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Showing posts from 2007

TRUCKING PREDICTIONS 2008

First prediction is Quebec will be the first to pass speed limiter laws dealing with trucks.Ontario Trucking Association was the first to table this issue,but have been silent on the issue lately.This silence is due partly over driver concerns that we should all be paid hourly if this passes!But Quebec will pass it and try and force it on everybody else!I predict U.S. ow/op will refuse loads going into the P.Q.over this issue.Fuel prices will continue to spike forcing a rate hike,but it is unlikely that big companies and load brokers will pass these hikes down the food chain!Hopefuly ow/op company drivers will wake up in 2008 and demand higher rates and hourly wages if we all stuck together for 5 DAYS we could crash the North American economy,We are the most powerful workforce in North America.GM,FORD or Chysler go on strike governments kiss their collective butts to get them to the table.Just think if every truck driver in North America shut down for five days?THE SKYS FALLING,I CAN&#

RECENT BILLING FROM 407

I recently received another bill from the 407,usualy its file 13 garbage,but this one was marked 'IMPORTANT"so I opened it inside was a form to dispute a 407 bill.THIS FORM CLEARLY STATED IF IT WAS FILLED OUT AND RETURNED TO THE 407 AND THEY FAIL TO REPLY WITHIN THIRTY DAYS THE BILL IS NULL AND VOID!I filled it out and clearly marked disputed along with a letter requesting an image of the plate used.So I will wait the thirty days and see what happpens.But watch your mail for this form!I notice from the comments on my blog that some of you are receiving calls from the 407 collection agencies which are annoying.One tactic I used to end those calls was to use two phone lines once the collection agency phones phone them back repeatedly for half an hour(use redial)it jams their lines and literaly drives them nuts!I haven"t received a call from NOR-DON since in fact they:ve kicked my bill back to the 407!

Speedlimiters & Ontario

There is a big debate about speedlimiters here in North America,my stand on the issue is simple.Any driver four wheeler,eighteen wheeler or two wheeler who cannot control their driving behaviour should have a court mandated speed limiter.Let me explain this futher the courts here in Ontario can order an igintion interlock system for convicted impaired drivers,so why not impose court orderd speed limiter on drivers convicted of three speeding convictions over a certain threshold?The Ontario Trucking Ass.,Challenger Motor Freight and Kriska Transportation have all stood on a soap box and told everybody the benefits of speed limiters,what they have failed to tell everybody is the real effect it will have on drivers/ow/op wages.They are paid by the mile simple,in the perfect world a truck traveling from Montreal to Windsor at 62 mph with no stops the driver is making barrels of cash!Well what happens if the driver runs into a road closure at Port Hope due to an accident and sits there for

The Leaders Debate

This is a laymans take of last nights debate,"DALTON McGUINTY WAS HIGHLY CRITIZED FOR BREAKING THE PROMISE TO CLOSE COAL FIRED GENERATION PLANTS BY JOHN TORY AND HOWARD HAMPTON,THINK ABOUT THIS ONE NEITHER OFFERED AN ALTERNATIVE TO COAL FIRED GENERATION,ARE WE TO CLOSE THESE PLANTS WITHOUT AN ALTERNATIVE?HAS THE TERM ROLLING BLACKOUTS ENTERED ANYONES MINDS!ALSO THE BIG THEME OF THE NIGHT WAS ONTARIO SHOULD SUPPLY INDUSTRY WITH CHEAP POWER MENTIONED BY BOTH TORY AND HAMPTON,WELL SORRY TO BURST ANYONES BUBBLE BUT TO SUPPLY INDUSTRY WITH CHEAP POWER THE COST IS GOING TO BE RECOVERED ELSEWHERE[would it come from taxpayers}.JOHN TORY'S PLAN TO CUT TAXES YET INCREASE SERVICES DOESN'T MAKE SENSE,WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM TO INCREASE SERVICES?JOHN TORY ALSO MADE NOTE THAT ONTARIO WAS ALMOST LAST IN JOB CREATION IN CANADA,HAS HE BEEN HIDING UNDER A ROCK SOMEPLACE NOT TO NOTICE THAT ONTARIO IS LAGGING BEHIND ALBERTA,SASK.DUE TO THE OIL BOOM WHICH IS AKIN TO A MODERN DAY GOLD RU

USED TRUCK DEALER or STRIKE BREAKER !

Three years ago I worked for a well known southwestern Ontario used truck dealer,as a truck driver.During my employment with this company I was forced under threat of losing my job to participate in the movment of goods from a company in Leamington,Ontario that was preparing for strike action by the union of that plant.These goods were moved under the cover of darkness to an address on Baseline,Wallaceburg,Ontario owned by the above mentioned used truck dealer.This same address in Wallaceburg,Ontario was used to store the scab buses that were used in the Navistar Strike which resulted in a C.A.W. member being run down and seriously hurt by security personel protecting those scab buses.I have in my hand emails that verifiy what I am stating here,these emails name,names including the used truck dealers accountant who incidently owns a well know flower shop in Blenheim,Ontario.So any union member who purchase flowers at this shop is unknowing supporting a verified strike breaker!As for th

NOR-DON COLLECTIONS & 407

Dealing with these people I've learned a few things,#number #1 collection agencys bid for blocks of outstandinding accounts,so in other words if Nor=DON can pressure you or what ever to pay that outstanding account with no cost to them other than a couple of phone calls they've won !My point is 888 # it's at their cost phone them back repeatedly talk about the weather what ever,tye up their phone lines their # is 1-888-261-3147 point is who's paying the phone bill Nor- Don even though its toll free your only allowed so many minutes!

SPEEDLIMITERS & ONTARIO

Donna Cansfield announced yesterday that the Liberal government of Ontario will introduce speed limiters for trucks.This decision was made due to pressure from the Ontario Trucking Association and various special interest groups.My question to the O.T.A."ARE YOUR MEMBERS GOING TO ORDER THEIR DRIVERS TO VOTE LIBERAL IN THE PROVINCAL ELECTION,SINCE THE THE LIBERALS ARE GOING TO INTRODUCE SPEED LIMITERS WHICH MAY IMPROVE YOUR SAFETY,OR LOWER YOUR PAY CHEQUE?"Either way "Drivers we are screwed on this issue if The Liberals P.C.or N.D.P ARE IN GOVERNMENT THIS BILL WILL PASS AS THE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS HAVE CLOUDED THIS ISSUE AND HAVE NOT RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE VERY FAR!THE O.T.A. HAS EVERYBODY CONVINCED DRIVERS WAGES WILL NOT GO DOWN I BEG TO DIFFER ON THAT ONE!THIS MAGIC MIRCO-CHIP IN ALL ENGINES PRODUCED IN THE LAST TEN YEARS IS A CURE-ALL,well what happens if a truck is Calibrared with 22.5 tires o/o goes home and puts 24.5 tires on that unit wow that truck will gain 10m

407 & NOR-DON COLLECTIONS

Apparently the 407 has sold a block of outstanding accounts to Nor-Don collections,so now I'm getting phone calls from the buffoons at Nor-Don over a 407 bill when I never used the 407 ELECTRONIC THEFT ROAD.Any way I asked the above mentioned buffoons to supply me with an image of my plate being used on the 407 surprise surprise the 407 or Nor- Don can supply that image.So if a credit card company was demanding payment for a purchase you did not make would not some type of proof be in order before you made payment?The reason they can do this is a deal made by MIKE HARRIS AND HIS FORMER CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT!I MIGHT ADD SOME OF THIS FORMER GOVERNMENT IS NOW SITTING IN OTTAWA UNDER STEPHEN HARPER.I told Nor-Don to take me to court they say it ain't worth,so my line to them and the 407 take a hike.IT'S LIKE WHAT DOES A DUCK &lawyer have in common"THEY BOTH CAN SHOW THEIR BILLS UP THEIR ASS"SO CAN THE 407!

407 E.T.R.

That translate into electronic theft road,case in point I've never been on their highway yet I keep getting a bill for using their road.What a fraud have you ever paid a credit card biil without some sort of proof of usage?These buffons just figure we send the bill these idiots will pay,how many idiots just pay up to avoid the hassle?Millions of dollars into the bank accounts of the 407,my point is stand up for yourself if you did not use the 407 tell them to go fuck themselves!If you can't renew your plates because of a 407 bill throw one plate away and tell M.T.O. it's a lost plate!407 does'nt have that assess to M.T.O. computer's to cross reference that information.

HOUSE OF COMMONS OUT OF CONTROL

Yesterday there was a confrontation between ROYAL GALIPEAU who is the deputy speaker of the house and David McGuinty.Mr Galipeau was clearly the one who purposely strode over to where Mr McGuinty was seated and tried to provoke Mr McGuinty ! As deputy speaker Mr Galipeau is charged with keeping control of the house,this incident clearly demonstrates he is uncapable of performing this duty!Futher the public and governments alike have been spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to teach Children that bullying is unacceptable !YET OUR ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICALS ARE LETTING THIS BEHAVIOR BE COMMON PLACE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS!"What kind of example is that when you consider thousands of school age children could have been watching this incidents in the course of their studies.Yet several M.P.'s went on national t.v. after the incident to try and justify this outburst.

407 E.T.R.

An update to earlier posts on the Electronic Theft Road just spoke to a service represenative from the Theft Road over a bill I just received I asked if I could receive the image of the plate that is alleged to have been used to travel the 407!GUESS WHAT THEY CAN'T PRODUCE THAT IMAGE"SURPRISE SURPRISE"WOULD THAT NOT BE LIKE A CREDIT CARD COMPANY DEMANDING PAYMENT FOR AN ALLEGED BILL AND NOT BEING ABLE TO PRODUCE SOME FORM OF PROOF YOU ACTUALY OWE THAT BILL?How many people just pay these bills to escape the harrassment of the 407,when the bill is not even theirs to begin with?One would be better off to let the 407 or their merry band of collection agencies(NOR-DON INCLUDED)to take them to small claims court and produce their proof you actualy used their highway.PRODUCE THE IMAGE OF THE PLATE # OR SHUT UP!WE CAN ALL THANK MIKE HARRIS AND THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY FOR THIS FIASCO.AND IF ONE LOOKS AT THE FRONT ROW OF STEPHEN HARPERS CAUCUS WE STILL HAVE ABOUT FOUR OF THEM STILL

407 E.T.R.

407 electronic toll road translates into Electronic Theft Road,how many people receive bills in the mail,to say thats not my bill?IT COULD BE A MISREAD PLATE NUMBER,OR IT COULD BE SOMEONE WITH A NAME CLOSE TO YOURS ?What to do do,do I pay the bill that's not even mine to save my CREDIT RATING AND STOP THOSE ANNOYING CALLS FROM THE 407 COLLECTION AGENIES?In a court of law people that"Claim"you owe them money would be required to produce some form of proof you owe them money"i.e. a picture of your plate"BUT THE 407 COUNTS ON NOT GOING TO COURT BECAUSE THEY COUNT ON PEOPLE JUST PAYING UP TO AVOID THE HARRASMENT FROM THEIR ASSHOLE COLLECTION TACTICS!WHY FUCK UP ONES'S CREDIT RATING OVER A $7.00 BILL JUST PAY IT!WELL IF EVERYBODY DID THAT HOW MUCH MONEY DOES THE 407 EXTORT FROM EVERYDAY PEOPLE?THEN THERE IS THE ISSUE OF PLATE RENEWAL IF I DON'T PAY THEM I CAN'T RECEIVE MY NEW PLATES.BULLSHIT WALK IN THE MTO OFFICE TELL THEM YOU LOST ONE PLATE,YOU GET A NE

407 Electronic Theft Road

I have an on going dispute with the 407,they claim I owe them $250.00 plus dollars meanwhile I've never been on their highway,go figure@!These people are ruthless they use tactics that are designed to batter people into giving them money,even if you don't owe them anything.If you dibeleive this case in point THEY HARRASED A MAN IN OAKVILLE,ONTARIO TO THE POINT "HE TOOK HIS OWN LIFE"as reported in the Toronto Sun>IT WAS LATER DICOVERED IT WAS NOT EVEN HIS BILL THAT THE 407 WAS HARRASING HIM OVER!How many people just actualy give them the small amount the 407 claims they owe them JUST TO AVOID THE HARASMENT 407 BILL COLLECTERS USE,IF YOU IGNORE THEM THEIR SERVICE CHARGES AND INTEREST COMPOUND RAPIDLY,SO IN MOST CASES IT'S JUST SIMPLY MORE CONVIENIENT TO PAY THEM!EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T YOUR BILL TO BEGIN WITH!YET IF I TRIED TO EXTORT MONEY FROM SOMEBODY I WOULD BE CHARGED UNDER THE CRIMINAL CODE OF CANADA."EXTORT THATS A PRETTY BIG CHARGE"well to dema

Conservatives & the Environment !

The Federal Budject was released a few weeks ago,mentioned in it where rebates for certain model cars that are considered fuel efficient <>WHY ? Natural gas fuel vechicles are fuel efficient and polluted less, vechicles converted to natural gas should be eligible for rebates and more inter structure should be actively encouraged to developed thru government programs !Natural gas is commonly know as "Methane Gas"it is derived from decaying organic matter and is a Leading Contributor to Green House gas when allowed to vent into the environment naturally ,but when used as a fuel that effect is drastically reduced !WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF ACTIVE AND ABANDONED LANDFILLS ACTIVELY VENTING METHANE GAS DIRECTLY INTO THE ENVIRONMENT AS I TYPE THIS ! To be fair to some of the more enterprising landfill owners who have developed inter structure to capture this methane and convert it into usable energy (i.e. natural gas generators that produce hydro ) my hat goes off to y

SENILE OR MEMORY LANE ?

O.P.P. boss JULIIAN FANTINO ANNOUNCED TODAY HE IS IN FAVOUR OF SPEED LIMITERS FOR TRUCKS THIS IS THE SAME PERSON WHO ORDERD THE O.P.P TO RETURN USING BLACK& WHITE CARS ' BECAUSE "THIS IS THE WAY HE REMEMBERS THE FORCE WHEN HE STARTED "SENILE OR WHAT? "ON THIS SAME TRAIN OF THOUGHT MAYBE THE R.C.M.P. BOSS SHOULD ORDER RED TUNIC'S AND HORSES FOR HIS OFFICERS ,BECAUSE THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS WHEN HE STARTED ? STILL ON MEMORY LANE MAYBE HE WANTS TO RETURN TO THE ERA WHEN 250 CUMMINS WHERE HIGHHORSEPOWER TRUCKS STRUGGLING TO MAINTAIN A 45 MPH SPEED AND CARS RULED THE HIGHWAYS ? MAYBE THE PUBLIC COULD PULL A 1950'S ERA O.P.P. CRUISER OUT OF A MUSEM FOR JULIAN TO CRUISE AROUND IN,SO HE WOULD FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE ? THE LIBERAL'S AND CONSERVATIVES HAVE ALSO JUMPED ON THE SPEED LIMITER BANDWAGON AND REST ASSURED IT'S NOT OUT OF CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT OR SAFETY IT'S TO BUY CHEAP VOTES !THE ONTARIO TRUCKING ASSOCIATION'S HAS LED THE G

AN ORGANIZED TRUCKING INDUSTRY ????

Back in the 50,60,70's Jimmy Hoffa had the vision of an organizied trucking industry in both Canada & USA was his vision so terrible?I started driving when bumper stickers cried out "JIMMY PHONE HOME YOUR MOTHER NEEDS THE TRUNK KEYS",yes at that time I was against organized labour inthe the trucking industry.But since that time I've seen the effects of FREE TRADE ,JUST IN TIME DELIVERY AND A LIST OF OTHER THINGS THAT GROSSLY AFFECT DRIVERS AND OWNER/OPERATORS ALIKE !Back when I started driving 21 cpm was the going rate, now we have ads proclaiming 38 to 45 cpm that's a pretty big raise 24 cpm over what 30 years,let me see that works out to what less than a cent a year over 30 years!Ow/Op were making a buck a mile in trhe 70's now they're proud to make a buck fifteen thats a big raise 15 cents over 30 years when the cost of equipment went up 50% da ! ROBERT KENNEDY WAS ONCE QUOTED AS SAYING IF THE TEAMSTER'S COUNTINUE TO GAIN POWER AT THE RATE THEY

Ministry of Labour & Me !

I have had an on going dispute with a Well Known Southern Ontario Used Truck Dealer over unpaid overtime.I first took this dispute to the Ontario Labour Board and received a settlement in the neighbour hood of $5900.00 after taxes which was taken at a rate of near 50% I received $2900.00.This individual owed me roughly $9000.00 so how does he get away with paying $2900.00, LABOUR LAWS HERE IN ONTARIO SEEM TO FAVOR THE EMPLOYER NOT THE WORKER!I have since appealed the case to the Ontario Labour Relations Board which a lot of people give up after the MINISTRY OF LABOUR RULES NOT IN THIS CASES.For all you autoworkers who participated in the Navistar a few years,where an Autoworker was run down by a security van.If you ever wondered where those BUSES were stored that the security van was protecting, IF ONE STANDS IN THE SPOT WERE THAT AUTOWORKER WAS HIT AND LOOKS SOUTHWEST THERE STANDS A GLASS STRUCTURE IN THAT STRUCTURE IS THE MAN WHO RENTED THE WAREHOUSE THAT STORED THE BUSES IN W

SUNSET CLAUSE

Well Stephen Harper "aka Baby Bush"got shot down again in the House of Commons today There should be a SUNSET CLAUSE on redundant and repetitive governments as Stephen Harper's government has become. .A majority of M.P's have voted four times against the current govenment on four differant bills ,these M.P's were elected by the people of Canada,so why are the Conservatives not listening ? Did not Stockwell Day go to China to check on a Canadian citizen jailed without charges and held illegality?The anti- terrisom bill does that here in Canada so why has Canada become a Hyprocrite? This is why a majority of M.P's voted against this bill!The people have spoken Stephen Harper your on way out and hopefuly you will take your hand me down MIKE HARRIS CABINET WITH YOU!

CUTTING EDGE OR BULLSHIT !

David Bradley of the Ontario Trucking Association would lead people to beleive most of his ideas are cutting edge!Let's look at some of his brain storms"speed limiters the purpose for this is driver retention"his first press release clearly stated this will "LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD" IF THIS STATEMENT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH SAFETY I WISH SOMEONE WOULD EXPLAIN THIS TO ME!Electronic On Board Recorders Mr Bradley clearly stated if these were used on a limited basis for repeat offenders of Hours of Service this would be unfair, EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE E.O.B.R. WELL EXCUSE ME MR.BRADLEY NOT EVERYBODY NEEDS ONE !MAYBE THIS HAS TO DO WITH LEVELING THE ABOVE MENTIONED PLAYING FIELD!MAYBE IF DRIVERS AND OW/OP'S WERE PAID DECENT WAGES AND RATES WE WOULD NOT HAVE TO CHEAT ON H.O.S ! Finaly Mr.Bradley stated due to the fuel shortage in Ontario truckers should be allowed to use farm fuel which is higher in sulpher content !Da what would that do to newer engines that requir

THE LAST THIRTEEN YEARS ?

This keeps replaying in my head maybe it's watching our parliament in action key story line "you were in government for thirteen years what did your government do ? THIS IS THE STORY LINE FROM OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ,IT NEVER CHANGES IF YOU ASKED HOW TO CURE A HANGNAIL THAT WOULD THE OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM OUR CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT!STEPHEN HARPER'S GROUPIES SITTING IN THE BACKGROUND NODDING THEIR SUPPORT WHILE HE SLANDERED A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS WHAT ARROGANCE . WHEN WILL THIS GOVERNMENT QUIT BLAMING THE INACTION ON KEY ISSUES ON THE PREVIOUS GOVERNMENTS ? <" GET TO WORK AND DO YOUR JOBS INSTEAD OF BLAMING EVERYBODY ELSE">

WOW DAVID BRADLEY SETS ANOTHER FIRST !

David Bradley of the Ontario Trucking Association asked the Ministry of Environment if it would be all right if Ontario truckers use Farm Diesel which is high in sulphur content due to the rumored fuel shortage here in Ontario ! It is nice to see Mr Bradley looking out for ordinary truck drivers NOT NOT ! Worried about Ontario's economy if trucks can't find fuel to deliver their cargo's ! Not worried about the damage that could be done to newer engines that require low sulphur diesel fuel ! MORE WORRIED OVER THE POTENTIAL LOSS TO O.T.A MEMBERS IF THEY ARE FORCED TO SHUT DOWN DUE TO FUEL SHORTAGES? JUST PROVES MY POINT MORE THE POWERS TO BE ARE SCARED OF TRUCKS SHUTTING DOWN ! DAVID YOU SHOULD PUT YOUR AMBITIONS GETTING HIGHER RATES AND WAGES FOR THE HARD WORKING MEN AND WOMEN WHO ACTUALLY KEEP THE ECONOMY MOVING! EITHER THAT OR O.T.A MEMBERS SHOULD INVEST IN A MUZZLE FOR YOU SO YOU DON'T KEEP PUTTING YOUR FOOT IN YOUR MOUTH !

C.N. STRIKE

It's funny C.N. RAIL workers go on strike Ottawa is going to order them back to work ! Would such an order have any effect ? Not likely!Chysler lays off a bunch of workers its on the agenda in Ottawa several times major catastrope !Truck drivers can shut down any auto plant in the country in a matter of hours (THANKS TO JUST IN TIME DELIVERY) BUT WE CONTINUE TO BE TREATED AS SECOND CLASS CITIZENS WHY ?Because truck drivers will not stick together,we have the power to shut the North American Economy down "LETS USE THAT POWER!

A CASE FOR A SPEEDLIMITER ?

Last night The Fifth Estate aired a segment on a middle aged male from Guelph,Ontario aggressive driving tactics<> he constantly drives well over the posted speed limit in excess of 160 KPH has received numerous speeding tickets and is quite proud of his actions!With all the talk of speed limiters these days I would say that an individual like should have a speed limiter placed on his vechicle ,speed limiters do have a place but should be used as administration tools when people do not have the common sense to control their own actions and place others in danger !! THERE ARE MANY MORE DRIVERS OUT THERE OPERATING VECHICLES IN THIS SAME MANNER AS THIS INDIVIDUAL WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM AN ADMINISTRATED SPEED LIMITER. why not use it in cases like this ?

Overdrive Magazine

Overdrive magazine posted my comments in this issue.

AIN'T THAT GREASY !

Our Conservative government here in Canada resembles the POPULAR CANADIAN TV SERIES THE TRAILER PARK BOYS !If you never watched the show its about a bunch of social misfits who are always involved in various questionable enterprises when cornered or near being exposed their response is to DENY,DENY DENY AND IF THIS FAILS PLACE THE BLAME ON SOMEONE ELSE.Here are the stars JULIAN (STEPHEN HARPER COULD FILL THIS ROLE),RICKY(JOHN BAIRD WOULD FILL THIS ROLE REALLY WELL)BUBBLES(THIS ROLE REALLY SUITS TONY CLEMENT TO A "T")TREVOR(COULD BE PLAYED BY JIM FLAHERTY ON THE SHOW HE'S RICKY'S BITCH BOY)LUCY(DIANNE FINLAY COULD PLAY THIS PART WELL)!BUBBLES FAVORITE LINE ON THE SHOW IS AIN'T THIS GREASY AND THAT'S JUST THE WAY THE CONSERVATIVES ARE ACTING! DENY,DENY,DENY AND THE PAST THIRTEEN YEARS GOOD SCAPEGOAT .I almost forgot BUBBLE'S HAND PUPPET "KONKEY"(THIS PART IS REALLY SUITED FOR STOCKWELL DAY!)

Harper & Black Friday

To day we find ourselves governed by an arrogant and egotistical Prime Minister named Stephen Harper,back in the 1950's people of that era found themselves governed by a Conservative Prime Minister by the name John Difenbaker who was also arrogant and egotistical.Besides the above mentioned similaries are there more ? If one looks at Harper's coziness with our neighbours to the south 'RE TAKING CANADA FROM AN ACTIVE PEACE KEEPER TO A FULL BLOWN COMBAT MISSION"re NO BIDDING ON AIRCRAFT WE ARE BUYING FROM BOEING"re TAKING THE TAR SANDS TO FIVE TIMES ITS SIZE TO REDUCE AMERICA'S RELIANCE ON MIDDLE EASTERN OIL".John Difenbaker was also cozy with our neighbours to the south so much so he cancelled the AVRO ARROW PROJECT when our neighbours to the south convinced him that Bomar Missles were a better defense.By cancelling this project he effectively wiped out a whole industry putting thousands of people out of work.Mr Harper is on the same path by ignori

MPP's & MP'S DO THEY WORK FOR YOU ?

I always though that MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT & MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENTS work for the people if elected apparently this is not the case here in Canada.It appears once elected they do what they want and really don't answer to people who elected them.I've been doing a random sampling of MMP's and MP's on driver wage issues sort of testing the waters so to speak.This is the response I received,PAT HOY LIBERAL MPP CHATHAM /KENT/ESSEX MY MPP BY THE WAY when contacted by email and asked about these issues did not have the common courtesy to reply !PETER KORMOS MPP NDP NIAGARA CENTER no reply !GERRY MARTINUK MPP PC CAMBRIDGE replied but when found out I wasn't in his riding refused to comment !STEVE PETERS MINISTRY OF LABOUR LIBERAL ELGIN / MIDDLESEX /LONDON this ministry was helpful at first till they realized I had discovered a loophole in the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ACT DEALING WITH EMPLOYEES OF HIRING AGENCY'S AND DRIVER SERVICES since t

Blogs and Censorship

I'm on a lot of blogs and I hate to bring up this subject,but what is the use of a blog if your not going to let comments be posted ? THE TRUCK News who ushered me into the world of blogs are not posting any comments.Sure if somebody was demeaning,using a constant stream of profanity or aiming inappropriate comments at a person I could see not posting those comments.But a blog is meant to be interactive and peoples different views and opinions should be posted,I realize that advertising plays an important role for such publications as the the Truck news but so does the individual truck driver who picks that copy up once a month or the thousands of people who visit on the Internet .

Pay per mile,percentage and by the load!!

Ever stop and think why companies usually choose to pay by the above mentioned schemes ? These wage schemes resemble going to the a casino and playing the games,once in awhile you hit the JACKPOT but usually the house wins !The odds favour the house !Trucking companies know by paying by these methods they are covering themselves against loss,if you are stuck in traffic,held at a shipper or receivers dock or held up by bad weather they do not want to pay for this.If companies were forced to pay by the hour the odds would be then in favour of drivers,but the can't have this as we all know the attitude is drivers are overpaid anyway.The odds favouring companies are increasing everyday new hours of service laws will further limit your wage earning ability by cutting your hours.The proposed speed limiter laws will increase congestion on our highways further limiting your miles per day.Now that the American Trucking Association has opened the door with their proposed use of E.OB.R.'s

Trucking Associations Or Are They ?

The name Trucking Associations brings to mind an association that deals with issues related to truck drivers and issues that truck drivers would like to see implemented.Here in Ontario we have the Ontario Trucking Association who seems to have an agenda that seems they want to be the North American leader in safety innovations.Leaders of such issues of speed limiters,driver retention,driver shortage and champions of E.O.B.R.s.Lets take a close look at each of these issues "speed limiters are more of a driver retention issue for the OTA and with a split speed limits will result in more rearend collisions with faster moving cars striking trucks.The driver shortage and driver retention could be greatly helped if the OTA and its members took the first step by removing the artificial wage environment they operate in, by allowing overtime after 44 hours,throw out paid by the mile schemes and percentage pay by the hour.You will not attract new drivers or retain older drivers if the

The Knan Affair Gets More Interesting

According to an article in the Windsor Star Jan.15/07 Elections Canada revoked the legal registration of new Conservative MP Wajid Knans's former Liberal riding association in December because it failed to file financial returns for 04 & 05 as The Ottawa Citizen first reported.Also reported were some questionable loans from Dufferin Mazda which Mr.Knan owns.Under previous legislation loans to candidates and riding associations are allowed,but must be declared as contributions if not repaid within 18 months and were limited to $1000.00 under previous political financing rules.TWO BIG QUESTIONS HERE DID MR.KNAN REPAY THE LOAN TO DUFFERIN MAZDA ?IS THIS WHY THERE WAS A SUDDEN DEPARTURE OF THE HEAD OF ELECTIONS CANADA BECAUSE HE WAS ABOUT TO RELEASE THIS INFORMATION ?" AS RICKY FROM THE THE TRAILER PARK BOY'S WOULD SAY AIN'T THIS GREASEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ever Wonder!!!!!!!!!!

Ever wonder why the person going down the road in a truck is not driving so well,and asked how he/she got their CDL or class A and better yet who allowed them in that truck!We've all witnessed bad driving habits now and again!Company driver trainers and recruiters are the first step on this chain in a push to fill those seats and get them trucks that are parked against the fence moving, they are too quick to approve drivers that don't have enough practical experience .Companies are next in line for some of the blame they push recruiters and driver trainers to fill seats at any expense.When things go wrong those same companies are quick to point the finger at their recruiters and driver trainers,Don't they realize that putting an inexperienced driver in the seat they are exposing their company to millions of dollars liability in the event an inexperienced driver causes an accident.Next on the chain are driver examiners this one I could never understand in most cases the

The Fear of an Organized Truck Driver Workforce

Governments both in the USA and CANADA fear it truck drivers ever organized and stood together for a common goal,we could effect the economy of North America.As far back as 1959 this was a great concern as evidenced by the following statement by the late Robert F Kennedy on the Jack Paar show which was the forrunner of late night television talk shows.Mr Kennedy stated"ALL OUR LIVES ARE TOO INTRICATELY WOVEN WITH THIS UNION TO SIT PASSIVELY BY AND ALLOW THE TEAMSTERS UNDER MR. HOFFA'S LEADERSHIP TO CREATE A SUPERPOWER IN THIS COUNTRY -A POWER GREATER THAN THE GOVERNMENT."Even back in 1959 governments were scared of truck drivers organizing,I personally don't agree with some of the tactics employed by Mr Hoffa and the teamsters back then,but I do agree with drivers stand together for a common goal of gaining better working conditions and wages.Even today governments act quickly to stop us from any actions that could escalate into something bigger they have passed laws

Electronic On Board Recorders

The Federal Motor Carriers Administration in the U.S. announced that EBOR's are being considered for use on trucks operated by companies and drivers who are repeat offenders of Hours of Service rules.At first glance of this rule alot of drivers and companies will think it is a good idea,but look at it from this perspective once the first step is completed it will only be a matter of time till all trucks are required to have EBOR's .At this moment the Ontario Trucking Association and Canadian Trucking Alliance are starting to call out that to put EBOR's on only repeat offenders trucks would be unfair they should be installed on all trucks.If this happens every minute of everyday of a driver's day will be tracked electronically .A majority of drivers say speed limiters will never be forced on them,well EBOR's are on their way now too.Small trucking companies and owner operators are going to be saddled with another unneeded expense,sure they are saying there will

STRIKES&HIGHWAY BLOCKCADES

Over the years there have been various attempts by truckdrivers & owneroperators to gain wage ,rate increases and generally improve our working conditions.I started driving in the mid seventies when the big thing for bumper stickers was "Jimmy phone home your mother needs the trunk keys",this was in reference to the late JIMMY HOFFA during those years various job actions took place in Ohio THE DISSIDENT TRUCKERS FOR A DEMOCRATIC UNION blocked steel mills and highways.At one point the Ohio Turnpike was blocked at the Toledo exit by a solid line of trucks stretching for miles only to see efforts to improve our lives broken up by the police!You see that governments actually fear that if truck drivers get fully organized and stand together we could shut the economy down!Look at the US/CANADA border blockades of the 80's these blockades were actually starting to have an effect on both countries auto plants were stating to shut down, CEO's of these companies wer

Wajid Knan Conservative spy or special advisor?

If Wajid Knan was a special advisor to the Prime Ministers,the question begs to be asked"HOW WAS HE COMPENSATED FOR HIS DUTIES AS SPECIAL ADVISOR?Was he paid by cheque and if so there should be some sort of paper trail and will he declare this on his income tax form.Futher as special advisor where are his reports,if he was being compensated for his duties as special advisor that compensation would come from Canadian taxpayers,so were are the reports?But if he was being paid by little brown envolopes stuffed with cash or promises of appointment that would tend to lead people to belevie that he was being paid to gather information on the Liberal Party.These are some of the questions the Liberals should be asking when the House of Commons resumes.The Conservatives now have Wajid Knan big question for them can he be trusted?

Effective Lobbying

Have you ever wondered how such groups as the Ontario Trucking Association,Canadian Trucking Alliance,American Trucking Association and the Canadian Automobile Association get all these rules and regulations passed that effect the lives and pocketbooks of everyday truckdrivers and owneroperators ?Its called lobbying these above mentioned associations actually have people that write letters,send emails and in the extreme cases wine and dine people of influence"mainly MPP ,s and MP's " to get their bills passed into law.We as truck drivers have alot of influence here but we don't choose to exercise our influence for whatever reasons"I'm too busy,I'm paid well for what I do or my company treats me good.Here is the truth of the matter this is what your company thinks of you Employment Standards Act all lobbied by the Ota and trucking companies"This special rule recognizes that hours of work in the trucking industry are generally longer than aver

THE WAJID KHAN AFFAIR

I normally don't comment on politics but I could not resist this issue. Recently Wajid Knan defected from the Liberal Party to the Conservative Party. The Conservatives say it not a big issue but now it seems to happen all the time! Well this issue is somewhat different from other defections, Mr Wajid Knan was elected as a Liberal MP, yet he choose to serve as a special advisor to the Prime Minister and the Conservative party. If Mr Khan was an executive at General Motors and wanted to be a special advisor for Ford Motor Company, do you really think this would be allowed to happen in the corporate world? I don't think so! On the same line of thought hockey is Canada's best known and watched sport, how would you feel if the goaltender for your favorite team at the end of a championship game suddenly ripped off his jersey to reveal the opposing team's jersey after letting the winning goal pass, I think you would be downright upset and feel betrayed. Wajid Knan has betraye

Ministry of Labour Reply

This was received from Kate Lamb,Senior Manager,Employment and Labour Branch,Ontario Ministry of Labour Ontario I will just give a quick overview and the important parts for full act go to www.labour.gov.ca Regulations for Exemptions,special rules and establishment of wage.It establishes an overtime threshold of 60 hours a week for trucking the general ESA overtime threshold is 44 hours.The rule applies to most truck drivers employed by FOR-HIRE TRUCKING FIRMS.So if you work for a hiring agency that is not a FOR-HIRE TRUCKING FIRM and this would apply to most driver services and hiring agencys as most don't hold a CVOR than you are entitled to o/t after 44 hours and you could go back on them for a year.The only loophole I can see is if the cheque you receive is issued by the trucking company you are assigned to,if it is issued by the driver service or hiring agency you should have a case.For those employed by FOR-HIRE TRUCKING FIRMS this is the response,Unique industry conditions

THE REAL LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

The Ontario Trucking Association was the first to propose speed limiters fo all trucks,their first press release contained the following statement"THIS WILL LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD" even though the OTA won't admit it this statement refers to driver retention not safety or enviromental concerns.If the OTA and associates really want to address the driver shortage problem one of the first ways of attracting new drivers and retaining older drivers would be to pay them more,what pay drivers more their overpaid now I can just hear these words being repeated over and over again with a few" that as***** who does he think he is bringing up this subject!Well the truth of the matter is trucking companies have hid behind antiquated laws regarding overtime and pay by the mile schemes for years all supported by various levels of government on both sides of the border.Is it really a level paying field that somebody working in a factory or the local 711 store is entitled to overtim