. Mostly if I am a fleet owner that wishes to keep a control on my drivers to make sure they respect the company’s policies.

Notice in the question, some data is missing. The word mandatory is not there, 105Km/h either and also missing is the word all. I know a few company owners and it is in their policies to activate the speed limiter on their fleets so they can have a standard on the operations, the fuel consumption and even, for some, save on the insurance cost. This is a business decision these owners took.

A study* from the American Trucking Research Institute (ATRI) released in March 2007 show that on 148 respondents that turned in their answers, 69% of them do use the speed limiter in their fleets. The average speed is 113Km/h (70moh), for the following reasons:

5% for insurance
8% for safety
18% for fuel economy
69% to respect speed limits

The speed cap chosen is often related to the size of the fleet. The larger the fleet, the lower the speed limit is.

This makes me say that the activation of the speed limiter is and should stay a simple business decision from the owner of the company.

However, if I ask you the following questions:
Do you agree that the mandatory activation of the speed limiter at 105Km/h on all heavy trucks registered in Quebec is a good way to reduce speeding trucks?
My answer would now be a negative one with this comment: "It’s up to the Ministry of Public Security to put more radars on the roads and to the Ministry of Transport to uphold the laws on the book before making new ones”.

Talking about radars and questions, this brings one up. Why are certain groups in this industry, pushing the speed limiter at no more then 105 Km/h issue, also opposes photo-radars?

Do I need to remind you to sign the online petition opposing mandatory speed limiter at no more then 105Km/h? The link to it is in the top right corner of this blog. Make your voice heard

Happy trails to all and run compliant
Jean Catudal

*The results of this study is available online at
www.atri-online.org/research/results/speedGovernorSurvey.pdf

Your support is needed now more then ever

Thursday September 27^th, I had the honours to bring the message to the cabinet of the Minister of Transport for all that are in not in favour of a mandated speed limiter for all heavy trucks licensed in Quebec. Your part of the message is now needed as a follow-up with the Minister Boulet either by downloading the one that is proposed or in your own words. The link for the French letter is on the right side under the link for the petition. You only have to put the date and your name, phone number at the bottom, your signature that’s all.

The fax to the Minister’s office is (514) 873-7886

A first part of the petition has been presented at the meeting. Jacques Plante of Livraison Spécial and Me Patrick Doyon, representing OBAC, were accompanying me that day. Top ranking officers of the Minister and of the Premier’s office are following the progression of the petition. So it is still time to put your name to it and share the link.

OBAC also recommends you to forward the letter to these persons

Mario Dumont, Chief of the opposition Fax: (418) 528-9479
Pauline Marois, Chief of Parti Québécois Fax: (418) 643-2957
Pierre Gingras, ADQ Transport Critic Fax: (418) 646-7809
Your Member of Parliament

The information to you MP is available on the National Assembly's web site
www.assnat.qc.ca/eng/Membres/deputes_lst.html

If you don’t know the name of your MP, or your county, you can find it at
www.electionsquebec.qc.ca/en/find_electoral_division.asp

You have the choice to look up by either your postal code or a map.
All the information are there, address, phone, fax email.

If you can live with this mandate but are against the principle, send you support letter. If your dream is to have your own truck one day, support the message too.

Thank you!

The Break is Over

Now that the Convoy is over, (see www.qcconvoy.blogspot.com), I have to get back to my press releases and pick up the issues where they were left.

The speed limiter issue is picking up the pace and your participation is required in many ways. You can sign the online petition by using the link in the upper right corner of this blog, by writing to your MP to let him or her know what impact a government mandated speed limiter can impact more then GHG's or road safety or leveling the competition.

There is also all the public meetings that the "Table de Concertation de Securite Routiere". Your voice is needed, so you can go with family and friends. Talk about it with customers where the "Just in Time" is very important. They also have a word on it. To help you find your MP, on the right side of thisblog there is links to the National Assembly of Quebec and with a few clicks you can find your elected official, the email, the phone, the fax and share this with others so they can help too.

No time to loose. Accordinly to some of my sources, the proposed changes to the "Code de la Route" could be up as early as December.

Drivers Appreciation Week in North America

This past week from August 24^th to 31^st was the Drivers Appreciation Week across North America and mostly in the USA. To thank us of our efforts, the FMCSA pushes full steam ahead the start of the pilot project to allow Mexican based carriers in the southern border starting on September 6^th while on the south side of the border they are getting ready for September 1^st. Even I couldn’t think of a better sarcasm to make it happen on Labour Day Weekend.

What kind of reaction will the Canadian Government will have? They will welcome them. This in the name of respect of NAFTA. Who will take advantage of this low cost transportation? Who will be left to buy the goods transported this way if nobody can’t afford it any more at home?

A company has no hearth and must show a profit to the shareholders. It’s having a very short vision to think it is a positive situation. On the long term, if nobody is can afford to buy their products carried at a cheaper rate, what will happen?

I leave you with this thought.

To what standard of living must we lower ourselves so the Mexicans have a standard equal to ours?

Jean Catudal

A little slow down

During the next coming weeks, I will publish a fewer amount of texts on this blog. Being involved with the organizing committee the first World’s Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics in Trois Rivieres September 22^nd, we are in the last straight before the finish line.

I give you a rendez-vous for what will become the social event for all of our industry. An event where company owners won’t be afraid that their equpement will be abused or over used and that all of us keep a memory of the day all year long.

Like in the W.C. McCall song: “Come on join our convoy, oh what a beautiful sight!”

Distinct Society or Ministries Without a Backbone?

I was recently reading the July-August issue of “Transport Routier” that informs us on the new hours of service for the intra-provincial drivers in Quebec that took place on June 15^th and that until November 1^st, no fines will be given to erratic drivers. The delay is explained by the elections in March. Initialy the law was to be enforced April 1^st. However some pressure groups made the S.A.A.Q. give until November 1^st to issue the first fines

This brought to me the question on the headliner. Accordingly to the Gazette of Canada of November 16^th 2005 the implementation of the new H.O.S. law has been published. Also the same Gazette shows that the modifications passed by the Parliament in 2001 takes effect on January 1^st 2006. This adds up to a 22 month delay before full enforcement to delinquents that are not still aware that the law has been changed.

The majority of other provinces have given a 90 day grace period to drivers before full enforcement. Ontario has lead the way starting a smooth enforcement on January 1^st 2007. We are the last ones to do so and over 135 days of clemency is allowed without counting almost 6 months of delay where the law was implanted elsewhere in the country.

Make your own idea but, mine is made and we are not a so distinct society

Source

http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2005/20051116/html/sor313-e.html

Tragedy on I-35W

I won’t come back an all the details, in the past few days all medias did it and are still talking about it. I was blown away when I heard it on Fox News via XM Radio when the voice of Shepard Smith replaced Bill O’Reilly. I shared the news with my friend Toto that was following me on I-94 in direction of Detroit.

I have no new information, no scoops but what I ear from all the experts on the radio and TV leaves me questionable remarks. Of we take the time to read or listen in Quebec the reports of the Johnson Commission on the collapse of the De La Concorde viaduct last September, what the American channels are giving us is almost a translation when it comes to the Minneapolis bridge collapse.

Without being able to say exactly when, or what happened to it, a bill was proposed in Minnesota to put in a minimum percentage of the taxes revenues from any taxes relevant to cars and trucks in the state, to the Highway Trust Fund to repair and improve the highway system in that state. This is just to show you that not only in Quebec the revenues are not allocated to the purposes they are collected.

Coincidence that such an event happened in that state, during rush hour traffic? Many Medias have made comparisons with other bridges, not viaducts, which fell over the years. I think only one can be comparable in the cause of a structural defect not a collision from a boat or barge.

In June of 1983, the Mianus River Bridge that collapse in Connecticut after an anchor in the structure broke and took a section down killing 3 persons.







May 1980, The Sunshine Skyway that runs across the Tampa Bay was the site of another tragedy. The main span over the boat canal was brought down after a freighter struck the base of the bridge. A commercial bus with 26 persons and 7 other vehicles dropped with it. One man survived.





Another bridge, in Oklahoma, had a similar story. On I-40 a bridge was taken away by an out of control barge. This time, 3 persons died in the tumble.








Forced to admit that some structures have failed to stand the test of time over the years but, the risk they fall resulting from an accident is greater then an unpredictable collapse like the I-35W Bridge or the Mianus River Bridge. Let’s hope the statistics don’t change in a short term and this will be a wake up call to the authorities.

Jean Catudal

C.R.A.S.H., P.A.T.T. And Other Citizens Groups

Last week a D.C. Court of appeal has leaned towards the lobby pressure groups that think we are working too much. These groups have not seen the light at the end of the tunnel yet. When in the USA, we could drive 10 hours without any time limit to do so under the old H.O.S. rule. Today the 11 hour rule has a time limit of 14 hours.

This group of three judges may have not looked at all sides of the issue and this shows how disconnected from our industry some high ranking individuals are.

I am a compassionate person and when fatalities happen in wreckage involving a heavy truck, I get affected and try to look at every factor before I blame either driver. A law suit can never replace the lost of a loved one but on the other hand, the same persons may be the ones whining about the missing goods on the shelves of the supermarket or the retail store. These same groups, judging on an industry that is safer by the mile, also forget that the great majority of accidents involving a professional driver, the responsibility is on the other driver.

Should we demand that manufactures to also work on a 70 hours on 8 days cycle too?
To not start a new week of work after a few days off?
A recent study in Ontario has shown that many automobile drivers did nod off frequently in the last year.

We can not generalise on a group as a whole but, recently a judge has been caught with an alcohol level over .20, so these groups can not generalise on the safest drivers on the road on a few incidents.

It may be time for us to start our own pressure groups.

T.A.T.R.U.: Truckers Against Tired Road Users
S.H.U.T. on Docks: Shippers Holding Up Drivers on Docks
S.H.I.T.: Safer Highways Involving Truckers

We finally had hours of service in both countries that were almost compatible. The ATA and the CTA has every thing to gain by joining in with OOIDA and OBAC to straighten up the issue in an industry that is pressured by the “Just in Time”.

Owner Operators Business Association of Canada, OBAC

I already know what you will say

-It’s only for O/O’s
-What is there for me?
-What can they do to help me if I have an issue with my employer?

For a long while now, I often hear drivers and owner-operators complain that nothing is done, nobody can represent us, and only large carriers have their way in Canada. I say Canada because transportation is federal and laws are applied by the Provinces.

We need a strong representation across the country and in all Provinces. By looking south of the 49^th, there is over 150,000 active members with OOIDA and there is over 330,000,000 habitants in the USA. Often the 10% proportion is valid to compare and if we are 35,000,000 here in Canada, OBAC should count more then 15,000 members and it is not the case.

Rome wasn’t built in one day and since 2002, this association if fighting for the rights of the Canadian truckers. One thing I can tell you, even if I am an owner-operator, I am still a driver. Over 10% of OOIDA’s members are company drivers that have understood that the power is in the numbers. The more we will be united under one professional association, the more weigh our voices will have with all levels of governments. Currently, after 3 failed referendums (I include Meech), Quebec is still part of Canada. We have a seat waiting for us at the Forum des Intervenants du Transport in Quebec (Transport Representatives Forum) but, if that seat stays empty, our voices won’t be heard.

OBAC, like OOIDA, is a Professional Association that represents the drivers just like the Canadian Trucking Alliance does for the carriers. It is a lobby group that represents Professional Drivers interests. This is not a disguised union local. Even unions have their seat at the Forum and if you are not unionised, nobody can speak up for you.

The cost of the membership is less then most union fees paid in the industry and you will have a voice. Instead of starting a new organisation in our distinct society that will die by lack of vision, like many in the past, why not strengthen a group that is already there and that will keep up the work in progress.

Yes I am a supporter. I am a member of both association and I believe in them.

The power is in the numbers. We, Professional Drivers, need to regroup to get respect from our governments.

Jean Catudal

What is the Tolerance on Limitations?

Quote from a press release on heavy truck restrictions by the MTQ

« Rappelons que seuls les véhicules lourds dont la charge par essieu et
la masse totale en charge respectent les limites autorisées en vertu du
Règlement sur les normes de charges et de dimensions applicables aux
véhicules routiers et aux ensembles de véhicules routiers peuvent
circuler sur les ponts interdits aux surcharges. »

Free translation by author

« Remind that only heavy trucks with loads by axel and gross weigh respecting the authorised limits accordingly to the weighs and measures regulations applicable to vehicles and combinations can circulate on bridges where overweighs are not allowed.”

Last year a little scandal broke open when the Medias came out with the tolerances allowed by the weigh stations in Quebec. Many though that they could have a tolerance on the tolerance. We see today the results of these tolerances over the years on the state of our roadways.

Why is there nervousness on a scale in the state of Virginia? Simply because over the years the agents of transportation have applied the rules and regulations on weighs and measures.

I know for a fact that there are very few public scales in the province of Quebec and too often we have to rely on gauges that are not to precise or unclear bill of lading to make a decision to run or not with a load. Quebec has one of the highest permitted weighs in North America and over that the inspectors are asked to give a tolerance. Is this one of the reason why our roadways are in really bad shape?

Why is it that in California and in Ohio, just to name these, we are more careful about our speed? Simply because the Troopers and the CHP are watching out for the ones going over the posted limits. Why not do the same thing here!

Speed Limiter Simulation

I have got from a good source recently the information that the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators has asked Transport Canada to prepare a study based on traffic simulations with heavy trucks limited to 105Km/h based on real time data. The CCMTA counts on the participation of many high ranked civil servants from all ministries of transportation across Canada. Their study should be ready in spring of 2008. Why the Transport Ministers of Quebec and Ontario did came out last week with legislation proposals for this coming fall before the studies come out?

This gave me an idea, a suggestion to make the simulation a reality.

Let’s use our common sense and especially without breaking any laws to do so. In all due respect of the other road users, like we already do but, for one day let’s limit our maximal speed in passing manoeuvres.

When? What about October 5^th! A date that expresses well 105 because if you take the month and the day you get 10-5. This is also a Friday and we also have single though, get home early but, if nothing is done, in a near future we won’t have that ability no more. It is also the preceding Friday to the Thanks Giving weekend. The last long weekend of the year. If together we respect the Safety Highway Code and when needed to pass, we do not exceed 105Km/h on all roadways of Quebec or Ontario, other road users will know what to expect in the future if heavy trucks can’t follow the flow of traffic when needed.

This is just a suggestion I wanted to share with you all.

Jean Catudal

Thank You for Your Support!

The petition to let know the governments of Ontario and Quebec about our position about mandating speed limiter activation is going really well. I would like to thank the people of Land Line Magazine and Land Line Now, on XM17, in helping to get the word out to you all.

I will ask you to spread the word out too!

Tell a friend, a co-worker, anyone that can be concerned about this issue, as a driver or not. If you know someone that is not connected to internet, tell that person and offer to sign via you connection.

Just like the associations that represent the North American Truckers, OOIDA and OBAC, the power is in the numbers. This petition is intended to go on until the parliaments of the Provinces come back to session after the summer break.

This may be our best way yet to let the Ministers know.

Again, Thank You for your support

Happy trails to all, running compliant!

Jean Catudal

6 Priority Actions of the Minister of Transport, 5 time Bravo!

You surely all know now, many topics made the news this week for the transportation industry and all road users. Not only our Minister of Transport wants to upgrade the penalties for speeders, DUI's and cell phone users, She also followed the foot steps of the Ontario Minister annoucing the mandatory use of speed limiter for heavy trucks in their Provinces.

Some declarations in the medias made the few hair I have left raise up. I won't repeat them here, because some of them my recollection is not good but you heard them or read them.

I say Bravo for the repeat offenders that still drive while under the influence of alcool. If someone has such a poor judgement to drive when highly intoxicated, more then once, in my book it should be a lifetime suspension of his rights without any conditions. Human stupidity has a price and I don't have to pay of my life for it neither one of my loved ones.

I say Bravo for limiting driving distraction by the use of cell phones without a hands free device. Many may not agree with me but I am using one since many years and I feel better then holding up to my head a receiver.

I say Bravo for higher fines and suspensions for extreme speeders. I admit, I did my share of high speeding in the past. This is a good time to restart the debate on ajusting the speed limits on our highways and enforce them.

I say Bravo for putting back mandatory drivers education for new drivers and less demerit points. The younger generation will complain but they can make their point by arguing the statistics on their case.

Jean Catudal

June 24th, July 1st, The Vacations are Coming!

In Quebec we have the advantage to be able to rehearse the week before our neighbours of Ontario for Canada Day traffic. On Friday the 29th, I was on my way to Toronto for a delivery and another load to the USA, I saw a few situations of human non-sense I had to take pictures of.

I can say that there is some people in a rush to get to the day off and there is some people in a rush to get to destination to start the vacations. Here is two examples.

If you clic on the picture, you will see in front of the car in the left lane a tent trailer pulled by a minivan. The time it took to get out the camera, it was already far. The tent trailer is nose diving and the van has the rear lowered by the weigh. The kids in the back, the wife and even I think I saw a dog. This is an example of somebody in a rush to get on location for the vacations. At the time of the picture, I was cruising at 108Kmh



You will excuse the bad focus, it's a new camera and I'm still not familiar with all the fonctions.










This is an example of somebody in a ruch to get to the long weekend. Even a three hundred and something fine is not going to get in his way. There again, I was rolling about the same speed as my encounter with the happy camper. Fortunatly there is more professional drivers on the roads then there is careless truckers. Can you imagine what a MPP can think seeing this?
"When we vote for the mandatory speed limiters, I'll vote yes even if this is a situation of lacking enforcement"

With this in mind and on the upcoming vacation season at our front door, we need to act like what we are: Professional Drivers. We all saw in the past terrorist LCV's (I mean tourist), the kind that has a boat hooked to a car that is hooked to a motor home! Or the other version of a pick-up truck pulling a 5th wheel that pulls a boat trailer!

Many of these people don't even drive hauling a trailer the miles we run in a week, a five day week. Let's keep an eye open for them and let them enjoy their vacation.

Jean Catudal