I was warned today its going to be real bad for us next week on (its already been bad), especially day cabbers. Rumford closing the paper machine (hopefully for a month) is going to kill us.

Slow down...
 

Yes, this is when we as chemical tank drivers generally start slowing down for awhile. There obviously are exceptions, as with our High Point yard and mine in Westville. Heck, we usually have so much stuff to run from my yard that we farm out the excess to system drivers. As for slow terminals, Atlanta, Louisville, and Memphis seem to take a pretty good hit with the annual freight slow down (based upon my observations over the last couple of years here). But IF you can weather the slow season everything pans out in the end. I say if because there have been several drivers that I've come across in the past that said they were previous drivers here and simply could not stay with the company through the slow season, and moved on due to lack of work. Most also added that they only wish they would've stayed put. But hindsight is 20/20, and each individual must make their choices dependent on their needs. So I stand by the old "To each their own...". But I also stand by my (quiet) opinion; I'll never pull a van, reefer, of flat ever again!

Y'all be safe and have fun!

;)

This time of year is a little slow....and maybe this year is a little slower. The overall financial situation has some effect on it. But...before one jumps ship...from anywhere to anywhere....one needs to think about this: If tankers that deliver raw materials are slow....are not the vans and flats, etc..that deliver the finished products going to be slow as well? I think that one should not jump to conclusions and automatically think that the grass is greener elsewhere, when it may just be quicksand that has thin astroturf over it.

Me, I'm not going anywhere....and like Cyanide.... I ain't pulling no box, reefer or skateboard. Only one job will take me away from here....and that would be as a Lottery Winner...and in a big enough way that I would no longer have to worry about money period!!

No I got a load to Tx. and just got back today. I was infact at your yard though Monday talking with Roland. I took the load to Lincoln Maine. Got a good run on the treadmill, long hot shower then out. Took 4 hrs. to unload.. PM me with your number if you want and I'll give you a call next time I run up there.

Damn. Then who in the hell was in Allyns Point last week asking about a day cabber from Maine thats only been with Superior for a few months?

I still have your number Bob, but resend it in your reply. Also truck number, think its 3220?

It could have been me prior to the first of the month. I was sitting in the front lot with another drive b.s.'ng. I was down there alot. Two trucks went ahead of me. I'm truck 3320

I have googled this subject and can not find anything definitive. However, I believe that the reg will not apply to foreign trucks. Reading all the BS on the studies conducted by Transport Canada, it seems they are modeling the program after the EU (big surprise). The EU model excludes foreign trucks. My money says the Cannucks will not require USA trucks to comply.

From "google":

Ontario Trucking Association

http://www.safety-council.org/info/traffic/CTA.pdf

From here: Profile

Q: What about trucks from the US?

A: North American jurisdictions already have a variety of laws governing the operation of commercial vehicles and truck drivers are expected to comply with the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are driving. For example, any Canadian truck driver who drives in the US is required to follow US law on drug testing, even though no similar law exists in Canada. We must follow their laws in their jurisdiction; and they must follow our laws in our jurisdiction. In the long term we hope that all North American jurisdictions will follow Canada’s lead and institute similar laws.

My comment: You can realistically expect that ALL trucks originating in the US, regardless of ownership, will be required to adhere to the letter of Canadian Law. So, if you are dispatched into Canadian and the law is in place....your truck has to be set with a top speed of 65 mph, or 105 kph. If its not, and the truck is checked...someone, the owner or driver, will be cited.

Yeah, I saw that. But, I was looking for something from the government, not a trade association. Like anything else, the devil is in the details. Enforcement looks like a nightmare, and the requisite bureauacracy that misguided governmental "meddling" always leads to. Interesting that Quebec hasn't thrown a monkey wrench into the program. The Frenchies agreeing with Ontario in particular and parliament in general is a bit odd!

I think the issue will go beyond DOT. You have a three party trade agreement. Someone can argue it is a restraint on trade. Who knows. I don't pretend to be a lawyer.

So how's freight - cross border and otherwise?

I searched pretty hard...but I couldn't find any "Official Canadian" links to government sites with anything on them....

I'm in Karns City at the terminal right now....and I was looking at a "Trucker's News" and it would appear that the ATA is getting on that 65 mph bandwagon....so it may come to pass...here and there....who knows. Its a "hide and watch" thing. I'll probably be retired before it all gets sorted out. And you're right, its a 3 party gig, sooner or later the French will get into it all, and then the court battles, and it will end up going on and on and on....the the BS over the HOS.....go figure.

I haven't been into Canada for quite a while....seems they only send me there when a blizzard is gettting ready to happen....but since its winter again... I'll probably end up there pretty soon. Haven't been there in warm weather in ages......

I've been busy enough not to complain....slower than I like, but I'm not worried....it'll either get better or it won't. Worrying about it won't help me at all......